24 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Car Week AUG. 7-16, 2026 The world’s finest cars make for a bucket-list event. Attendees can expect to see a juried lineup of beautiful and important cars at the Concours (also see and be seen by collecting’s who’s who). But there are modern supercars, classic muscle and so much more at events during the week. And bid on some one-of-akind beauties at auctions. The Pre-Reunion at Laguna Seca gives a taste of what is to come. And the Corkscrew Hillclimb gives the track a twist. The signature event—the Concours d’Elegance—takes place Sunday, Aug. 16. Various locations. (831) 622-1700, pebblebeachconcours.net Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion AUG. 12-15, 2026 This event brings historic race cars to the track at Laguna Seca as part of the broader Car Week happenings. Cars from the early 1900s to recent Formula 1 winners and everything in between take laps. Famous drivers appear, too. It is also home to Bonhams Auction. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 242-8200, weathertechraceway.com West End Celebration AUG. 22-23, 2026 Expect to see a whole host of artists and artisans in the performing arts, visual arts, live music on stage and more at this big, fun block party. This dynamic festival is a little bit different every year as it celebrates whatever local artists are making. Throughout Sand City. westendcelebration.com Monterey County Fair SEPT. 3-7, 2026 Carnival rides—lots of them. Wild fair food, and not just on a stick. Livestock shows and competitions. Live music. It’s all on display at the county fair, an annual staple of summertime fun (and education) for the whole family. Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. (831) 372-5863, montereycountyfair.com Java House Grand Prix of Monterey SEPT. 4-6, 2026 The Java House Grand Prix brings stars of IndyCar, America’s top open wheel series, to the nation’s most iconic road course with championship points on the line. Indy race cars twisting through The Corkscrew? How could anything be better? Well, it’s the season finale, and a champion will be crowned. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 242-8200, weathertechraceway.com Festa Italia SEPT. 11-13, 2026 In 1933, seeking the blessings of their patron saint, local Sicilian fishermen donated a statue of Santa Rosalia to the San Carlos Cathedral. That was then. Now Festa Italia involves food, music, dancing, merchandise and a bocce tournament. It’s all about Italian culture—and fun. Custom House Plaza, Monterey. (831) 633-4444, festaitaliamonterey.org Monterey County Open Studios Art Tour SEPT. 12-13; SEPT. 19-20, 2026 This is an annual opportunity to see local art and also meet the artists and see where their creative process happens. Artists open their studios and exhibition spaces, welcoming guests for this self-guided tour showcasing the range of work that can be found all over Monterey County. It all takes place over two weekends in September. Various locations. arts4mc.org Pure Insurance Championship SEPT. 18-20, 2026 A unique tournament that puts 80 professionals from the PGA Tour Champions series with 160 amateurs and 80 youth golfers from First Tee programs around the nation. The pros vie for a $2.3 million prize purse. The amateurs for bragging rights and the kids for the learning experience. Pebble Beach Golf Links, 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. (831) 649-1533, pureinsurancechampionship.com Gridlife Laguna Festival SEPT. 18-20, 2026 There is much more to Gridlife than drifting, including racing, live music, the popular arcade with its simulators and an impressive display of cars—all things tuner-car culture. But nothing really compares to a show of fullcourse drifting. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 2428200, weathertechraceway.com StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship CELIA JIMÉNEZ Monterey Jazz Festival DANIEL DREIFUSS
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