Events Calendar: 2023-12-01

Join Monterey Museum of Art for free, after-hours access during this special edition of First Friday, 5pm-8pm, celebrating the opening of our new annual holiday exhibit, Iluminado . Revel in the fun and enjoy drinks, small-bites, art activities, and a live set by DJ Hanif Wondir. Wine and beer will be available to purchase.

All are cordially invited to the Historic Downtown Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 1, 5pm-6pm. Join us on the lawn in front of Colton Hall to share in this much-loved holiday event.

Enjoy cookies, cider, live music and caroling, and the lighting of the tree to bring in the holiday season. Monterey's Mayor and members of the City Council will be present and KMBY 1240 AM / 95.9 FM will broadcast the event live.

Golden State Theatre presents comedian and actor Felipe Esparza on Friday, December 1 at 8pm. Tickets are $29-$69 - to purchase tickets, please click here .

Felipe Esparza has come a long way since winning NBC's "Last Comic Standing" in 2010. With three successful stand-up specials on Netflix and HBO, his "What's Up Fool?" podcast holding steady as one of the top comedy podcasts, and his sold-out tour dates across country, he's now appearing frequently as an actor in film and TV shows such as "Superstore" and "Gentefied."

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 2, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for a fun-filled afternoon with our interactive art installation, Iluminado .

Meet the artists behind the magical trees of the exhibit, exercise your creativity, and contribute to the evolving exhibition. Featured activities include: paper leaves with messages, mural painting, and pattern-making with wooden blocks.

Youth Arts Collective invites you to view our artists' 2023 Holiday Show in person during our open house events on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, 12pm-4pm. Enjoy the artwork and don't miss the opportunity to take home a stunning piece right away if you decide to make a purchase.

YAC's Holiday Art Show will run through December. Can't make it to one of our open houses? View the show online here.

Stokes Adobe is hosting a holiday market by local artisans and entrepreneurs on Saturday, Dec. 2, 1pm-7pm. This will be a unique holiday shopping experience featuring one-of-a-kind gifts.

Venture Gallery invites you to meet the local artists behind our December group show, A Few of My Favorite Things . Drop by the gallery for our holiday reception, view these small, favorite works of art, and speak with the creators. Attendees may enter their names in a drawing to win a $200 gallery gift certificate.

MY Museum invites children to get festive and join us in decorating your own gingerbread houses. There will be lots of icing and candy canes, swirly twirly gum drops, and tons more candy to make your house look truly extraordinary. Reservations are required - register online here .

The Golden State Theatre presents Macy Gray and The California Jet Club on Saturday, December 2 at 8pm. Tickets are $39-$89. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here ....

MidiCi Monterey invites you to join us for Jazz Night every Sunday, 5pm-8pm. Tonight we'll feature the Brian Stock Quartet.

The Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club presents Brighten the Harbor , a lighted boat parade. Watch boats beautifully decorated for the holidays cruise along the Monterey Coast.

Do you love to sniff and discuss wines while you sip them? On December 4, we will learn about comparing Sangiovese: specifically, our 2020, 2021, and 2022 vintages. Fee is $35. Register in advance online.

Fleet Feet Monterey hosts a Pub Run every Monday at 6:00pm. We'll begin and end at Fieldwork Brewing Company. All paces, levels, distances, and abilities are welcome. Post-run, we can grab a beer together!

The Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers Market is held on Alvarado Street every Tuesday, 4pm-8pm, featuring local produce, crafts, and food vendors. We're open rain or shine.

Come on down to Nacho Bizness on Wednesdays, 7pm-9pm, for Kahoot! Trivia Night. Eat nachos, drink drinks, win prizes, and have fun.

Every Wednesday, there are 3 rounds of trivia followed by a speed round⁠. After each round, small prizes are awarded. At the end, all scores are added and the person with the most points wins the big prize⁠.

Join Sovino Wine Bar for Trivia Night every Wednesday, 7pm-9pm, hosted by Miguel Silva. Prizes are awarded for first and second place. Team size is limited to 6 people or less. No reservations are required, but space is limited. Test your knowledge against other trivia geeks!

Hellam's Tobacco and Wine Shop presents a special holiday season champagne tasting on Thursday, December 7, 7pm-10pm. Participation fee is $40.

Golden State Theatre presents The Clairvoyants and their Holiday Spectacular on Thursday, December 7 at 8pm. Tickets are $24-$79. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

Amelie van Tass and Thommy Ten...

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents a solo performances by musician Alex Bedzjian of local band The Dead Cassettes. Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one...

Christmas in the Adobes on December 8 & 9 is Monterey's signature holiday event! Stroll the streets of Monterey and stop in at any one of the many decorated adobes with soft holiday lights and entertainment. The event supports Monterey State Historic Park children's educational programs and the restoration of the historic First Theatre.

Tickets are $30 per night for adults and free for children and youth age 17 and under. A 2-night Gold Pass is available for $45. Reserve your tickets online today.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents Lindsay Beery . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selecting of craft beer.

