ROAD CONDITIONS: Highway 1 Into Big Sur Is Now Open. Learn More >

Events Events

Happenings in Monterey County

Whether you’re a car fanatic in town for Monterey Car Week or one of the many year-round races at the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a melomaniac on your way to California Roots Festival and Monterey Jazz Festival or simply out on a spur-of-the-moment getaway and looking for things to do this weekend, there’s always something to celebrate in Monterey County. For year-round entertainment, head to our Annual Events Calendar or download the Annual Events PDF. Want to keep up to date on what’s happening in Monterey County? Subscribe to our newsletter.

THIS WEEKEND

First Friday - Monterey Biennial

Monterey Museum of Art-Pacific Street

Enjoy an evening at MMA filled with live music by Kito Rayburn, local food and beverages and interactive art activities for all ages. This special Biennial-themed First Friday will bring the exhibition to life with hands-on experiences…

Brunch and Brush

Edi Matsumoto Art & Design

Please join "Brunch and Brush" event Friday June 6th, 11 am at El Bistro by the Sea, right next to Edi Matsumoto Art & Design Gallery on Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Edi will guide you through a relaxed,…

First Friday Pacific Grove

Head downtown to charming Pacific Grove for First Friday Summer Celebrations, including live musicians performing at various businesses, artists, great food and community spirit.

World's Toughest Row - Pacific 2025

Old Fishermans Wharf

Follow 5 intrepid teams as they depart from Monterey, California on the adventure of a lifetime, rowing 2800 miles to Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i.20 rowers from the US, Switzerland, Ireland, UK & Morrocco start their epic journey…

Night Market 831

Sand City Art Park

Inspired by the vibrant open-air street bazaars from around the world, Night Market 831 is a lively gathering where friends and families can sip, savor, socialize, dance, shop and explore. Held in the colorful Sand City…

Monterey Bay FC vs Lexington SC

Monterey Bay FC (MBFC)

Smuin's Dance Series 2 - Saturday Evening

Smuin Contemporary Ballet Presents Smuin's Dance Series 2. World Premiere, by Amy Seiwert Wild Sweet Love, by Trey McIntyre The Eternal Idol, by Michael Smuin Sinfonietta, by Rex Wheeler New premieres and old favorites define Dance…

Pop-Up Movies at the Fair!

Monterey County Fair & Event Center

Join us for two days of outdoor movie magic at the Monterey County Fair Pop-Up Movies, happening June 7–8, 2025 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. Each evening features three movies under the stars—an…

La Merienda

Don’t miss Monterey History & Art Association’s premier annual event! A limited number of tickets are now available to the public to attend the 94th Annual La Merienda, outdoors in the Memory Garden off of the…

Annual Events

Carmel Culinary Week

5/30/2025 - 6/7/2025

Recurring daily

This highly anticipated week-long celebration showcases the very best of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s vibrant food and wine scene, offering a mix of signature events, pop-up dining experiences and immersive culinary delights. Signature Events Party in the Plaza (Fri, May 30) – Kick off the week in style at Carmel Plaza, where you’ll indulge in a hand-curated selection of gourmet bites and exquisite...

Explore More

MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey

7/11/2025 - 7/13/2025

Recurring daily

World class Superbikes and the Monterey-born King of The Baggers series are a part of the five classes of premier modern-day racing as riders compete wheel-to-wheel in razor close action. How about 190 mph superbikes and some family fun? Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey. Enjoy practice and qualifying on Friday plus all-day racing Sat & Sun! Meet the riders...

Explore More

Carmel Bach Festival

7/12/2025 - 7/26/2025

Recurring daily

The Carmel Bach Festival invites you to experience the joy of classical music. Enjoy exciting orchestra and chorale concerts, chamber music recitals, free pre-concert talks, open masterclasses, and more, all taking place at several Carmel, Monterey, and Pebble Beach venues. With more than 50 events to choose from, there is something for everyone! Check out the full lineup of concerts...

Explore More

California Rodeo Salinas

7/17/2025 - 7/20/2025

Recurring daily

The California Rodeo Salinas is one of the top 10 professional rodeos in the US out of over 600 and the largest rodeo in California. With over 110 years of tradition and a little bit of something for everyone, it's an event you don't want to miss.Not only are the top cowboys and cowgirls featured in the arena and on...

Explore More

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

8/17/2025

Join Pebble Beach for the 74th Concours dElegance, an unmatched tradition of automotive excellence since 1950. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the flagship of Pebble Beach Automotive Week and is now considered to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile, this is a can’t-miss event for every car enthusiast. Each year, the finest collector cars gather on the...

Explore More

West End Celebration

8/23/2025 - 8/24/2025

Recurring daily

Sand City's West End Celebration is a unique and family-friendly event celebrating community and the diversity of artistic talents found within Monterey County. The streets of the West End District of Sand City come alive with the arts of every genre. Discover innovative art, listen to continuous live music from multiple stages and have the opportunity to purchase works from...

Explore More

Festa Italia

9/5/2025 - 9/7/2025

Recurring daily

The 92nd Annual Festa Italia invites the community to celebrate Monterey’s Italian heritage and honor the vital contributions of its local fishermen, both past and present.This beloved, free, family-friendly event offers a full experience of Italian culture, featuring the sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions that have made it one of Monterey’s most cherished festivals. Drawing in locals and visitors from...

Explore More

LET'S GET SPECIFIC

1 - 6 of 139 Results

First Friday - Monterey Biennial

Monterey Museum of Art-Pacific Street

Enjoy an evening at MMA filled with live music by Kito Rayburn, local…

Brunch and Brush

Edi Matsumoto Art & Design

Please join "Brunch and Brush" event Friday June 6th, 11 am at…

First Friday Pacific Grove

Head downtown to charming Pacific Grove for First Friday Summer Celebrations, including…

World's Toughest Row - Pacific 2025

Old Fishermans Wharf

Follow 5 intrepid teams as they depart from Monterey, California on the…

Night Market 831

Sand City Art Park

Inspired by the vibrant open-air street bazaars from around the world, Night…

Monterey Bay FC vs Lexington SC

Monterey Bay FC (MBFC)

Need some inspo?

What path do you take? Out here, it’s a whole world of paths….and each one takes you to something incredible. From the dramatic panoramas of Big Sur to the fairytale cottages of Carmel-by-the-Sea, these paths tie all of Monterey together, creating one big, epic journey. A visit to the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium and a trip through time on historic Cannery Row merely scratch the surface of things to do on California’s central coast. No matter what path you take, it’s sure to lead to inspiration. For additional inspiration, stay in the know with our e-Newsletter.

Family-Friendly Monterey Car Week Events

While Monterey Car Week is famous for its high-end car shows, auctions and rallies, there is also a plethora of family-friendly events that cater to car…
Learn More: Family-Friendly Monterey Car Week Events
Must-Knows of Monterey Car Week

In August, classic and vintage cars will grace the streets of Monterey for Monterey Car Week 2025! Here’s everything you need to know before attending…
Learn More: Must-Knows of Monterey Car Week
Memorial Day Weekend in Monterey County

Looking for things to do on Memorial Day weekend in Monterey County? Make plans to honor those who have served, reflect and, recharge with spectacular views, pristine…
Learn More: Memorial Day Weekend in Monterey County