"Cars, Cocktails & Calamari” Rolls Into Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf During 2025 Car Week plus a special appearance by the world-famous Western Flyer

July 25, 2025. Monterey, CA — This August, experience the perfect blend of coastal flavor and classic style as Old Fisherman’s Wharf hosts "Cars, Cocktails & Calamari" during Monterey Car Week, from August 8–17, 2025 including a one-day special appearance by the Western Flyer.

Visitors are invited to stroll the historic Wharf and enjoy an array of car-themed decorations, festive photo ops, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Just steps away at the Custom House Plaza, a stunning collection of classic and collector cars will be on display, with RM Sotheby’s Auction set for August 13–16—and vehicles arriving for setup several days before.

 A Special Appearance! On Saturday, August 16th from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, don’t miss your chance to step aboard the world-famous Western Flyer at the California Dock (just to the left of Rockfish Harbor Grill) at the end of the Wharf. This iconic vessel, made famous by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts during their legendary 1940 expedition to the Sea of Cortez, has just returned from retracing that historic journey. Enjoy free public tours from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm and learn more about its enduring legacy, remarkable restoration, and new life as a vessel for curiosity and learning. A must-see for history lovers, literary fans, and maritime enthusiasts alike.

Honoring Monterey’s reputation as the “Calamari Capital of the World,” Wharf restaurants will feature signature calamari dishes prepared in a variety of mouthwatering ways—from crispy to grilled to stuffed—showcasing the region’s rich seafood traditions, available for purchase.

To complement the flavors, many Wharf establishments will also serve creative, car-themed cocktails* (available for purchase) along with exclusive weeklong promotions, offering guests a taste of Car Week in true Wharf style.

* At Old Fisherman's Grotto

Old Fisherman’s Grotto will feature (for purchase):

Fried Calamari

Tender Monterey Bay Calamari strips and tentacles, lightly seasoned, floured and

deep fried, served with Tartar Sauce, Cocktail Sauce and Lemon.

Calamari Eggplant Parmesan

Thick Calamari Steak breaded and grilled with Panko and aged Parmesan Cheese,

topped with Eggplant, Monterey Jack Cheese and Italian Marinara Sauce, oven baked and

served with Penne Pasta in a Pesto Sauce and sautéed organic Vegetables.

Themed cocktails during car week:

Rolls Royce Phantom Martini

Casamigos Mezcal

Citronge orange Liqueur

Fresh lime juice

Red Ferrari Spritz

Veuve Cliquot Champagne

Aperol Aperitivo

Angostura Bitters

Little Red Corvette

Titto’s Vodka

Sweet n Sour

Black Raspberry

For more information, visit www.montereywharf.com, email [email protected], or call 831-238-0777.

Whether you are here for the cars, the cuisine, or the colorful coastal vibes, Old Fisherman’s Wharf will be decked out and buzzing with energy all week long—making it a can’t-miss stop during Monterey Car Week.

More about Calamari

Calamari, a type of squid, is prepared in various delicious ways and typically available 365 days a year at the Wharf's restaurants with other tasty variations as well. Examples (for purchase) include:

Calamari Fritti with lemon aioli (Paluca Trattoria)

Lightly seasoned calamari strips and tentacles with tartar sauce (Old Fisherman's Grotto)

Fried Calamari with house dipping sauce (Rock Fish Harbor Grill)

Calamari Sandwich (Crab House)

Lightly seasoned flour and deep fried to golden brown (Crabby Jim's)

Calamari Napolitana over linguine (Abalonetti's Seafood and Grill)

Grilled Calamari Steak (Cafe Fina)

Calamari and chips with fries (Crab Louie's Bistro)

Pan-seared Calamari Steak with garlic butter sauce (Domenico's on the Wharf)

About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Old Fisherman's Wharf, established in 1845, is Monterey’s historic waterfront with over 180 years of history celebrating its special anniversary at the Wharf Birthday Party on Sunday, October 12th. Old Fisherman’s Wharf features ten restaurants, four fish markets, three candy stores and se