Monterey Car Week 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Automotive Excellence

Monterey Car Week, a prestigious annual event, is a grand celebration of automotive culture, bringing together enthusiasts, collectors, and industry leaders from around the globe. This spectacular week on the Monterey Peninsula is dedicated to showcasing the finest classic cars, luxury automobiles, and high-octane motorsports. From the elegance of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to the thrilling races at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and the high-stakes auctions by RM Sotheby’s, Monterey Car Week is an unmissable experience for any car aficionado. Dive into our comprehensive guide to navigate Monterey Car Week 2024 and make the most of this automotive paradise.

Navigating Monterey Car Week 2024

Monterey Car Week is more than just a series of events; it’s a vibrant atmosphere that permeates the entire Monterey Peninsula. While some events require tickets, there are numerous free events that offer incredible experiences without any cost. Families attending Monterey Car Week will also find a plethora of family-friendly activities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy the automotive festivities.

To help you plan your visit, we’ve categorized the daily schedule of events, making it easier to find activities that match your interests.

Essential Travel Information for Monterey Car Week

Getting around during Monterey Car Week requires some planning due to increased traffic and event locations spread across the peninsula. Here’s what you need to know about travel and transportation:

Traffic and Road Closures

To stay informed about real-time traffic updates and any road closures during Monterey Car Week, text CARWEEK to 65513 for direct alerts to your phone. For detailed information on current traffic advisories and closures in Monterey County, visit Monterey County’s Current Traffic Advisories and Closures. Staying updated is crucial for navigating efficiently between events.

Shuttle Services

To simplify travel to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 17th, consider using the shuttle service from Carmel-by-the-Sea. Parking in Carmel and taking the shuttle can significantly reduce travel hassles. Shuttles to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance are available for $40 per person for unlimited rides all day, or $20 for a one-way trip. Children under 12 ride for free. Shuttles run every 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., departing from Carmel Plaza. Tickets, when available, can be purchased online through the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, the Free Monterey Trolley Shuttle offers convenient transportation along its regular downtown Monterey route throughout Car Week. This is a great option for accessing events within Monterey city center.

Monterey Car Week 2024 Event Highlights

Monterey Car Week 2024 promises a dynamic schedule packed with events from Friday, August 8th, to Sunday, August 17th. Here’s a day-by-day look at what to expect:

Friday, August 8th

Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Kick off Monterey Car Week at Old Fisherman’s Wharf with festive car decorations, photo opportunities, and a fun photo & essay contest. Enjoy car-themed cocktails and special promotions available for purchase. It’s a casual and enjoyable way to start the week.
Monterey Car Week Kickoff (5-7 p.m., Free): Experience the excitement as historic race cars are displayed on Alvarado Street in Monterey, preparing for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Meet the drivers, enjoy live music, and take advantage of giveaways. This family-friendly event is perfect for getting up close with racing history.

Saturday, August 9th

Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Return to Old Fisherman’s Wharf for another day of car-themed festivities, photo ops, and contests. Enjoy the ongoing celebrations and special offers at the Wharf.

Sunday, August 10th

Monterey Pre-Reunion & Corkscrew Hillclimb (7 a.m., Tickets Required): Day 2 of racing action. Witness 11 different racing groups compete twice as they prepare for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Bonhams will also preview classic cars for their upcoming auction. The day culminates with the thrilling Corkscrew Hillclimb, where cars race against the clock up the iconic Corkscrew.
Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Enjoy the final day of car celebrations at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, with contests, photo opportunities and themed promotions.
Poster Pop-Up (1:30-6 p.m.): Day 1 of the largest exhibition of original vintage automotive posters from 1895 to 1970. A must-visit for collectors and enthusiasts of automotive art and history.

Monday, August 11th

Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Continue enjoying the car week atmosphere at Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
Automobilia Collectors Expo (10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tickets Required): Day 1 of an exceptional showcase of automotive memorabilia, from vintage posters to rare collectibles. Meet experts and fellow enthusiasts. The Pit Stop will feature an exciting Car Display.
Poster Pop-Up (1:30-6 p.m.): Day 2 of vintage automotive posters display, offering more opportunities to explore and acquire rare pieces.
Porsche Monterey Classic Event (4-8 p.m.): Celebrate the legacy of Porsche with a display of iconic designs from vintage models to modern supercars. Enjoy live music, food trucks, local artisans, and beverages.

Central Coast Poker Rally (Tickets Required): Experience the Monterey Peninsula’s scenic beauty in your sports car. This unique rally includes five stops to collect poker hands, laps at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, food, drinks, and complimentary gifts.

