An acclaimed architect and Porsche enthusiast will lead this year’s Grand Prix Festival in Watkins Glen.
Steven Harris, known for his modernist designs and deep love for Porsche cars, has been named Grand Marshal for the September 5 event that honors the village’s place in road racing history.
This year’s celebration will spotlight Porsche as the featured marque, with Harris presiding over the display of hundreds of models lining the streets. Held the Friday before the SVRA Vintage Grand Prix Weekend at Watkins Glen International, the festival draws car lovers and families from around the country.
“Steven Harris embodies the spirit of innovation, craftsmanship, and passion that defines both great architecture and great automotive design,” said Stacy Husted, Chair of the Grand Prix Festival. “We are thrilled to have him serve as Grand Marshal during a year that celebrates Porsche’s legendary contribution to motorsports.”
A professor at Yale School of Architecture for over 25 years and founding partner of Steven Harris Architects, Harris is internationally recognized for luxury projects that span the U.S. and abroad. His portfolio includes iconic spaces for Barneys New York and Dolce & Gabbana.
Outside of design, Harris has built a reputation for collecting and curating Porsche models, especially Four Cam 356 Carreras and 911 RS cars. His celebrated lineup of 911 RS’s was most recently on display at Lime Rock Park.
The 2026 Grand Prix Festival, hosted by Watkins Glen Promotions and sponsored by Chemung Canal Trust Company, will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The day includes over 650 sports cars on display, Porsche-themed exhibitions, live music, and vendors.
The event also features laps on the original 6.6-mile Grand Prix Circuit through the village and countryside, along with the Watkins Glen International Grand Prix Tribute—where vintage race cars roar from North Franklin Street toward the racetrack.
Admission is free. For more information, visit grandprixfestival.com or follow the event on Facebook @WatkinsGlenGrandPrixFestival.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].