*Things change, so please check in with the organizers of these events for details.
January
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 things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in January here.
February
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 the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in February here.
March
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
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!
