Monterey Car Week is heralded as the premier celebration of automotive culture in the United States, drawing enthusiasts and collectors from across the globe. This spectacular event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about classic cars, luxury automobiles, and the thrilling world of motorsports. If you’re planning your trip and wondering, “When Is Monterey Car Week?”, you’re in the right place.
Monterey Car Week 2025 is scheduled to take place from Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 17th, 2025. This ten-day extravaganza is packed with a diverse array of events, ensuring there’s something for every automotive taste and budget.
Monterey Car Week 2025 Dates: Plan Your Trip
Mark your calendars! Monterey Car Week spans ten action-packed days in mid-August. Knowing the dates is the first step to planning your ultimate automotive pilgrimage. Here’s a quick look at the key dates:
- Monterey Car Week 2025 Dates: Friday, August 8th – Sunday, August 17th, 2025
With these dates in mind, you can start planning your travel and accommodation well in advance to secure the best options. Monterey and the surrounding areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach become incredibly busy during Car Week, so early booking is highly recommended.
What Awaits You at Monterey Car Week?
Monterey Car Week isn’t just one event; it’s a collection of automotive experiences. From prestigious concours d’elegance to high-octane races and glamorous auctions, here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: The crown jewel of Car Week, this world-renowned event showcases the most exquisite and historically significant automobiles on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. It’s the ultimate competition for automotive perfection.
- The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: An exclusive and luxurious garden-party setting where you can admire rare and exceptional sports and racing cars while enjoying gourmet food and fine beverages.
- Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion: Experience the thrill of vintage racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, where hundreds of historic race cars compete in their full glory.
- Automotive Auctions: High-profile auctions by RM Sotheby’s, Mecum, Gooding & Company, and Bonhams offer a chance to witness and participate in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most valuable automobiles.
- Free Events: Beyond the ticketed highlights, Monterey Car Week offers numerous free events, including car shows, parades, and gatherings, making it accessible to all enthusiasts.
Daily Highlights: Monterey Car Week 2025 Event Schedule
To help you navigate the week, here’s a day-by-day overview of some key events you can anticipate at Monterey Car Week 2025. Please note that this is based on previous years and is subject to change. Always check official event websites for the most up-to-date information.
Friday, August 8th
- Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (Free, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.): Kick off Car Week with festive car displays, photo opportunities, and themed promotions at Monterey’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Monterey Car Week Kickoff (Free, 5-7 p.m.): Witness a stunning display of historic race cars on Alvarado Street in Monterey, meet drivers, and enjoy music and giveaways. A perfect family-friendly start to the week.
Saturday, August 9th
- Monterey Pre-Reunion & Corkscrew Hillclimb (7 a.m.): Day 1 of historic race car practice and qualifying at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, culminating in the thrilling Corkscrew Hillclimb. Tickets required.
- Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (Free, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.): Continue the waterfront automotive celebrations with more cars and festivities.
Sunday, August 10th
- Monterey Pre-Reunion & Corkscrew Hillclimb (7 a.m.): Day 2 of racing and hillclimb action. Tickets required.
- Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (Free, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.): Enjoy the final day of car-themed fun at Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Poster Pop-Up (1:30-6 p.m.): Day 1 of a vast exhibition of original vintage automotive posters from 1895-1970.
Monday, August 11th
- Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (Free, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.): Enjoy the ongoing festive atmosphere.
- Automobilia Collectors Expo (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.): Day 1 of an expo featuring automotive memorabilia, collectibles, and expert interactions. Tickets required.
- Poster Pop-Up (1:30-6 p.m.): Day 2 of vintage automotive poster displays.
- Porsche Monterey Classic Event (4-8 p.m.): Celebrate Porsche’s heritage with classic and modern models, live music, food trucks, and local artisans.
Tuesday, August 12th
- Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (Free, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.): More waterfront car celebrations.
- Concours for a Cause (Free, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.): A vintage car show with a global theme, incorporating music and local arts.
- Automobilia Collectors Expo (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.): Day 2 of the memorabilia expo. Tickets required.
- Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff Car Show (Free, 1-5 p.m.): Hundreds of classic sports cars and vintage automobiles line Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove.
- Poster Pop-Up (1:30-6 p.m.): Day 3 of vintage poster exhibition.
Wednesday, August 13th
- Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (7 a.m.): Day 1 of the historic races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, celebrating 50 years of racing history. Tickets required.
- Cars, Cocktails and Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf (Free, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.): Enjoy the final day of waterfront festivities. Classic cars for RM Sotheby’s Auction will be displayed at nearby Custom House Plaza.
- Automobilia Collectors Expo (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.): Final day of the expo. Tickets required.
- Pebble Beach Auctions: Viewing Day 1 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Preview day for the prestigious Pebble Beach Auctions.
- Astons on the Avenue (Free, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.): A showcase of Aston Martin vehicles on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- The Little Car Show (Free, Noon – 5 p.m.): A parade of mini, micro, and unique vehicles in Pacific Grove.
