Everything You Need to Know About the 74th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

As proud locals of Carmel-by-the-Sea, we’re thrilled to share everything you need to know about the 74th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance affectlately known as “Monterey Car Week”.

What began in 1950 as a small concours paired with a local road race has since evolved into the most prestigious automotive event in the world. In fact, it was first held in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Road Races, a now-legendary series of open-road competitions that carved through the Del Monte Forest.

Today, the Concours d’Elegance attracts the rarest, most beautiful, and most historically significant cars on the planet—many of which are invited by the selection committee months in advance. Only the finest survive rigorous vetting to earn a spot on the famed 18th fairway overlooking the Pacific.

Here are a few fascinating facts you may not know:

• Best of Show is the Holy Grail. Only one car earns the top title each year. In 2023, a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster took the crown.
• Global reach. Entrants travel from over 20 countries, with many shipping their cars by air or sea just to compete.
• Royal roots. Past attendees have included princes, rockstars, racing legends, and Hollywood icons—yet the event remains surprisingly intimate.
• Philanthropic powerhouse. Since its inception, the Concours has raised over $35 million for charity, benefiting local organizations throughout Monterey County.
• Judging is exacting. Vehicles are evaluated on authenticity, historical accuracy, elegance, and condition—a process that can take hours per car.
• Concours Sunday is only part of the story. Many of the most historic cars also participate in the Tour d’Elegance on Thursday, proving their drivability along Highway 1 and Big Sur.

Featured Events Throughout Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week runs August 8–17, 2025, and is packed with world-class automotive experiences—from concours and auctions to vintage racing and Italian rallies.

Friday, August 8

• Monterey Car Week Kickoff – Downtown Monterey, 5–7 p.m. Grand opening of the week’s festivities.

Saturday–Sunday, August 9–10

• Monterey Pre‑Reunion & Corkscrew Hillclimb – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. A lineup of historic race cars in action.

Monday, August 11

• Automobilia Collectors Expo – Seaside (Canyon Del Rey). Premier car memorabilia show.
• Porsche Monterey Classic Event – Seaside. Free, family-friendly showcase of classic and modern Porsches with food trucks and live music.

Tuesday, August 12

• Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff – Pacific Grove, 1–5 p.m. Free spectator entry in downtown Pacific Grove.
• Concours for a Cause – Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea. Charitable display of vintage autos.

Wednesday, August 13

• The Little Car Show – Pacific Grove (Lighthouse Avenue), Noon–5 p.m. Free, family-friendly—mini, micro, steam, electric, and arcane cars on display.
• Astons on the Avenue – Carmel. Free showcase of Aston Martins.
• Motorlux – Monterey Jet Center. Luxury vehicles, aircraft, gourmet food, live music.
• Pebble Beach Motoring Classic Arrival – Pacific Grove. Spectacular arrival of the 1,500-mile rally.

Thursday, August 14

• Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance – Scenic drive along Highway 1, free to view.
• Legends of the Autobahn – Pacific Grove Golf Links, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free display of German marques.
• Ferrari Owners Club Concours – Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free for spectators.
• Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show – Carmel, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free and empowering celebration of women in the automotive world.
• Woodies in the Woods – Pacific Grove, Noon–5 p.m. Free exhibit of classic wood-paneled cars with music, food, and local beer.
• Sportscar Vacationland – Carmel Valley, 4–9 p.m. Tickets required. Live art and automotive culture.

Friday, August 15

• Werks Reunion Monterey – Monterey Pines Golf Course. Free for spectators.
• Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally – Lighthouse Avenue, 12–5 p.m. Free to watch as cars rally through the coastline.

Saturday, August 16

• Concours d’LeMons – Seaside City Hall lawn, 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free, quirky competition for wacky cars.
• Exotics on Broadway – Seaside, 1–4 p.m. Free. Showcase of supercars drawing huge crowds.
• Concorso Italiano – Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course, Seaside. Italian automotive elegance with food and music.
• Monterey Motorsports Festival – Monterey County Fairgrounds, 5–11 p.m. Family-friendly festival with kids’ zones.

Sunday, August 17 – The Grand Finale

• Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Culminating event on the 18th fairway—tickets required.
• Monterey Car Week Cruise In – Monterey. Casual gathering following the Concours.

How to Beat the Crowds

• Be an Early Bird: Arrive before 6:00 AM on Concours Sunday for quieter access and prime photo ops. By 9:00 AM the field fills quickly.
• Catch Free Thursday Events: Tour d’Elegance, Ferrari display in downtown Carmel, and Legends of the Autobahn offer spectacular cars without ticket lines.
• Evening Spotting: Walk downtown Carmel or along 17‑Mile Drive after dinner to see exotic cars parked curbside—no ticket needed. ʻ Exotics on Broadwayʼ and town street sightings are popular.
• VIP Access: Consider Club d’Elegance, Chairman’s Hospitality, or Lamborghini Lounge for shaded comfort, parking perks, and elevated concierge service.
• Use the Carmel Shuttle: Round-trip shuttle from Carmel Plaza ($40 all-day / $20 one-way), operating 8:00 AM–6:00 PM on Sunday. Stress-free access to Concours Village and Pebble Beach grounds.

Local Insight for a Seamless Visit

• Book lodging early—homes and hotels sell out fast during Car Week.
• Mix marquee events with relaxed alternatives—tour, expositions, and street-level displays.
• Dress smart casual, bring layers (fog in morning, sun midday), sunscreen, and a good camera.
• Combine fine dining in Carmel with casual car spotting on Ocean Avenue or 17‑Mile Drive.

Whether you're attending for the first time this year, or you’ve watched this event grow from its early days, the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is sure to deliver another unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and California charm. It’s more than a car show—it’s a living museum, a social gathering of global elegance, a tribute to the enduring beauty of the automobile where every vehicle tells a story and every detail reflects decades of passion.

Photo by Quentin Martinez on Unsplash