MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL
MONTEREY — Monterey Motorsports Festival is set to rev up on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Monterey County Fair and Event Center, from 5 to 11 p.m. The event features a thrilling lineup of automotive displays, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Highlighting this year’s festival is the one-night-only appearance of the Grand Prix Coaster, a steel roller coaster provided by Helm & Sons Amusements, included free with admission. The coaster will operate in the carnival lot from 5 to 11 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a diverse range of vehicles, from exotic and JDM cars to muscle cars, overlanding rigs and lowriders. The evening will close with a high-energy performance by DJ Dillon Francis, following performances by DSB (Journey tribute), Outlaw Mariachi and Latin Jazz Collective. Additional attractions include global automotive unveilings, exhibitions, live workshops, simulators, guest appearances such as Lamborghini’s former test driver Valentino Balboni, and the iconic Unimog display. There will also be a Family Fun Zone, international food options, a Concours display on The Greens, and a VIP “Vino & Vibes” tent offering gourmet fare and regional wines. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits, including Meals on Wheels, the Alliance on Aging, and the Special Olympics Torch Run, which kicks off the event at 5:17 p.m. Tickets are available at montereymotorsportsfestival.com.
THRIFT SHOP DAY
CENTRAL COAST — Goodwill Central Coast is inviting the community to celebrate National Thrift Shop Day on Saturday, Aug. 17, highlighting the value of secondhand shopping. Shoppers can enjoy exclusive discounts, curated vintage and seasonal items, and new-with-tags merchandise at affordable prices. The event also features DIY displays to inspire personalized home and fashion projects. With stores across Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, proceeds support programs in job training, digital literacy, youth development and employment services. In 2024, over 4,200 individuals benefited from these community initiatives, made possible by local shopping and donations. For store locations and more information, visit ccgoodwill.org.
PLAZA CONCERTS CONTINUE
KING CITY — King City kicked off its new summer concert series at the Downtown Plaza on Aug. 8, featuring the band Memory Lane playing hits from the ’60s and ’70s. Held on the new plaza located at Broadway Street and Vanderhurst Avenue, the free event drew families and friends to enjoy music in the heart of downtown. The City of King is hosting these Friday evening concerts from 6 to 8 p.m., with upcoming performances including Herencia Humilde on Aug. 22 and Paradise Road on Sept. 19. For more details, contact at*******@******ty.com.
