Old Monterey District Blog

Casual Island now has these stylish women's vegan leather jackets in stock in a variety of colors! Come and check them out at our shop, located at 261 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, across from Portola Hotel & Spa.

Casual Island is a locally owned, family run business with a wide variety of women's clothing and accessories plus a selection of items that are sure to make you smile, including novelty socks, funny refrigerator magnets, art, and knick-knacks.

More Info

Are your lips feeling the freezing weather? Coat them with Shelley Bennett SB Red Lip Tint, a red-tinted lip balm that gives a moisturizing feeling and a buildable hint of color. This formula is created by local esthetician Shelley Bennett, located in Downtown Old Monterey.

Shelley Bennett Skincare is a small, owner-operated business. Please phone the office for product inquiries and pick up times, 831-324-4611. Shipping and local delivery are available.

More Info

Below are the showtimes for Osio Theater, February 6-13, 2020. Osio, a nonprofit movie theater dedicated to independent, foreign, and art films, is located at 350 Alvarado Street in Old Monterey. Purchase advance tickets on our website.

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE
Wednesday at 7pm
(One night special pre-show. Film will return to Osio in March.)
France, 1760. Marianne is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. Because she is a reluctant bride-to-be, Marianne arrives under the guise of companionship, observing Héloïse by day and secretly painting her by firelight at night. As the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow as they share Héloïse’s first moments of freedom. Héloïse's portrait soon becomes a collaborative act of and testament to their love. Watch the trailer.

1917
Weekdays at 1:45pm, 4:30pm, 7pm
Sat & Sun at 11am, 1:45pm, 4:30pm, 7pm

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake, are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them. Watch the trailer.

OSCAR SHORTS
ANIMATED: Daily at 2:30pm, 6:45pm (no 6:45pm show on 2/12)
LIVE ACTION: Daily at 4:30pm (also Sat & Sun at 12pm)

This exclusive release features the year’s most spectacular short films in the categories of Live Action and Animation. Watch the trailer.

LES MISERABLES
Daily at 4:30pm
Inspired by the 2005 riots in Paris, the film follows Stéphane, a recent transplant to the impoverished suburb of Montfermeil, as he joins the local anti-crime squad. Working alongside his unscrupulous colleagues Chris and Gwada, Stéphane struggles to maintain order amidst the mounting tensions between local gangs. When an arrest turns unexpectedly violent, the three officers must reckon with the aftermath and keep the neighborhood from spiraling out of control. Watch the trailer.

COLOR OUT OF SPACE
Weekdays at 6:45pm
Sat & Sun at 11:15am, 6:45pm

After a meteorite lands in the front yard of their farm, Nathan Gardner and his family find themselves battling a mutant extraterrestrial organism as it infects their minds and bodies, transforming their quiet rural life into a technicolor nightmare. Watch the trailer.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Daily at 2pm
After a jaded magazine reporter is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers,...Read More

More Info

The Joseph Boston Store is celebrating "Everything Artichokes" in February 2020. If you love artichokes, The Boston Store is the place for you!

Come to our shop in Old Monterey and find artichoke walnut sauce, artichoke and olive tapenade, Chardonnay artichoke salsa, "castrochill" salt from Big Sur Salts, and so much more! The Joseph Boston Store has also prepared a free handout on the history of the artichoke, including interesting facts about its connection to Monterey and Andrew Molera, Cooper’s heir.

The Joseph Boston Store is open every week, Friday - Sunday, 11am-3pm. The store is run by the Historic Garden League. All proceeds are used to preserve and maintain the historic gardens of Monterey.

The Joseph Boston Store is located at 210 Olivier Street. Coming from Portola Plaza, you'll find the Store behind the Pacific House Museum. Coming from Pacific Street, you'll find the store adjacent to the Casa Del Oro Garden, across the street from the First Theater.

More Info

Below are the showtimes for Osio Theater, January 31 - February 6, 2020. Osio, a nonprofit movie theater dedicated to independent, foreign, and art films, is located at 350 Alvarado Street in Old Monterey. Purchase advance tickets on our website.

