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Big Sur

Carmel Valley

Carmel-By-The-SEA

Marina
Smiling man and woman walk along Monterey County's Cannery Row.

Monterey
This is an image of Moss Landing

mOss Landing
Pacific grove beach

Pacific Grove
This is an image of a golf course with a cypress tree and the ocean in the background at Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach

Salinas
Salinas Valley

salinas Valley
This is an image of a person paragliding over a beach in Sand City, California

Sand City
This is an image a couple of people running on a path in Laguna Grande Park in Seaside, California

Seaside

Stay Two Nights, Enjoy Your Third Night Free

Another Day of Relaxation, Memories and Adventure
Cluster of monarch butterflies in eucalyptus tree at Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Monarch butterflies flock to Monterey County's forest groves in the fall. View them at the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.

Fall Annual Events

Events are in abundance in the fall. Plan your visit to attend.
Group of people sat around an outdoor table at Carmel Valley Ranch with the Santa Lucia Highlands and vineyards in the background

Inspiration Pays Off – An Incentive Deal Worth $20,000*

For every night your group stays mid-week, you earn $20 back, up to $20,000*.
People picking out produce at the old Monterey farmers market

Fall Farmers Markets

Farmers markets every day, right here in the "Salad Bowl of the World.” Find what's in season in the fall.

Stay Two Nights, Enjoy Your Third Night Free

Another Day of Relaxation, Memories and Adventure

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

Annual Events

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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 enchanting nights, the city’s historic adobes glow with the warmth of brightly lit luminarias, adding holiday décor, festive music and refreshments to the mix. Guests will stroll through more than a dozen historic buildings, many of which are open...

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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 amateurs alike for four days of elite competition and coastal vibes. The tournament offers breathtaking ocean views, fan-friendly access and a lively atmosphere....

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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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Big Sur International Marathon

4/26/2026

The Big Sur Marathon is 26.2 miles of the most beautiful coastline in the world - and, for runners, the most challenging. The athletes who participate in the Big Sur International Marathon may draw inspiration from the spectacular views, but it takes major discipline to conquer the hills of Highway One on the way to the finish line. Named "Best Marathon...

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LET'S GET SPECIFIC

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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.

  • 17 Mile Drive

    Car Lovers Guide to Monterey County

    The ultimate itinerary for what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and insider tips for auto aficionados

    Learn More: Car Lovers Guide to Monterey County
  • Outdoor patio seating with fire pits at Peter B's Brewpub in Monterey

    What's New Summer 2025

    Start the new year with a burst of excitement as Monterey County unveils new and refreshed accommodations, a dynamic lineup of culinary experiences and notable…

    Learn More: What's New Summer 2025
  • Ride the FREE Monterey Trolley

    Ride the FREE Monterey Trolley

    Skip the hassle of circling around for parking and catch the MST Trolley Monterey and let the trolley give you a fast, convenient and free ride. Monterey's…

    Learn More: Ride the FREE Monterey Trolley