As many locals and visitors are aware, the month of August is a particularly busy month on the Peninsula. The City has compiled the following resources to help everyone navigate safely through the month of August. 

Car Week Events in Carmel-by-the-Sea

This year Car Week extends from Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 17. The Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau has created a guide and interactive map of all Car Week events, road closures, etc, useful for everyone looking to attend the events or avoid traffic impacts. 

Traffic calming measures will be in place in the evenings in the Carmel-by-the-Sea commercial district. 

The City of Carmel will be hosting four events during the week:

Concours for a Cause

Tuesday, August 12  |  10am-4pm. Ocean Avenue between Junipero to Dolores Streets. Discover a vintage voyage of classic cars paired with international cuisine, cultural celebrations, and local artists for an epic experience.

Astons on the Avenue

Wednesday, August 13  |  11am-4pm Ocean Avenue between Monte Verde and Dolores Streets. This event showcases a stunning lineup of locally owned Aston Martins, celebrating the legacy of craftsmanship and performance. 

Prancing Ponies on Ocean Avenue

Thursday, August 14  |  10am-4pm Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Dolores Streets. The only all women’s car show where all car models can participate and is a fundraiser for Prancing Ponies Foundation “Creating Women Leaders One Girl at a Time.”

Ferrari Owners Club Concorso Carmel

Thursday, August 14  |  7am-4:30pm Ocean Avenue and Dolores Street. A festive atmosphere of Ferraris and Italian motorcycles on an expanded layout including four blocks with music, strolling mic, owner and guest interviews, plus awards presentations.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

Heavy traffic in and around Carmel-by-the-Sea is expected for the entire week. The City is encouraging the use of Carpenter Street and Rio Road to enter and exit the City.

• Sign up to receive safety messages and text updates related to Car Week by texting “CARWEEK” to 65513.
• Visit Monterey County’s Current Traffic Advisories and Closures.
• Social media hashtag #MontereyCarWeek will be used to communicate social public safety information.
• Locals who are scheduling appointments and conducting regular business during this week are reminded to be aware of the increased traffic levels and schedule accordingly. 
• Construction parking permits will not be issued during Car Week.

PARKING

If you are visiting Carmel, please be aware that there is incredibly limited parking, especially so during Car Week. 

• Vista Lobos public parking lot at 3rd Avenue and Torres Street.
• Center-median curb spaces on Junipero Avenue between 5th and 3rd Avenues.
• All streets surrounding the central business district.
• Sunset Center North Lot on 8th Avenue between Mission and San Carlos (Except some days during Car Week).

Paid parking in the central business district is available at the Carmel Plaza Parking Garage on Mission Street just north of 7th Avenue.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to look for alternate methods of transport to Carmel to reduce congestion (and frustration!) rather than planning to park in town, including car services like taxis, Uber or Lyft, or consider utilizing public transportation through the Monterey-Salinas Transit System (MST). 

Please contact the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Community Activities Department at 831.620.2020 or communityactivities@ci.carmel.ca.us with any questions.