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Big Sur

Carmel Valley

Carmel-By-The-SEA

Marina
Smiling man and woman walk along Monterey County's Cannery Row.

Monterey
This is an image of Moss Landing

mOss Landing
Pacific grove beach

Pacific Grove
This is an image of a golf course with a cypress tree and the ocean in the background at Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach

Salinas
Salinas Valley

salinas Valley
This is an image of a person paragliding over a beach in Sand City, California

Sand City
This is an image a couple of people running on a path in Laguna Grande Park in Seaside, California

Seaside
This photo is of the sunset at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur

End-of-Summer Specials

Find limited-time rates on accommodations, excursion packages, savings on activities and food & drink specials.

End-of-Summer Specials

Find limited-time rates on accommodations, excursion packages, savings on activities and food & drink specials.
Golden sunset behind an oak tree

End-of-Summer Specials

Find limited-time rates on accommodations, excursion packages, savings on activities and food & drink specials.

$10,000 in Savings Meets 100% Inspiration

Book and host your meeting between November 2025 and May 2026 and save up to $10,000!
Seaside State Beach at Sunset

End-of-Summer Specials

Find limited-time rates on accommodations, excursion packages, savings on activities and food & drink specials.
This is an image of a golf course with a cypress tree and the ocean in the background at Pebble Beach Golf Links

End-of-Summer Specials

Find limited-time rates on accommodations, excursion packages, savings on activities and food & drink specials.

Events Events

Happenings in Monterey County

Whether you’re a car fanatic in town for Monterey Car Week or one of the many year-round races at the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a melomaniac on your way to California Roots Festival and Monterey Jazz Festival or simply out on a spur-of-the-moment getaway and looking for things to do this weekend, there’s always something to celebrate in Monterey County.

For year-round entertainment, head to our Annual Events Calendar or download the Annual Events PDF. Want to keep up to date on what’s happening in Monterey County? Subscribe to our newsletter.

THIS WEEKEND

Annual Events

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Monterey County Fair

8/28/2025 - 9/1/2025

Enjoy five days of live entertainment, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, shopping, delicious fair food and special events for all ages. Highlights include nightly concerts free with admission, the Monterey County Fair Rodeo, and unique exhibits showcasing local agriculture and talent. Special admission days and pre-sale ticket discounts are available. 

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Festa Italia

9/5/2025 - 9/7/2025
Recurring daily

A beloved, free, family-friendly event offering a full experience of Italian culture. The festival features a diverse range of authentic Italian cuisine, lively music, energetic dancing and a welcoming atmosphere for attendees of all ages. Guests can indulge in a tempting array of Italian dishes available for purchase, from Calamari and Steak and Sausage Sandwiches to Pasta, Arancini and Cannoli,...

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Meet the Makers Art & Wine Walk

10/11/2025

"Meet the Makers" starts in Devendorf Park and you'll stroll through charming downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and meet the artists who carry on the artist colony legacy, tour their galleries, sip Monterey County wines, and enjoy tasting food creations. Look for the blue lanterns to find participating art galleries!Art galleries include: Aaron Chang Gallery, Delia Bradford Gallery, Carmel Art Association, Edi Matsumoto,...

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Taste of Carmel

10/2/2025

Giddy up for an unforgettable evening at Carmel’s most anticipated fall event! This year’s theme, Boots, Bottles & Bites, brings together the very best of our region’s food, drink, and hospitality — all with a western flair! Savor bites from over 70 of Carmel’s top restaurants Sip award-winning wines, brews & craft beverages  Kick up your boots with live music,...

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Monterey Jazz Festival

9/26/2025 - 9/28/2025
Recurring daily

Step into the groove at the Monterey Jazz Festival—the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world and a true icon of music history! For more than six decades, this legendary event has hosted some of the greatest names in jazz, from Herbie Hancock and Diana Krall to Esperanza Spalding and Cécile McLorin Salvant. Set at the Monterey Fairgrounds, the...

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Glass Pumpkin Patch of Carmel

9/13/2025 - 9/14/2025
Recurring daily

The Glass Pumpkin Patch of Carmel is a one-of-a-kind fall event where art and autumn collide, featuring exquisite hand-blown glass pumpkins crafted by talented artists, including Nick Leonoff and Kevin Chong. Each piece is unique, making it the perfect keepsake or seasonal décor to bring a touch of Carmel’s magic home. Whether you’re an art lover, a collector or simply...

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Ferrari Challenge North America

9/12/2025 - 9/14/2025
Recurring daily

Imagine the roar of a Ferrari F1 engine echoing through the California hills, the scent of high-octane fuel in the air, and the iconic Corkscrew turn just ahead. This is more than just a race weekend—it’s a full-throttle lifestyle experience tailored for enthusiasts and travelers alike. This unique event brings together five of Ferrari’s elite racing programs—including the rare XX and...

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Pacific Grove Holiday Parade of Lights

12/4/2025

Participate in the 22nd Annual Holiday Parade of Lights on Thursday, December 4th, starts at 6:00 pm. The parade features marching bands, holiday floats, dance teams, animal groups, and of course Santa Claus! Rain or Shine! 

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First Night Monterey

12/31/2025
Recurring every December 31st

Don’t miss a fantastic New Year’s Eve community celebration of the arts in beautiful Downtown Monterey. Enjoy an amazing array of top entertainment to choose from during this family-friendly event to ring in the new year. Join us for the Twilight Procession as we enjoy the lights, the magic, and the joy of First Night into the New Year. It's...

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LET'S GET SPECIFIC

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Need some inspo?

What path do you take? Out here, it’s a whole world of paths….and each one takes you to something incredible. From the dramatic panoramas of Big Sur to the fairytale cottages of Carmel-by-the-Sea, these paths tie all of Monterey together, creating one big, epic journey. A visit to the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium and a trip through time on historic Cannery Row merely scratch the surface of things to do on California’s central coast. No matter what path you take, it’s sure to lead to inspiration. For additional inspiration, stay in the know with our e-Newsletter.

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