Monterey Car Week 2026 officially gets underway this weekend, kicking off ten days of concours, races, and auctions across the Monterey Peninsula. While the marquee concours and auction days don’t arrive until August 12–16, this opening weekend still packs plenty of action, from a free downtown kickoff party to two days of vintage racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Here’s everything happening Friday through Sunday.
Friday, August 7 — Car Week Kicks Off
Monterey Car Week Kickoff — 5–7 p.m.
Free and open to the public, the Kickoff takes place along Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey (300 block, near the Monterey Conference Center and Portola Hotel & Spa). About 30 historic race cars that will soon compete in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion line the street, with drivers on hand to meet fans alongside live music, giveaways, and family-friendly activities.
Apex Motorcar Portraits — reservations required
New for 2026, this private photo experience at Asilomar State Beach lets owners capture a professional portrait with their own vehicle. Those without a classic of their own can book a session using a vintage car supplied by Monterey Touring Vehicles.
Racing to Del Monte & Pebble Beach Vintage Racing Exhibit
A running exhibit tracing the history of Monterey’s legendary road races through rare photographs, vintage memorabilia, interactive displays, and expert talks on the Pebble Beach Road Races. It stays up throughout the opening weekend.
Saturday, August 8 — Racing Begins at Laguna Seca
Monterey Pre-Reunion, Day One — 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Monterey Salinas Highway, Salinas. More than 300 historic race cars hit the track for practice and qualifying ahead of next week’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The paddock is fully open to wander, giving fans a relaxed, up-close look at the cars and crews before the main event. Ticketed.
5th Annual Corkscrew Hillclimb & Community Day — 5–7 p.m.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Cars tackle the track’s famous Corkscrew in reverse during this 90-minute timed hillclimb, a favorite among fans and photographers. Drivers will be chasing the 29.535-second record set in 2025 by Christine Sloss in a Ferrari SF90 XX Spider.
Apex Motorcar Portraits & Racing to Del Monte Exhibit Continue
Both the Asilomar photo sessions and the vintage racing history exhibit remain open to visitors throughout the day.
Sunday, August 9 — Pre-Reunion Wraps Up
Monterey Pre-Reunion, Day Two — 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Eleven race groups take to the track twice as teams finish prepping for the Rolex Motorsports Reunion. Bonhams also sets up a preview display of select cars from its upcoming Laguna Seca auction, giving early arrivals a first look at what will cross the block later in the week.
Corkscrew Hillclimb, Day Two
The hillclimb competition returns to close out the weekend, with cars again racing the clock up the iconic Corkscrew.
Apex Motorcar Portraits & Racing to Del Monte Exhibit Continue
Both the private Asilomar photo sessions and the vintage racing exhibit remain available for visitors wrapping up their opening weekend.
Looking Ahead
Car Week ramps up considerably starting Monday, August 10, with the Quail Rally, the Automobilia Collectors Expo, Monterey British, and the first auction previews of the week. Check back for our full guide to the marquee concours, auction, and gathering days still to come.
John Lloyd