OSCAR SHORTS
ANIMATED: Daily at 2:30pm, 6:45pm
LIVE ACTION: Daily at 4:30pm (also Sat & Sun at 12pm)
DOCUMENTARY: Daily at 1:45pm

This exclusive release features the year’s most spectacular short films in the categories of Live Action, Animation, and Documentary. Watch the trailer.

LES MISERABLES
Weekdays at 4:30pm, 6:45pm
Sat & Sun at 11:45am, 4:30pm, 6:45pm
Inspired by the 2005 riots in Paris, the film follows Stéphane, a recent transplant to the impoverished suburb of Montfermeil, as he joins the local anti-crime squad. Working alongside his unscrupulous colleagues Chris and Gwada, Stéphane struggles to maintain order amidst the mounting tensions between local gangs. When an arrest turns unexpectedly violent, the three officers must reckon with the aftermath and keep the neighborhood from spiraling out of control. Watch the trailer.

THE SONG OF NAMES
Daily at 2pm
In this sweeping historical drama, a man searches for his childhood best friend — a Polish violin prodigy orphaned in the Holocaust who vanished decades before on the night of his first public performance. Watch the trailer.

COLOR OUT OF SPACE
Weekdays at 7:15pm
Sat & Sun at 11:15am, 7:15pm

After a meteorite lands in the front yard of their farm, Nathan Gardner and his family find themselves battling a mutant extraterrestrial organism as it infects their minds and bodies, transforming their quiet rural life into a technicolor nightmare. Watch the trailer.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Daily at 5pm
After a jaded magazine reporter is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbor. Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. Watch the trailer.

FANTASTIC FUNGI
Daily at 2:30pm, 5pm, 7pm
This consciousness-shifting documentary takes us on an immersive journey through time and scale into the magical earth beneath our feet, an underground network that can heal and save our planet. Watch the trailer.

JOJO RABBIT
Weekdays at 4:...Read More

More Info

Want to learn the basics of yoga but would rather be in a private setting? No problem! Om Studios in Monterey knows that starting something new can be intimidating, especially in a group setting. We invite you to check out our Beginner Yogi Starter Pack!

You'll receive 6 private sessions in your location of choice or in one of our studios; learn the basics of yoga with the support of a caring teacher; learn modifications specific to your body; receive two yoga sequences you can incorporate into your daily life; feel comfortable attending a regularly scheduled yoga class; get a weekly check in and support; learn how and when to use props in your practice; learn how and when to incorporate breath work and meditation.

Fee is $449. For more information or to begin your journey, please email us. Om Studios in Monterey is located at 631 Cass Street, Suite B.

More Info

Pilates is becoming more popular than ever and the demand for qualified Pilates instructors is growing, especially in the Monterey Bay Area. Pilates Monterey's 2020 Teacher Training Program, taught by Andrea Borgman-Quist and Trudy McCrone, both Nationally Certified Pilates Trainers (NCPT), offers comprehensive training and preparation for the NCPT exam, open to all students who successfully complete all 6 modules of the program, a total of 450 hours.

The first module begins on April 2, and the entire course will last until September 28. We will meet Mondays (5pm-8pm), Thursdays (9am-12pm), and some Saturdays (9am-12pm). For a complete schedule and more information, please visit our website or e-mail us. Pilates Monterey is located at 533 Hartnell Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

At Pilates Monterey, we help our clients and our community achieve their ultimate movement potential. We have nurtured a welcoming studio environment in the heart of Old Monterey, staffed with the highest caliber of teachers who foster a philosophy of lifetime learning and community development.

More Info

Below are the showtimes for Osio Theater, January 24-30, 2020. Osio, a nonprofit movie theater dedicated to independent, foreign, and art films, is located at 350 Alvarado Street in Old Monterey. Purchase advance tickets on our website.

