Community

Bliss Boutique Closes in Downtown Monterey

A message from Mia, the owner of Bliss Boutique:

Thanks to you, Bliss Boutique has celebrated 25 incredible years in business. This journey has been exciting, rewarding, and deeply fulfilling. Along the way, we’ve built lifelong friendships...

Reception for "Hidden Stewards" Photography Exhibit at Cooper-Molera

 
7/30/26
 
Free
 
Cooper-Molera Adobe - A Historic Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Cooper-Molera Adobe invites you to join us for a special art reception on Thursday, July 30, at 5:30pm in the Cooper Adobe Museum and Garden Courtyard celebrating the museum's photography exhibition Hidden Stewards: Documentation Photography of the Cooper-Molera Restoration by...

Motorcycle Group Ride at Six Over Coffee and Company

 
5/23/26
 
Free
 
Six Over Coffee and Company

Six Over Coffee and Company and Wally's will co-host a group motorcycle ride on Saturday, May 23. We'll depart from Six Over at 8:30am, head across Carmel Valley, ride through the twisty Santa Lucia Mountains, and loop back to Monterey.

All riders with bikes over 200cc are welcome to join. The ride is free, just arrive fully fueled and with a helmet.

New Specialty Coffee Shop: Six Over

Six Over Coffee and Company, a small but mighty coffee shop, has recently opened at 160 Webster Street.

Owned and operated by two locals, TJ and Avery, Six Over is brewing up well-sourced beans into expertly crafted coffee and espresso beverages and serving hot and cold tea drinks and baked goods. Open Wed-Mon, 6:30am-2:30pm.

Holiday Toy Drive Party!

 
12/6/25
 
 
Monterey Church

Join in a family-friendly Toy Drive Party full of Christmas fun, music, and treats at Monterey Church on Saturday, Dec. 6, 10am-12pm. Please bring an unwrapped gift to benefit The Monterey Firefighters Foundation's Holiday Gift Drive for local families in need.

Meet the Jewelry Artists of Venture Gallery

 
1/4/25
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you a reception to meet our three local jewelry artists - Liliy Campos, Vanessa Martin, and Sandra Saldivar - on Saturday, January 4, 3pm-5pm. Drop by the gallery, view their join exhibit, and learn about their work.

The jewelry created by Campos, Martin, and Saldivar will be featured at the gallery throughout the month of January.

Monterey First Theater Fest 2025

 
8/30/25
 
Free
 
California's First Theatre

Monterey State Historic Park presents an afternoon of free, all-ages fun at the second annual First Theater Fest on Saturday, August 30, 11am-4pm.

Join us at California's First Theater and Casa del Oro Garden for entertainment by Monterey Peninsula Theatre Company and musician Katherine Lavin, a Maker's Market featuring talented local artisans, a bunch of family-friendly activities, and food trucks. Learn more.

Order Takeout at Montrio & Support MY Museum, May & June 2024

The Coastal Roots Hospitality Group - including Montrio restaurant at 414 Calle Principal - has designated MY Museum as the nonprofit recipient of its Pick It Up - Pay It Forward Program for May and June 2024.

What does this mean? When you order takeout food from Montrio , 10% of your order will automatically be donated to this nonprofit children's museum in Downtown Old Monterey. (Please note: this offer does not apply to delivery orders.)

Celebrate PARK(ing) Day at Parklets in Old Monterey 2023

 
9/15/23
 
free
 
Old Monterey

The City of Monterey invites you to celebrate PARK(ing) Day, when we'll transform parking spaces into temporary parks on Alvarado Street between Pearl and Franklin. These parklets will feature green spaces, outdoor seating, and fun and educational booths.

Conversation Corner at The Pearl Works

 
1/28/25
 
free
 
The Pearl Works

The Pearl Works community coworking space hosts a Conversation Corner open to all on the last Tuesday of every month, 6pm-8pm. Meet some new people and bring a dish or treat to share potluck style. Suggested donation is $5-$20.

Talk by Councilmember Dr. Kim Barber at East Village Cafe

 
7/18/26
 
Free
 
East Village Cafe

All members of the Monterey community are invited to Monterey Councilmember Dr. Kim Barber's next Kim Talk on Saturday, July 18, at 10am at East Village Cafe.

