What date is Monterey Car Week?

[ElliottMarie]

Monterey Car Week 2024 is scheduled from Friday, August 16, to Sunday, August 25. The core events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, are concentrated from Thursday, August 22, through the final weekend. The dates shift slightly each year but consistently occupy the third full week of August in and around Monterey, California.

The 10-day period is a carefully orchestrated sequence of events. The opening weekend (August 16-18) typically features kick-off events like the Little Car Show and rallies. The main “Days on the Lawn” events at exclusive venues like The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, run from August 22-24. The week culminates with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca on Sunday, August 25.

Planning requires understanding this tiered schedule. Key public auctions by houses like RM Sotheby's and Gooding & Company are held August 15-17. The Monterey Car Week official website, seemonterey.com, is the primary source for the master calendar.

For major events, ticket availability and pricing are critical. The Pebble Beach Concours is the most exclusive, with tickets often sold out nearly a year in advance and general admission for 2024 priced at $550. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is another high-demand event, with all-access passes historically costing over $1,100. In contrast, events like the Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally or the Concours d'LeMons offer free or low-cost access, providing a more casual experience.

A practical data comparison of two premier events illustrates the different experiences and planning requirements:

Event	2024 Date	Ticket Cost (General)	Key Feature	Planning Horizon
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance	Sun, Aug 25	~$550	Judged show of rare classics; peak elegance	6-12 months advance
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering	Fri, Aug 23	~$1,100+	Focus on sports & performance cars; gourmet food	4-8 months advance

Market activity during the week is significant. According to industry reports from Hagerty, the auction sales during Monterey Car Week consistently represent one of the highest-grossing classic car markets globally. In recent years, total auction sales have fluctuated between $300 million and $450 million across the major auction houses, with peak years seeing individual cars sell for over $20 million.

Accommodation and travel must be booked far ahead. Hotels in Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach are typically fully booked 9-12 months in advance for the core week. A realistic strategy is to consider staying in surrounding areas like Salinas or Marina, with a 30-45 minute drive to events, and to secure rental cars early.

Traffic and parking are substantial challenges. Roads like the 17-Mile Drive experience heavy congestion. Utilizing official shuttle services offered for events like the Concours is highly recommended. The local climate in August is generally mild, with coastal fog in the mornings clearing to sunshine, so layered clothing is advised.

[DelGrace]

As someone who lives here, let me tell you, “Car Week” completely transforms the peninsula from mid-August onward. The official dates are August 16-25 this year, but you’ll see amazing cars on the roads days before and after.

If you’re visiting, don’t just focus on the big-ticket events. Some of the best memories are free.

Wake up early and grab coffee in Carmel. You’ll see priceless classics parked casually on Ocean Avenue. Drive along 17-Mile Drive any afternoon—it’s a moving museum.

For a local’s tip, the Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally on that Saturday morning is fantastic and family-friendly. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the variety of cars is incredible.

Just plan for traffic. Our quiet coastal roads become packed, so build in extra travel time for everything.

[Tina]

I attended for the first time last year, and my main advice is to manage your expectations and budget. The dates are August 16-25, 2024.

The iconic Pebble Beach Concours is incredibly expensive and sells out incredibly fast. I couldn’t get a ticket. Instead, I focused on events I could actually access.

I bought a ticket for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca. For about $100, I got to hear historic race cars at full throttle all day—an unforgettable experience. I also spent a day just walking around Carmel-by-the-Sea, which was filled with exotic cars.

My takeaway? You don’t need a Concours ticket to have an amazing time. Research all the events, pick a few that fit your budget, and leave plenty of time for the incredible informal car-spotting.

[KadenLynn]

For me, Monterey Car Week (August 16-25 this year) is the ultimate photography assignment. The light on the Monterey coast in late August is perfect.

The key is scouting. The Concours on Sunday is the pinnacle, but the true gems are found elsewhere. The pre-1940 cars at the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance on Thursday, rolling through the hills, offer dynamic shots you can’t get on the lawn.

At Laguna Seca, secure a spot at the Corkscrew for dramatic panning shots. In Carmel, the side streets during the evening provide stunning still-life compositions with perfect golden-hour light.

My gear list is always two bodies: one with a telephoto for detail shots and one with a wide-angle for context. Capture the people, the reactions, the atmosphere—it’s more than just metal.

[TylerLee]

From a collector’s perspective, Monterey is the absolute center of the universe for one week every August. The 2024 dates are August 16-25, with the major auctions typically held the preceding weekend, starting around the 15th.

The atmosphere is a unique blend of social event, market barometer, and celebration. While the auctions at RM Sotheby’s, Gooding, and Bonhams are where the public sees record prices, much of the most significant dealing happens privately in hospitality suites or on the golf course.

Attending The Quail or the Concours is less about the ticket price and more about access to that network. It’s where you gauge market sentiment. Last year, the conversation was all about the strength of the 1980s and 90s “youngtimer” segment, which was clearly reflected in the auction results later that weekend.

My strategy is always to arrive early. I come in the week before the official start to attend private viewings and have quiet dinners with other collectors and advisors. By the time the auctions begin, I’ve already formed a clear picture of what I’m interested in and what the realistic price points are. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and preparation is everything.