THE SONG OF NAMES
Weekdays at 2pm, 4:30pm, 7pm
Sat & Sun at 11:30am, 2pm, 4:30pm, 7pm

In this sweeping historical drama, a man searches for his childhood best friend — a Polish violin prodigy orphaned in the Holocaust who vanished decades before on the night of his first public performance. Watch the trailer.

CLEMENCY
Weekdays at 1:30pm, 4pm
Sat & Sun at 11am, 1:30pm, 4pm

As she prepares to execute another inmate, Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill. Watch the trailer.

COLOR OUT OF SPACE
Daily at 6:45pm
After a meteorite lands in the front yard of their farm, Nathan Gardner and his family find themselves battling a mutant extraterrestrial organism as it infects their minds and bodies, transforming their quiet rural life into a technicolor nightmare. Watch the trailer.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Weekdays at 1:45pm
Sat & Sun at 11:15am, 1:45pm

After a jaded magazine reporter is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbor. Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. Watch the trailer.

FANTASTIC FUNGI
Daily at 2pm, 5pm, 7pm
This consciousness-shifting documentary takes us on an immersive journey through time and scale into the magical earth beneath our feet, an underground network that can heal and save our planet. Watch the trailer.

UNCUT GEMS
Daily at 4pm
Howard Ratner, a charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score, makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. But he must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win. Watch the trailer.

JOJO RABBIT
Weekdays at 4:30pm, 6:45pm
Sat & Sun at 11:15am, 4:30pm, 6:45pm

This World War II satire follows a lonely German boy whose world view is turned upside down when he...Read More

More Info

In addition to wines by the glass and bottle, Puma Road at Portola Plaza is now offering cheese and salami plates courtesy of The Cheese Shop in Carmel. Our plates feature three cheeses (Young Manchego, Old Amsterdam, and Seascape) and two salamis (Calabrese and Genoa). Come and try them! We're located at 281 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

More Info

Monterey to AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Express Shuttle 2020

Posted on January 20th, 2020 by omba

There will be an AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Express Shuttle to and from Monterey from Friday, February 7 through Sunday, February 9, 2020. Hours are Friday - Saturday, 6am-6pm, and Sunday, 6am-5pm. Round-trip ticket is $20 per day per person, $10 per day with active military ID. CASH ONLY.

Shuttle buses leave from Monterey and Pebble Beach every 45 minutes. Please note: during peak hours, the wait may be longer.

There are two pick-up locations:

Cannery Row
At the corner of Cannery Row and Prescott Street next to Steinbeck Plaza (map: 700 Cannery Row). Parking is available at the Cannery Row Garage, 600 Foam Street.

Downtown Old Monterey
The Old Monterey shuttle stop is at the corner of Calle Principal and Del Monte across from the Conference Center (map: 98 Del Monte Avenue). Parking is available at the Downtown West Garage, 340 Tyler Street.

More Info

Comanche Cellars Wine Room is pleased to announce our new tasting menu! Visit us and try the 2018 Dog & Pony Albariño, 2018 Comanche Cellars Chardonnay, 2016 Comanche Cellars Pinot Noir, 2017 Comanche Cellars Malbec, and 2017 Comanche Cellars Zinfandel. Our five-flight tasting is $20 per person - if you make a two bottle purchase, we'll waive one tasting fee. We're located at 412 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

More Info

All eyes are on you! With the new Shelley Bennett Skincare Eye Primer, you’ll be set all day. This formula is created by local esthetician Shelley Bennett, located in Downtown Old Monterey.

Shelley Bennett Skincare is a small, owner-operated business. Please phone the office for product inquiries and pick up times, 831-324-4611. Shipping and local delivery are available.

More Info

Below are the showtimes for Osio Theater, January 17-23, 2020. Osio, a nonprofit movie theater dedicated to independent, foreign, and art films, is located at 350 Alvarado Street in Old Monterey. Purchase advance tickets on our website.