- Poster Pop-Up (1:30-6 p.m.): Day 4 of the poster exhibition.
- Motorlux (6-10 p.m.): A luxury lifestyle event at Monterey Jet Center featuring vintage race cars, aircraft, supercars, gourmet food, and fine wines. Tickets required.
Thursday, August 14th
- Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (7 a.m.): Day 2 of racing, featuring qualifying for all groups. Tickets required.
- Pebble Beach Tour D’Elegance (Free, 7 a.m. – Noon): Watch Concours entrants as they drive a scenic route, proving roadworthiness.
- Mecum Monterey Auction (8 a.m.): Day 1 of the Mecum auction, featuring a wide range of vehicles. Tickets Required.
- Legends of the Autobahn® (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.): An all-German marque concours featuring Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
- Ferrari Owners Club Concours Carmel (Free, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.): Ferraris and Italian motorcycles displayed and judged in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.): Day 1 of automotive panel discussions with industry leaders.
- Pebble Beach RetroAuto (Free, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Day 1 of a luxury automotive marketplace.
- Pebble Beach Auctions: Viewing Day 2 (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Continue previewing auction vehicles.
- Concours Village (Free, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Day 1 of the hub for Car Week experiences, including forums, RetroAuto, and manufacturer displays.
- Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show (Free, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.): A car show featuring women-owned vehicles, supporting the Prancing Ponies Foundation.
- RM Sotheby’s Auction: Public Preview Day 2 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.): Preview auction vehicles. Tickets Required.
- UpShift: A Celebration of Classic Cars and Hip-Hop Culture (3-8 p.m.): A new event combining car culture and hip-hop music. Tickets required.
Friday, August 15th
- Werks Reunion Monterey (Free, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.): A vast display of Porsche vehicles.
- Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (7 a.m.): Day 3 of historic racing. Tickets required.
- Mecum Monterey Auction (8 a.m.): Day 2 of the Mecum auction.
- The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.): An exclusive and luxurious automotive event. Tickets required.
- Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum (9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.): Day 2 of car forums.
- Pebble Beach RetroAuto (Free, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Day 2 of RetroAuto.
- Concours Village (Free, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Day 2 of Concours Village.
- Pebble Beach Auctions: Viewing Day 3 (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.): Auction preview continues.
- RM Sotheby’s Auction: Public Preview Day 3 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.): Auction preview. Tickets Required.
- Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally (Free, Noon – 5 p.m.): A scenic rally drive along the Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach shoreline.
- Edith: Volcano Ascent – A Documentary Premiere featuring Porsche (6 p.m.): Film premiere about a Porsche altitude record attempt. Tickets required.
Saturday, August 16th
- Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (7 a.m.): Day 4, featuring the Rolex Races. Tickets required.
- Concours d’Lemons (Free, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.): A humorous car show celebrating automotive oddities.
- Mecum Monterey Auction (8 a.m.): Day 3 of the Mecum auction.
- Pebble Beach RetroAuto (Free, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Day 3 of RetroAuto.
- Pebble Beach Auctions: Viewing Day 4 (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.): Final auction preview day.
- Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum (9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.): Day 3 of car forums.
- Concours Village (Free, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Day 3 of Concours Village.
- Concorso Italiano (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.): A celebration of Italian and exotic automobiles and motorcycles. Tickets Required.
- RM Sotheby’s Auction: Public Preview Day 4 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.): Final auction preview. Tickets Required.
- Exotics on Broadway (Free, 1-6 p.m.): A showcase of supercars, hypercars, and exotic vehicles on Broadway in Seaside.
- Monterey Motorsports Festival (2-10 p.m.): A festival with cars, workshops, racing simulators, live music, and food trucks.
Sunday, August 17th
- Pebble Beach RetroAuto (Free, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Day 4 of RetroAuto.
- Concours Village (Free, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Day 4 of Concours Village.
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.): The grand finale of Monterey Car Week, featuring the world’s finest collector cars competing for Best of Show. Tickets required.
Plan Your Monterey Car Week Experience
Monterey Car Week is an immersive experience. To make the most of it:
- Book Accommodations Early: Hotels and rentals fill up quickly.
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: Popular events like Pebble Beach Concours and The Quail often sell out.
- Utilize Shuttle Services: Take advantage of shuttle services to navigate between events and avoid traffic congestion, especially for Pebble Beach Concours.
- Explore Free Events: Enjoy the numerous free events to experience the Car Week spirit without hefty ticket costs.
- Check Traffic Advisories: Be aware of road closures and traffic updates during Car Week. Text CARWEEK to 65513 for safety information and visit Monterey County’s traffic advisory map.
Is Monterey Car Week Worth It?
For any car enthusiast, the answer is a resounding yes! Monterey Car Week is an unparalleled celebration of automotive history, design, and passion. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of concours events, the adrenaline of vintage racing, or the thrill of auctions, Monterey Car Week offers an unforgettable experience. Now that you know “when is Monterey Car Week,” start planning your trip to this automotive paradise!
