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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

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Carmel Art Festival

This will be the 32nd anniversary of the Carmel Art Festival, held in Carmel-by-the-Sea since 1993. 60 plein air artists, a veritable list of all-star winners of the past 30 years, arrive in Carmel on May 16 and will be painting all over the Monterey Peninsula for 2 days. Their paintings will be displayed, judged and sold on a "buy...

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California Roots Music & Art Festival

The latest lineup announcement unveils an electrifying roster of musical talent, featuring the long-awaited return of reggae superstar Buju Banton to California, a momentous addition to an already iconic bill. Joining him are the legendary Slightly Stoopid and fan favorites Rome, J Boog, The Elovaters, Fia, Lila Iké, Cydeways, and Joe Samba. These additions further elevate a roster already teeming...

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Carmel Culinary Week

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...

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Spartan Race

Welcome to beautiful Toro park. Located only six miles from downtown Salinas near the town of Monterey, the park is a vast, sprawling venue covering almost 5,000 acres. With punishing hills, fields and prairies as well as many picturesque wooded areas, it’s easy to understand why this venue is a favorite amongst Spartans. The course covers a variety of trail...

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Artichoke Festival

The Artichoke Festival returns for its 65th year to a new location for 2025 — the Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds. Experience a down-home family festival in the bountiful Salinas Valley, celebrating the harvest season in California, and highlighting the artichoke’s central role in our region’s agricultural legacy. You won’t want to miss out on this unique celebration of food,...

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