Pebble Beach on a Budget: Seven free things to do during Monterey auto week
Monterey’s car week can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Sure, some of the big-time events have gotten a bit pricey, but there are plenty of things you can still do for free. Yes, we said “free.”
Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue
What and Why: The downtown Carmel location is delightful, and the event always attracts an amazing field.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 11, all day
Where: Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea
Classic Motorsports Magazine Monterey Kickoff Cruise-In Presented by Hagerty
What and Why: This laid-back cruise-in draws more than 400 great vehicles plus a few famous car people. Come and go as you please. Why not stay for a bit and enjoy a glass of wine, too?
When: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Folktale Winery, 8940 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel
Pebble Beach Retro Auto
What and Why: Need something to decorate your walls? Whether it’s for the living room or the workroom, you’ll find it here at this high-end flea market of automobilia and art.
When: Aug. 13-15, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Inn at Spanish Bay ballrooms, 2700 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach
Baja Cantina Grill & Filling Station Cruise-In
What and Why: This local motorsports-themed watering hole attracts quite the crowd on Thursday evening. This unofficial cruise-in has been going on for years and keeps getting bigger and bigger.
When: Thursday, Aug. 13, about 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 7166 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel
Werks Reunion
What and Why: Back for a second year, the Porsche Club of America will host a show for nothing but Porsches. They’re expecting more than 500, in fact.
When: Friday, Aug. 14, about 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Rancho Cañada Golf Club, 4860 Carmel Valley Road in Monterey
Legends of the Autobahn Presented by Michelin
What and Why: This show brings together three powerhouse German clubs: BMW Car Club of America, the Mercedes Club of America and the Audi Club of North America.
When: Friday, Aug. 14, about 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Nicklaus Club-Monterey, 100 Pasadera Drive in Monterey
Concours d’Lemons Presented by Hagerty and Grassroots Motorsports magazine
What and Why: This one is fun and fabulous. Where else can you experience a perfectly preserved 1975 Ford LTD or a car covered in fur?
When: Saturday, August 15, about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Laguna Grande Park, 1249 Canyon Del Rey Blvd. in Seaside
Our friends at Classic Motorsports magazine helped us put this list together. For more information on these events and the entire schedule of auctions, concours, races and other Monterey events, click here: www.classicmotorsports.com/monterey
