The Monterey Peninsula enjoys a plunderous cache of outdoor opportunities, from scuba diving to redwood forest hikes to mountain biking to surfing to sea kayaking, with possibilities for skydiving and rock climbing tucked in there for good measure.
That localized adventure gets a visual jolt of extreme inspiration with the annual return of Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour, a seat-belt-worthy collection of flicks featuring daring racers, skiers and explorers.
That’s but one of a number of high-grade shows at top venues Golden State Theatre and Sunset Center, which come flanked by multiple jazz festivals, pro soccer and a healthy dose of natural history.
Here they appear among a collection of Monterey Peninsula’s top events for the month, ready to be complemented by some self-determined adventure in the wild.
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Jazz Bash by the Bay Monterey
Monterey
Date TBD
Bring on all the outlandish action—climbing, biking, skating, flying, sailing, skiing, exploring. This year’s slate of riveting wow features A Team Sport and the trials of ultramarathons, Dropping Molly with adrenaline merchant and legendary climber Molly Mitchell, Farming Turns and its world class freeride skier-turned-farmer Chris Rubens and Going East, wherein a group of gifted freeriders travels through Eastern Europe, seeking the best descents while using only public transport.
March 6-8
The self-described premier West Coast classic jazz festival unlocks its newest installment across Portola Hotel & Spa expansive ballrooms in the heart of historic Old Monterey Bay. Nearly 30 bands play on a range of stages, all steps from downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. The performers include the Bye Bye Blues Boys Band, Ivory & Gold, Natalie Mendoza’s Tiger Five, Clint Baker, Bob Draga and Eddie Erickson.
Dates TBD
A budding rivalry finds renewal on a glowing field with views of the ocean. The relatively new phenomenon of professional soccer in the area involves a lot of spirited high-level play, but there is a lot more afoot here, so to speak, from a loaded food-and-craft-beer-and-wine pavilion to post-game player interactions, all priced in a reasonable way in a striking setting.
Santa Cruz
Dates TBD
The 39th annual SCJF follows a familiar format, hosting master classes, competitions and an opening concert on Friday. Singcopation—the 11-member vocal jazz group who routinely earns standing ovations at destinations like the International Association of Jazz Educators Conventions in New York City, Toronto, and Long Beach—headlines that with jazz and fusion saxophone and keyboard artist Gary Meek. Then the festival crescendos further as the festival’s top talents, as judged by music educators, collaborate on Saturday’s closing show.