Events in Monterey County, CA

Enjoy a meal at Pepper's while supporting Forest Grove. Be sure to mention Forest Grove during your visit so that 10 percent of the proceeds are donated back.

Experience a restorative sound healing session with Sacred Sounds Monterey featuring crystal medicine singing bowls and vocal tones. Drawing on time-honored practices, this gathering supports mental clarity and overall physical wellbeing. Soothing vibrations help ease anxious energy, clear stagnation, and shift rigid thought patterns while gently dissolving limiting beliefs. With sound and resonance as guides, the practice invites the release of resistance and opens space for more joy and gratitude in everyday life. Suggested love offering is $15.

An uplifting midweek gathering centered on international folk dance brings music, movement, and connection to life through joyful group dances with simple, accessible steps. No partner or prior experience is required. Curiosity, comfortable shoes, and a spirit of fun are all you need. The focus is on celebrating cultures from around the world while discovering how dance can lift the heart, quiet the mind, and build community in motion. Cost is $7 for drop-in participation.

Shearwater Tavern offers free tastings of local and regional wines selected by Lady Somm Carmel. The tasting spotlights favorites from nearby producers.

Enjoy a guided paint party with Jess at The Moose Lodge in Del Rey Oaks. Each $46 ticket includes step-by-step instruction, all painting supplies, and one drink ticket that can be used for a soda, a beer, or a glass of wine. Participants must be 21 or older to redeem alcoholic beverages, and nonalcoholic options are available. Tickets must be purchased in advance so organizers can create a seating chart and table setup. During checkout, you can indicate if you plan to meet friends so you can be seated together, and solo attendees are seated with others. Refunds are available up to 48 hours beforehand, and after that window neither refunds nor credits are offered.

Enjoy a cozy fireside atmosphere in the lounge while Dave Conley performs on piano. Settle in and listen as his music sets a relaxed, welcoming tone.

At The Post, a weekly mix of tacos and game night creates a casual setting where crunchy, cheesy bites meet friendly competition. Play rotates between pool, cornhole, darts, and ping pong, with plenty of lighthearted moments along the way. The gathering is open to the public.

Live piano from Dave Conley sets a relaxed mood in the lounge, with the glow of a cozy fireplace enhancing the experience. Unwind as his performance provides an easygoing soundtrack for the evening.

Deja Blue hosts a karaoke night billed as Monterey’s biggest, turning the room into a lively singalong. The event features drink specials, late night bites, and a friendly Winner Circle where bragging rights are up for grabs. Bring friends, pick a favorite song, and take the mic for a fun night of music.

Returning with two ways to compete, the Monterey Bay Pickleball Open offers amateur brackets organized by age and skill level, plus an Open Money Ball division featuring competitive prize-pool play that carries an additional entry fee. Registration uses tiered pricing that begins at $80 and later rises to $100 and then $120. The tournament is already two-thirds full, with 204 of 300 spots taken, so space is limited.

Blippi’s Be Like Blippi live tour arrives at the Golden State Theatre in Downtown Monterey with an interactive, education-focused evening for families. Share in playful learning and energetic moments as Blippi brings this live experience to the stage.

Carmel Guitar Society presents Grammy Award winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux in concert at Founders Theatre in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Recognized by outlets including The New York Times, NPR, Gramophone, and The Huffington Post, he is admired for dazzling technique, lyrical expression, and a compelling stage presence. His résumé spans premier stages such as Lincoln Center, the Concertgebouw, and Seoul Arts Center, together with concerto appearances with major orchestras in Cleveland, Toronto, Houston, St. Louis, and Columbus. An advocate for new music, he has introduced works by Jonathan Leshnoff, Jeff Beal, Avner Dorman, Vivian Fung, and David Ludwig, and Pat Metheny wrote Four Paths of Light for him. On record, his catalog includes the Grammy winning Play, Bach interpretations, and collaborations with violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and flutist Alexa Still, releases noted for eloquent and energetic artistry. As a teacher, he helped establish the guitar program at the Curtis Institute of Music, has served on the Cleveland Institute of Music faculty for more than 25 years, and offers a widely attended online school with ArtistWorks. This performance is part of the Carmel Guitar Society concert series at the historic Founders Theatre. Tickets range from $55 to $80.

