Family Activities

Join Monterey Museum of Art, 5pm-8pm, as we kick-off Iluminado , a captivating new exhibition featuring the works of Hanif Wondir, Domini Anne, and Joe Ramos. Free admission.

Enjoy an inspired atmosphere with music by DJ Luna, delicious bites from Ad Astra, wine from Scheid Vineyards, and craft beer from Other Brother Beer Co. Gather with friends, artists, and art lovers alike as the museum comes alive with creativity and celebration.

Join us for free after-hours access to the Museum at this special edition of First Friday, celebrating the opening of our annual holiday program, I luminado , a living and growing art installation that invites you to participate.

Kick off the holiday season with DJ Edison Tesla and take in the festivities of Iluminado while sampling drinks, small bites, and art activities.

Christmas in the Adobes on December 9 & 10 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.

Tickets are $25 per night for adults and free for children and youth age 17 and under. A 2-night Gold Pass is available for $40. Reserve your tickets online today.

Join the Museum for an afternoon of art and creativity for the whole family at our Family Fun Day on June 6, 11am-3pm. This is part of the Museum's weekend-long celebration of the Winter 2026 Exhibition Season! Free admission all weekend.

All are cordially invited to the Historic Downtown Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 2, 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.

Monterey State Historic Park is celebrating California State Parks Week , June 10-14! Don't miss the opening reception for a new exhibit entitled Shipwrecks: Every Broken Piece Tells a Story, a t Casa Gutierrez Community Art Gallery....

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale at the Library on Saturday, June 13, 10am-3pm. You'll find gently used books across all genres at great prices. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Monterey State Historic Park is celebrating California State Parks Week , June 10-14. Join us for free daily tours departing at 12:30pm daily from Custom House. Registration is recommended (search by date).

June 11 & 13, take a free Garden Tour with stops at the Memory Garden and Casa Soberanes Garden, learning about the gardens' history and the flowers that bloom there.

On Memorial Day, May 25, Monterey State Historic Park will open the Stevenson House (530 Houston St.) and Larkin House (464 Calle Principal) for the holiday. The Stevenson House will be open 10am-1pm , while Larkin House will be open 1:30pm-4:30pm . (Note the staggered times!)

Admission to both houses will be free and staff will be on-site to answer questions and provide information about the buildings to visitors.

Celebrate Mother's Day at Cooper-Molera Adobe, 10am-2pm on Sunday, May 10, with a beautiful Sunday focused on flowers, plants and handmade treasures.

Back by popular demand, our Flower Bouquet Bar invites you to create and wrap...

The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) of the Monterey Peninsula presents the JACL Hall Centennial Celebration on Saturday, May 2. This event is free and all are welcome!

Enjoy a day of Japanese cultural activities for all ages, 10am-3pm, followed by a swing dance with live music, 7pm-9pm. See the full schedule.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with timeless elegance as Rosemary & Thyme High Teas invites guests to a beautifully curated Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on Sunday, May 10, 3pm-4:30pm.

This special event offers a refined escape filled with delicate flavors, thoughtful presentation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Tickets are $90 - purchase here .