Volkswagen's Huge GTI Celebration Is Officially Back

Volkswagen has just announced dates for its iconic GTI Treffen (German for GTI meeting), which will take place next year from July 26 to July 28, 2024. Unlike previous incarnations of the event, this one will not take place on Lake Worthersee in Austria but outside of Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg, Germany. This stadium is home to the VfL Wolfsburg football (that's European for soccer) team, located in the same city where theVolkswagen Golf GTIis built.

Announcing dates for a single-make car show may not seem like major news, but this event has faced its share of hardships lately. The annual Worthersee Volkswagen Treffen - arguably one of the most iconic car festivals in the world - wascanceled by the local government, which objected to the environmental impact and the reckless driving that took place by attendees. Soon after the cancelation of the privately organized event, Volkswagenstepped in to save the event, albeit at a different location.

This year's show will run under the motto, "Coming Home - Reloaded." Volkswagen promises there will be vehicle presentations, stage shows, club meets, activities, and surprises. The company announced the dates as early as possible, given that many enthusiasts ship their cars from the United States for a European tour ending at the GTI Treffen. The event has been known to draw over 200,000 people.

"The GTI isn't the only icon - the GTI Meeting has also acquired cult status over the decades. We feel it's important to give the GTI community a new home at the heart of our brand here in Wolfsburg," said Imelda Labbe, Member of the Board at Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

And she's not wrong when she says "cult status." Enthusiasts the world over make the annual pilgrimage, with the festival showcasing unique builds and even incredible VW apprentice-engineered concepts, like the wild Golf GTI Vision Turismo Roadster and theBentley W12-powered Golf GTI W12-650.