This is an event that is not listed in most of the online guides to Monterey Car Week, possibly because it is a regular occurrence on every Thursday from May through October at 6:00pm – 9:00pm. When one does see it advertised the description innocuously states that Hot Chili Nights is “a gathering of automotive enthusiasts with their favorite cars, out for a good time…live music, great food, and award-winning Margaritas.” All of that is certainly true, but it does not capture the essence of the event when it occurs on the Thursday during Monterey Car Week. The atmosphere of fun and car enthusiast camaraderie endemic to Hot Chili Nights goes to a higher level with the addition of people who come to relax and refuel after spending a long day on show fields as spectators or exhibitors.

On this day as in past years several exhibitors brought their dazzling machines and parked them among the classics, customs, hot rods, sports cars, exotics, and other vehicles owned by regular attendees. Owners and exhibitors happily chatted with spectators about their vehicles to any level of detail that the inquirer requested. Viewing this impromptu all makes/all models car show was further enhanced by the Baja Cantina’s excellent offerings of selected Mexican cuisine that were available inside the automobilia-draped restaurant and deck or from outside open-air grills set up for the occasion. Of course, the wonderful fare was washed down with tasty generous-sized Margaritas, just one of which could slake the harshest of thirsts.

Because of the popularity of Hot Chili Nights, particularly during Monterey Car Week, it is advisable to arrive before the stated 6:00pm start time in order to get a free parking space in the Baja Cantina’s lot. In the event of arriving when the lot is full, there is paid parking available in the lot of an unrelated business located next door.

In any case, we highly recommend making time to visit the Baja Cantina for Hot Chili Nights, for we are sure that you won’t regret being there. 

– Andre Swygert, 2026