Buckle up. It’s time to meet legendary drivers, view rare memorabilia, watch vintage racers in action, and marvel at spectacular classic cars. For 10 days leading up to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, you’ll find high-octane happenings across Monterey County. Here’s your guide to the top events.
Please note: These listings are current as of Carmel Magazine’s May 2023 press deadline and subject to change.
Visit individual event websites to confirm hours and details as you finalize your car week plans.
Monday-Wednesday, August 7-16
Pebble Beach Motoring Classic
The 14th year of this one-of-a-kind road trip takes participants on a 1,500-mile journey from near Seattle through the Cascades, into northern California, and on to Pebble Beach. Select entrants will also take part in this year’s Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance and Concours d’Elegance.
Thursday, August 10
Coast to Copper Tour Party
Celebrate the April 2024 tour that will take 60 significant cars from downtown Carmel to Copper Valley, in central California. Members of the public can reserve a spot at the August press and sponsor preview party, taking place from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Club at Pasadera.
Friday, August 12
Monterey Classic Car Week Kick-Off Car Show
The California Highway Patrol escorts more than 50 historic vehicles from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to Monterey for this annual staple. Stroll past standout cars from racing history while enjoying music, raffle giveaways and other entertainment between 5 and 7 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, August 12-13
Monterey Pre-Reunion
This preview of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is a great time for fans to meet other enthusiasts and enjoy an up-close look at hundreds of historic cars. Chat with drivers, exhibitors, journalists and sponsors during the relaxed weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Monday-Wednesday, August 14-16
Automobilia Monterey
The 19th year of this showcase brings original car posters, photographs, pins, plates, signs, scale models, hood ornaments, literature and other collectibles to the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay Seaside. Event proceeds support the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center.
Tuesday, August 15
Acura in the Park
A former sponsor of the long-running Concours on the Avenue brings this updated event to Carmel’s Devendorf Park. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can view the latest Acura models, chat with car enthusiasts and enjoy related festivities.
Tuesday, August 15
Classic Motorsports
Monterey Kickoff
From 2 to 6 p.m., luxury cars, sports cars, muscle cars, exotics and other automobiles park along Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove. A judged competition is free for spectators, and the annual awards ceremony begins at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, August 16
Connect2Cars
at Concorso Italiano
This sell-out event kicks off with a morning show discussion featuring automotive icons —past gatherings featured designer and TV host Chip Foose, Pininfarina legend Maruzio Corbi and others—in conversation with hosts Wade Kawasaki of Car Guy Adventures and Nicholas Bergeron. After breakfast, participants cruise to a local winery for lunch and tastings.
Wednesday, August 16
The Little Car Show
Benefiting the Pacific Grove Youth Center and the Veterans Transition Center, this one-of-a-kind event presents more than 150 multi-marque mini, micro, steam, electric and other small cars of at least 25 years of age. The field opens at noon on Lighthouse Avenue, followed by awards at 4 p.m. and an Ocean View Boulevard beach cruise departing at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, August 16
Concours for a Cause
Learn about electric vehicle conversions and enjoy treats from local vendors at this community-minded newcomer in downtown Carmel. Festivities take place near Devendorf Park, at Mission Street and Sixth Avenue.
Wednesday, August 16
Motorlux
The former McCall’s Motorworks Revival marks its second year as a Hagerty event, coming back to the Monterey Jet Center with exquisite automobiles and private planes on display plus standout food and wine offerings. Attendees can also preview vehicles from this year’s Broad Arrow Auction, which kicks off here the following day.
Wednesday-Saturday, August 16-19
Rolex Monterey
Motorsports Reunion
Rare historic cars compete on the track during this longstanding celebration of speed and style. Special 2023 classes will spotlight Formula 5000, 1955-1969 Saloon cars, 1981-1991 GTO/Trans-Ams, and others, while car corrals, pit row garages, vendor exhibits, and marque-specific displays welcome fans. The family-friendly gathering also features go-karts, a Ferris wheel, food, music and more.
Wednesday-Saturday, August 16-19
Pebble Beach Auctions
This annual Gooding & Company event at the Pebble Beach Parc du Concours draws high-profile international collectors and enthusiasts interested in exquisite, often record-setting vehicles. Viewings take place August 16 through 19. Sales begin at 5 p.m. on August 18 and at 11 a.m. on August 19.
Thursday, August 17
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance
Enjoy views of various Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance entrants as they depart from Pebble Beach at 9 a.m., travel along 17-Mile Drive and Highway 1, and return to the Del Monte Forest around noon. In the case of a category tie on Concours Sunday, a car that successfully completes the 25th anniversary Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance gets the nod.
Thursday, August 17
Prancing Ponies
Women’s Car Show
Car displays, a fashion show, featured speakers and a VIP Breakfast at Tiffany’s affair are among special events planned for this event on Carmel’s Ocean Avenue. The festive gathering raises funds to support educational and career advancement opportunities for low-income women.
Thursday, August 17
Ferrari Owners Club
Presents Concours Carmel
This Dolores Street gathering features Ferraris and Italian motorcycles on exhibit, plus music, car conversations, and awards in several categories. Free for spectators, the daylong event supports Harrison Memorial Library, the Carmel Foundation and CASA of Monterey County.
Thursday, August 17
Legends of the Autobahn
The Pacific Grove Golf Links hosts this annual gathering of German marques, with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi taking center stage. The show field includes corral and judged areas, historically significant models, manufacturer displays, and other surprises for car club members and spectators.
Thursday-Friday, August 17-18
Broad Arrow’s Monterey
Jet Center Auction
Now expanded to two days, this event takes place in conjunction with Hagerty’s reimagined Motorlux. Approximately 150 noteworthy motorcars will be on auction, including prewar American and European classics, supercars and modern collectibles.
