Monterey Car Week begins the second week of August in 2024. The annual auto enthusiasts’ paradise is a collection of car shows, auctions and other special events for exotic and classic car lovers alike. The best part? The entire thing takes place against the beautiful backdrop of the Monterey Peninsula.To assist in building your Car Week agenda, here’s a breakdown of some events you won’t want to miss—plus a few tips from a local.Friday, Aug. 9 Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca hosts the Monterey Classic Car Week Cruise-In. This event features dozens of classic race cars, kicking everything off in old-school style. The cars can be seen parked along one of the best areas for car spotting throughout Car Week: Alvarado Street in Downtown Monterey. Saturday and Sunday, Aug.10-11 Those who just can’t wait for what’s to come during the week may find themselves at the Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb. These are perfect opportunities for eager racing enthusiasts to get an up-close view of hundreds of race cars. The Pre-Reunion gives spectators a behind-the-scenes look at cars set to compete in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion a full two days before it starts. The Hillclimb, a newer event, features a mix of historic race cars and novel exhibition vehicles racing reverse-course on the iconic Corkscrew.Monday, Aug.12 The can’t-miss Porsche Monterey Classic takes place Monday in Sand City. This event has complimentary hand-rolled cigars, whiskey tasting, local wine and plenty of Porsches. In previous years, the event has even hosted the unveiling of the newest Porsche model (complete with pyrotechnics). Looking to have your own car featured in the event? Classic Porsches 10 and older are invited to register. The start of the workweek also marks Day 1 of the Automobilia Collector’s Expo, the country’s single largest automotive memorabilia show. The Expo takes place through Wednesday, Aug. 14.Tuesday, Aug. 13 Those looking for a free, walkable, family-friendly event should check out the Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff. In 2024, the event returns to Pacific Grove. Hosted by Classic Motorsports Magazine, the Kickoff features new exotics and timeless classics, all along Lighthouse Avenue.Wednesday, Aug. 14 The Little Car Show is another free event on Lighthouse in Pacific Grove. This show hosts timeless favorites—all featured cars must be at least 25 years old. Also free, Astons on the Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea draws spectators to another local landmark for car spotting: Ocean Avenue in Downtown Carmel.Those looking for something extravagant shouldn’t miss Motorlux at Monterey Jet Center. This event combines supercars, fine wine, gourmet eats and even aircrafts from every era.Three events (Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach Auctions, RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction in Downtown Monterey and the 50th Rolex Motorsports Reunion) run until Saturday. The Bonham’s Quail Auction in Carmel Valley will run until Friday.Thursday, Aug. 15 Thursday marks day 1 of 3 for the Mecum Monterey Auction at the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa.Eagle-eyed spectators can also catch over 150 Concours participants cruising around the Peninsula on Highway 1 and 17-Mile-Drive for the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance. Stick around after the Tour for day 1 of the Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum in Concours Village. The Forum is a truly special opportunity for networking and conversation with legends of the industry, ending Saturday. Additionally, Thursday is the only all-female show of the week: the Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show in Downtown Carmel (another free event). Friday, Aug.16 The Werks Reunion, a showcase of classic and modern Porsches, is an all-day event with vendors and a show to remember near the Monterey County Fairgrounds.Also on Friday, Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally is a great opportunity for casual car-spotting as vintage, classic, sports and luxury vehicles cruise 17-Mile Drive.Saturday, Aug. 17 The weekend begins with the punchline of Car Week: Concours d’LeMons, a free event at Seaside City Hall for those who like a good laugh. This locals’ favorite features only the weirdest and the worst cars around. Its exact opposite? Another free event in Seaside, Exotics on Broadway: a flashy showcase of the newest and the rarest of the automotive world.For lovers of Italian engineering, the Concorso Italiano is the must-see event of the weekend with around 1,000 Italian cars and motorcycles at Bayonet & Blackhorse in Seaside. In Carmel, the Ferrari Owner Club Concours is worth a visit too. Those looking for a fun night out should stick around Carmel Barnyard after the event for live music and a buzzing crowd.Sunday, Aug. 18 Pebble Beach Golf Links hosts the grand finale of the weekend, and the crown jewel of Monterey Car Week— the unparalleled Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. There, on the 18th fairway, the finest collector cars from all over the globe gather for the chance to be judged ‘Best of Show.’