Porsche Celebrates Air and Water at Upcoming SoCal Show

After the success of Luftgekühlt Tokyo, the brand's spinoff Porsche gathering Air|Water returns to Southern California later this month.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:07am

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An abstract, blurred image of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS in motion, with streaks of bright colors conveying a sense of speed and energy.The vibrant energy and speed of Porsche's latest GT models will be on full display at the upcoming Air|Water show in Southern California.Torrance Today

Following the success of Luftgekühlt's inaugural Tokyo show held in March, the brand's spinoff Porsche gathering Air|Water returns to Southern California later this month. Located at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa on Saturday, April 25, Air|Water will celebrate themes including Porsche's famed GT cars, 75 years of motorsport, the 90th birthday of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, and 60 years of the GTP racing class, alongside smaller exhibitions focusing on 60 years of Targa and three decades of the mid-engined Boxster.

Why it matters

The Luftgekühlt and Air|Water shows have become iconic Porsche gatherings that bring together enthusiasts from all backgrounds, blending Porsche's rich history and motorsport legacy with broader car culture. As Porsche's collectability and popularity have skyrocketed in recent years, these events provide a platform to showcase the full breadth of the brand's offerings, from air-cooled classics to modern water-cooled models.

The details

Ahead of Air|Water, Luftgekühlt cofounder Patrick Long discussed the evolution of these Porsche-focused events. Luftgekühlt originated as a small gathering in Venice Beach in 2014, before expanding to larger venues and even going international with a show in Tokyo. Air|Water, meanwhile, began as a more inclusive event tacked onto a Luftgekühlt weekend in San Francisco in 2023, showcasing Porsche's water-cooled 'transaxle' models alongside the air-cooled classics.

  • The inaugural Luftgekühlt event was held in 2014 outside Deus Ex Machina in Venice Beach.
  • Luftgekühlt expanded to larger venues in Torrance, San Pedro, and Universal Studios' backlot over the ensuing years.
  • Luftgekühlt made its international debut in 2026 with a show in Tokyo, Japan.
  • Air|Water began in 2023 as a more inclusive Porsche event held alongside a Luftgekühlt weekend in San Francisco.
  • The next Air|Water show is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.

The players

Patrick Long

A former Porsche factory driver and the cofounder of Luftgekühlt, who has helped grow the brand's unique Porsche gatherings into iconic events.

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche

Also known as 'Butzi', he was the designer of the original Porsche 911 and will be celebrated at the upcoming Air|Water show.

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What they’re saying

“Introducing these brands to international territory has been something that happened organically. What these people are attending is a piece of Southern California, celebrating Stuttgart and the brand, the human aspect that comes along. And Japan was no exception. It was a very Japanese cultured event, but it was our way, it was our design, it was our aesthetic.”

— Patrick Long, Luftgekühlt Cofounder

“Air|Water is a destination, a large campus with many facets of experiences. We really want to give everybody who works in some aspect of the industry a place to call their playground for the day. Whether that's Porsche releasing their latest product or a startup guy who's doing picture books, everybody who has that passion for Porsche culture. If it's air, water, it's race and street, it's two-door, it's four-door, even electric. If it's Porsche, we want to tell the stories.”

— Patrick Long, Luftgekühlt Cofounder

What’s next

Attendees can expect over 1,000 cars arranged in an artistic fashion perfect for photography at the upcoming Air|Water show in Costa Mesa. The event will also include off-roading demonstrations and a drive event organized by partner Overcrest.

The takeaway

The Luftgekühlt and Air|Water shows have become must-attend events for Porsche enthusiasts, blending the brand's rich history and motorsport legacy with broader car culture. As Porsche's popularity continues to soar, these gatherings provide a platform to showcase the full breadth of the brand's offerings, from air-cooled classics to modern water-cooled models.