Settle in by the fireplace in the lounge for live piano music with Dave Conley. A relaxed atmosphere and gentle melodies set the tone for an easygoing experience.

A family-friendly, Halloween-themed walk-through offers treats, festive decorations, and plenty of animal-centered fun. Children and their families can explore the Halloween themed Learning Center and other SPCA departments, learn more about the organization, and meet animals available for adoption. Now in its 2nd year, the event encourages costumes but does not require them, creating an easygoing way to enjoy an afternoon of Halloween fun and treats.

Candlelight brings a live, multi-sensory concert to the Fox Theater in Salinas, where a Listeso string quartet performs the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons by the gentle glow of candlelight. A tentative program includes songs by Coldplay such as Clocks, Adventure of a Lifetime, Fix You, The Scientist, feelslikeimfallinginlove, Sky Full of Stars, and Viva la Vida, alongside Imagine Dragons tracks including Radioactive, Eyes Closed, Nice to Meet You, Follow You, Bad Liar, and Believer. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant, and seating is assigned on a first come, first served basis within each zone.

At Fred Farr Forum, this Halloween-themed event offers pumpkin decorating with provided craft materials, educational tables about the spooky creatures that live in Asilomar, and an animal bone display. Candy will be available. Costumes are encouraged, it is open to all ages, and registration is encouraged.

Celtic Thunder performs live at the Sunset Center in Carmel by the Sea, CA.

Tri-Valley Dive Club is hosting a Halloween themed fun dive at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove, featuring a scuba friendly costume contest, an underwater pumpkin carving challenge, and candy for quick snacks between splashes. Divers should bring full gear with appropriate cold water exposure protection, a costume that will not interfere with equipment if worn in the water or that can be slipped on over gear for photos, a pumpkin with carving tools, and a container to carry all pumpkin scraps back out. Warm layers, drinking water, and a camera are also recommended for comfort and memories. Lovers Point offers rocky reef and kelp habitat with opportunities to spot Monterey Bay marine life, plus a large grassy park, bathrooms, and picnic tables. It is a popular place for picnics and barbecues. When the ocean cooperates it can suit newer divers, with entries from Lovers 1, Lovers 2, or Lovers 3 and route choices ranging from about 30 to 40 feet for shallower dives to roughly 40 to 60 feet for deeper exploration. A pre dive briefing will cover site conditions and possible routes. A bit of local lore adds color to the setting. The area was once known as Lovers of Jesus Point during its roots as a Methodist retreat established in 1875, where strict rules, evening curfews for minors, and even a fence with a locked gate separated the retreat from neighboring Monterey. Expect a playful mix of underwater creativity and Halloween spirit, and remember to pack out every piece of pumpkin and carving debris.

A free community celebration honors 100 years of the Sunset Cultural Center with live performances, storytelling, an open gallery, and family friendly activities. No ticket is required. Attendees can explore and take part in vibrant arts and cultural traditions that have made this a cherished gathering place for generations.

Pianist and vocalist TJ Kuenster performs in the Sardine Factory Lounge, presenting a wide-ranging set that travels from country and rock to Sinatra favorites from the American Songbook. The show highlights versatile piano and vocals across a broad mix of styles.

The Asilomar Weekend features a Masquerade Ball on Saturday.

Rooted in the music they grew up with, Joe Newberry from the Missouri Ozarks and April Verch from Canada’s Ottawa Valley share songs, tunes, and stories that carry the feeling of home. Their duo performance weaves warm harmonies with lively fiddle and banjo, mixing original pieces with time-honored classics and percussive step dancing that sets the music in motion. Between numbers, they offer glimpses of the families and communities that shaped their art, drawing a clear line from kitchen dances to the concert stage. Appearing on the Otter Opry stage at Monterey United Methodist Church, this concert brings a heartfelt celebration of tradition to Monterey. An optional lasagna dinner is available before the show.

Experience a night of live music as Etana takes the stage at Deja Blue in Seaside.

