As an automobile enthusiast, one of the most exciting times of year on the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California is the annual week-long auto extravaganza called Monterey Car Week, coming up this year from August 12-18th.
Industry insiders and auto collectors often refer to it as the “Superbowl” of the auto world, as it’s the biggest celebration of automotive culture that you’ve ever witnessed. Whether you love vintage automobiles, powerful muscle cars, glamorous supercars, or ultra-fast hypercars, Monterey Car Week is by far the most out-of-this-world spectacle you could ever imagine.
2024 Monterey Car Week Events – The Best Automotive Shows and Events To Attend
From renowned automotive exhibits, insightful forums with industry leaders and celebrities, thrilling auctions, and glamorous parties, 2024 Monterey Car Week is gearing up to be one of the best auto week celebrations yet.
There are all types of fun-filled celebrations and events going on throughout the week. To help you plan ahead (whether you live locally or intend to visit our beautiful area), here are a number of public 2024 Monterey Car Week events that you can get tickets to or just enjoy for free.
Having attended Monterey Car Week since childhood, I’ve had the opportunity to experience everything from VIP parties and invite-only events to notable automotive shows, exhibits, and auto races. One of the most common questions I get (especially from women) is – “What should I wear?” Well, I’ve got you covered! To learn more about what to wear to Car Week events, check out the Monterey Car Week Style Series on I&C.
Plus, read past years’ car week guides to learn more about industry insiders’ commentary, the future of automobile design and production, and to get the insiders’ scoop on car week VIP parties.
To help you prepare for a supercharged week full of festivities this month, here’s a peek into this year’s lineup of extraordinary 2024 Monterey Car Week events featuring luxury automobiles, supercars, hypercars, vintage classics, and unforgettable experiences.
Motorlux: Experience a unique fusion of culinary excellence and automotive luxury at Motorlux hosted by Hagerty on Wednesday, August 14th at the Monterey Jet Center. This swanky event presents curated food pairings, an impressive display of hundreds of incredible automobiles and aircrafts, culinary stations, premium local wines, and top-shelf cocktails. It promises to be the perfect blend of gastronomy and automotive splendor. You can purchase tickets to this highly popular event, which promises to be a memorable experience.
Legends of the Autobahn: On Thursday, August 15th, you can attend Legends Of The Autobahn® at Bayonet & Blackhorse Golf Course in Seaside. This is an all-German marque Concours d’Elegance hosted by the BMW Car Club of America, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, and the Audi Club of North America. Each year, the Concours draws hundreds of cars and thousands of spectators that fill the show field.
Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally: Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, The Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally is now established as one of the most popular free-to-spectator events of Monterey Car Week on the Monterey Peninsula. On Friday, August 16th, you can enjoy viewing a display of vintage, classic, and contemporary vehicles that will captivate you.
Werks Reunion: On Friday, August 16th, head over to Monterey Pines Golf Course in Monterey for the Werks Reunion, which was created by the Porsche Club of America as an event to celebrate both the Porsche marque as well as the camaraderie of being an enthusiast. As the event hosts say, “This is not a contest of who has removed dust from the deepest crevices in their Porsche but rather a judged show that rewards a Porsche that has been lovingly maintained and presents itself well on the field.”
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: Regarded as one of the most exclusive automotive gatherings in the world, on Friday, August 16th, the highly-regarded, sold-out annual event called The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering (held at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel) will feature the finest vintage automobiles, out-of-this-world hypercars, award-winning supercars, and so much more. Plus, it’s an outstanding opportunity to see global debuts from renowned supercar and hypercar brands including McLaren, Maserati, Lamborghini, Czinger Vehicles, Koenigsegg Automotive, Eccentrica, and more.
Concorso Italiano: The Concorso Italiano will be held on Saturday, August 17th at Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside. This event is popular for supercar aficionados and collectors, as it boasts a diverse and significant collection of exhibited Italian cars, and is centered on as many as 1,000 Italian & exotic automobiles, and Italian motorcycles, as well as the hospitality of the Italian lifestyle.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion: From August 14th-17th, get geared up at the Monterey Historic Car Races, which is a highly-anticipated annual event that showcases hundreds of vintage race cars from different eras. Held at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, this event is a great opportunity to see all types of vintage cars put the pedal to the metal on this world-class racetrack.
Pebble Beach RetroAuto Exhibit: Immerse yourself in the charm of yesteryears at the RetroAuto exhibit, where vintage car enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of memorabilia, automotive collectibles, car-themed fashion and accessories, and rare finds that transport visitors back in time. This exhibit will be open to the public throughout the week, located near The Hay in Pebble Beach.
Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum: Delve deeper into the world of automobiles with insightful discussions, presentations, and interviews by industry experts. Explore the heritage and stories behind these automotive gems. From auto-loving celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno to industry leaders (such as Stellantis’ Ralph Gilles, INFINITI’s Alfonso Albaisa, MotorTrends’ Ed Loh, and more), enjoy hearing lively conversations and memorable stories from these notable figures in an intimate setting in Pebble Beach.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: On Sunday, August 18th, celebrate with auto industry insiders, car collectors, and auto enthusiasts alike at the crowning glory of the week, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This prestigious annual event showcases a stunning collection of vintage cars on the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Each vehicle is a masterpiece that tells the story of automotive elegance and heritage. In addition to this, this world-class historic auto show also acts as a significant fundraiser for Monterey Peninsula non-profits and charities.
For an in-depth look, inspiring interviews with C-level executives, head designers, and auto brand founders, and exciting behind-the-scenes coverage of exclusive events and parties at 2024 Monterey Car Week, subscribe to I&C on MSN and follow Christina-Lauren Pollack on Instagram.
Get ready to experience a world where automotive elegance, innovation, and luxury converge in one spectacular event.
