Summer of Love Events
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love in Monterey! Several musical performances, art exhibitions and special events are scheduled throughout summer 2017 all aiming to honor the 50th anniversary of the Monterey Pop Festival that changed music history forever. The 1967 Pop Festival is credited as one of the beginnings of the “Summer of Love” and the festival served as a template for future outdoor concerts.
Ongoing Events
“Feeling Groovy” Art Exhibition at the Monterey Regional Airport
January-December 2017
Take a walk down memory at the Monterey Regional Airport’s art exhibition “Feeling Groovy.” The exhibit showcases collections that reflect music, entertainment, and home life in 1960s Monterey County.
"Who Shot Monterey Pop! Photographs from the 1967 Music Festival" at the Monterey Museum of Art
June 2-September 18, 2017
Photographs from the 1967 Music Festival celebrates the 50th anniversary of the music festival that changed the world, through the eyes of the photographers who captured the historic event on film. The photo exhibition will be on display at the Monterey Museum of Art through September 2017.
Special Events
"Monterey Pop" Film Screening
May 12, 2017
Get a taste of what the "Summer of Love" was like in Monterey during a screening of "Monterey Pop" at the Golden State Theatre. The acclaimed and ground-breaking documentary captures the spirit and sounds of that era and propelled the careers of many rock legends. Rock 'n roll photographer Tom Gundelfinger O'Neal will also share his memories from the festival before the screening.
Monterey Blues Festival
May 13, 2017
The Monterey County Fair & Event Center becomes a hub for those with the blues on May 13th. The inaugural Monterey Blues Festival includes dynamic Blues music, international foods, beer, wine and unique vendors and exhibits. Musical highlights include performances from Charlie Musselwhite, Mighty Mike Schermer, Ms. Taylor P. Collins, John "Broadway" Tucker and more.
Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf & The Summer of Love Walking Tour
May 27 & June 3, 2017
The Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association continues to team up with Tim Thomas—noted Monterey Bay Historian, who is presenting the special walking tour, Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf & The Summer of Love Walking Tour. Tim will share historic photographs—some rarely seen, and will share oral histories from many of the participants of the original 1967 festival.
Almost Cut My Hair (Tribute to CSNY) Remembering the Experience Tour
June 10, 2017
The musical collaboration known as “Almost Cut My Hair” will take you through a musical tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. This up close and intimate concert will take place under the stars within the Barnyard Shopping Village’s beautiful terraced gardens. General admission is $30.
Under the Influence of Monterey Pop
June 11, 2017
Folktale Winery & Vineyards and Talking Animals Music celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love with “Under the Influence of Monterey Pop.” This concert, produced by Mark Governor as part of his popular concert series, features a who’s who of local artists performing songs from the original 1967 festival alongside original songs inspired by those bands. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.
Music, Love & Flowers with Lou Adler
June 14, 2017
Lou Adler, the founder of the Monterey International Pop Festival, reminisces about the event that changed music festivals forever. The event begins at 6pm at the Dali17 Museum. Tickets are $20, call 831-869-1664 to reserve.
Third Friday Artwalk
June 16, 2017
The American Tin Cannery on Ocean View Boulevard hosts its Third Friday Artwalk with a Summer of Love spin. Peruse through local art and enjoy fun activities and live music at this free event from 6pm-8pm.
Monterey International Pop Festival
June 16-18, 2017
The 50th Anniversary of the Monterey International Pop Festival will be held during the same exact weekend and at the same exact venue as the original. The Monterey County Fair & Event Center will be full of retro and modern day artists throughout the three-day music festival. Headliners include Norah Jones, Jack Jackson, Leon Bridges, Father John Misty and many more! Click here for more information.
Run in the Name of Love 5K
June 18, 2017
Celebrate the Summer of Love with the Run in the Name of Love 5K! The scenic route takes place along Carmel-by-the-Sea's shoreline with scenes of white sandy beaches to keep you motivated. Dogs are also welcome to participate in the 2K walk/run.
Monterey Beer Festival
July 8, 2017
Keep the good vibes (and beer) flowing at the Monterey Beer Festival. The Monterey County Fair & Event Center hosts this one day event with a variety of brews and 60's rock bands paying tribute to the original Summer of Love that took place 50 years ago.
Sand City West End Celebration
August 25-27, 2017
The streets of Sand City shut down and become an open-air artists' fair, showcasing truly unique works from local artists and live performances during the West End Celebration.
Monterey County Fair
August 30-September 4, 2017
The annual Monterey County Fair is always fun for all, with livestock exhibition, entertainment, live music, amusement and delicious food! The theme of 2017's theme is "Summer of Love."
Monterey Jazz Festival
September 15-17, 2017
The Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest continuously-running annual jazz event in the world, began in 1958 with San Francisco jazz radio broadcaster Jimmy Lyons as its founder. Over 38,000 fans are expected to attend the 60th edition of the two-day and three-night celebration where over 500 artists will perform on eight stages.