Enjoy a free, family friendly trick or treating experience in Downtown Salinas. Participating downtown shops and businesses offer treats for children, with added activities like costume contests for both kids and adults, pumpkin decorating, and a scavenger hunt. This annual celebration encourages families to explore the historic center for arts, culture, and cuisine in Downtown Salinas, celebrating the beauty and diversity of the community.

Hosted by The Birth Network of Monterey County, this is a free community postpartum group. It takes place in Pacific Grove.

The 11th annual Chasing Dreams Finding Cures Barrel Race brings riders to the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City for a multi-division competition that supports St. Jude. The program features time runs, a Peewee class that requires pre-entry and helmets with a $20 entry fee, and a High Stakes round with a $150 entry fee, 90 percent payback, a 3D format with a .7 split, and carryover to the Open. Core classes include the BBR Open 4D with $2,000 added, a $75 entry fee, 70 percent payback, and .50, 1.0, and 2.0 second splits, the WCBRA Open 4D with a $50 entry fee that includes the WCBRA fee and 70 percent payback using the same splits, and the Youth 4D for competitors 17 and under with full second splits, a $45 entry fee, and 70 percent payback. A Futurity Showcase is also planned. Carryover sidepots include the Futurity 2D with $250 added and a $50 entry fee, the Derby 2D with $250 added and a $50 entry fee with three additional years of eligibility for horses eight and under after their futurity year, the Senior 4D for ages 50 and up using .50, 1.0, and 2.0 second splits with a $45 entry fee, and the Helmet 4D using the same splits with a $45 entry fee. An American Rodeo Qualifier is part of the event. Average sidepots are offered for the BBR Open 4D and WCBRA Open 4D, with payouts only, and the WCBRA average is sanctioned. Awards follow the Youth division, and recipients or a designated representative in dress code must be present. Average awards will be presented for the Open 4D, Youth 4D, Senior 4D, Futurity 2D, and Derby 2D. Additional featured incentives include Top Shelf Breeders with $10,000 added and Legendary Mamas with $5,000 added. Dress code is enforced, requiring a western hat or helmet, jeans, a long-sleeve western shirt, and cowboy boots, and a $10 hat fine applies. A $10 office fee is charged per contestant. Entries are handled through Saddlebook only, may briefly pause for the pre-draw, and then reopen for late entries, with no phone, text, or email entries accepted. Cash is required at the race, all entries must be paid in full to be included in the draw, there are no late fees, and splits between horses are not guaranteed for late entries. Approved veterinary or medical outs receive a full refund on entry fees within the initial window and 70 percent during the subsequent window, with credit card processing and office fees non-refundable, no refunds after the final deadline, and refunds processed after the race. Checks are accepted when made payable to Key For a Cure, and a $200 fee applies to returned checks. Stalls and RV spaces are available at $30 per night on a first-come, first-served basis and are payable upon arrival.

Y&T, the Bay Area hard rock legends, make a return appearance at the Golden State Theatre.

Paul Cauthen brings a night of soulful music, captivating performances, and powerful vocals that showcase his distinct sound. This live concert is presented as an unforgettable experience, perfect for sharing with friends.

California Bluegrass Reunion returns to the Otter Opry stage at Monterey United Methodist Church to honor California’s bluegrass traditions. The ensemble features fiddler Chad Manning, original instrumentals from mandolinist John Reischman and banjo player Bill Evans, with Jim Nunally on guitar and vocals, Mike Witcher on dobro, Max Schwartz on bass, and Sharon Gilchrist on mandolin shaping the rhythm. The show opens with a four-song set by Nell & Jim, featuring Jim Nunally on vocals, guitar, and banjo alongside Nell Robinson on vocals and miniflute. Online ticket sales close the day of the performance. Admission is $35, CBA members $30, and ages 15 and under are free.

