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Monterey Car Week is back for another incredible August! As in years past, the 2026 event will turn the Monterey Peninsula into the best place in the world for rare automotive debuts, envied collector cars, rallies, and inspiring moments on the fairway. Fans of Monterey Car Week already know that the highlight of the event is the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This guide to Monterey Car Week 2026 lays out all the essentials to know if you're coming to town for the 10-day event.
A Drive Through Destiny: The History of Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week has taken place every August since 1950. The event first began as an offshoot of the Pebble Beach Road Race. In the decades since its founding, this premier global car event has brought in nearly 100,000 guests. The itinerary has grown to include rallies, races, auctions, and amazing car shows. The last Sunday of the event is always known for the epic Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
What's on the Roster for 2026's Monterey Car Week?
Attendees are looking at 10 days packed with various car events. The fun part about this car show is that there's always a luxury twist. For example, there's the famous invite-only Concours & Cocktails, which has been hosted privately at the Santa Lucia Preserve since 2000 for guests lucky enough to get exclusive access to cars from private collections of club members and honored guests. Don't stress if you're not on the invite list for that one! There are still plenty of ways to get in on the action at the dozens of events taking place over Monterey Car Week.
One of the best events for glimpsing incredible cars is the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex. A driving event that treats spectators to wonderful views, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance attracts nearly 200 entrants who are eager to cover parts of the 17-Mile Drive and Highway One to Big Sur before looping back around to the finish line at Pebble Beach. Be ready to watch the cars line up on Portola Road in Pebble Beach in anticipation of a 9 a.m. departure on Aug. 13, that puts them on course for a final arrival at 12 p.m. in Pebble Beach.
Another highly anticipated event for Monterey Car Week 2026 is the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Taking place daily from Aug. 12 (Monday) to Aug. 15 (Thursday), this is technically the largest event within the event. Approximately 550 race cars in total participate in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. All vehicles accepted have undergone tests for authenticity, racing ability, and fidelity to their original time period.
Another big one is the Automobilia Collectors Auction (ACE Auction), presented by Automobilia Collectors Expo, taking place on Aug. 10 (Monday). In 2026, this event will be hosted at Embassy Suites Monterey Bay. Attendees gain access to an all-day preview featuring peeks at more than 200 ultra-rare and highly collectible cars scheduled to shine on the auction block on Tuesday.
Of course, you want to make sure you start things off right by attending the Monterey Kick Off Cruise-In that takes place on the first Friday of the event. Watch as more than 30 classic race cars of your dreams strut through downtown.
Planning Your Time at the Car Show
The events highlighted here are only a quick snapshot of what's happening at Monterey Car Week 2026. Many of the cruising events are free to attend. However, you'll need to purchase individual tickets and passes for some auctions and car shows held throughout the 10-day event. For a more official guide to Monterey Car Week 2026, check out the official website for all dates, times, and ticketing information. It's also important to secure a good place to stay, as up to 100,000 car enthusiasts pack into the Monterey area for 10 days of pure car bliss. Check here for Monterey Car Week hotel bookings that offer relaxing, luxurious stays so close to all the action!
