ZCON 2026 heads into its final day with Nissan test-center visit, AutoX and 2027 reveal

September 26, 2026 · Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona

After nearly a week of car shows, desert drives, track time and one particularly roofless surprise from Nissan, ZCON 2026 reaches its final full day Saturday, September 26.

The International Z Car Convention has been running in the Phoenix area since Monday, bringing together Datsun and Nissan Z owners for the Z Car Club Association's annual gathering. Saturday's schedule shifts much of the action away from the host hotel and onto Nissan's own Arizona testing grounds before everyone returns to Mesa for the closing ceremonies. ZCON

Saturday starts inside Nissan's Arizona test facility

The day's biggest activity runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nissan Technical Center North America in Stanfield, where registered ZCON participants have access to an autocross event at Nissan's vehicle testing facility.

This is considerably more unusual than simply renting another parking lot for cones.

Nissan describes the Arizona Technical Center as a facility containing multiple test areas and road surfaces used in vehicle development, and ZCON attendees are being admitted under unusually strict photography restrictions because future vehicles may be undergoing testing on site. Cameras are prohibited, and camera lenses on attendees' personal electronic devices are to be covered with tamper-proof security stickers while inside. ZCON

At noon, participants will also take part in a parade lap around the facility's high-speed oval followed by a group photo. Nissan merchandise and food are scheduled to be available at the facility from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. ZCON

For anyone remaining at the Sheraton host hotel, the ZCON Registration Room and Z Store are open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, September 26

Time	Event
7 a.m.–3 p.m.	Nissan Technical Center North America / AutoX
8 a.m.–1 p.m.	Registration & Z Store — Sheraton Mesa
12 p.m.	Nissan test-track parade lap & group photo
5:30 p.m.	Closing banquet cash bar opens
6–9 p.m.	Awards Banquet & Closing Ceremonies

The AutoX and Nissan Technical Center activities are optional events for registered ZCON participants rather than public spectator events. ZCON

One more chance to see the Z Kaze

Saturday also marks the final scheduled ZCON appearance for the Nissan Z Kaze concept, unveiled earlier this week.

The one-off concept converts the current Z to a custom-engineered T-top configuration while adding NISMO suspension components, GReddy performance hardware, carbon-fiber exterior pieces and a white leather interior with Bose headrest speakers.

Nissan says the Kaze will remain at ZCON through Saturday before heading west for its next public appearance at the Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach on October 3. Official U.S. Newsroom

That gives anyone attending the final day another opportunity to see what became one of ZCON 2026's defining cars.

Tonight, ZCON 2027 becomes official

The convention returns to the Sheraton Mesa Saturday evening for the Awards Banquet and Closing Ceremonies.

Cash bars open at 5:30 p.m., with the banquet scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening includes dinner, event awards, live and silent auctions and the announcement of remaining raffle winners. ZCON

But there's one announcement we're particularly interested in.

The official schedule says the banquet will include the special unveiling of the location and details for ZCON 2027. The subject was already scheduled for discussion during Friday's annual ZCCA business meeting, where representatives of member clubs were invited to hear the latest ZCCA news and proposals for next year's convention. ZCON

As of publication Saturday morning, we're not going to spoil that announcement by turning proposals or rumors into fact. Once ZCCA makes the 2027 host location official, The Z Hub will have the details.

And then: coffee

There is technically one final ZCON event Sunday morning, although calling it an "event" may be generous.

From 8–10 a.m. Sunday, September 27, the Sheraton will host “To-Go Cups,” with coffee and donuts for attendees checking out and beginning the trip home. ZCON

After six days of Z cars, track sessions, autocross, shows, drives, late nights and probably an irresponsible number of parking-lot conversations, coffee seems like an entirely appropriate closing ceremony.

ZCON 2026 officially ran September 21–26, marking the convention's first return to the Phoenix area since 2012. ZCON

Source: ZCON 2026 official schedule