Monterey Car Week: A 10-Day Celebration of Automotive Passion
Monterey Car Week is set to bring an unforgettable 10-day experience for car enthusiasts across the Central Coast. This annual event offers a wide array of activities, from high-octane racing to exclusive auctions and unique car shows. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the world of classic and modern vehicles, there's something for everyone.
Here’s a detailed look at what to expect during this exciting week:
Kickoff Event
The festivities begin with a free kickoff event in downtown Monterey on August 8, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the intersection of Alvarado and Franklin Streets. This gathering sets the tone for the week, allowing attendees to mingle with fellow car lovers and see some impressive vehicles on display.
Racing Highlights
From August 9 to 10, 2025, the Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb will take place at Laguna Seca Raceway. The event starts at 7 a.m. each day, with August 9 dedicated to practice and qualifying races, while August 10 features the main competition on the iconic “Corkscrew” track.
Rally Events
On August 11, the Poker Rally kicks off at Brass Tap in Marina, starting at 8:30 a.m. The rally includes stops at key locations such as WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway and concludes at Baja Cantina & Grill. Participants can enjoy a lively atmosphere and a celebratory end to the event.
From August 11 to 13, the Quail Rally will showcase a variety of stops across Carmel and Laguna Seca Raceway. The highlight of the event is on August 12, featuring a flagship car-centric event at the raceway. Attendees can enjoy scenic drives through the Monterey Peninsula, including coastal routes along Big Sur and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Auctions and Exhibits
The Automobilia Collector Expo will be held on August 12, 2025, at Embassy Suites Monterey Bay from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event showcases rare collectibles, including vintage posters, rally badges, and scale models. Highlights include a no-reserve Porsche memorabilia collection and a 1954 Jaguar XK120.
From August 13 to 16, the Pebble Beach Auctions (Gooding & Christie’s) will take place, with viewing available all four days and auctions occurring on August 15 and 16. This is a must-see for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Special Events
Several other events are scheduled throughout the week, including the Astons on the Avenue free event on August 13, showcasing Aston Martin vehicles. The Motorlux Event at the Monterey Jet Center will feature vintage race cars, motorcycles, and aircraft alongside gourmet cuisine and live entertainment.
The Little Car Show in Pacific Grove on August 13 will feature 125 unique vehicles, including mini, micro, steam, electric, and custom vehicles. The BMW M Sport Event at BMW of Monterey will celebrate the brand’s legacy, while the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic Arrival will mark the culmination of a 1,500-mile journey along the Pacific Northwest coast.
Concours d’Elegance
The Legends of the Autobahn on August 14 will be a free all-German marque Concours d’Elegance at Pacific Grove Golf Links. The Ferrari Owners Club Concours on August 14 will also be free for spectators, offering a chance to see a range of classic Ferraris.
Other notable events include the Pebble Beach RetroAuto, Prancing Ponies All-Women’s Car Show, Woodies in the Woods, and the Sportscar Vacationland event, which features a live art showcase and evening film screening.
Final Days
On August 15, the Porsche Werks Reunion will take place at Monterey Pines Golf Course, featuring Porsche models of all eras. The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering will showcase incredible cars amid the scenic backdrop of Carmel Valley.
The week concludes with the Concours d'Lemons on August 16, celebrating unique and humorously flawed vehicles, and the Concorso Italiano, honoring Italian classics like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati.
As the final event of the week, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17 will be the grand finale, showcasing the world’s most iconic vehicles. With so much to see and do, Monterey Car Week promises to be an unforgettable celebration of automotive culture.
