Donut Media’s ‘Miata Mania’ Rolls into the Petersen for a Gathering of Enthusiasts

Not every beloved car inspires its own subculture, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata has spent decades doing exactly that. On Sunday, March 29th, Donut Media brings that energy to the Petersen Automotive Museum with Miata Mania, a three-hour celebration of one of the most adored roadsters ever built. Running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event turns the museum into a gathering point for Miata owners bringing every generation and color imaginable, alongside devotees of the lightweight two-seater that helped define affordable driving fun. This is where car and creator culture naturally intertwine.

That affection is not hard to explain. Since its debut in 1989, the Miata has earned a near-mythic reputation for its compact proportions, tossable handling, mechanical simplicity, and endless modifiability. It is the kind of car that inspires fierce loyalty without requiring exotic-car money, which helps explain why nearly every generation — from NA to ND — has developed its own following. Miata Mania leans directly into that multigenerational appeal, welcoming everything from stock survivors to highly personalized builds.

The day’s schedule keeps things light and enthusiast-friendly. After the cruise-in begins at 10 a.m., the event moves into a welcome announcement, a Miata sound-alike contest at 11, and awards before wrapping at 1 p.m. The Donut crew will be on site, and attendees will also have the chance to see, and potentially even get their Miatas signed by, two names closely tied to the MX-5’s legacy: Bob Hall, widely regarded as the “father” of the Miata, and Jim Kilbourne.

Tickets are structured simply. Spectator admission is free and includes coffee, donuts, and access to the P3 garage. General admission costs $25 and adds museum entry plus an exclusive poster, while the $35 “Display Your Miata” option includes a reserved display spot, parking validation, museum admission, poster, and refreshments. Petersen members receive discounted pricing on paid tiers.

For Los Angeles car culture, Miata Mania feels especially on brand as it is specific, slightly obsessive, and entirely joyful. More than a niche meet-up, it’s a reminder that some of the most enduring automotive communities are built not around horsepower or exclusivity, but around shared passion and the simple pleasure of driving something that makes people smile. Few cars deliver that kind of connection as consistently as the Mazda MX-5.

Cover image caption: Miata Mania, presented by Donut Media, will celebrate the Mazda MX-5 on Sunday, March 29th at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA. Image is courtesy of Donut Media.

Donut Media’s Miata Mania takes place on Sunday, March 29th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Petersen Automotive Museum. For tickets and further information, visit petersen.org.