Family events in Monterey, CA

Monterey Car Week is a ten-day celebration of luxury automobiles in the heart of Monterey, running August 7 through August 16, 2026. The week kicks off with major car-show activities, includes a mix of ticketed and free events happening throughout town, and culminates on August 16 with the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, featuring some of the rarest and most exceptional vehicles.

Bring your agility dog for the PWDCNC All Breed agility trials at Manzanita Park. Trials run over multiple days, and the first run in Novice for each dog each day is free to the entrant. Check in is through Abbadogs.com, and questions can be directed to Leslie Holt or Debbie Price.

Join Miss Sarah Sunshine from It’s Circle Time for a fun, educational program designed for young children and the adults who love them. The session features singing, dancing, stories, and other playful activities that support early literacy, emotional growth, and joyful learning. The event is included with daily admission, and members get free admission.

Monterey Car Week kicks off in Downtown Monterey with a classic car show presented by WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Alvarado Street near the Monterey Conference Center and the Portola Hotel and Spa will showcase 30 classic race cars, with opportunities to meet the drivers behind these machines. The celebration features live music and giveaways.

The Monterey Pre-Reunion presents two days of on-track action with more than 300 race cars competing in a relaxed, less crowded setting ahead of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The paddock is open to explore, where visitors can stroll through the pits, watch teams prepare their cars, and see entries heading to pre-grid up close. On Sunday, the Corkscrew Hillclimb competition returns along with Community Day, adding extra excitement to the historic racing atmosphere.

Enjoy a scenic ride with the Kruz3r Mob along the Monterey Peninsula, traveling from Seaside Beach to Lovers Point with a lunch break on Cannery Row. The route includes additional stops for refreshments and photos, and it is suitable for families. Friends are welcome. Pack sunscreen and bring a lock.

At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the fifth annual hillclimb sends drivers up the Corkscrew in the opposite direction. Over a 90-minute session, a mix of specialty cars and race cars tackles the climb while chasing the benchmark, with each run aimed at surpassing the world record time of 29.535 seconds set in 2025.

Concours for a Cause returns as an early highlight of Monterey Car Week, presenting a standout showcase of vintage, classic, and collectible automobiles in a charming village atmosphere. In addition to the cars, the event features local artists, community exhibits, boutique shopping, dining, and other cultural experiences, all in support of charitable initiatives. Admission is free.

Part of Car Week, an after-hours celebration of California car culture unfolds in Asilomar’s underground garage, bringing together award winning lowriders and timeless classics. The display emphasizes craft and imagination, from meticulous paint and gleaming chrome to custom interiors that showcase the personality of each build. Rooted in Chicano style and lowrider traditions, the showcase honors creativity, pride, and self-expression. A live DJ with The Mothership Connection spins vintage vinyl while attendees explore artisan makers and specialty vendors and enjoy local food throughout the evening. Admission is $65 per person and includes entry plus two complimentary drinks. A voting contest invites participants to cast a ballot and spotlight the crowd favorites.

Legends of the Autobahn is a Concours d’Elegance devoted to German marques at Pacific Grove Golf Links in Pacific Grove, California. Organized by the BMW Car Club of America, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, and the Audi Club of North America, this annual showcase features corral parking alongside formally judged displays. Awards are presented for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, and an open class highlights other German-built automobiles.

Experience the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a classic car event at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Plan to spend the day there as car enthusiasts and collectors gather to celebrate classic automobiles.

Classic wood‑paneled cars roll into a forested setting at Asilomar for this second annual gathering. Families and car fans can explore a showcase of beautiful woodies, with featured vehicles from the Santa Cruz Woodies club. Live music by Koastal Konnection sets the tone, and there will be food and a beer garden to enjoy. Admission is free. Parking is complimentary on the property in Lots B, C, E, and F, with overflow in Lots D and P. Street parking is also available. For more information, call 831.372.8016.