entertainment

Upcoming Events

Miss Sarah Sunshine at MY Museum

 
6/12/26
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

Fridays through July 31, Miss Sarah Sunshine of It's Circle Time will be at MY Museum, 10:15am-11am, with a fun and educational program for little ones including singing, dancing, stories, and more. Included with museum admission.

Free Art and Literature Tours in Monterey State Historic Park 2026

 
6/12/26
 
free
 
Custom House Store

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

On June 10, 12 & 14, catch the Arts and Literature Tour. Hear readings about Monterey Bay by some of the world's most important writers and view work by California’s preeminent painters.

Matt Masih at Puma Road

 
6/12/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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.

Maya and Keith at Puma Road

 
6/13/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents father-daughter musical duo Keith and Maya Rayburn. Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Poetry Workshop at Old Capitol Books

 
6/13/26
 
 
Old Capitol Books

On the second Friday of every month at Old Capitol Books, join us at 7pm for a poetry writing workshop. All levels welcome. Free and open to everyone.

Acoustic Alchemy: Cella Summer Sessions

 
6/15/26
 
$195
 
Cella Restaurant and Bar

The Grammy nominated UK ensemble Acoustic Alchemy returns to Monterey Bay for an appearance at Cella Restaurant on Monday, June 15, 5:30pm-9pm. Tickets are $195 - purchase here.

Sit outdoors at long shared tables, savoring California countryside cuisine while listening to masterful songs and moving stories.

Monterey Jazz Regional All-Stars Perform at Esteban Restaurant

 
6/16/26
 
 
Esteban Restaurant

This summer, experience live jazz on the patio of Esteban Restaurant Tuesday evenings, 5:30pm-7pm, June 2 - July 28, when the Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star ensembles take center stage. (No show on 6/23.)

Enjoy extraordinary performances by talented student musicians representing the best of Monterey County. Reservations required - call 831-375-0176.

Kito Rayburn at Puma Road

 
6/19/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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.

Adam Behan at Puma Road

 
6/20/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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.

Heated Rivalry Trivia Night at Sovino

 
6/20/26
 
 
Sovino Wine and Beer Bar

Sovino Wine and Beer Bar hosts a Heated Rivalry themed trivia game, 7pm -9pm. We'll have tuna melt and ginger ale specials tonight, and maybe some chablis if you're so inclined... Call for reservations, 831-282-5151.

$1 from every drink sold will benefit Monterey Peninsula Pride .

Soul Continuum: A Night of Samba & Bossa Nova at Wendi Kirby Music

 
6/20/26
 
$50
 
Wendi Kirby Music, LLC

Wendi Kirby Music and Monterey Symphony Orchestra present Soul Continuum featuring Tammy L. Hall, Leberta Loral, and Dandha Da Hora on Saturday, June 20 at 7pm. Tickets are $50 - purchase here .

Join us for a beautiful evening of Samba and Bossa Nova music as we share songs about, to, and for the water.

Peter Barnes Martin at Puma Road

 
6/21/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

Janice Perl Jazz Quartet at Esteban Restaurant

 
6/22/26
 
 
Esteban Restaurant

This summer, experience a special evening of live jazz on the patio of Esteban Restaurant! On Monday, June 22, 5pm-6:30pm, we'll host a Monterey Summer Jazz Intensive Faculty Concert with the Janice Perl Quartet . Dinner reservations are required - call 831-375-0176.

Nick DiSalvo at Puma Road

 
6/26/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

About Puma Road

Puma...

Monterey Peninsula LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Celebration 2026

 
6/27/26
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

Monterey's annual LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration and Parade returns on Saturday, June 27. The parade begins at 11am at Polk Street, continuing on toward Pearl Street and down Alvarado Street all the way to Custom House Plaza.

Afterwards, bring the whole family to Custom House Plaza, 12pm-3pm, to enjoy speakers and free entertainment for all ages, shopping and dining from local vendors, and info tables by local groups and agencies.

