Monterey County has one of the busiest performing arts calendars in all of California.
Many performances take place at the historic Sunset Cultural Center in Carmel. This building dates back to 1931. Since then, it has evolved from Carmel-by-the-Sea’s first schoolhouse auditorium to the cultural heart of the Central Coast. Along with performers like Judy Collins and Wynton Marsalis, the Center hosts regular performances by the Monterey Symphony and Chamber Music Monterey Bay.
The Pacific Repertory Theatre performs in Carmel's Golden Bough and Forest Theaters. The exceptional World Theater at California State University Monterey Bay offers a wide-ranging program of special events, while SpectorDance’s studio in Marina presents two dance festivals every year.