If you’re planning a trip to one of the world’s great automotive gatherings, your first question is likely when is Monterey Car Week. The prestigious Monterey Car Week is an annual automotive celebration held every August. This guide gives you the exact dates, schedule breakdown, and key planning tips for this iconic event.
Timing your visit correctly is essential. The week is packed with auctions, shows, and races. Getting the date wrong means you could miss the main attractions.
We will outline the typical timeframe, highlight the anchor events, and explain how to build your perfect itinerary. Let’s get started.
When Is Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week consistently takes place in mid to late August each year. The specific dates shift slightly based on the calendar, but the core events always culminate with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on the third Sunday of August.
For practical planning, you should expect the main festivities to span an eight to ten day period, starting with pre-week activities on a Friday or Saturday and building intensity through the following weekend. The heart of the action, including most major auctions and the famed Concours, is concentrated from Thursday to Sunday.
Here is a look at the confirmed and projected dates for the coming years:
- 2024: August 16 – August 25 (Concours on August 25)
- 2025: August 8 – August 17 (Concours on August 17)
- 2026: August 14 – August 23 (Concours on August 23)
Always double-check the official Monterey Car Week website as dates for individual events within the week are sometimes adjusted. The schedule is usually finalized and announced by early spring of each year.
The Importance Of The Third Sunday In August
The entire week orbits around the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This event has been held on the third Sunday of August since 1950. All other events schedule themselves before, after, or around this fixed point.
When you mark the third Sunday of August on your calendar, you have found the anchor. Work backward to see the preview events and forward to see closing activities.
Key Events And Their Typical Timing
Understanding the flow of the week helps you choose which days to attend. Not every event happens every day.
Opening Weekend (The Prelude)
The weekend before the Concours Sunday often features kick-off events. These can include:
- Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue (Usually Monday-Wednesday)
- Little Car Show in Pacific Grove (Typically Wednesday)
- Various club rallies and welcome receptions
Core Week Days (Wednesday – Saturday)
This is when the energy really picks up. The peninsula becomes a rolling car show. Major events in this window include:
- The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (Multiple days)
- World-class auctions by RM Sotheby’s, Gooding & Company, and Bonhams (Evenings, Thursday-Saturday)
- The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex (Thursday)
- The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (Friday)
Peak Weekend (Concours Sunday and Beyond)
Sunday is the grand finale, but Saturday is incredibly busy too. Sunday focuses on the Concours, while Saturday often features:
- Pebble Beach RetroAuto (Saturday & Sunday)
- Final auction sessions
- Exclusive private gatherings and parties
Planning Your Visit Around the Dates
Knowing when Monterey Car Week is only half the battle. Acting on that information early is the key to a successful trip. Accommodations, rental cars, and event tickets sell out many months in advance.
Booking Timeline And Checklist
To secure the best options and avoid premium prices, follow this timeline.
- 12+ Months in Advance (Immediately after the current year ends): If you want a specific luxury hotel or rental property near Pebble Beach, start looking. This is not too early.
- 6-9 Months in Advance: This is the ideal window. Book your accommodations and secure a rental car. Begin monitoring official event websites for ticket sale announcements.
- 3-6 Months in Advance: Purchase tickets for the major events you wish to attend. Events like The Quail sell out within minutes or hours of going on sale. Set reminders.
- 1-3 Months in Advance: Finalize your daily itinerary. Book any remaining restaurant reservations. Study the official event schedules which are now detailed.
Choosing Which Days To Attend
Your interests and budget will determine the best days for you to visit.
For the Auction Enthusiast: Plan to be there from Thursday through Saturday evening. This is when the big sales happen. You can often register to view the cars during the day for free, even if you don’t plan to bid.
For the Racing Fan: The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion runs for multiple days. A Friday or Saturday ticket gives you fantastic track access and less crowds than Sunday. The historic racing is incredible.
For the Concours Purist: Your target is Sunday. Consider also attending the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance on Thursday to see the Concours cars driving on the road. It’s a unique and more dynamic perspective.
For the General Car Lover on a Budget: Come earlier in the week. Many events are free or low-cost. Carmel’s Concours on the Avenue is free to spectate. You’ll see amazing cars cruising all over the peninsula every day without needing a ticket.
What To Expect During Monterey Car Week
Beyond the schedule, it’s helpful to know the atmosphere and practical realities of the week. This isn’t a single event; it’s a transformation of the entire Monterey Peninsula.
