Few events in the automotive world carry the kind of weight that Pebble Beach does. Every August, the most prized collector cars on the planet gather on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The air smells of sea salt and motor oil. Elegantly dressed enthusiasts stroll past machines worth millions. And the tension builds until a single car is crowned Best of Show.
This year, the event reaches a remarkable milestone. The 75th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance takes place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at The Lodge at Pebble Beach in California. It is not just another year. It is a diamond jubilee for a show that has defined automotive culture for three-quarters of a century. If you are planning to attend, or simply want to understand what makes this edition so extraordinary, this guide covers everything you need to know.
A Tradition Born in 1950
The story of Pebble Beach begins in November 1950. The first concours was held alongside a road race through Del Monte Forest, near the Monterey Peninsula. Cars were judged in a field near the tennis courts and then paraded down the start-finish straight of the racecourse. It was a modest beginning for what would become the world’s premier automotive gathering.
Over the following decades, the event grew in prestige, scale, and ambition. Road racing at Pebble Beach ended in 1956 when the course became too dangerous. However, the Concours continued to evolve on its own. It became known for assembling once-in-a-lifetime collections of cars and connecting the world’s greatest designers with their finest creations.
Today, the event has raised more than 32 million dollars for nearly 100 charities on the Monterey Peninsula. That charitable mission remains central to its identity in 2026.
What Makes the 75th Anniversary Special
This anniversary is not being treated as a routine milestone. The organizers have designed the 2026 program to look backward and forward at the same time. Several of the most beloved themes from past years are returning, while entirely new classes make their debut.
Ferrari as the Featured Marque
Ferrari will serve as the primary featured marque for the 75th edition. The Italian manufacturer has deep roots at Pebble Beach. A Ferrari first appeared at the Concours in 1951, when collector Jim Kimberly brought his 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta. Since then, the brand and the event have grown together.
This year’s tribute focuses on Ferrari’s overall Le Mans winners and North American Racing Team competition cars. These machines represent some of the most significant moments in motorsport history. Additionally, Carrozzeria Vignale will be honored as the featured coachbuilder. Vignale’s postwar Italian designs are among the most sculptural and elegant in automotive history.
New Special Classes for 2026
Three brand-new competition classes debut this year, each offering a fresh window into automotive history.
The Early American Speedsters class celebrates pre-World War I performance cars. Think of the Mercer Raceabout and the Stutz Bearcat, machines that defined early American sporting spirit through pure mechanical ambition and minimalist design.
The Classic Streamliners class honors the aerodynamic visions of the 1930s. During that era, designers were captivated by the idea of shapes tested in wind tunnels. The result was a generation of cars with flowing fenders, sloping grilles, and fastback rear ends that looked like nothing before or since.
The Japanese Motorsports class is another new addition, recognizing the engineering excellence and racing heritage of Japan’s most storied performance manufacturers.
Road Racing Greats Return
As part of its anniversary celebration, the 2026 Concours will also pay tribute to its racing heritage. Two special classes will showcase the sports racers that competed in the original Pebble Beach Road Races. One class will focus on cars that raced in close-to-original form. The other will highlight modified specials built by privateers and constructors. Names like Phil Hill, Carroll Shelby, Ken Miles, and Richie Ginther are woven into the fabric of this history.
The Sunbeam 1000 HP Makes Its US Debut
One of the most anticipated moments of the week involves a car that has been asleep for over 90 years. The Sunbeam 1000 HP was the first automobile to achieve a land speed record of 200 miles per hour. It has been undergoing careful restoration at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England. If the restoration is completed on schedule, the car will make its US debut at the 2026 Concours before attempting a centennial speed run at Daytona the following spring.
The Full Week: Pebble Beach Automotive Week Schedule
The main Concours is just one day. However, the surrounding week is packed with events that attract car lovers from every corner of the globe. Here is a guide to the key dates.
Wednesday, August 12 brings the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction and Motorlux, the exclusive evening party that marks the unofficial start of the festivities. Motorlux is a by-invitation experience for collectors, designers, and enthusiasts who want to celebrate cars at the highest level.
Thursday, August 13 opens Pebble Beach RetroAuto and sees the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance begin. RetroAuto is located in the Concours Village and is open to the public at no charge from Thursday through Concours Sunday. It features rare automobilia, historic collectibles, art, literature, and official Concours merchandise.
The Tour d’Elegance, presented by Rolex, sends Concours-eligible vehicles on a scenic drive through the Monterey Peninsula. This is not just a parade. Cars that complete the tour and then compete on Sunday receive a green rosette on their Concours entry card. If a tie occurs during judging, a touring car gets the advantage.
Friday, August 14 features The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, held at Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel. It is one of the most exclusive events of the week. Car collections at The Quail span rare pre-war vehicles, modern hypercars, and everything in between. The atmosphere is garden party meets automotive museum.
Saturday, August 15 hosts the Monterey Motorsports Festival and several major collector car auctions. Auction houses including Mecum offer hundreds of consignments ranging from pre-war classics and vintage muscle cars to modern supercars and antique motorcycles.