Every month, Old Capitol Books and Boukra Press host a poetry writing workshop. All levels are welcome. This is two hours of facilitated and structured poetry writing for only $10. Feedback given by trained and published poets.

Golden State Theatre presents comedian Carlos Ballarta on Friday, December 8 at 8pm. Tickets are $29-$39. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

Mexican comedian and actor Carlos...

We know that some of you have been fantasizing about gathering in dark parking lots. With strangers. To read poetry. Let Old Capitol Books help you with that.

Our Poetry Open Mic Nights are held on the second Friday of the month at 9pm in the parking lot behind our building (at 499 Calle Principal).

MY Museum invites you and your children ages 3+ to join us on Saturday, December 9, as we partner with Red Engine Rides for a cruise around town. We're offering 15 minute rides in an open-air fire engine for $25 per person. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Rides depart every half hour, 10am-11:30am. Advance reservations required.

Om Studios invites you to join us for a transformative afternoon retreat to embrace the winter's shift with grace as we journey inward - nourishing mind, body, and spirit through movement, sound, and serenity on Saturday, December 9, 3pm-6pm. Fee...

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents singer-songwriter Adam Behan . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents Graham Good and The Painters . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selecting of craft beer.

Defected Records superstar Mr. V returns to Compact Disco on Saturday, December 9, for what is sure to be yet another sold out performance! Tickets are $10 in advance , $15 at the door. Ages 21+ with ID.

Golden State Theatre and (((folkYEAH!))) present Pink Martini featuring China Forbes on Saturday, December 9 at 8pm. Tickets are $58-$98. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

Pound...

Monterey Museum of Art presents a storytelling time with Iluminado exhibition artist Edi Matsumoto on Sunday, December 10, 2pm-3pm. Edi will be assisted by students from Monterey High School, who will act out the story.

Join Edi to hear the story of the traditional Japanese story of the Tanabata, in which the deities and lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi are separated by the Milky Way, only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents Smoky Vegs Project . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Smoky Vegas Project is...

MidiCi Monterey invites you to join us for Jazz Night every Thursday, 6pm-9pm. Tonight we'll feature singer Miranda Perl and guitarist Adam Astrup. No cover charge.

Wendi Kirby Music presents an acoustic concert by singer-songwriter Casey Frazier and his band of local musicians - Doug Fearnside, Zach McDaniel, and Rory Glass - on Thu, Dec. 14 at 7pm. Tickets are $40 - purchase here . All ages welcome.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents award-winning singer-songwriter Kris Angelis, whose newest album will be released in September. Enjoy wine tastings and wines by the glass or bottle while listening to her great music.

The Pearl Works, a community coworking space, is holding a Holiday Crafts and Cards Workshop on Friday, December 15, 6pm-8pm. We will be using lino printing methods to make our own holiday cards. All are welcome! Fee is on a sliding scale, $20-$30. Please register here.

Monterey Martial Arts presents a Women's Self Defense Workshop led by Michael Yerzy on Friday, December 15, 6pm-8pm. Fee is $45 at the door (cash/check).

Shun Shifu Michael Yerzy, the founder of Monterey Martial Arts, is a second degree black belt in Moore’s Shou Shu, a complete self-defense system designed to meet real-life situations.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents Lindsay Beery . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selecting of craft beer.

Lowpass Magazine presents a DJ dance party at Old Capitol Books on Friday, December 15, 8pm-11pm. Enjoy house, hyper pop, YK2, and more with DJ Kiki. Tickets are $5 at the door, but no one will be turned away for...

Golden State Theatre presents A Flock of Seagulls on Friday, December 15 at 8pm. Tickets are $48-$78. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

A Flock of Seagulls...

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents Linda Arceo , an accomplished singer, songwriter, and acoustic rhythm guitarist. Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Golden State Theatre presents X on Saturday, December 16 at 8pm. Tickets are $35-$50. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

More than four decades after the inception of...

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents jazz guitarist Peter Martin and bassist Zach Westfall. Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

MidiCi Monterey invites you to join us for Jazz Night every Sunday, 5pm-8pm. Tonight we'll feature a Marotta Family Jam!

Comanche Cellars Wine Room presents an Ugly Sweater Dumpling Party led by Emily Lipp. Wear your ugliest holiday sweater, learn to make dumplings, and then eat them while you enjoy some of our wine. Fee is $40 - purchase tickets here .

Join the Monterey Firefighter Foundation, 3pm-6pm, in the beer garden of Alvarado Street Brewery for our 2024 Firefighter Calendar Release Party! Purchase a calendar and get a beer for half price. Calendar models will be on site to sign calendars. All proceeds will support the Monterey Firefighter Foundation's community outreach programs.

Melville Tavern hosts live music every Tuesday, 6pm-8pm. Tonight we'll feature the Wild at Heart Duo , featuring vocalist Lisa Kincaid and guitarist Sam Nilsson. Arrive early and enjoy our Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm.

Fleet Feet Monterey invites you to be part of a powerful community run/walk on the longest night of the year to honor grief, create togetherness, and celebrate resilience.

