Community

Meet Artist Evelyn Klein at Venture Gallery

 
10/4/25
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to meet local artist Evelyn Klein on Saturday, October 4, 3pm-5pm. View her new exhibit, Breaking Boundaries: Explorations in Mixed Media, and speak with her about her work.

Celebrate PARK(ing) Day at Parklets in Old Monterey 2025

 
9/19/25
 
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, 10am-2:30pm.

These parklets will feature green spaces, outdoor seating, and fun and educational booths from numerous City departments. Bring your kids to check out the City vehicles!

Monterey Business Networking Mixer

 
9/12/25
 
Free
 
The Pearl Works

Join the next Monterey Business Networking Mixer on Friday, September 12, 6pm-9pm, at The Pearl Works. This event is free, but please register here . Enjoy 2 free drinks, business card raffles, and live music!

Whether you’re a longtime local or a new face in town, this is your chance to meet fellow business owners, creatives, and professionals across industries.

Educator Open House: An evening of art, connection, and celebration

 
8/22/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art invites Monterey County educators to a special evening celebrating your creativity, dedication, and the impact of arts education.

Wander the galleries, experiment with hands-on art activities, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with fellow teachers in a relaxed, artful setting. Free to all educators - RSVPs are appreciated .

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.

Comanche Cellars Wine Room 7th Anniversary Celebration

 
8/11/25
 
$25/$15
 
Comanche Cellars Wine Room

Comanche Cellars Wine Room is celebrating our 7th Anniversary! Taste older vintages and newer barrel samples, enjoy casual food pairings, and trade stories of fun nights at the wine room. Owner Michael Simons will be on hand. Buy tickets ($25/$15) at the wine room or online .

Reception for Youth Arts Collective's Summer Show 2025

 
7/25/25
 
Free
 
Youth Arts Collective

Youth Arts Collective invites you to the opening reception for our 2025 Summer Art Show on Friday, July 25, 6pm-9pm. Join us for an unforgettable evening as we showcase over 100 original works created by YAC’s talented young artists and mentors.

Meet Artist France Ruhnke at Venture Gallery

 
8/2/25
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to meet local artist France Ruhnke on Saturday, August 2, 3pm-5pm. View her new exhibit, Creative Flow, and speak with her about her work. France's art will be featured at the gallery through September.

Monterey Business Networking Mixer at The Pearl Works

 
7/25/25
 
Free
 
The Pearl Works

Join The Pearl Works for an energizing evening of connection, community, and collaboration at the Monterey Business Networking Mixer, co-hosted by Teeth Whitening Monterey, on Friday, July 25, 6pm-8pm.

Enjoy live music, delicious bites from local restaurants, and a business card raffle with prizes from local shops and vendors. Register here.

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.

Pride and Resistance Pop-Up Show at Youth Arts Collective 2025

Youth Arts Collective is holding a Pride and Resistance Pop-Up Show through June 30. View work by young local artists at our studio at 472 Calle Principal. Open Mon-Fri, 3pm-7pm, and Sat, 12pm-4pm.

YAC is a nonprofit, after school art studio and mentorship program for high school and college artists. Learn more.

Cooper-Molera Museum's Skylight Room Available for Rent

Beginning in September 2025, the Skylight Room & Courtyard Garden inside Cooper-Molera Adobe Museum will be available to rent for meetings and events. Capacity: 25-40 people.

Host your monthly board or membership meeting, book talk, or presentation in this lovely, welcoming space, part of the historic Cooper-Molera house. Learn more.

Plein Art Painting Exhibit Opens at Cooper-Molera Adobe

 
6/21/25
 
 
Cooper-Molera Adobe - A Historic Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

In partnership with Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association, Cooper-Molera Adobe presents Open Air, Timeless Views: Plein Air Paintings of Cooper-Molera Adobe , an exhibit of juried paintings running June 21 - August 31, 2025 in the Skylight Room of...

Conversation Corner with The Pearl Works at Monterey Pride

 
6/28/25
 
free
 
The Pearl Works

In collaboration with Monterey Peninsula Pride, The Pearl Works will host a friendly Conversation Corner in a community tent during the Pride celebration on Saturday, June 28, 12pm-3pm.

Enter into a safe space that allows for meaningful connections and discussions, separate from the hustle and bustle of the festivities.

Meet City Councilmember Kim Barber at Peet's

 
5/24/25
 
Free
 
Peet's Coffee & Tea

Monterey's District One Councilmember, Dr. Kim Barber , will hold a "Kim Talk" on Saturday, May 24, 10am-11am, at Peet's Coffee in Downtown Old Monterey. Come discuss any matters of concern with her and hear what's on her mind.

Fire Prevention Talk: Defensible Space and Emergency Evacuations

 
6/2/25
 
Free
 
City Council Chambers

Monterey Fire Department hosts a town hall event for residents of New Monterey and Old Monterey (Council District 1) on Monday, June 2, 6pm-7pm in the Monterey Council Chamber.

Fire Division Chief Justin Cooper and Fire Inspector Jen Valdez will discuss defensible space inspections and emergency evacuation routes.

Monterey Biennial Artist Mixer–Photography and Works on Paper

 
8/23/25
 
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join us at the Museum for a special series of Biennial Artist Mixers, made for Monterey Biennial artists and the artists of our community. Grouped by medium, this series of informal gatherings provides a unique opportunity to connect with fellow...

Monterey Biennial Artist Mixer–Sculpture and Mixed Media

 
7/26/25
 
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join us at the Museum for a special series of Biennial Artist Mixers, made for Monterey Biennial artists and the artists of our community. Grouped by medium, this series of informal gatherings provides a unique opportunity to connect with fellow...

Monterey Biennial Artist Mixer–Painting

 
7/12/25
 
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join us at the Museum for a special series of Biennial Artist Mixers, made for Monterey Biennial artists and the artists of our community. Grouped by medium, this series of informal gatherings provides a unique opportunity to connect with fellow...

2025 Monterey Biennial Opening Celebration

 
5/17/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

All are welcome to join us in celebrating the opening of the 2025 Monterey Biennial at Monterey Museum of Art on Sat, May 17, 11am-4pm. Admission is free.

Enjoy beverages and light bites in the sculpture garden and spend time in the galleries exploring this exhibition featuring the work of 122 dynamic, diverse artists living in Central California.

Order Takeout at Montrio & Support Monterey Firefighters Foundation, May & June 2025

The Coastal Roots Hospitality Group - including Montrio restaurant at 414 Calle Principal - has designated the Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation as the nonprofit recipient of its Pick It Up - Pay It Forward Program for May and June 2025.

When you order takeout food from Montrio , 10% of your order will automatically be donated to support MFCF's community events and public education efforts. (Offer doesn't apply to delivery orders.)

Monterey's At Night Magazine Launch Party at Compact Disco

 
5/16/25
 
Free
 
Compact Disco

You’re invited to Compact Disco for an evening of conversation, connection, and celebration at the official launch of At Night Magazine on Friday, May 16, 5pm-9pm. Free admission - register here .

At Night is Monterey's newest community-driven zine that offers a curated look at the vibrant pulse of our city after dark.