Monterey Car Week on a Shoestring

If you're a fan of classic cars but your wallet seems a little thin these days, don't despair! There are still ways to do the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance without emptying out your children's college fund. And look at it this way - if you're not bidding on Bugatti's Bugatti, you've already saved $15 million. Click here for a full list of Monterey Car Week events.

See It For Free

Though disguising yourself as a deer and sneaking onto Pebble Beach Golf Links 18th green may seem tempting, there are many other ways to see these great classic cars without shelling out a dime (or wearing fake antlers).

Monterey Car Week Kick-Off

Friday August 11th

Enjoy car week without the crowds (and the entry fees) at  the Monterey Car Week Kick-Off Show on Alvarado Street in Old Monterey. Held on August 11th from 5pm-7pm this classic car show hosted by Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca features over 30 classic race cars accompanied by their drivers and live music.

Concours on the Avenue

Tuesday, August 15th

Meander through Carmel-by-the-Sea's charming cobblestone streets while drooling over some serious eye candy. Ocean Avenue will be closed to traffic and will be filled with over 175 collector cars for free public viewing.

The Little Car Show

Wednesday, August 16th

On Wednesday, view some of the quirkiest cars ever made for free during The Little Car Show on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove.

Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance

Thursday, August 17th

Why go to the cars when you can have them come to you? During Monterey Car Week, classic car collectors show off their vehicles at the many rallies that take to Monterey County's roads. These rallies bring the classic cars to some of the most scenic areas of Monterey County, and their check-in points are frequently conveniently located at area parks. While many keep their routes secret until the big day, you can plan ahead around one of the biggest events.

The biggest rally is the official Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance held on Thursday. Around lunchtime, the vehicles involved will check in at Carmel-by-the-Sea's Devendorf Park, a popular and scenic spot for a picnic. Enjoy your lunch, then stroll down Ocean Avenue for some great views of classic automobiles.

Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally

Friday, August 18th

On Friday, over 200 classic cars converge on Pacific Grove's Lighthouse Avenue and adjacent streets. Pacific Grove's old-fashioned Victorians and Main Street feel create a perfect backdrop for this event.

Exotics on Cannery Row

Friday, August 18th

Try not to drool over some of the most rare and unique automobiles during Exotics on Cannery Row. Held on Friday from 3pm-8pm this entirely free car show features over 300 cars on historic Cannery Row in Monterey.

Concours d'LeMons

Saturday, August 19th

Can't afford to see the best cars in the world at Concours d'Elegance? See the worst cars in the world at the Concours d'LeMons. Held on Saturday, Concours d'LeMons features Pacers, Pintos, Gremlins, Edsels and more. Cars will be judged for titles like "Worst in Show" and "Biggest Loser." 

Car Auctions

Though it may be difficult to get close to the cars up for auction at Pebble Beach, some of the satellite auctions are more accessible. The Worldwide Auctioneers Auction is free for spectators and takes place at the scenic Pacific Grove Golf Links on Thursday. Auction firm Russo and Steele keeps the classic cars for their auction on the waterfront at Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, while Mecum Auction's vehicles are located at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. Both sets of vehicles can be viewed for a small fee Thursday through Saturday. RM Auctions also welcomes the general public to preview its Sports & Classics of Monterey auction for a fee located the Portola Hotel & Spa. You may not be able to buy a classic car, but you can certainly window-shop!