Songbird Meadow at Puma Road

 
6/27/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

Latin Jazz Collective at Wendi Kirby Music

 
6/27/26
 
$50
 
Wendi Kirby Music, LLC

Wendi Kirby Music presents the Latin Jazz Collective on Saturday, June 27 at 7pm. Tickets are $50 - purchase here .

This high-energy, seven-piece ensemble led by percussionist John Nava, saxophonist Stu Reynolds, and drummer Martin Binder, performs a rich and eclectic blend of original compositions and highly acclaimed standard jazz arrangements steeped in authentic Latin rhythms.

Glenn Bell at Puma Road

 
6/28/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

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

2026 Coastal Cocktail Clash at Cella

 
6/29/26
 
$50-$701
 
Cella Restaurant and Bar

Cella Restaurant hosts the third annual Coastal Cocktail Clash on Monday, June 29. Eight talented local bartenders are ready to shake things up and show off their mixology skills in competition. Don't miss out on this epic showdown! More info.

Monterey 4th of July Parade 2026

 
7/4/26
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Monterey's annual 4th of July Parade is a must-attend celebration that draws approximately 20,000 people of all ages to line the streets in and around Old Monterey. We invite you to join us and revel in the festive floats, patriotic displays, entertaining costumes, and musical bands. The parade begins at 10am sharp.

BPM: Cella Summer Sessions

 
7/20/26
 
$195
 
Cella Restaurant and Bar

Supergroup BPM brings its smooth jazz to Cella's Summer Sessions on Monday, July 20, 5:30pm-9pm. Tickets are $195 and include concert, dinner, wine (for those 21 and over), fees, taxes, and gratuities. Purchase tickets here....

Race Car Show: Monterey Classic Car Week Kick-Off 2026

 
8/7/26
 
free
 
Old Monterey

Monterey Car Week is beginning with a remarkable display of historic race cars on Alvarado Street on Friday, August 7, 5pm-7pm! Come on down, see the cars up close, and meet the drivers. This is a family-friendly event.

Festa Italia Monterey 2026

 
9/11/26
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

Monterey's annual Festa Italia honors the local fishermen of Monterey, past and present. Enjoy three days of wonderful Italian food and drink and amazing entertainment , September 11-13 at Custom House Plaza.

Hours are Friday, 3pm-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; and Sunday, 10am-6pm. Admission is free.

Past Events

Ryan Sesma at Melville Tavern

 
11/25/25
 
 
Melville Tavern

Melville Tavern hosts live music every Tuesday, 6pm-8pm. Tonight we'll feature local musician Ryan Sesma. Arrive early and enjoy our Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm. Dinner reservations recommended. No cover.

Songbird Meadow at Puma Road

 
6/8/25
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

Jacob Chase at Puma Road

 
2/1/25
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents a solo set by Jacob Chase , lead singer of the band The Dead Cassettes . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Golden State Theatre 2022

 
11/18/22
 
$28-$78
 
Golden State Theatre

Golden State Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Wild and Swinging Holiday Party on Friday, November 18 at 8pm. Tickets are $28-$78. To purchase tickets, please click here .

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is a wildly popular contemporary swing revival band from Southern California that's been delighting audiences around the world for more than 28 years.

Y&T at Golden State Theatre 2023

 
8/5/23
 
$35-$65
 
Golden State Theatre

Golden State Theatre presents Y&T on Saturday, August 5 at 8pm. Tickets are $35-$65. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

Before Mötley Crüe, before RATT, even before...

RJ DeMarco at Puma Road

 
5/8/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

Gary Meek Band at Wendi Kirby Music 2025

 
11/16/25
 
$50
 
Wendi Kirby Music, LLC

Wendi Kirby Music presents the Gary Meek Band on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4pm. Don't miss this chance to hear a group of some of the best jazz musicians on California's Central Coast, gathered together to perform Gary's original music. Tickets are $50 - purchase here .

