Old Monterey District Blog

The Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmer's Market is returning to Alvarado Street on Tuesday, May 25 at 4pm! We're beginning with a limited farmer's market for the first couple of weeks, featuring local produce and some crafts, as we work our way towards a full reopening on June 15.

The market will take place rain or shine every Tuesday, 4pm-8pm. For the safety of vendors and at-risk individuals, all shoppers must continue to wear a mask over their nose and mouth and maintain social distance. At this time, no sales are allowed to individuals not wearing a face covering. There will be hand sanitizer stations placed throughout the market. We look forward to seeing you!

On May 25, 4pm-6pm, Monterey Fire Department will offer the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine at the market. No appointment necessary - just show up.

Monterey Museum of Art invites you to join London-based artist Kaffe Fassett and his niece, Big Sur-based artist Erin Lee Gafill, in their respective studios for a showcase of their joint still life painting process online on Thursday, May 27, 11am-12pm. Fee is $10. Register in advance online.

Inspired by the pair’s twelve years of annual creative retreats, which were recently interrupted by the pandemic, Kaffe Fassett and Erin Lee Gafill will once again paint the same arrangement of objects in unison. But instead of sitting side-by-side, Kaffe and Erin will be working together virtually, as they sit on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. After the session, connect and reflect with the two artists during a question-and-answer session.

Portola Hotel & Spa is thrilled to share that Jacks Monterey is reopening on May 19. Jacks will be open Wednesday - Sunday for breakfast, 6:30am-10:30am, and dinner, 4pm-10pm. Reservations are available through OpenTable or by phoning 831-649-7830.

Jacks Monterey serves a variety of dishes made from fresh, local ingredients (including guest favorites such as the Monterey Bay Salmon, Portola Burger, and seasonal salads) paired with award-winning cocktails and wine. View the full breakfast menu or dinner menu.

In addition to indoor dining, enjoy outdoor dining on Jacks Terrace, featuring pet-friendly seating, fire pits, and bistro lighting. Locals and members of the military enjoy 15% off at Jacks Monterey (excludes alcohol).

Jacks Monterey is located inside Portola Hotel & Spa at 2 Portola Plaza in Downtown Old Monterey.

The Monterey History and Art Association Salvador Dali Exhibition is happy to reopen our doors to the public on Friday, May 28 in the Stanton Center at 5 Custom Plaza in Downtown Old Monterey.

Dali was one of the 20th century’s most celebrated surrealist artists, and lived for a time in Pebble Beach. This exhibit, which includes original lithographs, etchings, mixed media, rare sculptures, and tapestries, seeks to showcase Dali's local influence and capture the rich history that ties him to the greater Monterey region. This collection is the first and only permanent exhibition of Salvador Dali's works on the U.S. West Coast, curated and donated to the City of Monterey by local residents Dmitry and Rebecca Piterman.

Contactless tickets for the Dali Exhibition will be available on our website. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, $15 for members of the military, and $10 for youth and students. Save 50% on tickets to the Dali Exhibition when you purchase tickets to Monterey Magic and Comedy Club's Magic Fusion show!

In association with Monterey History and Art Association, the Monterey Magic & Comedy Club is proud to announce Magic Fusion, a new magic show opening Friday, May 28 in the Stanton Center at 5 Custom House Plaza in Downtown Old Monterey.

Magic Fusion is a fast-paced, high-energy, 75-85 minute show featuring show-stopping, jaw-dropping feats of mind-bending magic and comedy suitable for all ages. All of the world-class performers featured in the show have graced the stages of the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, made numerous television appearances (including Masters Of Magic on the CW Network), and had residencies at some of the biggest resorts in Las Vegas.

Each featured magician will perform two-week runs in at the Monterey Magic & Comedy Club, which will give locals and visitors alike a chance to experience a different magician and show each time they visit.

Beginning May 28, Magic Fusion will appear at 7pm Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Sunday, with additional 9pm shows Friday-Saturday. Advance tickets are $32 for adults, $22 for children age 16 and under. Day-of-show tickets are $37 for adults, $27 for children age 16 and under. Purchase your tickets online here.

An important reminder from the Monterey County Health Department: Monterey County is still under California State masking guidelines. At this time, people fully vaccinated for Covid still need to wear a mask indoors when they are out in the community.

On May 17, the State of California's Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, announced that California will keep the current mask mandate in place until June 15. Read Dr. Ghaly's full statement here.

Monterey Museum of Art invites you to experience the close connection between internationally renowned textile designer Kaffe Fassett and his niece, award-winning Monterey County artist Erin Lee Gafill, in this online event on Saturday, May 22, 11am-12pm. Fee is $15. Please register online.

First, witness a behind-the-scenes dialogue between Kaffe and Erin as they discuss their creative influences and shared family history, delving into personal processes and challenges as makers, alongside stunning images from their Color Duets collection. Then, join the pair for a live question-and-answer session, continuing the conversation and bringing you, the viewer, further into their inner sanctum.

Monterey Museum of Art is located at 559 Pacific Street in Downtown Old Monterey. It is opening to art museum members beginning May 13 and open to the general public beginning May 20.

Golden State Theatre, located at 417 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is happy to announce our reopening in August 2021 with a great line-up for the late summer and fall. Tickets for all of these shows will be available for purchase on our website beginning May 14 at 10am.

Nikki Glaser - Friday, August 20
Buddy Guy – Friday, September 3
Chris Botti – Friday, September 10
The Beach Boys – Thursday, September 16
Judy Collins – Saturday, September 25
The Wailin' Jennys – Friday, October 1
Get The Led Out (Led Zeppelin Tribute Band) – Saturday, October 9
Demetri Martin – Saturday, October 16
Christopher Cross – Thursday, October 21
Felipe Esparza – Saturday, October 23
The Temptations – Saturday, November 20
Tower of Power – Saturday, November 27
Kathleen Madigan – Friday, December 3
...and more to come!

Please note: Any Golden State Theatre tickets that were purchased for postponed shows in 2020 will be honored for the new date - the Theatre will be sending our updated 2021 tickets to ticket holders prior to the show. If you do not see your missed 2020 entertainer listed above, please be patient - we are still working on confirming reschedule dates for 2021.

Paris Bakery, a family owned business, is now hiring! We are looking for a full time Pastry Chef, full time Baker's Helper, part time Dishwasher, and part time Counter Help/Cashier/Deli Helper. Please come in person to Paris Bakery at 271 Bonifacio Place in Downtown Old Monterey or e-mail your resume to us.

Monterey Fire Department is hosting a free Covid vaccine clinic at Monterey Conference Center on Thursday, May 6, 1pm-7pm, for ages 18 and up. The J&J ("one-and-done") and the Moderna vaccines will be available. There are still plenty of appointments! Make your appointment here.

Monterey Conference Center is located at 1 Portola Plaza in Downtown Old Monterey. Free parking will be available at the Portola Hotel & Spa Garage. Participants who share their selfie will be entered into a raffle to win free tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, restaurant gift certificates, gift cards, and more.