Sunday, August 16 is Concours day. The show field opens to car entrants at dawn. Spectators with credentials can enter from 5:30 in the morning. Judging begins at 8:00 am, and the Awards Ceremony and Live Show runs from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. The day ends with the announcement of Best of Show, the most prestigious award in the collector car world.
Tickets: What You Need to Know
General Admission
General admission tickets allow you to stroll the show field, watch judging, visit Concours Village, browse RetroAuto, and attend the awards ceremony. Mobile tickets will be sent by email in July 2026 to the address used at checkout.
One important note on pricing: general admission tickets purchased before August 1, 2026 are available at the standard rate. Starting August 1, the price increases to 650 dollars per person. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable, so plan your purchase carefully.
Club d’Elegance: The VIP Experience
For those who want a more elevated day, Club d’Elegance offers a premium package. This VIP option is located in an elegant tent at Parc du Concours, a short shuttle ride from the show field. It is the only VIP package that includes both a gourmet breakfast and lunch, along with all-day hosted beverage service.
Club d’Elegance access opens at 9:00 am. Attendees receive a commemorative gift package that includes the official Concours Program, Car Guide, and event poster. Each guest also receives two complimentary drink vouchers. This option is ideal for those who want a comfortable base from which to experience the full day.
Purchasing Your Tickets
Tickets are sold through the official Concours store at theconcoursstore.com. For packages that include both The Quail and the Concours, premium experiences are also available through Robb Report’s RR1 membership program. These packages include exclusive VIP access, behind-the-scenes tours, and driving experiences that go well beyond what a standard ticket provides.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
Arriving early makes a real difference. The show field is largest and most serene in the early morning hours before the crowds grow. Many experienced visitors arrive before 7:00 am to walk the fairway while it is still quiet.
Dress comfortably but stylishly. The Concours has a dress code culture. Many attendees wear linen suits, summer dresses, and hats. There is no strict enforcement, but part of the charm is participating in the aesthetic of the day.
Wear comfortable shoes. The show field covers a large stretch of fairway, and you will do a great deal of walking on grass.
Bring sunscreen and water. August on the Monterey Peninsula can be warm and sunny, especially by midday.
Plan your parking in advance. Traffic near the Pebble Beach resort can be heavy on Concours Sunday. Many attendees use shuttle services from designated parking areas nearby.
The Charity Mission Behind the Cars
One aspect of the Concours that sometimes gets overlooked is its philanthropic purpose. Since its founding, the event has raised more than 32 million dollars for charities serving the Monterey Peninsula community. In 2026, the Concours is announcing a challenge grant that will match up to one million dollars in donations to its designated charities. This brings the event closer to two major fundraising milestones. Therefore, attending is not just a personal pleasure. It is also a contribution to the communities that make the event possible.
Looking Ahead: A Final Chapter for the August Tradition
There is one more piece of news worth knowing. The Concours has announced that beginning in 2028, the event will shift to a different date on the calendar. This means the 2026 and 2027 editions will be among the last to take place in their traditional mid-August slot during Monterey Car Week. For longtime fans, the 75th anniversary carries an added layer of meaning. It marks both a celebration of the past and a farewell to an era.
Conclusion
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2026 is a once-in-a-generation event. Held on August 16, 2026, at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the 75th anniversary edition will showcase Ferrari as the featured marque, debut three new competition classes including Early American Speedsters, Classic Streamliners, and Japanese Motorsports, and pay tribute to the event’s road racing origins. The surrounding week of automotive events runs from August 12 through Concours Sunday, offering auctions, tours, parties, and displays for every level of enthusiast. General admission tickets rise to 650 dollars from August 1 onward, while the Club d’Elegance VIP package delivers a full luxury day experience. Whether you are attending for the first time or the twenty-fifth, this anniversary edition promises to be one of the most memorable in the show’s long and storied history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2026?
The 75th annual event takes place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Pebble Beach Golf Links, located at 1700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, California. The show field opens to credentialed spectators at 5:30 am, and the awards ceremony runs from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
How much do tickets cost for the 2026 Concours?
General admission tickets are available now through the official Concours store. Starting August 1, 2026, the price increases to 650 dollars per person. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult. Club d’Elegance VIP tickets are also available and include meals, drinks, and a commemorative gift package.
What is the featured marque for the 75th anniversary?
Ferrari is the primary featured marque for 2026, with a focus on Le Mans-winning cars and North American Racing Team competition vehicles. Carrozzeria Vignale is the featured coachbuilder.
What new car classes are being introduced in 2026?
Three new classes debut this year: Early American Speedsters (pre-WWI), Classic Streamliners (1930s aerodynamic designs), and Japanese Motorsports. Two additional classes will honor cars from the original Pebble Beach Road Races.
What other events happen during Pebble Beach Automotive Week?
The week includes the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction and Motorlux on August 12, RetroAuto and the Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex on August 13, The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on August 14, the Monterey Motorsports Festival on August 15, and the main Concours on August 16. Many of these events require separate tickets or invitations.
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Thomas Walker is an accomplished writer with expertise in the basics of car accessories. With a keen eye for detail, Thomas has established himself as an authority on the subject, with a passion for all things automotive. Based in Jasper, Thomas is dedicated to providing readers with the information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to their car accessories.
