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MINI TAKES THE STATES 2026

GREAT ROADS, GREAT VIBES, GREAT TUNES.

Every two years, MINI Takes the States brings together thousands of passionate MINI owners for an unforgettable rally on some of America's most scenic roads.

SCHEDULE

Route at a Glance.

Monterey → Sonoma

Monterey Rise & Rally: Cardinale Stadium, 4111 2nd Ave, Seaside, CA 93955

Sonoma Evening: SOMO Village Event Center, 1100 Valley House Dr, Rohnert Park, CA 94928

Sonoma → Lake Tahoe

Sonoma Rise & Rally: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1450 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Lake Tahoe Evening: Palisades Tahoe, 1960 Olympic Vly Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146

Lake Tahoe → Home

Lake Tahoe Rise & Rally: Palisades Tahoe, 1960 Olympic Vly Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146

Departures Home

Buffalo → Syracuse

Buffalo Rise & Rally: The Falconwood, 107 Beaver Is Pk Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072

Syracuse Evening: NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr, Syracuse, NY 13208

Syracuse → Lake Placid

Syracuse Rise & Rally: NBT Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr, Syracuse, NY 13208

Lake Placid Evening: Mt Van Hoevenberg, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946

Lake Placid → Home

Lake Placid Rise & Rally: Mt Van Hoevenberg, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946

Departures Home

Fort Myers → Miami

Fort Myers Rise & Rally: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Miami Evening: Location TBC

Miami → Key West

Miami Rise & Rally: Haulover Park, 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154

Key West Evening: Key West Amphitheater, 21 Quay Rd, Key West, FL 33040

Key West → Home

Key West Rise & Rally: Truman Waterfront Park, Southard St, Key West, FL 33040

Departures Home

HISTORY

The Legacy of MINI TAKES THE STATES.

Click on past MTTS logos to learn more.

FAQ

So many miles. So many questions.

  • What began in 2006 as a cross-country journey to commemorate the launch of the MINI GP, has continued for 20 years as a celebration of the MINI Community. We have covered a lot of territory over the years, mixing up the format, exploring new locations, and revisiting some fan favorites. This year's event offers three (3) long-weekend road trips in California, New York, and Florida with roughly three weeks between each event. You can join just one or go all in and attend all three.

    After a morning Rise & Rally, where you can check out hundreds of modified MINI's and grab a light breakfast, we rally together on scenic roads to the next city stop. Drive days are typically 4-5 hours with time for you to stop and explore along the way. Lunch is on own. But don't worry, no matter where you go; there will be a mob of MINIs in the mix. Each evening, we meet up to share some refreshments and stories from the road.

    This is the 10th edition of MTTS, and it's sure to be another epic experience.

  • Our first weekend will start in Monterey, CA on Friday, October 2, 2026. After the Rise & Rally morning event, we'll rally to Sonoma ending the day with an informal MINI evening mixer. On Saturday, October 3 we'll rally to picturesque Lake Tahoe and end the days with some good tunes and good vibes. On Sunday, October 4 we'll share one final morning event and complete the Tahoe loop before participants head toward home.

    The second event will kick off in Buffalo, NY on Friday, October 23, 2026. We will begin with a Rise & Rally in the morning then rally to Syracuse on a beautiful scenic fall route through the Finger Lakes coming together at the end of the day for a MINI mixer. On Saturday, October 24 we will rally to Lake Placid through the Adirondacks and finish the day with live music. On Sunday, October 25 we'll regroup for a final farewell before heading home.

    Our third and final weekend will begin in Fort Myers, FL on Friday, November 13 with a Rise & Rally morning event. From there, we'll rally through the Tamiami Trail arriving in Miami for a lively MINI happy hour. On Saturday, November 14, we'll rally to the southernmost point in the continental US - Key West - concluding the day with an evening full of music and MINI community. On Sunday, November 15, we'll convene at the waterfront before heading back over the iconic 7 Mile Bridge to return home.

  • Registration will open through minitakesthestates.com in April 2026. Sign up here to be among the first to know when registration is live.

  • Owners and future owners (along with their friends and family) from all over the country are invited to participate, however you must drive a MINI in the rally. Future owners can test drive our MINI family of vehicles at a local MINI dealer.

  • Yes, the fee is per person and is non-transferable and non-refundable. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Pricing will be released when registration opens. Historically, registration averages ~$50 a day.

  • In addition to the event goodie bag, MINI hosts a morning Rise & Rally drive-off event which includes a light breakfast. On both Friday and Saturday night, MINI will host a meet-up so you can share your day's adventures, some light bights and some good tunes.

  • All participants make and manage their own accommodation arrangements. Some book months ahead, some adopt a more last-minute approach, some use points, and there are even some participants who camp. We recommend finding accommodations within 25 miles of the Rise & Rally locations.

  • Join the email list and check back on minitakesthestates.com periodically to see what is new. You can also follow MINI USA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

  • As always, at each Rise & Rally event, MINI will offer a limited selection of event logo'ed items for sale.

  • While we appreciate your enthusiasm for MTTS, any unauthorized use of the MINI trademark symbols, or clear derivative of a registered trademark, or the official MTTS event logo is considered trademark infringement. Unauthorized use of registered trademarks can be misleading to the consumer appearing to be an authorized product produced and distributed by MINI or produced and distributed under license agreement with MINI.

  • Average drive distances are 150+ miles per day, and public charging opportunities along the planned route are minimal. Charging opportunities will not be built into the daily drives and will not be available at the morning Rise & Rally locations.

  • As participants start from so many different start locations, MINI USA does not coordinate transportation on a national level. We recommend that participants coordinate with a local group or club or manage individually.

  • Some car rental companies do have MINI vehicles in their fleet, but there is no guarantee that if you book a MINI, you will get a MINI. MINI USA does not coordinate car rentals.

  • Each morning of the rally we will have Technicians available to consult on service issues you may have encountered while on the road. However, the services our Technicians can perform on-site are limited. Most repairs - damaged tires, windshields, brakes, engine, etc. - will need to be referred to the closest MINI dealer. On MTTS, MINI does provide courtesy towing service to the closest MINI dealer (even if your MINI is outside of warranty), but all repair costs are the responsibility of the participant. We strongly advise you to schedule a service appointment at your MINI dealer before hitting the road.

  • You are welcome to bring your pet along for the ride, however, please be aware not all venues accommodate pets. Participants must honor Service Animal Only policies and be cognizant of weather conditions, e.g. high heat, that can impact pet health.

  • Where possible, we try to include a fresh fruit option, but this is not always achievable. Participants with food allergies or restrictions are advised to plan accordingly.

  • The route directions will be released closer to the event date (and yes, we will share GPX files in advance).

  • The full schedule will be released when registration opens. Typically, Rise & Rally timing is 7:00am - 10:00am and evening events are 7:00pm - 9:00pm.

  • To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, MINI USA strictly prohibits the operation of or use of any unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as "Drones," on, from, or above MINI TAKES THE STATES 2026 premises, events or venues. This includes all UAVs regardless of size, weight, or purpose. The official MTTS photo and video crew is authorized to use drones in accordance with the FAA, local law enforcement and venue policies.

  • Great idea. We recommend you reach out to the MINI Motoring Club of America minimca.org to connect with other local motorers.

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