The Longest Night Run/Walk, on Thursday, Dec. 21, 6pm-7:30pm, is a community event in which we come together to support and show solidarity to one another through times of grief, loss, waiting, and challenge. There is a suggested donation of $10, but no mandated fee. Please register here .

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents a solo performances by musician Alex Bedzjian of local band The Dead Cassettes. Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one...

Join Monterey Museum of Art on Friday, Dec. 22, 5:30pm-7:30pm, for an evening of merriment and reflection as the year comes to a close and we celebrate the fully transformed Iluminado exhibition. Enjoy food and drink, a live set by DJ Gwynneth, and a raffle of Miniatures. Admission is free.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents Lindsay Beery . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selecting of craft beer.

Golden State Theatre presents Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton with their Atomic Funk Cosmic Holiday Jam on Friday, December 22 at 8pm. Tickets are $49-$150. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click...

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents Magenta Spreen . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Magenta Spreen brings together singer-songwriters...

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents Cement Ship . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selecting of craft beer.

Om Studios presents a Sacred Sound Bath Workshop taught by Jordan Rossow on Sunday, December 24, at 11am. Please register on the Om Studios website .

We aim for you to leave this workshop feeling renewed...

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents musician Glenn Bell . In recent years, he has performed as a member of the bands Sensory Tribe and The BASSment.

Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Compact Disco presents Monterey County SantaCon, a fundraiser for CalFire, on Christmas Eve. Costumes are suggested - a $500 Santa costume contest will be held at 10pm. Admission is free, but donations online or at the door are encouraged.

Old Capitol Books invites you to spend Christmas afternoon with us, 2pm-5pm. We'll have free gifts, warm drinks, and cookies. This is free and open to all - we want everyone to have a cozy and welcoming place to come and celebrate the holiday.

Esteban Restaurant invites you to gather around the table on December 25, 2pm-8pm, to feast on a delicious 3-Course Christmas Dinner Menu. Choose from 2 starters (crab corn bisque, kale salad), 2 main course dishes (slow-roasted prime rib, crab crusted...

The Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market will be closed on December 26 and January 2. We wish you a very happy holidays and hope to see you on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 4pm-7pm.

Melville Tavern hosts live music every Tuesday, 6pm-8pm. Tonight we'll feature singer-songwriter Casey Frazier . Arrive early and enjoy our Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents singer-songwriter Kito Rayburn . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents Lindsay Beery . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selecting of craft beer.

Come one, come all! Monterey Peninsula Pride’s Holiday Celebration will be held at Compact Disco on Friday, December 29, 8pm until late. Enjoy disco and house music all night with DJ Kenny Summit.

To enter, you'll need proof of...

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents musician Matt Masih. Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Om Studios presents a Breathwork Workshop led by Justin Baker on Saturday, December 30, at 6pm. Please register on our website.

Utilizing conscious, connected breathing and intentional movement, we'll explore the depths of our being...

Britannia Arms will have a full day of fun and laughter for you on New Year's Eve. We'll open at 11am and party through into 2024!

Celebrate British New Year at 4pm singing karaoke with Ryan Rico. DJ Lalo will spin tunes 8pm-11pm, and DJ Joey Camacho will take over 11pm until closing. Expect party favors and free champagne at midnight.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents award-winning singer-songwriter Kris Angelis, 2pm-4pm. Enjoy wine tastings and wines by the glass or bottle while listening to her great music.

Elevate your New Year's Eve at Cella! Chefs Cal Stamenov and Ben Spungin are crafting a four-course delight to welcome 2024. Enhance your experience with optional wine pairings by Barnaby De Luna and exquisite cocktails by Joshua Perry.

Seatings begin at 5pm. Reserve your seat through our website . Price is $140+ per person, $70 for wine pairing.

Stokes Adobe invites you to celebrate New Year's Eve with us. We're offering a 6-course tasting menu for $125 per person, with wine pairing available for an additional $55. Seatings available 5pm-9pm. To view the complete menu and make your reservations, please visit our website .

Cibo Ristorante Italiano invites you to join us for our annual New Year's Eve Bash! We'll be celebrating 9pm-1:30am, no cover charge. Come ring in the new year and dance to the music of DJ Gil! Dress to impress. We'll have drink specials all night. Dinner will be served until 10pm - reservations recommended.

Celebrate the sixth day of Kwanzaa, 6:30pm-8:30pm, at Stanton Center! Glodean Champion, in partnership with Black Leaders and Allies Collaborative and the Juneteenth Coalition, invites you to join us for an evening of soul-stirring food and conversation. Donation is $25 in advance , $30 at the door.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Compact Disco, 8pm-2am. Enjoy a two-hour open bar, 8pm-10pm, complimentary food all night, a champagne toast at midnight, and a countdown to the New Year on a giant projection screen. DJs Kenny Summit, "The Juice," and Edison Tesla will provide the soundtrack. Tickets available here.

Disco Kitchen presents a New Year's Eve Party at Epsilon Restaurant, featuring DJs Kosh, Holy Water, Uncle Mike, and Barkings. Tickets are $40 each - please DM Disco Kitchen on Instagram for details and to purchase tickets.