MONTEREY HISTORY FEST

October 15 - 16, 2016

This page has all the events that took place in 2016. Bookmark this page and return to get information about 2017'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.

The center for Monterey History Fest will be located at upper Custom House Plaza in downtown Monterey where you can gather information from various cultural heritage groups and learn about the weekend's activities. The information center will be open Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm. Additionally, the Monterey State Historic Park's will open several adobes free to the public including Custom House, Pacific House and the Stevenson House throughout the weekend.

Saturday, October 15

Saturday kicks off at 9:30am with a bus tour covering the history of the Defense Language Institute. Call 831-646-5640 for reservations.

The Pacific Biological Laboratory, also known as Ed Ricketts' Lab, is open to the public today for tours at 9am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm and 3:30pm. Guests will learn about the rich history of the Cannery Row building and the friendship between Ed Ricketts and John Steinbeck. Space is limited, call 831-646-5640 for reservations.

Join the walking tour to the Lower Presidio where a historian will take guests to see the sites of Vizcaino's landing, first burial of the first non-Native American, fortifications of El Castillo and Fort Mervine and the Father Serra and Sloat Monuments. Tours begin at 1pm and 2:30pm. Call 831-646-5640 for reservations.

Sunday, October 16

Live one of the most important events in California's history as actors recreate the California Constitutional Convention at 2pm in the House of the Four Winds located at 540 Calle Principal in Monterey. Admission to the re-enactment is free, but limited space is available. For reservations please call 831-646-5640 or email museumpt@monterey.org.

10th Annual Fort Mervine Civil War Encampment

Civil War encampments will be set up all weekend long 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 831-422-3619.

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.