While Monterey Car Week is renowned for its high-end car shows, auctions, and rallies, it also features a plethora of family-friendly events that cater to car enthusiasts of all ages. From classic car parades and interactive exhibits to kids’ zones and scenic tours, Car Week ensures that families can enjoy the festivities together. Check out our list of family-friendly events below.
If you are driving into town on HWY 101, a great pit stop to start your Car Week adventure is to visit the California Welcome Center in Salinas. The Welcome Center showcases a diverse display of Monterey County's history. You'll find informative literature and fascinating items that collectively narrate the story of the region.
Porsche Monterey Classic Event
August 11 (Seaside)
Another free event that the whole family will enjoy features a showcase of classic and modern Porsche sports cars, live music, food trucks, local artisans, and more. Car enthusiasts of any age have the chance to take photos of the cars and witness the evolution of Porsche’s iconic designs. This is a great way to kick off an eventful week and enjoy an evening of luxury automotive excellence.
Little Car Show
August 13 (Pacific Grove)
The Little Car Show is free for all spectators. Families can enjoy strolling through the scenic streets of Pacific Grove, filled with a diverse array of vehicles, including multi-marque, mini, micro, steam, electric, and arcane models, each with its own story and charm. The event also features a raffle, awards for participating cars, and an opportunity for visitors to explore the shops and eateries in the area. Additionally, there is a chance to see all the cars cruise through Lover’s Point to Ocean View Blvd and onto Asilomar State Beach.
Woodies in the Woods
August 14 (Pacific Grove)
This inaugural event will feature a vibrant display of classic, wood-paneled cars set against the picturesque backdrop of Pacific Grove's forest, providing a family-friendly experience. In addition, enjoy live music, tasty food offerings and free parking near Asilomar State Beach.
Ferrari Owners Club Concours Carmel
August 14 (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
Spend the day in Carmel-by-the-Sea and surround yourself with a festive atmosphere of Ferraris and Italian motorcycles! The Ferrari Owners Club Concours is a free event that spans four blocks in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Attendees can enjoy music, live interviews and awards presentations throughout the day. Concours entrants can enjoy delicious morning coffee, pastries and a 3-course lunch with refreshments from Chef Pepe’s Little Napoli and Bar Napoli.
Concours d’Lemons
August 16 (Seaside)
Take your family to one of the most unique Car Week events in the county! The cars are competing to win the “The Worst of Show” trophy, and this year introduces a new category for the “This Car Should Have Been a Lawsuit” trophy! This is a fun, free, and entertaining way to experience Car Week and see all the wacky and creative cars.
Concorso Italiano
August 15-16 (Seaside)
Concorso Italiano is a premier Italian lifestyle event held at Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course. Take your kids to explore luxury cars, elegant motorcycles, mopeds, and technologically advanced bicycles. This event not only showcases Italian craftsmanship and design in every detail but also offers picturesque views of Monterey Bay that will be enjoyed by all ages. Delicious cuisine, wine and Italian music will keep the party going.
Monterey Motorsports Festival
August 16 (Monterey)
The festival offers engaging experiences for all ages, featuring a dedicated kids' zone filled with fun and creative activities, including car painting, Obstacle Courses, an Oval Race Course with Tricycles, bounce houses, and fun photo-ops. This festival offers entertainment all day long, whether you're a die-hard car enthusiast or just looking for a great day out with the family. This is one great way to experience Car Week.
When attending Car Week, it’s crucial to minimize the time spent in traffic. Toddlers and traffic don’t mix well, so to make everyone’s experience go a bit more smoothly, plan your routes ahead of time by using our interactive map and downloading our See Monterey app! Visit Monterey County's Current Traffic Advisories and Closures for real-time traffic updates.
