Motorlux will return on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as an early must-see event of Monterey Car Week, continuing its format of pairing curated automotive displays with a structured culinary program. Held at the Monterey Jet Center, the event combines cars, aircraft and hospitality within a single evening setting.
Motorlux is positioned as an entry point into Monterey Car Week, which draws collectors, brands and enthusiasts to California’s Central Coast each August for a series of auctions, concours and brand activations. The opening night format emphasizes accessibility and variety, with multiple themed environments presented simultaneously rather than a single judged display.
For 2026, Motorlux will feature a series of curated classes tied to regional culinary themes. These include “Le Pur Sang des Automobiles,” centered on Bugatti heritage; “The Coventry Collection,” marking 65 years of the Jaguar E-Type; and “Dodici,” focused on V12-powered Italian marques including Ferrari and Lamborghini. Additional displays include “Chasing Cherry Blossoms,” highlighting Japanese classics, “Rally Madness,” centered on Group B-era rally cars and “Privé One,” a collection of one-off and bespoke vehicles.
The event extends beyond automotive displays, with aircraft staged on the tarmac ranging from vintage warbirds to modern private jets and helicopters. Culinary programming remains a central component, with Michelin-starred chefs, high-scoring wines and curated cocktails integrated into each themed area.
Broad Arrow will again be present on-site, previewing select vehicles ahead of its auction held during The Quail A Motorsports Gathering later in the week. Attendees of Motorlux receive access to those auction previews as part of the event.
VISITOR INFORMATION
- Event Group: Monterey Car Week
- Event Information: Motorlux.com
- Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Hours: Evening event (typically 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Location: Monterey Jet Center
- Admission: Ticketed (historically sells out in advance)
- Nearest Area: Monterey Peninsula / Highway 68 corridor
QUICK TIPS FOR VISITING
- Best time to arrive: Early entry for full access to displays before peak crowd flow
- Crowds: High demand event; expect dense attendance throughout the evening
- Time required: 2–3 hours to experience all themed areas and aircraft displays
- Access notes: Entry is controlled; rideshare or pre-arranged transport recommended
- Nearby stops: Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and other Monterey Car Week events
GETTING THERE
- By car: Limited on-site parking; traffic increases significantly during Car Week
- Rideshare: Common and recommended for evening access and departure
- Regional access: Approximately 10 minutes from central Monterey, 2 hours south of San Francisco
WHY IT’S WORTH A STOP
As the opening event of Monterey Car Week, Motorlux offers a condensed introduction to the week’s broader mix of auctions, concours and brand activations. The combination of cars, aircraft and structured hospitality makes it one of the more accessible large-scale events on the calendar, particularly for visitors looking to experience multiple elements of Car Week within a single evening.
