Old Monterey District Blog

Thank you to Monterey's newest 4th of July Parade sponsors!

BFS Landscape Architects
Cannery Row Company
Carmel Bach Festival
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Cooper-Molera Adobe

Interested in becoming a parade sponsor? Learn more here.

The Monterey 4th of July Parade is a production of the Old Monterey Business Association.

Spa on the Plaza, located at 201 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is offering specials in honor of mothers through the month of May 2026. To make an appointment, please phone us at 831-647-9000.

May Specials

Mom's Coastal Escape
$370 for 110 minutes
Enjoy a 50 minute signature massage and a 50 minute signature facial plus tea service.

Mother's Day Duo
$370 for 50 minutes
Enjoy a 50 minute signature massage for two people OR a 50 minute signature facial for two people plus tea service.

Esteban Restaurant is redefining the cocktail experience with an inspired new menu of imaginative, boundary-pushing drinks available nightly during dinner. Renowned for their inventive approach to mixology, the talented team at Esteban expertly combines unconventional ingredients, bold flavors, and artistic presentation to deliver a truly memorable experience for every guest.

Anthony Vitacca, Esteban's Food & Beverage Director, says, “Our mission at Esteban Restaurant is to surprise and delight with every pour, introducing guests to new flavors and experiences. Whether you’re an adventurous drinker or a fan of the classics, there’s a cocktail - or mocktail - waiting for you.”

Come and try our creative alcoholic and non-alcoholic delights! Visit Esteban Restaurant at 700 Munras Ave in Downtown Monterey. View our drink menu here.

Thank you to Monterey's newest 4th of July Parade sponsors!

Monterey Museum of Art
Walker & Reed Attorneys at Law
Copy King
Shelley Bennett Skincare
The Marotta Family
The Paul Davis Partnership
MidiCi, The Neapolitan Pizza Company
Monterey Hotel Apartments / Silverie Properties LLC

Interested in becoming a parade sponsor? Learn more here.

The Monterey 4th of July Parade is a production of the Old Monterey Business Association.

Looking for a fun Easter gift? I Heart You Candles and Gifts has cheerful Bunny Bags! They're small totes each containing a colorful plush bunny, a toy carrot, a plastic egg, a Ring Pop, candy Fun Dip, and a Bunny Hug - a tiny bunny in a box to comfort anxious hearts. Bunny Bags come in a variety of bright colors with small ornamental tags, and they are super cute.

Visit I Heart You at 482 Alvarado Street, Suite A in Downtown Monterey to pick up a Bunny Bag for your loved one, assembled with care by the shop's owner, Sherry. Open Monday - Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Did you know? The Hot Spot, Downtown Monterey's community art space, offers 6 different arts and crafts to enjoy making with friends and family of all ages at our studio at 458 Alvarado Street.

That's right! You can sit down together at a table, and each of you can choose to paint pottery, paint a blank canvas, create a mosaic, make a candle, design a fairy garden, or mix slime. (We recommend the slime for your little ones. They love it!)

Walk-ins and Reservations

For groups of 6 people, it's recommended to book a reservation in advance. Otherwise, just walk on in when we're open: Sun-Tue & Thu, 11am-7pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-8pm. (Closed Wednesdays).

Painting Pottery

Please be aware that pottery projects can't be taken home the same day you paint them - they need to be glazed and fired in our kiln before pick-up. But if you don't live nearby, we're happy to ship the finished product to you when they're done.

The excitement is just beginning for the Downtown Monterey 4th of July Parade! Join us as the City of Monterey proudly celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

This special event, organized in partnership with the Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation, will feature musical and performance artists, colorful floats, military units, community groups, civic leaders, and an anticipated audience of 20,000 people.

Parade Sponsorships

You're invited to be a part of this grand celebration as a valued sponsor with your 2026 tax-exempt donation. Your support helps make this milestone event possible!

Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $20,000. Don’t miss this opportunity for your business or family foundation to engage with the community. Learn more and sign up using the Parade Sponsorship Form Online and make your payment by May 31, 2026.

Please note: Checks must be received by May 31 to guarantee the organization will be named in print and advertising materials.

Questions? Call the OMBA office at 831-655-8070.

Sponsorship Benefits

Sponsorship benefits include digital exposure with a link to your website, your business or family foundation's name or logo in print ads and materials, local press coverage, an opportunity for employee team building, and great community outreach to an anticipated 20,000 parade attendees. Learn more.

The Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation are seeking volunteers for our 4th of July Parade in Downtown Old Monterey!

Parade Details

This old fashioned community parade, with marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, and community groups is a wonderful Monterey tradition that draws thousands of locals and visitors of all ages for a morning of family-friendly fun.

Volunteer Details

Volunteers will serve 8am-12pm on Saturday, July 4. As a volunteer, you may end up marching in the parade or placed along the route for crowd and parade control. Because of this, it is very important that you be able to walk a mile and stand for a few hours.

Interested? Fill out this short form and you'll be contacted by the Parade Volunteer Coordinator. If you have questions, please contact Sabrina Hiltunen, OMBA Executive Director, 831-655-8070.

As reported in the Edible Monterey Bay Newsletter of March 17, 2026:

"The folks working to revive Monterey's historic Osio Theater are seeking a culinary partner to fill the space that used to house the much-missed Cafe Lumiere on Calle Principal. They are looking for an independent cafe, coffee roaster, baker and/or chef-operator interested in creating a welcoming gathering space serving artists, audiences, and the surrounding neighborhood.

"According to board member Olivia Russell, 'The concept is well suited for coffee, pastries, light meals and simple prepared foods that complement the creative atmosphere of the center.' Potential partners are asked to contact organizer Brant Wilkinson by March 27 with a short description of their brand, cuisine and experience."

**To our readers: Edible Monterey Bay's magazine and free email newsletter are a great source of information for local food lovers! Subscribe at the links.

Spa on the Plaza, located at 201 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is offering spring specials until the end of April 2026. To make an appointment, please phone us at 831-647-9000.

Spring Specials

Renew and Refresh Facial Special
$185 for 50 minutes or $220 for 80 minutes
Enjoy a facial designed to bring back your brightness with a lemon enzyme and golden honey nourishing mask. This is ideal for clients seeking deep nourishment and a comforting, glow enhancing experience.

Spring Bloom Ritual Massage
$185 for 50 minutes or $220 for 80 minutes
The Spring Bloom Ritual Massage begins with a dry brushing to promote circulation followed by a back scrub and massage. When you extend your massage to 80 minutes, the service ends with a food scrub treatment.

Join the parade! Together as a community, we'll bring entertainment, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Monterey on Independence Day.

The OMBA is now accepting applications to participate in the 2026 4th of July Parade, to be held at 10am on Saturday, July 4 in Downtown Monterey. Entries are required to be entertaining, creative, and exciting. We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance groups, equestrians, comical groups, etc.. Get creative and think outside the box!

Entry deadline is Friday, May 29, 2026. Fill out the parade entry form. Parade organizers will notify you via e-mail if your entry is accepted.