CUNNINGHAM
Daily at 2pm, 4:15pm
The iconic Merce Cunningham and the last generation of his dance company is stunningly profiled in Alla Kovgan's 3D documentary, through recreations of his landmark works and archival footage of Cunningham, John Cage, and Robert Rauschenberg. Watch the trailer.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Weekdays at 4:30pm
Sat & Sun at 11am, 4:30pm

After a jaded magazine reporter is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbor. Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. Watch the trailer.

THOUSAND PIECES OF GOLD
Daily at 2pm, 7pm
Set in the late Gold Rush in the 1880s, this is the real-life story of Lalu, a young Chinese woman whose desperately poor parents sell her into slavery. She is trafficked to a nefarious saloon keeper in Idaho’s gold country when Charlie, a man of different ilk, wins her in a poker game and opens the door to a brave new world – for Lalu and for himself. Watch the trailer.

FANTASTIC FUNGI
Daily at 2pm, 7pm
This consciousness-shifting documentary takes us on an immersive journey through time and scale into the magical earth beneath our feet, an underground network that can heal and save our planet. Watch the trailer.

UNCUT GEMS
Weekdays at 6:30pm
Sat & Sun at 10:45am, 6:30pm

Howard Ratner, a charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score, makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. But he must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win. Watch the trailer.

JOJO RABBIT
Weekdays at 2:15pm, 4:30pm, 7pm
Sat & Sun at 11am, 2:15pm, 4:30pm, 7pm

This World War II satire follows a lonely German boy whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother is hiding a young Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, Jojo must confront his blind nationalism. Watch the trailer...Read More

More Info

2020 4th of July Parade Sponsor Application

Posted on January 10th, 2020 by pcofresi

It is with great regret that the Old Monterey Business Association has canceled the 2020 Old Monterey 4th of July Parade due to the prohibition of large group gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you to all of our friends who have participated in the parade over the years, and to the many, many spectators who have lined the streets of historic Downtown Old Monterey on the 4th of July. We'll see you next year as we celebrate Monterey's 250th Birthday Plus One!

Everyone loves a parade! The Old Monterey Foundation and the Old Monterey Business Association are teaming up to bring the color and excitement of creative floats, marching bands, dance and drill teams, and special guests and dignitaries to the Monterey Peninsula for the 2020 4th of July Parade in Downtown Old Monterey. Please consider a sponsorship at any level as we celebrate Monterey's 250th birthday.

Last year, thousands and thousands of spectators, both residents and visitors, lined the parade route for this family-friendly event. 2020 is expected to be even bigger, and even better, as Monterey receives national and international recognition for its monumental 250th birthday.

Parade sponsorship offers great community involvement, awesome visibility, extensive media coverage, unique marketing benefits, and the opportunity to become part of Monterey's bold history. All sponsorship donations are tax exempt.

Download Parade Sponsorship Form

Below are the showtimes for Osio Theater, January 10-16, 2020. Osio, a nonprofit movie theater dedicated to independent, foreign, and art films, is located at 350 Alvarado Street in Old Monterey. Purchase advance tickets on our website.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Weekdays at 1:30pm
Sat & Sun at 11am, 1:30pm

After a jaded magazine reporter is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbor. Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. Watch the trailer.

THE KINGMAKER
Daily at 1:30pm, 7:15pm
This documentary centers on the controversial political career of Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines, whose behind-the-scenes influence of her husband Ferdinand's presidency rocketed her to the global political stage. Watch the trailer.

THOUSAND PIECES OF GOLD
Daily at 2pm, 7pm
Set in the late Gold Rush in the 1880s, this is the real-life story of Lalu, a young Chinese woman whose desperately poor parents sell her into slavery. She is trafficked to a nefarious saloon keeper in Idaho’s gold country when Charlie, a man of different ilk, wins her in a poker game and opens the door to a brave new world – for Lalu and for himself. Watch the trailer.

