Every year, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into an automotive utopia, welcoming the world's most passionate car enthusiasts. They arrive, en masse, in this bucolic coastal enclave to celebrate automotive excellence, past, present and future at Monterey Car Week, which culminates on the 18th fairway of the historic Pebble Beach Golf Links at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Let’s explore this prestigious celebration's history and look at this year's festivities, including a schedule of events, past winners for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and what to look for during Monterey Car Week 2026.
Monterey Car Week 2026: The Complete Guide to the World’s Greatest Automotive Celebration
Every August, the Monterey Peninsula becomes the epicenter of the automotive world. From rare vintage Ferraris and million-dollar auctions to world-class racing and luxury lifestyle events, Monterey Car Week 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet. This year is especially significant as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance celebrates its 75th Anniversary, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, manufacturers, and industry leaders from around the globe.
Car Week officially runs from August 7–16, 2026, with events taking place throughout Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, and Seaside.
Monterey Car Week 2026 Schedule of Events
Friday, August 7
Monterey Car Week Kickoff
The festivities begin in Downtown Monterey with exhibits, displays, and community celebrations that mark the start of Car Week.
Saturday, August 8
Monterey Pre-Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Historic race cars take to the track for a preview of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
Corkscrew Hillclimb
Drivers tackle Laguna Seca’s iconic Corkscrew in one of Car Week’s most unique experiences.
Sunday, August 9
Monterey Pre-Reunion Continues
A second day of vintage racing and track action.
Corkscrew Hillclimb Community Day
An opportunity for fans and families to experience one of the peninsula’s most celebrated motorsports traditions.
Monday, August 10
The Quail Rally
Porsche Monterey Classic
Monterey British
Piazza Motor Nights
Automobilia Collectors Expo Opens
Monday marks the beginning of several marque-specific gatherings and collector-focused events that attract enthusiasts from around the world.
Tuesday, August 11
Concours for a Cause (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
Bonhams Auction Opens
Automobilia Auction
Electric Coast at Asilomar
The auction scene begins to heat up as major houses welcome bidders and collectors.
Wednesday, August 12
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Begins
Motorlux
Little Car Show
Astons on the Avenue
Broad Arrow Auctions
Pebble Beach Auctions
Pebble Beach Motoring Classic Finish
Wednesday is widely considered one of the best days of Car Week, combining racing, luxury experiences, and major auction activity.
Thursday, August 13
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance
Ferrari Owners Club Concours Carmel
Legends of the Autobahn
Mecum Auctions
RM Sotheby’s Auctions
Bonhams Auctions
The Quail Auction
RetroAuto
Classic Car Forum
For many enthusiasts, Thursday delivers the perfect blend of concours-quality automobiles, luxury brands, and world-class collector events.
Friday, August 14
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
Werks Reunion Monterey
Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Major Auction Sales Continue
Friday is often regarded as the most prestigious and highly attended day of Car Week, drawing collectors, manufacturers, executives, and automotive media from around the globe.
Saturday, August 15
Concorso Italiano
Exotics on Broadway
Concours d’Lemons
Monterey Motorsports Festival
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Finals
Saturday offers one of the most diverse collections of events, ranging from exotic supercars and Italian classics to quirky automotive celebrations and motorsports showcases.
Sunday, August 16
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – 75th Anniversary
RetroAuto Final Day
The week culminates with the most prestigious concours event in the world. The 75th Anniversary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is expected to showcase some of the rarest and most historically significant automobiles ever assembled on the famed 18th fairway at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Must-Attend Events
For first-time visitors or luxury lifestyle enthusiasts, these events consistently rank among the highlights of Car Week:
- Motorlux (Wednesday evening)
- Legends of the Autobahn (Thursday morning)
- The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (Friday)
- Exotics on Broadway (Saturday)
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (Sunday)
These gatherings attract an unparalleled concentration of collectors, luxury brands, automotive executives, media personalities, and enthusiasts from around the world.
Planning Your Monterey Car Week Experience
With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected throughout the week, early planning is essential. Accommodations, event tickets, transportation, and restaurant reservations often sell out months in advance. Whether you're interested in concours-level classics, modern hypercars, vintage racing, or luxury networking opportunities, Monterey Car Week offers an unmatched automotive experience set against the stunning backdrop of California’s Central Coast.
Monterey Car Week 2026 takes place August 7–16 and promises to be one of the most memorable celebrations in automotive history as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance marks its 75th Anniversary.
