Every August, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into the center of the automotive universe. Monterey Car Week 2026 runs August 7–16, ten days packed with concours shows, vintage racing, and once-in-a-lifetime car sightings that draw collectors and fans from around the world.
If you’ve never experienced it, Car Week grew out of the very first Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance back in 1950, and it’s now anchored by a handful of signature events: the invitation-only Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (the grand finale, held this year on Sunday, August 16, celebrating its 75th anniversary), the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in Carmel Valley. These headline events are spectacular, but they also come with ticket prices that run from several hundred to several thousand dollars — not exactly a casual family outing.
The good news for Monterey County families: some of the very best car-watching happens for free, on public streets, with plenty of room for kids to wander, point, and ask a hundred questions about their favorite color car. Here’s your guide to the free, family-friendly side of Car Week 2026.
Friday, August 7 · 5:00–7:00 PM
Monterey Car Week Kickoff
Historic race cars bound for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion line up along Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey. Meet the drivers, enjoy live music, and take in family activities as the week officially begins. 📍 Alvarado Street, Monterey 🔗 seemonterey.com/event/monterey-car-week-kickoff
Wednesday, August 12 · 12:00–5:00 PM
The Little Car Show
Now in its 16th year, this beloved show fills Lighthouse Avenue with roughly 125 microcars, vintage minis, and other small, quirky classics (1997 model year or older). The afternoon wraps with a parade of entrants cruising Pacific Grove’s waterfront. 📍 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove 🔗 thelittlecarshow.com
Thursday, August 13 · 7:00 AM–Noon
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance
More than 150 Concours entrants line up on Portola Road before setting off on a scenic 60-mile round trip along 17-Mile Drive, Highway 1, and down to Big Sur. It’s free to watch from public viewing points along the route — arrive early, since cars start lining up before 7 a.m. and depart by 9:30. 📍 Pebble Beach and along the route 🔗 pebblebeachconcours.net/event/pebble-beach-tour-delegance
Thursday, August 13 · 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Ferrari Owners Club Concours Carmel
Ferraris and Italian motorcycles fill the streets of downtown Carmel for this free event, now presented by the Ferrari Owners Club of Northern California, with proceeds supporting local charitable causes. 📍 Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea (Dolores Street) 🔗 focnorcal.org
Thursday, August 13 · 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show
A free showcase of women-owned classic, muscle, sport, and electric cars, complete with a fashion show and live music. Proceeds benefit the Prancing Ponies Foundation, which supports leadership opportunities for girls and women. 📍 Ocean Avenue, Carmel 🔗 prancingponieswomenscarshow.com
Thursday, August 13 · 12:00–5:00 PM
Woodies in the Woods
Classic wood-paneled “woodie” wagons gather among the pines at Asilomar, with live music, food, and a beer garden. Free to attend (presale wristbands are available for food and drink tastings). 📍 Grand Cypress Meadow, Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove 🔗 visitasilomar.com/events/pacific-grove/woodies-in-the-woods
Thursday, August 13 · 3:00–7:00 PM
BMW M Sport Event
A free, family-friendly gathering of BMWs old and new, with food trucks, live entertainment, and giveaways. 📍 BMW of Monterey, Seaside 🔗 bmwmonterey.com
Friday, August 14 · Staging 10:00 AM–2:30 PM; Rally Drive Departs 5:00 PM
Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally
In its 32nd year, this Rotary Club fundraiser lines vintage and exotic cars along Lighthouse and Forest Avenues before they depart on a scenic coastal rally drive. Proceeds benefit the Pacific Grove Youth Center and local scholarships. 📍 Lighthouse Avenue and Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove 🔗 pgrotary.org/annual-pacific-grove-concours-auto-rally
Saturday, August 15 · 8:00 AM–1:30 PM
Concours d’Lemons
A tongue-in-cheek celebration of the oddball, mundane, and truly awful of the automotive world, judged (loosely) by celebrity guests. Good for a laugh with the kids, and totally free. 📍 Seaside City Hall lawn, Seaside 🔗 24hoursoflemons.com/concours-d-lemons
Saturday, August 15 · 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Exotics on Broadway
Free public viewing of exotic, luxury, and classic cars lining Broadway Avenue. Note: for 2026, the event has expanded onto Del Monte Boulevard, which houses a separate ticketed area with 40+ hypercars, top vendors, and a main stage ($40 GA; kids 12 and under free). 📍 Broadway Avenue, Seaside 🔗 exoticsonbroadway.com
A few tips for families: Parking fills up fast in downtown Pacific Grove and Carmel, so plan to arrive early or walk/bike in if you’re staying nearby. Streets close for several of these events, so check the venue’s site for exact closures. And with several free shows happening back-to-back on August 13 alone, you could realistically string together a full day of car-watching — Tour d’Elegance in the morning, Ferrari Concours or Prancing Ponies at midday, and Woodies in the Woods or the BMW event in the afternoon — without spending a dime on admission.
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