Explore a cozy marketplace at Monterey Moose Lodge that spotlights small businesses and local makers. Browse handcrafted pieces, giftable goods, book-themed treasures, accessories, home accents, and tasty treats, perfect for starting holiday shopping or finding something special. Admission is free. Vendors slated to attend include A Fork N Tine, Cotton Splurge, The Eternal Child, Love + Lavender Farm, Athena’s Almond Addiction, Misplaced Mementos, Francisca’s Treasured Tiers, Dreamcatcher Scentsy, DDArts&Crafts, Handcrafts by Gli Marie, Tracy’s Tiny Treasures, Cooke’s Creations, Cloudnovad_crochet, 831 Candy Company, Reflections Suncatchers and Jewelry, The Seaside Book Nook, Starfish Fibers, Teddy Bears with Heart, S. Creations, Carrieanna’s Central Coast Photography, Nailin’ It with CB, Amor Eterno Giftshop, Damsel in Defense, Shutterbug Crafts, and Dowless Arts & Crafts. Enjoy supporting local entrepreneurs while discovering new favorites.

Presented by We Own The Laughs, this comedy showcase spotlights J. Valentino at the historic Fox Theater in Salinas, California. The Los Angeles native blends stand-up, live DJ skills, turntablism, and interactive crowd work with digital content for a high-energy show centered on audience connection and spontaneity. His comedy, music, and online videos have attracted millions of followers worldwide. The lineup features host Tyson Paul alongside Leonard Madrid, Caitlin Esquivel, Andrew Nunez, and Julian Gonzalez, offering a dynamic range of stand-up throughout the night.

Joanne Shaw Taylor brings a powerhouse show with her band, spotlighting songs from her latest album, Black & Gold, alongside favorites from earlier releases. Celebrated for blazing guitar work and expressive songwriting, she mixes blues, rock, soul, and pop while letting her vocals lead every moment. The set also features heartfelt nods to classic blues legends, weaving tradition into a modern sound. A vibrant performer at the top of her game, she delivers an evening built to resonate long after the final note.

Romantic favorites share the spotlight with a world premiere as pianists Ran Dank and Soyeon Kate Lee appear with the Monterey Symphony to introduce Chen Yi's Toward the Future, a concerto written for two pianos that the duo co-commissioned with the orchestra to mark their wedding anniversary. Chen, who came of age during China’s Cultural Revolution and later settled in the United States, writes with a distinctive blend of Chinese and Western musical traditions. The program also features Schubert’s Symphony No. 5, composed in 1816 during his teenage years, alive with youthful energy, rhythmic spark, and Classical poise. It concludes with selections from Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, infused with vivid folk character.

Gary Numan's North American Fall Tour 2026 stops at the Golden State Theatre.

An influential force in independent Latin hip hop, MC Magic brings a career built one love song at a time to Fox Theater Salinas for a celebration of 30 years of music and memories. As an artist, producer, and founding member of Nastyboy Klick and NB Ridaz, he helped shape a sound that blends smooth melodies, heartfelt romance, and his unmistakable Talk Box. The set features fan favorites such as “Lost in Love,” “Lies,” “All My Life,” and “Girl I Love You,” along with NB Ridaz staples including “Pretty Girl” and “So Fly.” Antonio Cardenas, MC Magic’s youngest son, appears as a special guest. Expect an evening filled with nostalgia, love songs, and memorable live performances in Salinas.

Deja Blue Sports Bar & Events Center in Seaside, CA hosts a Thanksgiving-themed night of stand-up that swaps leftovers for laughter. The show features performances by Orlando, Grossmann, and Mario Hodges, creating an evening full of punchlines and a friendly atmosphere for friends, visiting family, or a favorite date. It is an easy way to carry the holiday spirit forward with shared laughs.

An Otter Opry matinee features The Crooked Jades at Monterey United Methodist Church, a celebrated ensemble that digs deep into rural Americana while stretching the boundaries of traditional bluegrass. Expect driving rhythms, soulful singing, inventive harmonies, and arrangements that highlight a mix of seldom-heard repertoire and vivid original tunes. Guided by founder Jeff Kazor’s vision to revive pre-radio sounds for today, the group performs on an eclectic array of often vintage instruments. The lineup includes Jeff Kazor on vocals, guitar, and ukulele, Joshua Zucker on bass, Lisa Berman on vocals, slide guitar, banjo, and harmonium, Amy Kassir on fiddle, and Erik Pearson on vocals, banjos, ukulele, harmonium, and slide guitar. Praised by audiences and critics for surprising chord choices and powerfully crafted material, the band brings a captivating energy to the stage. Online ticket sales close the day of the performance, with tickets also available at the door. Admission is $35, CBA members $30, and ages 15 and under are free.

