Monterey Car Week 2026: The Master Schedule & Local Guide

Car Week 2026: The Master Schedule

Every August, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into the world's most prestigious automotive stage. Ten days, stretched across Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Seaside, and Pebble Beach. It's not one event — it's dozens running in parallel, so pick your days rather than trying to see everything.

A Warning for Exotic Owners

With thousands of extra vehicles descending on Monterey, Highway 1 will turn into a parking lot. Even once you arrive, getting in and out of Carmel can take hours of idling. If you have an exotic, make sure your coolant is fresh and topped off! These machines are not designed for prolonged stop-and-go traffic in the California sun.

Local Assistance: If the worst happens and you break down, email me. I can put you in touch with two local Ferrari mechanics I trust with my own Ferrari; they can likely assist with other exotics as well.

2026 Daily Itinerary: August 7 - 16

Friday, Aug 7: The Kickoff

Monterey Car Week Kick-Off (Alvarado St): Downtown Monterey fills with classic cars and music. Free, and the easiest way to dip a toe in without a ticket.

Sat-Sun, Aug 8-9: The Pre-Reunion

Pre-Reunion at Laguna Seca: The locals' weekend. See the same historic race cars that run later in the week but with smaller crowds and easier parking.

Monday, Aug 10: Porsches & Collectibles

Porsche Monterey Classic: A dedicated gathering for everything Stuttgart.
Automobilia Monterey: The world's premier automobilia show at the Embassy Suites (Mon-Wed).

Tuesday, Aug 11: Carmel Concours on the Avenue

Concours on the Avenue: Ocean Avenue in Carmel shuts down for a massive display of luxury and exotics. Local Pro Tip: Stop by the Carmel Bakery to purchase the best giant soft pretzel while you walk the street. (Free)

Wednesday, Aug 12: The Mid-Week Peak

The Little Car Show (Pacific Grove): A massive local favorite. Microcars and minis take over Lighthouse Ave. (Free)
Carmel Mission Classic: A refined mix of wine, cars, and history at the historic Mission.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion: Historic racing officially begins at Laguna Seca (Wed-Sat).

Thursday, Aug 13: German Style & Tours

Legends of the Autobahn: Located at the PG Golf Links. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. (Free to spectators)
Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show: Celebrating women in the driver's seat on Ocean Avenue.
Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance: Watch the show cars driving the coast and stopping in Carmel for lunch.

Friday, Aug 14: The Quail & Werks

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: Carmel Valley's premier luxury event. Inland is reliably warmer than the coast.
Werks Reunion: The massive Porsche club gathering (Seaside). (Free to spectators)

Saturday, Aug 15: Exotics & Italian Passion

Exotics on Broadway (Seaside): The high-energy hypercar takeover of Broadway Ave. (Free)
28th Annual Ferrari Event at the Barnyard: A local favorite. Showcase of Ferraris in the gardens of Carmel.
Concorso Italiano (Seaside): A sea of Italian steel — Lamborghini, Maserati, and more.
Concours d'Lemons: Celebrating the "un-best" of the automotive world at Seaside City Hall. (Free)

Sunday, Aug 16: The Grand Finale

75th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance: The world's premier event on the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach Golf Links. (Ticketed)

Monterey Bay