A topic for discussion today will be Measure S , which is a continuation of a one percent (1 cent per dollar) sales tax (Measure P) that was approved by 74% of voters in November 2014 for infrastructure rehabilitation.

Bike Night in Downtown Monterey

 
7/9/26
 
Free
 
Old Monterey

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca presents Bike Night on Thursday, July 9, 5pm-7pm. Bring your motorcycle to the 300 block of Alvarado Street and kick-off MotoAmerica SuperBike Speedfest with us!

We'll have a motorcycle block party, rider meet-and-greet, ticket raffles, and more.

2026 4th of July Photos Now Online

Photos from the 2026 4th of July festivities in Downtown Old Monterey are now online! View moments captured at the parade , the Colton Hall lawn party , the pancake breakfast , Cooper-Molera Adobe , and Monterey State Historic Park .

The Old Monterey Business Association, which produces the 4th of July Parade, thanks everyone who marched, sponsored, volunteered, and attended! It was a beautiful celebration of our community on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

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.

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.

Pub Run with Fleet Feet and Out of the Barrel

 
7/20/26
 
 
Out of the Barrel Beer Garden

Fleet Feet Monterey hosts a Pub Run every Monday at 6pm. We'll begin and end at Out of the Barrel's beer garden (formerly Fieldwork Brewing). All paces, levels, distances, and abilities are welcome. Post-run, we can grab a beer together!

Art Opening: Iris Brooke at Six Over Coffee

 
7/3/26
 
 
Six Over Coffee and Company

At Six Over Coffee and Company, Iris Brooke will fill the walls with her artwork and welcome the community on Friday, July 3, 4pm-7pm. Join us for an art opening and a community fashion exchange. Bring a few pieces from your closet that no longer feel like you and leave with something that does.

Talk by Councilmember Dr. Kim Barber at Monterey Hostel

 
6/20/26
 
Free
 
Monterey Hostel

All members of the New Monterey community are invited to Monterey Councilmember Dr. Kim Barber's next Kim Talk on Saturday, June 20, at 10am at Monterey Hostel.

A representative from PG&E will be there to discuss preparing for storms, storm safety, and to answer any of your questions.

Speed Networking at East Village Cafe

 
6/24/26
 
$25
 
East Village Cafe

The Professional Women's Network and the Old Monterey Business Association present a speed networking event at East Village Cafe. Join us for a high-energy event where conversations move quickly, connections spark instantly, and opportunities multiply.

Whether you’re looking for a new collaborator or mentor or want to expand your network, this event is for you. Fee is $25. Register here.

Cooper-Molera Adobe presents Monterey Bohemian Artisan Marketplace

 
6/30/26
 
Free
 
Cooper-Molera Adobe - A Historic Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Summer evenings in Monterey just got a little more vibrant! Join us on Tuesday, June 30, 4pm-7pm, for the Monterey Bohemian Artisan Marketplace at Cooper-Molera Adobe. Our historic gardens will come alive with local artists, makers, delicious food, live music , and the creative spirit that makes our community so special. Details here.

Sabrina Hiltunen Graduates from First City Academy 2026

The newest cohort of the City of Monterey's First City Academy ended their 9 week program on May 20, and the Old Monterey Business Association's Executive Director, Sabrina Hiltunen, was one of the 42 graduates!

Sabrina writes. "In addition to the extensive training and information I learned about the City of Monterey and the individual departments, First City Academy allowed me to build rapport and strengthen working relationships with City leaders."

In her role at the OMBA, Sabrina works daily with the City of Monterey across multiple departments - everything from the Streets and Utilities Maintenance Division to the City Manager’s Office - to serve and represent small businesses in Downtown Monterey.

We thank Sabrina for devoting her Thursday evenings to the program this spring. We know the knowledge she gained will benefit OMBA members in the long run.

Celebrate MY Museum's 29th Birthday!

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

MY Museum is turning 29, and we want to party like a rock star on Sunday, July 19, 10am-12pm. It's Circle Time will be back to help us celebrate with a live concert; we'll also have face-painting, crafts, and much more. Tickets included with daily admission. RSVP here .