A holiday craft and vendor market showcases local artisans and small businesses at the Monterey Moose Lodge. Browse handcrafted items, distinctive gifts, seasonal decorations, and sweet treats while supporting community makers and finishing your shopping. Admission is free.

Spend a Sunday afternoon at the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula for a community contra dance with live music. Doors open, a beginner lesson comes first, then the floor fills for the rest of the afternoon, with a potluck snack break on the porch partway through. Each date features a different band and caller, and calling will use Larks and Robins. Contra is a participatory folk dance arranged in long lines of couples moving through repeating figures. Each dance is taught and prompted by a caller to live music, so newcomers are welcome, all ages can take part, no partner is required, and no fancy footwork is needed. Sliding scale admission is available. General admission is 15 to 30 dollars, members of MCDC, BACDS, CDSS or other sister organizations pay 10 to 25 dollars, active military and full time students with ID pay 5 dollars, and children 12 and under are free. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Current health guidelines note that COVID vaccinations and masks are encouraged but not required, masks will be available at the door, and anyone feeling sick should stay home. This gathering is part of a long running Monterey tradition that has offered live music and contra dancing since 1999, with public dances on first Sundays and third Saturdays. Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended, low heeled soft soled non marking dance shoes work well, and a reusable water bottle is handy.

A class for parents of children ages 6 to 12 at Fleet & Family Support Center Monterey focuses on practical guidance for raising school-age kids. Explore how children grow through the elementary years, the difference between discipline and punishment, and how various parenting styles influence behavior and family dynamics. The session highlights effective, everyday strategies for nurturing positive behavior, offers tips for addressing challenging situations, and underscores the importance of caregiver well-being through self care.

A dance party celebrating people from all walks of life. The focus is on the dance floor and moving to the music.

Enjoy a relaxed, beginner friendly shore dive at San Carlos Beach, also known as the Breakwater in Monterey. This popular site features kelp beds, rocky structure, and varied marine life, with chances to see rockfish and surfperch and to slow down for the tiny creatures hiding among the rocks, whether you are exploring or taking photos. In addition to the fun dives, the Tri-Valley Dive Club offers an optional Rescue Skills Refresher for Instructors, Divemasters, and Rescue Divers, covering how to locate a missing diver, help a panicked diver, and respond to an unresponsive diver. A pre-dive briefing will go over conditions and the plan before entering the water. Bring your dive gear, cold water exposure protection, warm layers for after the dive, plus water, snacks, and an underwater camera if you would like to capture the experience. It is an opportunity to spend time with fellow divers, enjoy local Monterey diving, and keep rescue skills sharp.

A Candlelight concert at the Fox Theater in Salinas features a string quartet performing beloved Christmas carols in a warm, candlelit atmosphere. The 60 minute program may include 12 Days of Christmas, Angels from the Realms of Glory, Angels We Have Heard On High, Away in a Manger, Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Do You Hear What I Hear, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Greensleeves (What Child Is This), Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Joy to the World, O Christmas Tree, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, Silent Night, and The First Noël. Doors open 45 minutes before the music starts, and late entry is not permitted. Seating within each zone is assigned in order of arrival. Guests aged 8 and older are welcome, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant, and multiple dates and times are offered.

Candlelight transforms Fox Theater in Salinas into an intimate setting for a tribute to the film scores of Hans Zimmer. A string quartet performs familiar themes including Time from Inception, This Land from The Lion King, Zooster’s Breakout from Madagascar, Supermarine from Dunkirk, Honor from The Pacific, A Dark Knight from The Dark Knight, Cornfield Chase from Interstellar, and Discombobulate from Sherlock Holmes, along with suites from Wonder Woman, Gladiator, Dune, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The experience lasts 60 minutes, with doors opening 45 minutes before the music begins and no entry once the performance starts. Guests ages 8 and older are welcome, with those under 16 attending with an adult. The theater is ADA compliant, and seating is allocated within each zone in the order guests arrive.