This Week's Highlights

Monterey 4th of July Parade 2026

 
7/4/26
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Monterey's annual 4th of July Parade is a must-attend celebration that draws approximately 20,000 people of all ages to line the streets in and around Old Monterey. We invite you to join us and revel in the festive floats, patriotic displays, entertaining costumes, and musical bands, including the 130-member Impulse Drum & Bugle Corps. The parade begins at 10am sharp.

2026 4th of July Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station #11

 
7/4/26
 
$17 per person
 
Fire Station #11

Join us at the Monterey Firefighters Charity Pancake Breakfast benefiting MY Museum on July 4, 7:30am-10:30am! There will be activities for the kids, music, a fire truck tour, a chance to meet your local firefighters, and a hearty breakfast with all the fixings. Reservations required.

July 4th Living History Day 2026 - Monterey State Historic Park

 
7/4/26
 
free
 
Memory Garden at Pacific House

Monterey State Historic Park Association presents a free July 4th Living History Day for all ages in the Memory Garden behind Pacific House, 11am-4pm.

Bring the whole family for 19th century games, rope making, leather stamping, candle making, and guided history tours.

Stars, Stripes & Stories: A Fourth of July Celebration 2026

 
7/4/26
 
Free
 
Cooper-Molera Adobe - A Historic Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Stars, Stripes & Stories: A Fourth of July Celebration at Cooper-Molera Adobe is a free, family-friendly community event celebrating Independence Day through live performances, crafts, storytelling, and more, 12pm-4pm. View the schedule.

Old Flags of Monterey Exhibit at Colton Hall Museum, July 2026

Colton Hall Museum presents Old Flags of Monterey, an exhibit featuring a variety of historic and replica flags July 1-31 in celebration of America 250. The Museum, located at 570 Pacific Street, is open daily 10am-4pm, and will be open on July 4.

Included in the exhibit are several original flags, dating from the 19th century, that are seldom on public display, plus the watercolor painting of a bear by Charles Nahl, which is the basis for the current California Republic flag.

No Fireworks Allowed in Monterey

The City of Monterey asks that you reduce the risk of wildfire by not using fireworks when celebrating the 4th of July. In the City you may be subject to a $1000 fine if you are caught using any type of fireworks (including those marked as "safe and sane"). Thank you for enjoying the holiday responsibly and safely.

Monterey Mondays: Special for Locals at Bobalicious & Bites

With a busy summer tourist season ahead, Bobalicious and Bites is showing appreciation to the people who support us year-round - our locals. Every Monday through August 3, 12pm-8pm, local residents can enjoy 15% off your order when you show your ID.

We're proud to serve custom made boba, tea, ice cream, slushies, and ice cream floats and shakes every day at 474 Tyler Street.

Late Night Eats at Compact Disco

Compact Disco's late night kitchen is now open for business! Enjoy bacon wrapped dogs, chicken strips, cheese fries, and other late night food to keep you dancing.

Food is available for everyone to order through the outdoor EAT window at 420 Tyler Street until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Extended Summer Hours at High Scores Arcade 2026

Extended summer hours have begun at High Scores Arcade! We're now open Mon-Thu, 12:30pm-10pm; Fri & Sat, 12:30pm-12am; and Sun, 12:30pm-11pm. Visit us at 459 Alvarado Street for the quintessential summer arcade experience.

Pricing is $10 per hour of unlimited gaming, or $22 per day of unlimited gaming with in-and-out privileges. We welcome all ages.

Celebrate MY Museum's 29th Birthday!

 
7/19/26
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum is turning 29! We are so honored to have served our community for nearly 30 years, and hope to keep doing so for another 30.

What do we do when we turn 29? We PARTY like a...