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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

Pressed Flower Pumpkin Decorating

The Wine Experience

Big Band Concert & Dance

Hidden Valley Music Seminars

Trivia Night at Hops & Fog

Hops and Fog Brewing Co

Arthur Tress: Water's Edge at the MHAA Stanton Center

Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center

Meet the Makers Art & Wine Walk

Starts in Devendorf Park

Open Studios Art Tour

Across Monterey County

Reelin' in the Years: Celebrating the Music of Steely Dan

Oktoberfest at Asilomar

Asilomar Conference Grounds

An Evening of Comedy with Craig Ferguson: Pants on Fire

Golden State Theatre

Annual Events

Meet the Makers Art & Wine Walk

10/11/2025

"Meet the Makers" starts in Devendorf Park and you'll stroll through charming downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and meet the artists who carry on the artist colony legacy, tour their galleries, sip Monterey County wines, and enjoy tasting food creations. Look for the blue lanterns to find participating art galleries!Art galleries include: Aaron Chang Gallery, Delia Bradford Gallery, Carmel Art Association, Edi Matsumoto,...

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Big Sur Food & Wine

11/6/2025 - 11/8/2025

Savor the flavors of the California coast at the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival, an unforgettable celebration where world-class cuisine meets one of the most breathtaking backdrops on earth. This intimate, multi-day event brings together acclaimed chefs, renowned winemakers and artisanal producers for a series of tastings, dinners and culinary experiences unlike any other. From ocean-view vineyards to cliffside...

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Monterey Bay Half Marathon

11/8/2025 - 11/9/2025

Recurring daily

All distances are SOLD OUT The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is an out-and-back course beginning in historic downtown Monterey, running along Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, and next to the beautiful Pacific Grove shoreline. The course features scenic views of waves crashing on rocky beaches, beautiful Victorian-era homes, and frequent sightings of aquatic life (whales, dolphins, sea otters, pelicans and more). Celebrate...

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Pacific Grove Holiday Parade of Lights

12/4/2025

Participate in the 22nd Annual Holiday Parade of Lights on Thursday, December 4th, starts at 6:00 pm. The parade features marching bands, holiday floats, dance teams, animal groups, and of course Santa Claus! Rain or Shine!

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Christmas in the Adobes

12/12/2025 - 12/13/2025

Recurring daily

Step back in time and experience the magic of the holidays at Christmas in the Adobes in historic Monterey! For two festive nights, the city’s beautifully preserved 19th-century adobes open their doors, glowing with candlelight, adorned in holiday greenery, and filled with music, storytelling and costumed hosts. Stroll from one adobe to the next and discover Monterey’s rich history brought...

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First Night Monterey

12/31/2025

Recurring every December 31st

Don’t miss a fantastic New Year’s Eve community celebration of the arts in beautiful Downtown Monterey. Enjoy an amazing array of top entertainment to choose from during this family-friendly event to ring in the new year. Join us for the Twilight Procession as we enjoy the lights, the magic, and the joy of First Night into the New Year. It's...

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AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

2/9/2026

Recurring daily

Held every winter on the stunning Monterey Peninsula, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am blends world-class golf, scenic beauty and relaxed California charm. Taking place across Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, this event draws PGA pros and celebrities alike for four days of elite competition and coastal vibes. The tournament offers breathtaking ocean views, fan-friendly access and a lively atmosphere. Beyond...

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Jazz Bash By The Bay Monterey

3/6/2026 - 3/8/2026

Recurring daily

The Jazz Bash By the Bay Monterey takes place in eight venues and across six dance floors, featuring over 20 bands and more than 100 musicians. Enjoy the colorful forms of American Classic Jazz, including Traditional, Ragtime, Swing, Gypsy and Blues.

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Whalefest

4/11/2026 - 4/12/2026

Recurring daily

This free, family-friendly festival features interactive exhibits, live music, research and rescue vessel tours and educational activities for all ages. The popular Symposium, featuring renowned marine experts, is scheduled for both days from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Stanton Center. Interactive exhibits, hands-on activities such as Abalone Races, Origami, and Gyotaku, plus appearances by “Dee” the inflatable humpback...

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Sea Otter Classic

4/16/2026 - 4/19/2026

Recurring daily

A four-day "Celebration of Cycling," the Sea Otter Classic is regarded as the largest and most comprehensive gathering of cycling enthusiasts in the world. Part recreational biking, part competitive event, part festival, part expo and 100 percent fun. This action-packed cycling extravaganza features amateur and pro cycling events as well as family activities for all ages, attracting 71,000 fans from around...

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LET'S GET SPECIFIC

1 - 12 of 158 Results

Pressed Flower Pumpkin Decorating

The Wine Experience

Big Band Concert & Dance

Hidden Valley Music Seminars

Trivia Night at Hops & Fog

Hops and Fog Brewing Co

The Monterey Bay Festival of Birds

Monterey County

Arthur Tress: Water's Edge at the MHAA Stanton Center

Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center

Meet the Makers Art & Wine Walk

Starts in Devendorf Park

Open Studios Art Tour

Across Monterey County

Reelin' in the Years: Celebrating the Music of Steely Dan

Oktoberfest at Asilomar

Asilomar Conference Grounds

An Evening of Comedy with Craig Ferguson: Pants on Fire

Golden State Theatre

180th Wharf Birthday Party

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Harvest Party in the Vineyard

McIntyre Vineyards

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.

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