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Best Annual Events on the Monterey Peninsula

Best Annual Events on the Monterey Peninsula

Picture of Mark C. Anderson

Mark C. Anderson

Mark is a serial explorer and award-winning columnist based in both Bay Areas who serves on the Monterey County Food System Coalition.
Monterey Peninsula comprises the stretch of seaside communities from Monterey south to Big Sur, which means unforgettable viewpoints, cliff-lined coastlines, incredible seafood (clam chowder, anyone?)—and lots of indoor and outdoor activities. Driving down Highway 1, you’ll find the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium along Cannery Row, which is filled with high-end hotels, great restaurants like the C restaurant + bar, and local boutiques. These are some of the best annual events on the Monterey Peninsula and will give you a reason to pack up and check out some of California’s most recognizable coastline. 
 
There’s not much here that isn’t world-renowned, in fact. Carmel-by-the-Sea and neighboring Pebble Beach Golf Links are located along 17-Mile-Drive, a beautiful place to take in the coastal landscape. Check out the charming downtown areas, or get out in nature and surf, hike, scuba dive—it’s all here. And if you come in the right season, you can see humpbacks and blue whales from shore or from boats from Moss Landing (across the bay) or famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Farther south is infamous Big Sur. From the sands of Pfeiffer Beach to the treetop views from Ventana Big Sur, this natural beauty is not to be missed.
 

*Things change, so please check in with the organizers of these events for details.

January

A whale's tail emerges from the ocean, arching gracefully above the water's surface with droplets cascading off, against a backdrop of distant land and a clear, blue sky—a scene that makes the Monterey Peninsula one of the best annual events for nature enthusiasts.
Photo: Courtesy of @WhalefestMonterey

Whalefest Monterey is a free fun and educational, interactive family event for all ages celebrates the migration of the gray whales, and benefits the many local and national marine organizations that build awareness.

Read more about the best annual events on the Monterey Peninsula in January here.

February

A vibrant monarch butterfly rests on a twig with green leaves. The butterfly’s orange and black wings are spread open, revealing intricate white spots along the edges. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the delicate details of the butterfly, reminiscent of the beauty seen at Monterey Peninsula's best annual events.
Photo: Courtesy of @NaturalBridgesStateBeach

In good years, from roughly mid-October through mid-February, the Monarchs form a “city in the trees.” Natural Bridges Park’s Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for up to 100,000 Monarchs each winter, though climate change and human interference are creating a major disruption in the force.

Read more about some of the best annual events on the Monterey Peninsula in February here.

March

A group of people stand with their paddleboards on a sandy beach, preparing for a race. Many wear wetsuits or athletic gear. Palm trees, buildings, and a pier can be seen in the background under a clear blue sky. As part of one of the best annual events on the Monterey Peninsula, an inflatable red arch marks the starting point.
Photo: Courtesy of Bryon Dorr

View international champions at PaddleFest, the largest paddle powered surf contest in the world, attracting some of the best paddle-powered wave magicians on the planet.

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in March here.

April

A cluster of yellow rubber ducks floating in a pool of water at one of the best annual events on Monterey Peninsula. Some ducks are attached to blue strings. The background is navy blue, and the water is calm, reflecting the ducks' bright yellow color and orange beaks.
Photo: Courtesy of Klaus Steinberg/Unsplash

Have you ever seen 12,000 rubber ducks racing down a man made waterway? Well, you’re in luck: Ducky Derby offers this plus a fun-filled day of activities, food, carnival games, live music and local entertainment.

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in April here.

May

A person wearing a hat and a white coat stands at an easel in an open field, painting a landscape of green hills, a blue sky, and purple wildflowers. Another easel with a nearly finished painting stands nearby, closely resembling the scenic view—an idyllic scene reminiscent of the best annual events on Monterey Peninsula.
Photo: Courtesy of @SeeMonterey

In addition to galleries throughout Carmel holding artist receptions and demonstrations, the Carmel Art Festival features sculptures, a plein air painting competition, art activities for children, live performances and more this month.

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in May here.

