BMW CALIFORNIA SPECIAL EVENTS
CELEBRATE THE SPEED
We offer a variety of special events at both of our locations – from Cars & Coffee to Oktoberfest and much more. See upcoming special driving events below, and don’t miss out on the fun.
FUN TIMES ON AND OFF THE TRACK
CARS & COFFEE IN PALM SPRINGS
We’re giving you a new take on a traditional Cars & Coffee meet. Bring your baby to our Thermal location (all makes and models welcome) and enjoy a morning of beautiful machines mixed with some free hot laps. Our instructors will give you the ride of your life on our closed course in a powerful BMW M car. We’ll have coffee, but you might not need it.
Sign up to be notified of our next event, and please check the box if you’d like to display your car.
OKTOBERFEST
Bring your friends and have a thrilling time on track with the Rat Race, Drag Race, Timed Autocross, Performance Drive, Off-Road Course and Hot Laps. Spectators can enjoy our take on the traditional Oktoberfest dinner trackside – with big German pretzels, schnitzel and much more. Come celebrate German tradition with a side dish of speed.
Oktoberfest is held each October – please sign up to be notified when we release our next event date.
COACHELLA
Heading to Coachella Music Festival? The Thermal Club is just 10 miles away – and we’ve got even more ways to make your weekend go by in a blur. Sign up below to be notified about special promotions and packages for Coachella 2026.
STAGECOACH
If you’re heading to Stagecoach, the annual country music festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, The Thermal Club is just 10 miles away – and we’ve got even more ways to make your weekend go by in a blur. Sign up below to be notified about special promotions and packages for this event.
BNP PARIBAS OPEN
One of the world’s most prestigious professional tennis tournaments hosted at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden outside of Palm Springs, California, the BNP Paribas Open can become even more exciting with an excursion to the Performance Driving School.
AMEX PGA TOURNAMENT
If you’re going to the AMEX PGA Golf Tournament in nearby La Quinta, the BMW Performance Driving School is where you can extend the excitement. Sign up below to be notified about special promotions and packages for this event.
BMW CCA MEMBER DAY
Being a member of the BMW Car Club of America has many perks, and they include 15 percent off at the BMW Performance Center’s CCA Member Day.
You’ll receive instruction in the latest BMW models, pushing them to their limits with our pro instructors, all while surrounded by friends and fans of the brand. It’s a day of BMW, and it’s available only for CCA members.
BMW CAR SHOW DISPLAYS
We host various car shows throughout the year, and if you’d like to feature your BMW at an event, sign up below with your email. We can’t wait to see your pride and joy.
SPECIAL EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Is the BMW Performance Driving School affiliated with area hotels?
Please visit our Locations page for more information.
Can I bring my own car to these events?
Each event is unique, but we often have personal vehicles on display during our special driving events.
Will I be able to drive my own car on the track?
No. Only official BMW Performance Driving School vehicles are allowed on the track, under the supervision of instructors.
How do I join the BMW Car Club of America?
Please visit their site to learn more, including a full list of benefits.
Do I have to own a BMW to participate?
No.
Are BMW special driving events available at other locations?
Yes. Please visit our South Carolina Events page for more information.
What’s the weather like in Thermal, California?
Our classrooms are air conditioned, as are our cars, and we supply water throughout the facility. Some events have summer hours with earlier start times to avoid higher temperatures. Expect temperatures to reach well over 100 degrees in the summer months, while the winter season usually reaches highs in the 70s. Events are held rain or shine. Please call us at 888-345-4269 if you have any cancellation questions about an upcoming event.
I can’t go. Can I refund my driving event ticket?
Cancellations for a full refund must be made within 60 days of your payment date. Cancellations made after the 60 days of payment will receive a credit to use toward another date or event. There will be no rescheduling if the cancellation is made within 14 days of your school or event.
Can I set up a private event for my club?
Yes, you can. Please visit our Group Events page for more information.