Thursday-Saturday, August 17-19
Pebble Beach
Classic Car Forum
Race legends, designers, collectors, historians and other luminaries share the stage in Concours Village, where these annual panels and sessions explore current trends and cutting-edge automotive topics. Reservations are required and entrance fees vary by event.
Thursday-Saturday, August 17-19
Monterey Motorsports Festival
www.montereymotorsportsfestival.com
This new three-day event raises funds for local nonprofits and brings an immersive experience to the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Expect manufacturer displays, driving simulators, interviews, workshops, autograph sessions, and car collections on display, plus food, music and more.
Thursday-Saturday, August 17-19
Mecum Monterey 2023
www.mecum.com/auctions/monterey-2023
The high-profile Mecum Daytime Auction lands at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa for its 15th year. Expect more than 600 classic and collector vehicles and around 100 vintage and antique motorcycles available for purchase.
Thursday-Sunday, August 17-20
Pebble Beach RetroAuto
Set in Concours Village, this annual showcase of curated collectibles includes automotive literature, luxury goods, art, technological tools and official Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance merchandise. Entrance is free to the public.
Thursday-Sunday, August 17-20
Displays, Debuts
and Ride & Drives
Leading vehicle and luxury goods manufacturers unveil new concepts, host displays, and hold ride and drive events in the lead-up to Concours Sunday. Most happenings take place at Concours Village or on the first and third fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links, while the Concept Lawn takes over the practice putting green starting on Saturday afternoon.
Friday, August 18
Pacific Grove Rotary
Concours Auto Rally
Celebrate 70 years of the Corvette during this Pacific Grove mainstay that’s free for spectators. More than 200 vehicles stage on Lighthouse Avenue starting at noon, followed by displays and a 5 p.m. coastal rally. The gathering raises money for local nonprofits and youth programs.
Friday, August 18
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
www.peninsula.com/signatureevents
For its 20th year, this all-inclusive event will feature 50 years of the 1973 RS Carrera, early Bentley 1950s R-Type Coupe, Porsche 959 and Giugiaro. Expect a garden party vibe with food and drink, displays by luxury brands and additional activities. Proceeds support Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation and other philanthropic efforts.
Friday, August 18
Bonhams: The Quail Auction
After celebrating 25 years in 2022, with Ferrari, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Mercedes-Benz models topping the sale, Bonhams brings its long-running auction back to Quail Lodge & Golf Club. Held in conjunction with The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the event features collector cars of all eras.
Friday, August 18
Werks Reunion Monterey
www.werksreunion.com/monterey.cfm
Porsche Club of America welcomes Porsche club members, owners and enthusiasts to the Monterey Pines Golf Course for this ninth annual gathering. Look for current models and rare gems, class competitions, a youth judging event, and food and drinks available for purchase.
Friday-Saturday, August 18-19
Festorics
The BMW Car Club of America organizes this action-packed gathering near turn five at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Exclusive corral access includes a bird’s-eye view of vintage racing, along with food and drink, paddock tours, and a chance to see the M4 CSL and the new M3 50 Jahre Edition up close.
Friday-Saturday, August 18-19
RM Sotheby’s
Monterey Auction
www.rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo23
More than $239 million changed hands during 2022 sale events at the Monterey Conference Center. This year’s consignments include a similarly impressive mix of classics and collector cars.
Saturday, August 19
Concorso Italiano
This expansive festival of Italian autos, art, food and fun features 60 years of Lamborghini, pre-1960 Ferraris and 75 years of Abarth in 2023, along with other new events. About 1,000 vehicles of Italian origin grace the greens of Bayonet Golf Course during the all-day affair, and proceeds will support local Habitat for Humanity projects.
Saturday, August 19
Exotics on Broadway
More than 400 rare supercars, hypercars and exotics stage in downtown Seaside during this free extravaganza taking place from 1 to 6 p.m. Collectors and fans can also browse exhibits by 45 vendors while strolling Broadway and a few adjacent blocks of Fremont.
Saturday, August 19
Concours d’Lemons California
Enjoy an afternoon of oddballs and awful vehicles competing for thrift store trophies in categories like Needlessly Complex Italian, Slightly Better Than a Go-Kart, and Driving on a Prayer. Seaside City Hall is the setting for this playful, photo-worthy event.
Saturday, August 19
The Barnyard Ferrari Event
This year marks the 25th anniversary of this popular event that draws Ferrari Owners Club members and enthusiasts. Stroll past new and vintage Ferraris and enjoy live entertainment and local wines poured by the Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation, the event’s charitable partner.
Sunday, August 20
Corkscrew Hillclimb
and Community Day
As car week events wrap up, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca invites community members to connect and enjoy some time at the track. A range of vehicles will participate in a reverse timed race, tackling the challenge of climbing the venue’s curves and legendary Corkscrew.
Sunday, August 20
Pebble Beach
Concours d’Elegance
More than 200 world-renowned collector cars will line up across Pebble Beach Golf Links for the 72nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Special 2023 celebrations will honor the Figoni centennial, Mercedes-Benz S/SS/SSK, Pegaso, American dream cars of the 1950s, major anniversaries of Porsche, McLaren, Lamborghini and more.
Judging begins at 8 a.m., with experts evaluating each entry based on historical accuracy, technical merit and style. Spectators are invited to explore from 10:30 a.m., and awards announcements begin at 1:30 p.m. Category winners will cross the 18th fairway in advance of the Best of Show presentation at 5 p.m.
The day-long affair also features a philanthropic component. The 2022 Pebble Beach Concours raised more than $2.8 million for local charities, and more than $35 million in funds have been distributed to community organizations through the Pebble Beach Company Foundation since Concours was founded in 1950.