June

A female singer passionately performs on stage at the Monterey International Blues Festival, one of the best annual events on the Monterey Peninsula. She is wearing a vibrant red outfit, and a male guitarist accompanies her in the background. A colorful mural depicting a musician is displayed behind them.
Photo: Courtesy of Marianne Mangold Photography, Monterey International Blues Festival Facebook

The blues are a great American music tradition, and The Monterey International Blues Festival strives to preserve it by introducing attendees to all of its forms.

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in June here.

July

Close-up image of several green artichokes with tightly packed leaves. The artichokes vary slightly in size and shape, and their surfaces display natural textures and slight blemishes, indicative of fresh produce seen at the Best Annual Events Monterey Peninsula has to offer.
Photo: Courtesy of Castroville Artichoke Food and Wine Festival

The Artichoke Festival takes over the Monterey County Fairgrounds with a focus on local food and entertainment and the iconic thistle. Expect artichokes prepared in a variety of ways, including: fried, grilled, steamed, ice creamed, wrapped, sauced, reinvented and elevated in myriad ways.

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in July here.

August

A blue vintage race car with the number 58 on its back is displayed outdoors, surrounded by onlookers. Other classic cars and trees are visible in the background. A banner above reads "Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 12-15," one of the best annual events on the Monterey Peninsula.
Photo: Courtesy of Monterey Car Week Guide Facebook

If you’re a classic car enthusiast and sports car fanatic, there is no better series of events on the planet than Monterey Car Week. It’s full of auto shows, tasting events (with autos), auto memorabilia and so much more.

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in August here.

September

A group of musicians plays trombones in a stage performance at one of the best annual events on the Monterey Peninsula. Dressed in dark clothing, they are intensely focused on their music sheets and instruments. The stage lighting casts a warm, colorful glow, emphasizing the brass instruments.
Photo: Courtesy of @MontereyJazzFestival

The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously-running jazz event in the world and features scores of artists performing on eight stages at the Monterey County Fairgrounds.

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in September here.

October

A close-up of a hand holding a glass being filled with beer from a tap. The glass has the label "Monterey Beer Festival" printed on it, along with a decorative design featuring beer mugs and hops. The background is blurred, emphasizing the pouring action at one of the best annual events on the Monterey Peninsula.
Photo: Courtesy of Monterey Beer Festival Facebook

Attracting upwards of 3,500 attendees, the Monterey Beer Festival offers an array of incredible beer. In addition to many new beers to delight the senses, the Festival features music from several live bands and special VIP ticket holder benefits, all in a fun and relaxed party atmosphere. 

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in October here.

November

A hand holds a wine glass filled with rosé wine, etched with "Big Sur Food & Wine Festival" and an illustration of a wine glass with a red wine splash. The blurred background reveals a grey sky and distant mountains. This event is one of the best annual events on the Monterey Peninsula.
Photo: Courtesy of Big Sur Food & Wine Festival

Showcasing the many culinary and winemaking talents of this special stretch of California coast, the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival offers the best in regional and nationally acclaimed chefs and winemakers against the intimate backdrop of the beautiful Big Sur coast.

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in November here.

December

A vibrant marina at night showcasing numerous sailboats adorned with colorful lights, reminiscent of the best annual events Monterey Peninsula has to offer. The boats and their reflections create a festive atmosphere on the calm water. Twinkling lights and soft clouds are visible in the night sky above.

A spectacular sight for the holidays—the Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor.

Read more about the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in December here.

Event Venues

Looking to see what’s happening right now on the Monterey Peninsula? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.

Music Venues

Sly McFly’s 

Golden State Theatre

Theaters

Golden State Theatre

Sunset Center

Pink Flamingo Theater 

Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club

Museums

Monterey Museum of Art

Presidio of Monterey Museum 

Pacific House Museum

Colton Hall Museum

Multi Use

Wave Street Studios

The Perry House 

Monterey Conference Center

Movie Theaters

Cinemark Monterey 13 

Lighthouse 4 Cinema

Century Marina and XD

More Local Favorites on the Monterey Peninsula

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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