“Beyond the Barn”: La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Unveils Whimsical VIP Soirée Theme for 2025
Source: La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Reported By: Matthew Kennedy
April 17th, 2025 - The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance has long mastered the art of blending mechanical majesty with cultural sophistication. This year, as the revered event returns for its 19th edition, it’s not just the lineup of meticulously restored automobiles that’s generating excitement—it’s the lavish kickoff celebration set for Friday, April 25, 2025.
Titled “Beyond the Barn: A Gilded Journey to Restoration,” the Friday VIP Soirée promises an immersive evening that reimagines the classic “barn find” as an opulent, storybook experience. Taking place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the iconic Concours lawn at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, the soirée sets the tone for an indulgent weekend steeped in nostalgia, craftsmanship, and playful extravagance.
From Forgotten Relics to Rolling Art
This year’s theme draws inspiration from one of the most romanticized narratives in car collecting—the rediscovery of a long-lost vehicle tucked away in a weathered barn, waiting to be resurrected. Guests will begin their journey through rustic wooden doors and enter a dreamlike landscape where restoration is both a craft and a celebration.
The atmosphere blends old-world charm with theatrical flair: plush velvets drape across lounge spaces beneath towering oaks, metallic touches shimmer under the evening light, and antique saddles are transformed into sculptural art pieces. Adding to the surreal setting, miniature donkeys, Highland cows, and llamas adorned in velvet halters and floral garlands will mingle with guests, offering a delightful nod to barnyard origins with couture-level whimsy.
Culinary Showcase Meets Eccentric Elegance
La Jolla’s VIP Soirée isn’t merely a party—it’s a sensory experience. More than 20 of San Diego’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Glass Box, Sea & Sky, and Dobson’s, will present curated tastings across the venue. Artisanal cocktails, served from imaginative restoration-themed installations, add a touch of theatricality to the already dynamic evening.
Meanwhile, live entertainment will straddle the line between classic refinement and eccentric delight, echoing the duality of the event’s theme. A live auction featuring rare collectibles and a curated exhibition of historic automobiles will further immerse attendees in the journey of rediscovery and rebirth.
Continuing a Legacy of Luxury and Community Impact
What began in 2006 as a modest reception has grown into a marquee event within the La Jolla Concours weekend. The soirée’s evolution mirrors that of the Concours itself—now recognized as one of the premier classic automobile showcases in the country. Proceeds from this year’s event will continue to benefit the La Jolla Historical Society, preserving the village’s cultural and architectural heritage, as well as several other nonprofit partners within the community.
For those who appreciate elegance with a wink and heritage served alongside spectacle, this year's Friday VIP Soirée may be the most inspired chapter yet in the Concours' storied run. After all, sometimes the most beautiful things are hiding just beyond the barn.