Monterey Car Week runs Aug. 7–16

See Monterey said Monterey Car Week will run from Aug. 7 through Aug. 16, bringing more than 35 events to California’s Central Coast over 10 days. The annual stretch of auctions, concours shows, races and manufacturer displays centers on the Monterey Peninsula and builds toward the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Aug. 16, according to the tourism group’s Aug. 4 release. Local officials and residents are already dealing with the practical effects of the crowds before the first full weekend begins. KSBW reported on Aug. 5 that new no-parking signs were installed near Bixby Bridge ahead of the event to reduce congestion and improve safety. ### When does the week actually start, and how broad is the schedule? Aug. 7 is the opening day of Monterey Car Week, according to See Monterey’s official event listings. The tourism organization said the 2026 program spans more than 35 events across Monterey County, with activity spread across Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach, Seaside and surrounding areas. (prnewswire.com) KSBW reported on Aug. 3 that the schedule includes 10 days of races, concours events, luxury car unveilings, auctions and community shows across the peninsula. The outlet described the event as a day-by-day series rather than a single festival in one venue. ### Why are Bixby Bridge parking rules part of the story before the event opens? New signs were installed along both sides of Highway 1 near Bixby Bridge this week, KSBW reported on Aug. 5. (prnewswire.com) The station said the signs were put up just before Car Week begins Friday, reflecting local efforts to control one of the region’s most photographed and congested roadside stops. (ksbw.com) Monterey County approved a 12-month parking prohibition near the bridge earlier this year, and regional coverage said the restricted stretch runs roughly 900 feet north and 700 feet south of the bridge. The goal, according to local reports, is to address pedestrian and driver safety concerns as tourism rises during major travel periods including Car Week. (ksbw.com) ### What kinds of events fill the first half of the week? Monday, Aug. 10 opens several early-week programs, including the Automobilia Collectors Expo, the Automobilia Collectors Auction preview, the ACE Forum and The Porsche Monterey Classic, according to published event calendars. Those listings show the week ramps up before the larger auction and concours cluster later in the schedule. (sanluisobispo.com) Tuesday, Aug. 11 includes the second day of the Automobilia Collectors Expo and Concours for a Cause, according to event schedules cited by ClassicCars.com and other Monterey listings. The Automobilia Collectors Expo’s own site also says its live auction is scheduled for Aug. 11 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Seaside. ### What happens later in the week after the early collector events? (whatsupmonterey.com) Wednesday, Aug. 12 and Thursday, Aug. 13 bring a heavier concentration of headline events, according to the published calendars. Those days include the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, auction previews and sales, Motorlux, the Little Car Show, Legends of the Autobahn, Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance and Pebble Beach RetroAuto. (automobiliacollectorsexpo.com) Aug. 16 is the date of the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which See Monterey identified as the closing anchor of the 2026 program. The tourism group said the county becomes the center of car culture during the event’s 10-day run. ### Where should attendees and locals look next? (whatsupmonterey.com) Published schedules on See Monterey and local event guides list daily programming from Aug. 7 through Aug. 16, including Tuesday’s Automobilia Collectors Expo and Concours for a Cause. KSBW and other local outlets are also tracking traffic and parking changes, including the newly posted restrictions near Bixby Bridge as crowds begin arriving this week. (seemonterey.com) (prnewswire.com)