The Vibe And Atmosphere
The energy is electric and celebratory. From dawn until dusk, the streets are filled with exotic, classic, and rare automobiles. It’s a communal celebration of automotive design and history.
You’ll witness everything from pre-war classics to the latest hypercars. Participants and spectators are passionate and usually very welcoming. It’s a place to share stories and appreciation.
Logistics And Navigation
Traffic is the single biggest challenge. Roads become congested, especially between key venues like Pebble Beach, Laguna Seca, and Carmel.
Here are some pro tips for getting around:
- Rent a Car Early: But use it sparingly. Once you’re at your hotel, consider other options.
- Utilize Shuttles: Many events offer shuttle services from central hubs. The Pebble Beach Concours has an extensive shuttle system from designated parking areas.
- Embrace Rideshares: Services like Uber and Lyft are active, but expect surge pricing and wait times during peak hours.
- Walk When Possible: In compact areas like downtown Carmel, walking is the fastest and most enjoyable way to see the cars.
What To Wear And Bring
Attire varies widely by event. The Concours and The Quail have a smart casual to formal dress code (collared shirts, slacks, dresses). The race track is casual (jeans, t-shirts, sunscreen). Always check the specific event guidelines.
Essentials to pack include:
- Comfortable walking shoes (you will walk miles)
- Layers for changing weather (mornings are foggy, afternoons can be warm)
- Sunglasses, hat, and high-SPF sunscreen
- A quality camera or smartphone
- A refillable water bottle
Must-See Events Within Monterey Car Week
With so much happening, it can be overwhelming. While every event has its charm, a few are considered the absolute pillars of the week.
Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance
This is the grand finale. Held on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, it is the world’s premier celebration of automotive elegance. You’ll see the most pristine, historically significant cars judged for their authenticity and perfection.
It’s a ticketed event, and tickets must be purchased well in advance. The experience is one of awe and splendor.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
Held on the Friday before the Concours at The Quail Lodge & Golf Club, this event is known for its luxurious atmosphere and curated selection of cars. It focuses on both vintage and modern high-performance machines.
Tickets are extremely limited and expensive, but the experience includes gourmet food and drinks. It often sells out within an hour of release.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
This is where history comes alive at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Hundreds of historically significant race cars, grouped by era and type, compete on the famous track.
You can walk the paddock, get close to the cars, and hear them roar on the track. It’s a more visceral and interactive experience than the lawn shows.
Major Auctions (RM Sotheby’s, Gooding & Company, Bonhams)
Even if you’re not bidding, the auctions are a spectacle. You can register to view the cars during daytime previews. Seeing hundreds of million-dollar cars in one place is unforgettable.
The evening auction sessions are thrilling, with record prices often set. Each auction house has its own character and specialty.
FAQ: Your Monterey Car Week Questions Answered
Here are clear answers to some common questions about timing and planning.
Is Monterey Car Week Always In August?
Yes, it has always been held in August. The timing leverages the California coastal weather and has been tradition since the first Pebble Beach Concours in 1950. There are no plans to move it to another month.
What Are The Exact Dates For Next Year’s Event?
The exact dates for next year are typically confirmed and announced shortly after the conclusion of the current year’s event. As a reliable rule, you can circle the third Sunday of August and the several days preceding it on your calendar. The official Monterey Car Week website is the definitive source once dates are published.
Can I Attend Events Without Buying Tickets?
Absolutely. Many of the best experiences are free. You can watch the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance from the roadside in Carmel. You can see cars at Concours on the Avenue for free. The greatest show is often just the cars driving around on public roads. You do not need a ticket to enjoy the atmosphere.
How Far In Advance Should I Book A Hotel?
You should book your hotel as soon as you decide to attend, even if it’s over a year out. Properties in Pebble Beach, Carmel, and Monterey fill up incredibly fast for this week. Rates will also be at their peak, so booking early can sometimes secure a slightly better rate before they increase closer to the event.
What Is The Difference Between Car Week And The Concours?
Monterey Car Week is the umbrella term for the entire multi-day festival of automotive events across the peninsula. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the single, culminating event on the final Sunday. Think of Car Week as the whole season, and the Concours as the championship game.
Now you know not only when is Monterey Car Week, but also how to plan for it. The key takeaway is that it’s an August tradition centered on the third Sunday of the month. Success depends on early planning and choosing the events that align with your passions.
Mark your calendar, set your reminders for ticket sales, and prepare for an unforgettable celebration of everything automotive. The memories of the sights and sounds will last a lifetime. The peninsula awaits you every August.