Nightlife: Things to do in Monterey County

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does Monterey have a nightlife?”, the answer is yes! While Monterey is best known for its world-class aquarium and historic Cannery Row, it also boasts a vibrant nighttime scene. Read on to learn about the various nightlife opportunities you can enjoy on your next visit to Monterey. 

Bars, Pubs and Breweries

Monterey, California nightlife includes several craft breweries and unique bars to discover. Enjoy a wide selection of hand-crafted brews at Fieldwork Brewery, or visit Dust Bowl Brewing Company’s taproom to taste their craft IPAs, lagers and tasty tacos. If you’re near Cannery Row, it’s worth checking out some classic watering holes like C Restaurant + Bar and, for dancing, Sly McFly's. 

Monterey also offers a colorful selection of sports bars where fans can gather to enjoy a lively atmosphere. Alvarado Street Brewery in downtown Monterey boasts an ample beer garden and serves up home-cooked grub like house-smoked wings and loaded pretzels. If you don’t want to miss a second of the action, check out Bulldog Sports Pub. This local watering hole boasts 17 TVs and serves traditional British pub fare. 

Live Music

You’ll find many places around Monterey to listen to live music and DJs and dance the night away. Cibo Ristorante Italiano in downtown Monterey is a local favorite, as they host live jazz, soul, and funk almost every night of the week. Another great option is the Pearl Hour cocktail bar, which hosts live jazz bands on Wednesdays and Sundays and plenty of programming like DJ nights and burlesque shows. You can also check out First Fridays at the Monterey Museum of Art, a free weekly event with after-hours access to the museum and special music performances by local and international artists. 

Trivia Nights and Karaoke

For those looking to showcase their knowledge or unleash their inner performer, Monterey’s trivia nights and karaoke sessions offer the perfect opportunity for fun and entertainment. On Mondays, head to The Britannia Arms Pub to test your skills, and on Tuesdays, the London Bridge hosts their weekly pub quiz.

If you’re hoping to belt out some tunes, look no further than O'Callaghan's in Carmel, which hosts weekly karaoke nights. Links Club (famous for their indoor golf action) and also hosts family-friendly karaoke nights on Mondays and Sundays.

No matter what kind of nightlife experience you seek in Monterey, you’ll find it here! From trivia nights and dancing to kicking back at a sports bar or singing on stage, there’s something happening every night across our vibrant county.