The Monterey Peninsula hosts a disproportionate amount of pilgrimage-worthy events, which inspires this monthly event preview.
August includes one whopper from that mix: Monterey Car Week. As I wrote last year, it’s better characterized as a constellation of events rather than a singular star attraction. Glow radiates from four dozen engagements, including gatherings like The Quail Motorsports Gathering and Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, drawing enthusiasts from around the world.
This month also provides a fascinating counterpoint, event-wise. The annual West End Celebration in Sand City takes place in a city with fewer residents than the Concours d’Elegance has cars, and a price tag (free admission) that leaves a lot more in the tank than The Quail (which runs $600, if you’re lucky enough to grab a ticket before it sells out).
West End, now two decades into assembling a swell of touring bands, artisan vendors and food purveyors, has simultaneously covered industrial Sand City in a sea of striking murals.
Both Car Week and West End involve multiple days, which empowers participants to soak up as little or as much as they can.
They’re also joined by a range of other events to consider in the month of August, appearing here in chronological order:
Featured Photo: @pebblebeachconcours
Evenings on the Colonnade at the Beach Boardwalk
Aug 1-8
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers ample intrigue on any given August day, courtesy of the amusement rides, oceanside views and indulgent food and drink. Special summer promotions up the ante on a daily basis, but wrap Aug. 8. Mondays and Tuesdays mean free live music; Wednesdays and Thursdays welcome magicians and acrobats; Fridays roll out free movies on the beach; and Saturdays and Sundays drop a DJ dance party. On the live music front, Aug. 5’s performers are Shotgun Suitor, followed by Liam Gillespie Aug. 6.
More info: beachboardwalk.com/live-music-on-the-colonnade/
Watsonville Strawberry Festival
August 2-4
If strawberries are your jam, this is required viewing—and tasting. The 29th annual WSF features carnival attractions, live entertainment and local artisan goods, all set in the city’s historic downtown, but it’s the berry that brings out max flavor. Anticipate strawberry tacos and strawberry tamales, strawberry pizza,strawberry paletas, strawberry shortcake and strawberry churros, plus strawberry twinkies, strawberry waffles and strawberry smoothies.
More info: cityofwatsonville.org/1117/Watsonville-Strawberry-Festival
Salinas Valley Food and Wine Festival
August 3
The Salad Bowl of the World earns that title for its produce, but also happens to do incredible wine and superlative food too. As part of what’s become a community favorite every summer, SVFW spotlights all of that with strolling small bites and vino tastings, craft beer samples and a long lineup of local chefs, caterers, vintners and artisan vendors setting up along Old Town’s Main Street. Admission is free, as is the live music, with wine and food tasting available for purchase.
More info: salinasvalleyfoodandwine.com
Monterey Car Week 2022 & Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
August 9-18
This collection of auctions, parties, displays, gatherings, rallies and races range from the fanciest of the fancy (The Quail) to the rustiest of the rusty (Concours d’LeMons). There are so many elements involved, and so many cars, that ironically enough many locals make a point of not driving at all this week. Here come the Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach Auctions, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the Concorso Italiano and, oh, about 47 more. Vroom vroom.
More info: whatsupmonterey.com/article/activities/monterey-car-week-overview
California Turkish Arts & Culture Festival
Aug 24-25
A lot happens here — dancing, singing, eating, drinking — but one thing doesn’t: an admission charge. The draws include belly dancing, art exhibits, performances from Group Anadolu and Whirling Dervishes, plus all the doner kebap, adana kebap, borek, baklava and Turkish coffee one could want.
More info: turkfestca.org
Sand City West End Celebration
August 24-25
Sensory Tribe, Venus Daze, Coco Montoya and the Larine Jazz Collective headline an overstuffed live music schedule unleashed on multiple stages. More than 150 vendors fill the streets of the colorful little city with art, sculpture, jewelry, clothing and other creations. Craft beer and local wine flow. Go West.
More info: westendcelebration.com
Trashion Show: A Disco Themed Extravaganza
August 30
The Inn at Spanish Bay hosts this memorable harmony of class and trash. Organizers promise a whirlwind of “glitz, glamor, and eco-friendly fashion:as [they] showcase stunning outfits created from recycled materials. The event was designed to celebrate creativity and sustainability, and also benefits nonprofit Alliance on Aging’s, which provides essential services and resources for older adults in Monterey County.
More info: allianceonaging.org/trashion-salinas
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.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
