CALENDAR OF EVENTS May Festival of Speed Monterey 800-327-SECA www.laguna-seca.com It’s a double feature weekend when the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and Champ Car World Series converge on the Monterey Peninsula. Saturday features the ultra-competitive, wheelto-wheel action of the Grand-Am Daytona Prototype and GT cars in a 250mile race. On Sunday, it’s the return of the Champ Car World Series– the fastest racing cars currently competing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Robinson Jeffers Tor House Garden Party Carmel 831-624-1813 www.torhouse.org This annual party features afternoon tea, a silent auction, and gifts. Live music serenades artists painting in the gardens of Tor House, the coastal former home of poet Robinson Jeffers. Marina International Festival of the Winds Marina 831-384-9155 www.marinafestival.com Fly high at this annual festival, which celebrates kite flying, hang gliding and all sorts of wind-oriented activities. Workshops include kite-making and mobile-building. Carmel Art Festival Carmel 831-642-2503 www.carmelartfestival.org This outdoor art show at Devendorf Park features bronze, glass, stone, marbles and acrylic sculptures. Don’t miss the gallery events, lectures, receptions and demonstrations that accompany this festival. Pebble Beach Equestrian Challenge Pebble Beach 831-624-2756 www.ridepebblebeach.com Rated “A” by the American Horse Show Association, this horse show is perfect for practicing preparedness in the quest for equestrian excellence as trainers and riders.
Salinas Valley Fair King City 831-385-3243 www.salinasvalleyfair.com Enjoy the atmosphere of an oldfashioned county fair, complete with a carnival, bull-riding, craft and 4-H exhibits, music and more. The event also includes the Monterey Wine Competition Grand Wine Tasting. Cooking for Solutions Monterey 831-644-7561 www.montereybayaquarium.org Celebrity chefs gather at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for a two-day extravaganza dedicated to sustainable seafood, gourmet organic cuisine, and organic wines. Past events have honored renowned chefs Martin Yan and Jacques Pepin, and have included visits by Jim Dodge, Jesse Ziff Cool, Mark Franz and Emily Luchetti. Castroville Artichoke Festival Castroville 831-633-2465 www.artichoke-festival.org Sample the many unique flavors of the artichoke in an atmosphere of fun. Musical entertainment is scheduled. 24 Hours of Adrenalin Cycle Race Monterey 416-391-2651 www.24HoursofAdrenalin.com This race is the fastest-growing mountain bike event series in North America. During the race, solo riders and teams compete to ride as many laps as possible in a 24-hour period.
June
July
Mission San Antonio Fiesta Jolon-Fort Hunter Liggett Base, near Lake San Antonio 831-385-4478 www.sanantoniomission.com During this event, a fiesta mass and the distribution of St. Anthony’s bread is followed by a barbecue, games and live music.
Festival of Patriots Parade Seaside 831 899-6805 www.ci.seaside.ca.us Celebrate America’s independence with a parade featuring bands, clowns, military units, big balloons and community groups. Live entertainment follows the parade.
Cannery Row Block Party Monterey 831-649-6690 www.canneryrow.com Head to Cannery Row and enjoy a day of seaside entertainment and family fun. This annual event is a crowd-pleaser, continuous live musical performances, magicians, live animals, jugglers, face painting, and more!
Obon Festival Seaside 831-372-8181 www.seaside-sandcity.com This annual event at the Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple features Japanese food, cultural exhibits, and traditional dancing in honor of the spirits of the departed.
Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association Golf Tournament Monterey 831-375-9400 www.montereywines.org Join the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association for their Annual Golf Tournament. Golf side-by-side with the best! Hidden Gardens Tour Big Sur 831-667-1530 www.bigsurarts.org During this event, visitors can explore gardens throughout Big Sur, many of which feature musicians and artists as well.
Cinco de Mayo Festival Seaside 831-899-6805 www.ci.seaside.ca.us Celebrate Hispanic culture with a family-fun event. Latin bands, folkloric dancers, piñatas, and a wide range of children’s activities accompany the festival.
Monterey Bay Blues Festival Monterey 831-394-2652 www.montereyblues.com This festival brings 56 blues and R&B acts together on three stages over three days. It’s a rocking good time!
May - October
Films in the Forest Carmel 831-626-1681 www.foresttheaterguild.org Weeknight screenings of favorite films for kids, families, and friends at the Outdoor Forest Theater. Bring a cushion and a cuddly throw—don’t forget the picnic basket and popcorn!
Hot Cars/Cool Nites –Last Friday of Each Month Seaside 831-899-6801 www.ci.seaside.ca.us Experience an evening of awardwinning antique cars, classic cars, and hot-rods, plus great music of the 50’s and 60’s.
June - July
Jazz at the Plaza Carmel 831-624-0138 www.carmelplaza.com Enjoy Friday evenings at Carmel Plaza and listen to the sounds of local jazz musicians while sipping a variety of local wine and cheese from The Cheese Shop. Community Fourth of July Parade Monterey 831-646-3866 www.monterey.org Independence Day celebrations begin with a gala parade down Alvarado Street, followed by a barbecue picnic and live music on the lawn of historic Colton Hall. Fireworks over the Monterey Bay end the day-long celebration. City Fourth of July Celebration Pacific Grove 831-373-3304 www.pacificgrove.org Join the Chamber of Commerce and celebrate the 4th with an oldfashioned, down-home barbeque in Caledonia Park. Enjoy great food, live entertainment and a chance to visit with your neighbors. Living History Day in Old Monterey Monterey 831-649-7118 www.parks.ca.gov/mshp During this event, visitors get to travel back in time and find out what life was like in the 1840s at the historic CooperMolera Adobe. Schedule includes activities and fun for all ages.
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