Kristen Gradwohl at Puma Road

 
4/26/24
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

Matt Masih at Puma Road

 
11/7/25
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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.

Dr. T and the Remedy at Melville Tavern

 
3/24/26
 
no cover
 
Melville Tavern

Melville Tavern hosts live music every Tuesday, 6pm-8pm. Tonight we'll feature Dr. T and the Remedy: Greg Tapson and Steve Moseley. Arrive early and enjoy our Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm. Dinner reservations recommended. No cover charge.

Violist Kim Uwate at Colton Hall

 
5/2/26
 
Free
 
Colton Hall

The City of Monterey presents a free concert by classical viola player Kim Uwate on Saturday, April 4, 4pm-5:30pm, at Colton Hall. Admission is free - registration required .

About Kim Uwate

Giving “performances from the...

Songbird Meadow at Puma Road

 
5/23/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

A Journey of Sufi Music and Poetry at Wendi Kirby Music

 
8/22/24
 
$40/$35/$25
 
Wendi Kirby Music, LLC

Wendi Kirby Music presents A Journey of Sufi Music and Poetry on Thursday, August 22, 7pm-8pm, hosted by writer and MIIS professor Nukhet Kardam and Middle Eastern musician Amir Etemadzadeh. Advance tickets are $35 general, $25 students. $40 at the door.

Movie in the Park: "Monsters, Inc."

 
10/23/21
 
Free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey firefighters present a screening of the film Monsters, Inc. on the lawn of Colton Hall. Pre-show festivities include fire engines, MY Museum crafts, a taco truck, Trader Joe's snacks, and popcorn and cotton candy.

Halloween costumes are encouraged - we will have a few trick-or-treat stations set up for the kids. Make sure to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on and wear lots of warm layers.

MMA Dance Party 2024

 
4/6/24
 
$25/$125
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art on Pacific Street presents an outdoor dance party in our sculpture garden, 7pm-10pm after our daytime Block Party .

Enjoy a music and light experience by DJ Hanif Wondir plus Other Brother beer, signature cocktails, and wine at our no-host bar and delicious snacks from select vendors. $25 per person - register online . Ages 21+ only.

Songbird Meadow at Puma Road

 
12/20/25
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

Kristen Gradwohl at Puma Road

 
7/19/24
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

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

About Puma Road

Puma Road is a small,...

Maya and Keith at Puma Road

 
5/16/26
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents father-daughter musical duo Keith and Maya Rayburn. Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

MIIS Event: "The Grab" - Film Screening & Discussion

 
10/6/23
 
free
 
MIIS, Irvine Auditorium

Center for the Blue Economy at Middlebury Institute of International Studies presents a free screening of the documentary The Grab and a discussion with the filmmakers at Irvine Auditorium on Friday, October 6, 6pm-8:30pm. Reserve your free ticket online here.

The Grab is a global thriller combining hard-hitting journalism with the compelling character-driven storytelling of director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, taking you around the globe from Arizona to Zambia, to reveal one of the world’s biggest and least known threats: that governments, private investors and mercenaries are working to seize food and water resources at the expense of entire populations.

Alex Ramirez Album Release Party at Old Capitol Books

 
7/15/23
 
$10
 
Old Capitol Books

One of Old Capitol Books' favorite local musicians, Alex Ramirez, will be at the bookstore on Saturday, July 15 to celebrate release of his new album, Mint . Afterwards we'll dance to an all-vinyl set from Kenji Rei! Doors open...

Lindsay Beery at Albatross Ridge

 
12/29/23
 
 
Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen

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.

Sunkiss'd Mozart Concert: A Cellist's Calling

 
6/9/26
 
$50
 
Mayo Hayes O'Donnell Library

Sunkiss'd Mozart presents the first concert in their Summerfest 26: Into the Heart of Art: A Cellist's Calling , on Tuesday, June 9 at 6pm at Mayo Hayes O'Donnell Library. Tickets are $50 - purchase here ....