MONTEREY HISTORY FEST

October 12 - 13, 2019

This page has all the events that took place in 2019. Bookmark this page and return to get information about 2020's events!

Monterey History Fest has grown into a festival that offers a variety of programs for both residents and visitors to experience Monterey's unique cultural heritage and historic resources. History Fest has developed a schedule designed to bring Monterey's past to life during this community-wide event. All events are free of charge unless otherwise noted.

This annual celebration spotlights Monterey’s history through a variety of tours, reenactments, demonstrations, exhibits, and activities at various locations around the historic Old Town downtown corridor and its Islands of Adobes. The Custom House and Pacific House will be open to the public, and free tours will be available throughout the weekend.  Rarely seen adobes, like Casa Serrano and the House of the Four Winds will open their doors.  Hidden treasures from a wide variety of institutions, such as the Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library, will be displayed.

Other notable events include a 1849 Constitutional Convention Reenactment, Living History Days at the Memory Garden and tours of the Pacific Biological Lab (Doc Ricketts' Lab). Click here  for more information. 

Fort Mervine Civil War Encampment

Civil War encampments will be set up the weekend before Monterey History Fest, October 4-6 at the Lower Presidio Historic Park. Fifteen living history tented displays and artifacts will be on display for the curious historian. Cannon and musket firing demonstrations will be held both days at 11:30am and 2:30pm by the California Historical Artillery Society/Norfolk LT Artillery Blues. For additional information, visit the "Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War" site or call 831-596-8056.

Monterey History Fest Hotels

Several hotels are conveniently located in downtown Monterey and walking distance to the event including the Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey Marriott, and Hotel Pacific.