Events & Highlights from Monterey Car Week 2024

Monterey Car Week is a yearly event that celebrates automotive craftsmanship, showcasing a variety of activities centered around classic cars, luxury vehicles, and motorsports. Key attractions include renowned car shows like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, elite events such as The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, vintage races at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and prominent automotive auctions like those hosted by RM Sotheby’s. Here’s a look at the must-see events for 2024.

Monterey Car Week Events & Highlights 2024

Thursday, August 15th

Starting at 7 a.m., the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrates 50 years of historic racing with over 400 cars taking to the track for qualifying rounds. Meanwhile, the Pebble Beach Tour D’Elegance, from 7 a.m. to noon, showcases over 150 Concours participants on a scenic drive along Highway 1. At 8 a.m., the Mecum Monterey Auction begins, offering a variety of vehicles, from classic cars to modern supercars, along with vintage motorcycles.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Legends Of The Autobahn® in Seaside presents a German car Concours d’Elegance, featuring awards for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Finally, the Ferrari Owners Club Concours in Carmel, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., highlights vintage and modern Ferraris, plus Italian motorcycles, with judging, music, and awards.

Starting at 9 a.m., the Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum kicks off its first day with insightful discussions led by automotive experts and enthusiasts, focusing on key issues in the collector car community. At the same time, the Pebble Beach RetroAuto offers a curated collection of rare automotive memorabilia, luxury goods, and modern tech tools.

At Old Fisherman’s Wharf, “Cars, Cocktails, and Calamari” runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring festive car decorations, photo opportunities, and a chance to win Wharf Dollars through a photo and essay contest. Special car-themed cocktails and promotions will also be available. Meanwhile, the Pebble Beach Auctions continues its viewing on Day 2, showcasing some of the finest automobiles for collectors to admire and acquire.

Midday Highlights and Afternoon Events

The Concours Village, open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., serves as the central hub for Car Week activities, offering visitors a chance to explore car forums, manufacturer displays, and memorabilia. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show highlights women-owned hypercars, classics, muscle cars, sports cars, and electric vehicles, with proceeds supporting the Prancing Ponies Foundation.

RM Sotheby’s Auction hosts its public preview day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., continuing its legacy of high-caliber consignments and record-breaking sales. Finally, from 3 to 8 p.m., UpShift celebrates classic cars and Hip-Hop culture, merging these two passions in a unique cultural event.

Friday, August 16th

Starting at 7 a.m., the Werks Reunion Monterey offers a stunning display of Porsches, featuring everything from rare classics to the latest models. Meanwhile, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion enters its third day, with over 400 historic race cars taking to the track. The event also includes a variety of Monterey wines, craft beers, go-karting, and kid-friendly activities, making it a lively, interactive museum experience.

At 8 a.m., the Mecum Monterey Auction continues with its second day, showcasing a diverse selection of vehicles, from prewar classics and vintage muscle cars to luxury exotics, modern supercars, and a collection of vintage motorcycles. Later, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, provides an exclusive experience for motorsports enthusiasts and collectors, featuring rare automobiles and motorcycles in a picturesque garden-party setting on the rolling greens of The Quail.

Starting at 9 a.m., the Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum enters its second day, offering engaging discussions with automotive leaders and legends on the most pressing topics in the collector car world. The Pebble Beach RetroAuto continues its showcase of rare collectibles and memorabilia alongside the latest luxury goods and technological innovations. Concours Village also remains open, serving as the central hub for Pebble Beach Car Week experiences, including the Classic Car Forums and RetroAuto, and featuring manufacturer displays, official Ride & Drives, and memorabilia for purchase.

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., car collectors can explore the Pebble Beach Auctions, where they’ll have the chance to see and acquire automobiles of exceptional quality and provenance. Over at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Cars, Cocktails, and Calamari offers festive car decor, photo opportunities, and a chance to win Wharf Dollars through a photo and essay contest, with additional classic cars on display at Custom House Plaza.

Midday Highlights and Afternoon Events

The RM Sotheby’s Auction continues its public preview from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., showcasing a tradition of record-breaking results and high-caliber consignments. Meanwhile, the Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally kicks off at noon, inviting enthusiasts to appreciate a wide range of vehicles and embark on a scenic Rally Drive along the Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach shoreline.