FANTASTIC FUNGI
Weekdays at 2pm, 7:30pm
Sat & Sun at 12pm, 2pm, 7:30pm

This consciousness-shifting documentary takes us on an immersive journey through time and scale into the magical earth beneath our feet, an underground network that can heal and save our planet. Watch the trailer.

UNCUT GEMS
Daily at 4:10pm, 7pm
Howard Ratner, a charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score, makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. But he must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win. Watch the trailer.

A HIDDEN LIFE
Daily at 4pm
The story of an unsung hero, Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When the Austrian peasant farmer is faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife, Fani, and their children that keeps his spirit alive. Watch the trailer.

JOJO RABBIT...Read More

More Info

Vegan Options at Cult Taco

Posted on January 6th, 2020 by Cult Taco

Already regretting your Dry January and vegan diet resolutions for the new year? There's good news: you can still feel indulgent without compromising! Cult Taco offers a delicious selection of plant-based menu options and non-alcoholic beverages. Have your tried our new Beyond Meat taco? We're located at 481 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

More Info

Because of the extreme demand for summer camps in Monterey County, Code Ninjas Monterey is proud to offer a wide range of camp options for kids 6-14+. All one-week camps are half-day sessions, 10am-2pm. View detailed information on each camp here. Register for camp online here. Code Ninjas is located at 469 Pacific Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

CAMP SCHEDULE

Roblox Create ($199)
June 8-12, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 20-24, August 3-7
We use the popular gaming platform Roblox to teach digital skills and programming concepts. Whether your child is a Roblox regular or beginner, they will learn how to create an obstacle course and kart racing game during a fun week of experimentation, creativity and real-world physics. At the end of the week, your child will learn how to publish their projects so they can share them with friends.

Minecraft Create ($199)
June 15-19, June 29 - July 3, July 13-17, July 27-31
Campers will be able to use multiple programs to design, build their own structures, and import them in their very own Minecraft world. Please note: this camp requires a Java edition account, $27.95 not included in camp fee.

Game Builders Club ($199)
June 8-12, June 15-19, July 20-24, July 27-31
Campers use code blocks and characters to gain a foundation in computational thinking, creating their own video games. Bright visuals and engaging design enhance the learning process.

App Builders Club ($199)
June 22-26, August 3-7
Students will use MIT App Inventor, a blocks-based programming language with a development environment that runs in a browser, to design and build mobile apps. Students will build their digital confidence and become empowered to create, rather than just use, technology in their lives.

Drones in the Dojo ($299)
July 6-10, July 13-17
Campers get to see their code come to life while flying drones. Our Code Sensei will open the creative minds of participants as campers take on top secret missions that call for them to perform drone pickups and deliveries. They'll learn how to make their drones do a series of tricks and follow challenging flight paths. Camp fee includes a drone.

Robo-Pro ($199)
June 29 - July 3
A series of robotics activities based on the Ninjas Toolkit, a special robotics kit available only at Code Ninjas. Campers will get to build and code Robots throughout the week and figure out how we can use machines to make work easier for humans.

More Info

CarmelBarre, located at 465 Pacific Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is happy to announce that we now offer regular Zumba classes taught by Kim Fuji on Tuesdays at 6:30pm and Santy Birch on Sundays at 9:15am. Join us for a great workout that's lots of fun.

Now through June 2020 we're offering promotional Zumba pricing. You can purchase a Zumba-only 10-class pack for $95 or a 3-class pack for $39. Please note: all packages are good through June 2020.

Kim has been keeping the community smiling with Zumba since 2009. She Loves the idea that Zumba is “exercise in disguise.” Santy Birch is a licensed Zumba teacher who loves that very class feels like a party.

Besides being a great cardio workout, when done correctly, Zumba also targets the core.

More Info

Do you have a celebratory occasion coming up? Sovino Wine Bar is available to rent for private parties or you can reserve a partial seating here! It's an ideal spot for birthdays, retirement parties, corporate events, or any kind of shower. Please e-mail us for more information. We're located at 241 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, right across from Portola Hotel & Spa.

More Info

Pages