MINI USA is bringing back MINI Takes the States in 2026, and the format is getting a fun new twist for the event’s 20th anniversary. Instead of one long cross-country run, MTTS 2026 will split into three long-weekend rallies across three different regions, giving more owners a chance to jump in without needing to clear an entire week or two off the calendar.
The three-weekend schedule spans nine cities and three very different backdrops. California runs October 2 to 4 from Monterey to Sonoma to Lake Tahoe. New York follows October 23 to 25 from Buffalo to Syracuse to Lake Placid. Florida wraps things up November 13 to 15 from Fort Myers to Miami to Key West. MINI is leaning into the idea that the same quirky community vibe can live in multiple bite-sized adventures, each with its own personality.
If you have ever done MTTS before, the daily rhythm will feel familiar. MINI’s Rise and Rally approach kicks off each morning with a light breakfast, music, and activities before the group heads out on curated scenic routes. Nights are set up as proper gatherings with food and drinks plus headline events at memorable venues, which is usually where the best stories get traded and the most creative builds get the attention they deserve.
The routes themselves sound like a greatest-hits playlist of American drives. California includes the Pacific Coast Highway and a run past the Golden Gate Bridge, then finishes with Tahoe scenery and evening stops at the SOMO Event Center and Palisades Tahoe. New York weaves in Niagara Falls, Lake Ontario shoreline views, and a push into the Adirondacks with evening events at NBT Bank Stadium and Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Florida goes from Gulf Coast to Miami, then down the Overseas Highway and Seven Mile Bridge to Key West with highlights like the Tamiami Trail and an evening event at the Key West Amphitheatre.
Registration is expected to open in April, and MINI owners will be able to sign up for one, two, or all three weekends. If you have been curious about MTTS but never had the time to commit to the full journey, this remix feels tailor-made for you. MINI says updates will be posted at minitakesthestates.com, and if the past is any indication, spots and hotel blocks will be something you will want to think about sooner rather than later.
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