Capping off the day at 6 p.m., the documentary premiere of “Edith: Volcano Ascent” highlights a small team’s ambitious quest to set a world altitude record by conquering the highest active volcano on earth, Chile’s Ojos del Salado, in a Porsche 911 named Edith. Attendees can watch the film, connect with fellow Porsche enthusiasts, and meet the historic vehicle itself.

Saturday, August 17th

Day 4 of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion kicks off at 7 a.m., bringing to life some of the world’s most historic and rare vehicles as they compete in the Rolex Races. This event is a living museum, featuring stage presentations, legendary drivers, and a special 50th-anniversary exhibition that celebrates past marques. Tickets are required.

Starting at 8 a.m., the quirky Concours d’Lemons returns to poke fun at Monterey Car Week with a display of oddball, mundane, and truly awful cars. This event is all about having fun with celebrity judges, lots of laughs, and a celebration of the automotive world’s misfits.

Also beginning at 8 a.m., the Mecum Monterey Auction continues with its third day, showcasing a wide range of vehicles, including prewar classics, vintage muscle cars, luxury exotics, modern supercars, and approximately 100 vintage and antique motorcycles.

Pebble Beach RetroAuto, running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offers a curated collection of rare collectibles and automotive memorabilia, along with the latest luxury goods and technology. Simultaneously, the Pebble Beach Auctions provide an opportunity for car collectors to view and acquire vehicles of exceptional quality and provenance.

Throughout the day, Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum hosts discussions with automotive leaders, while Concours Village serves as the central hub for Pebble Beach Car Week, offering manufacturer displays, ride-alongs, and memorabilia for purchase.

From 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Cars, Cocktails, and Calamari at Old Fisherman’s Wharf provides festive car decor, photo opportunities, and a chance to win Wharf Dollars through a photo and essay contest. Custom House Plaza will feature classic cars on display for the RM Sotheby’s Auction.

Midday Highlights and Afternoon Events

At 10 a.m., Concorso Italiano begins, focusing on up to 1,000 Italian and exotic cars and motorcycles. Meanwhile, RM Sotheby’s Auction continues its public preview from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a look at high-caliber consignments.

In the afternoon, Exotics on Broadway takes over with a showcase of Super, Hyper, and Exotic Cars, featuring the 2024 marque Koenigsegg Automotive AB in celebration of their 30th anniversary. Later, the Monterey Motorsports Festival offers enthusiasts workshops, racing simulators, interviews, autograph sessions, live music, and local food.

Finally, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Ferrari Event at The Barnyard features a gathering of vintage and new Ferraris, curated wine tastings, and small bites, with proceeds benefiting The Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation.

Sunday, August 18th

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pebble Beach RetroAuto offers a carefully curated collection of rare automotive collectibles and memorabilia, alongside the latest luxury goods and modern tech. Meanwhile, Concours Village serves as the epicenter of Pebble Beach Car Week, providing access to Classic Car Forums, RetroAuto, manufacturer displays, and the chance to experience official Ride & Drives or pick up some unique memorabilia.

At Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Cars, Cocktails, and Calamari runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring festive car-themed decorations, photo opportunities, and a contest where participants can submit photos and short essays of their favorite cars to win Wharf Dollars. Special cocktails and promotions are available for purchase.

Later, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance takes place on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, where the world’s finest collector cars compete for the prestigious Best of Show title. These vehicles are judged on elegance, technical merit, and historical significance, drawing car enthusiasts from around the globe. Tickets are required.

Finally, from 1 to 5 p.m., car enthusiasts can join the Car Week Cruise-In, a casual gathering where participants can show off their vehicles, mingle with fellow car lovers, enjoy participant goodies, purchase merchandise, and compete for custom Car Week trophies. Hosted by Monterey Touring Vehicles, this event invites everyone to bring their rides and share in the fun.

Overview of Monterey Car Week 2024

Overall, Monterey Car Week 2024 promises an unparalleled celebration of automotive excellence. As in years past, the event’s grandeur and excitement remain unmatched. This year’s diverse lineup caters to all car enthusiasts, from classic car aficionados to vintage racing fans and modern supercar admirers.

For more information on Monterey Car Week, follow Car and Driver’s live blog coverage of the upcoming events.