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The Excitement Returns: Monterey Car Week 2026

The Monterey Car Week and the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance are back from August 7 to 16, 2026, welcoming automotive enthusiasts from all over the globe. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours, heralding a week filled with over 35 events celebrating the finest of automotive excellence against the stunning backdrop of California's central coast.

An iconic event in the automotive calendar, Monterey Car Week attracts more than 100,000 visitors who contribute an estimated $130 million to the local economy. This influx helps support local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, and contributes to the community by benefiting over 100 local charities.

New Highlights for 2026

Piazza Motor Nights: This year, a fresh evening launch party will take place at the new Courtyard by Marriott in Sand City, blending car culture with cocktails, music, and curated experiences.

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion: A first-ever Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) car exhibition will be presented at the Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, honoring Japan's rich automotive motorsport tradition.

Expanded All Roads Lead to Asilomar: This event now features three brand new functions—Electric Coast, Night Rider, and Luau in the Meadow—alongside the return of Woodies in the Woods.

Apex Motorcar Portraits: A new portrait studio founded by women opens in Pacific Grove, showcasing the work of renowned car photographer Alex Szcudlo.

An Eve on the Green: Celebrating the centenary of Route 66, this gala event at The Quail promises a dinner led by Michelin-starred chefs and features exclusive collectible cars, along with a top country music performance.

Exotics on Broadway: This event introduces a new pavilion for exhibitors and hypercars on Del Monte Avenue, which will be accessible through an optional entrance.

75th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance: The prestigious Concours will introduce a special exhibit featuring a remarkable collection of Lamborghini Miuras, commemorating the car's 60th anniversary. This exhibit is set to be the largest gathering of Miuras ever assembled.

Rob O'Keefe, the president and CEO of See Monterey, emphasized the broader impact of the Monterey Car Week: "This event serves as a global hub for automotive culture and creates economic vitality and community prosperity that extend far beyond the events themselves." O'Keefe also urged visitors to plan ahead, adhere to community guidelines, and respect the local environment to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

Charity and Community Impact

The annual impact of Car Week on the local economy is significant. Not only does it bring visitors, but it also supports local charities through initiatives like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, which has raised over $45 million for charitable causes since its inception in 1950, including a remarkable $4 million in 2025 alone. Last year, a unique Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made was auctioned for $26 million to benefit the Ferrari Foundation.

For visitors, over 15 free events are scheduled throughout the county, including the quirky Concours d'Lemons and the classic car parade known as the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance. A complete list of free events and family-friendly itineraries can be found at SeeMonterey.com.

O'Keefe added a note on the importance of responsible behavior: "It’s essential to enjoy Monterey Car Week in a safe and respectful manner. We encourage everyone, travelers and residents alike, to focus on following traffic rules and showing consideration towards communities so that all can enjoy these events to the fullest."

Planning Your Visit

For those looking to experience the excitement of Car Week, SeeMonterey.com has been revamped and is now an essential tool for both visitors and media. The site includes an interactive events map and an AI-based itinerary planner, along with a fresh mascot, Otto the otter, guiding the way to sustainable tourism.

Travelers are encouraged to respect the local culture during their visit and to leave no trace behind. Enjoying the region means taking the time to explore responsibly and honoring the people who make Monterey County a worthwhile destination. Visit SeeMonterey.com/Sustainable for more tips on responsible tourism.

For high-resolution images, visit our visual gallery dedicated to the Monterey Car Week,

About See Monterey

See Monterey, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, advocates for tourism in Monterey County, which is the peninsula's most significant economic sector and the county's second-largest. The organization promotes community prosperity and economic vitality through responsible growth in tourism, which contributed to $3.3 billion in spending and supported nearly 28,000 jobs in 2025. For more information, follow us on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.