Tuesday, August 12th

Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Mid-week car celebrations continue at the Wharf.
Concours for a Cause (10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Free): A global voyage through vintage cars, music, and local arts. This event blends automotive beauty with cultural experiences, supporting charitable causes.
Automobilia Collectors Expo (10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tickets Required): Day 2 offers more exploration into automotive history with special displays and live interviews.
Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff Car Show (1-5 p.m., Free): Hundreds of classic sports cars, vintage, and exotic automobiles line Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove. Sponsored by Classic Motorsports Magazine, this show is a highlight for classic car lovers.

Poster Pop-Up (1:30-6 p.m.): Day 3 for vintage poster enthusiasts.

Wednesday, August 13th

Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Enjoy the final day of festivities at the Wharf. Custom House Plaza nearby will feature classic cars for the RM Sotheby’s Auction preview.

Automobilia Collectors Expo (10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tickets Required): Final day to explore and purchase automotive memorabilia.
Pebble Beach Auctions (10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Viewing Day 1): Preview Day 1 of the prestigious Pebble Beach Auctions, showcasing some of the world’s most exquisite and valuable automobiles.
Astons on the Avenue (11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Free): Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea transforms into a showcase of Aston Martin’s finest models, celebrating British automotive luxury and design.

The Little Car Show (Noon – 5 p.m., Free): A delightful parade of mini, micro, electric, steam, and unique vehicles down Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, perfect for photographers and fans of quirky cars.

Poster Pop-Up (1:30-6 p.m.): Day 4 of the vintage poster exhibition.
Motorlux (6-10 p.m., Tickets Required): An exclusive evening at Monterey Jet Center featuring vintage race cars, aircraft, supercars, gourmet food, and California wines.

Pebble Beach Motoring Classic (4 p.m., Free): Witness participants embarking on a 9-day journey to Pebble Beach, a prelude to the grand Concours d’Elegance.
RM Sotheby’s Auction (10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Public Preview Day 1): Preview Day 1 of RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction, known for record-breaking sales and high-caliber collector cars.

Thursday, August 14th

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (7 a.m., Tickets Required): Day 2 of historic racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, celebrating 50 years of racing history in Monterey. Today features qualifying races for 13 groups.
Pebble Beach Tour D’Elegance (7 a.m. – Noon, Free): A moving exhibition of elegance as over 150 Concours entrants tour scenic Highway 1, showcasing their roadworthiness and vying for Concours advantage.
Mecum Monterey Auction (8 a.m., Day 1, Tickets Required): Day 1 of Mecum’s auction, featuring a wide range of automobiles and vintage motorcycles.
Legends Of The Autobahn® presented by Continental Tire (9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Free): An all-German marque Concours d’Elegance in Seaside, hosted by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi clubs, celebrating German automotive engineering.
Ferrari Owners Club Concours Carmel (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Free): Vintage and contemporary Ferraris and Italian motorcycles displayed and judged on Ocean and Dolores in Carmel. Enjoy music, owner interviews, and class awards.

Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum (9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Day 1): Engage in discussions with automotive leaders and legends on key topics in the collector car world.
Pebble Beach RetroAuto (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free): Day 1 of a curated marketplace featuring rare collectibles, memorabilia, and luxury goods.
Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Final day for car week promotions at the Wharf. Custom House Plaza continues to display cars for RM Sotheby’s Auction.

Pebble Beach Auctions (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Viewing Day 2): Day 2 of viewing for the Pebble Beach Auctions.
Concours Village (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free): Day 1 of the central hub for Pebble Beach Car Week, including Classic Car Forums, RetroAuto, manufacturer displays, and Ride & Drives.

Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show (10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Free): A unique car show featuring women-owned hyper, classic, muscle, sport, and electric cars, supporting the Prancing Ponies Foundation.
RM Sotheby’s Auction (10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Public Preview Day 2): Day 2 preview for RM Sotheby’s Auction.
UpShift: A Celebration of Classic Cars and Hip-Hop Culture (3-8 p.m., Tickets Required): A new and unique cultural event blending classic cars with hip-hop music and culture.

Friday, August 15th

Werks Reunion Monterey (7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Free): A stunning display of Porsches, from vintage classics to the latest models.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (7 a.m., Tickets Required): Day 3 of racing with over 400 historic race cars in action. Enjoy Monterey wines, craft beers, and family activities.
Mecum Monterey Auction (8 a.m., Day 2, Tickets Required): Day 2 of Mecum’s auction.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tickets Required): An exclusive garden-party style event showcasing rare automobiles and motorcycles. A highlight of Monterey Car Week for luxury and exclusivity.

Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum (9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Day 2): Day 2 of automotive discussions.
Pebble Beach RetroAuto (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free): Day 2 of the RetroAuto marketplace.
Concours Village (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free): Day 2 of the Concours Village activities.
Pebble Beach Auctions (9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Viewing Day 3): Day 3 viewing for Pebble Beach Auctions.
Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Final day of car week celebrations at the Wharf.
RM Sotheby’s Auction (10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Public Preview Day 3): Day 3 preview for RM Sotheby’s Auction.
Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally (Noon – 5 p.m., Free): A rally for enthusiasts of vintage, classic, sports, and luxury vehicles, driving a scenic route along the Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach shoreline.
Edith: Volcano Ascent – A Documentary Premiere featuring Porsche (6 p.m., Tickets Required): Film premiere about a Porsche 911 setting an altitude record on a volcano. Meet Porsche enthusiasts and see the record-setting vehicle.

Saturday, August 16th

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (7 a.m., Tickets Required): Day 4 features the Rolex Races with the world’s rarest historic cars competing. Enjoy stage presentations and celebrate 50 years of racing history.
Concours d’Lemons (8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Free): A humorous contrast to the elegance of Car Week, celebrating the “Oddball, Mundane and Truly Awful” of the automotive world. A must-experience for laughs and quirky cars.

Mecum Monterey Auction (8 a.m., Day 3, Tickets Required): Day 3 of Mecum’s auction.
Pebble Beach RetroAuto (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free): Day 3 of RetroAuto.
Pebble Beach Auctions (9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Viewing Day 4): Day 4 viewing for Pebble Beach Auctions.
Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum (9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Day 3): Final day of the Car Forum.
Concours Village (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free): Final day of Concours Village.
Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Final day of car week celebrations at the Wharf.
Concorso Italiano (10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tickets Required): A celebration of Italian and exotic automobiles and motorcycles, featuring up to 1,000 vehicles.

RM Sotheby’s Auction (10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Public Preview Day 4): Final preview day for RM Sotheby’s Auction.
Exotics on Broadway (1-6 p.m., Free): Focused on super, hyper, and exotic cars, showcasing rare and exciting vehicles and related brands. In 2024, the Featured Marque is Koenigsegg Automotive AB, celebrating their 30th anniversary.
Monterey Motorsports Festival (2-10 p.m.): An engaging festival with workshops, racing simulators, automotive personalities, live music, food trucks, and activities for kids.

Ferrari Event at The Barnyard (4-7 p.m.): A gathering of vintage and new Ferraris in the gardens of The Barnyard, featuring wine tastings and small bites, benefiting The Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation.

Sunday, August 17th

Pebble Beach RetroAuto (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free): Final day of RetroAuto.
Concours Village (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free): Final day of Concours Village.
Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Free): Final day of car week celebrations at the Wharf.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tickets Required): The pinnacle of Monterey Car Week. The world’s finest collector cars compete on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links for the coveted Best of Show award. A globally recognized event for automotive elegance and history.

Understanding Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week is more than just a series of car shows; it is a comprehensive celebration of automotive culture. This week-long extravaganza on the Monterey Peninsula is a magnet for car enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals. It provides a unique platform to appreciate automotive history, cutting-edge design, and groundbreaking innovation. From exclusive auctions to prestigious concours events and thrilling races, Monterey Car Week encapsulates the spirit and passion of the automotive world.

Mark Your Calendars: Monterey Car Week 2024 Dates

Monterey Car Week 2024 will take place from Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 17th. Ensure these dates are in your diary to experience a week filled with automotive splendor.

Duration of Monterey Car Week

Spanning 10 days, from Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 17th, Monterey Car Week 2024 is packed with a diverse array of events. Plan your itinerary to fully immerse yourself in the numerous auto shows, races, auctions, and unveilings that define this automotive festival.

Locations Across Monterey County

Monterey Car Week events are held at various iconic locations throughout Monterey County. Key venues include WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for racing events and Pebble Beach Golf Links for the Concours d’Elegance. Utilize the Interactive Car Week Map to pinpoint event locations and effectively plan your travel across the Monterey Peninsula.

Free Events at Monterey Car Week

For those seeking to enjoy Monterey Car Week without ticketed events, there are numerous free events available. These free events offer fantastic opportunities to experience the excitement and beauty of classic cars and automotive culture without any cost.

Finding the Monterey Car Shows

The various Monterey Car Shows are staged at multiple locations across Monterey County. Consult the Interactive Car Week Map for specific event locations and details. The world-renowned Concours D’Elegance, a highlight of the week, is held on Sunday, August 17th, at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

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