Best events in
Monterey

Embracing a slower, more deliberate rhythm, the scene for events and things to do in Monterey, CA, centers on quality local experiences. The local-centric energy of Alvarado Street's brewpubs contrasts with the historic, visitor-friendly charm of Cannery Row. Live music is a constant, from intimate jazz sets in downtown restaurants to rock and blues in waterfront bars.

In Old Monterey, the scene centers on Alvarado Street, where the weekly Old Monterey Marketplace creates a hub of activity among the area's pubs and wine bars.
Cannery Row offers a steady stream of live music at spots like Sly McFly's and Wave Street Studios, often with views of the bay.
Historic venues like the Golden State Theatre present national touring acts and comedy shows in a restored 1920s setting.

autocomplete

Popular in Monterey

Explore more events

Pub Run Kick Off for Monterey Bay Half Marathon Weekend

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:00 PM

Out of the Barrel

Check ticket price on event

Fuel Your Curiosity at MPC’s Family STEM Day!

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Monterey Peninsula College

Check ticket price on event

Official Monterey Bay Half Marathon Shakeout Run

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 AM

Portola Plaza

Check ticket price on event

Community Wellness Yoga with Doris

Sun, Nov 8 • 8:30 AM

778 Hawthorne St

Check ticket price on event

The Songbridge Concert

Sun, Nov 15 • 1:00 PM

Wendi Kirby Music LLC

Check ticket price on event

Friends of Hopkins Lecture Series | Reuven Bank | Sunflower Star Lab

Tue, Nov 17 • 6:00 PM

Hopkins Marine Station

Check ticket price on event

Christmas in the Adobes 2026

Fri, Dec 11 • 5:00 PM + 1 more

Monterey, California

Check ticket price on event

THE COUNTDOWN CLUB - A NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY AT THE PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA

Thu, Dec 31 • 7:00 PM

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Check ticket price on event

Pub Run Kick Off for Monterey Bay Half Marathon Weekend

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:00 PM

Out of the Barrel

Check ticket price on event

Fuel Your Curiosity at MPC’s Family STEM Day!

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Monterey Peninsula College

Check ticket price on event

Official Monterey Bay Half Marathon Shakeout Run

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 AM

Portola Plaza

Check ticket price on event

Community Wellness Yoga with Doris

Sun, Nov 8 • 8:30 AM

778 Hawthorne St

Check ticket price on event

The Songbridge Concert

Sun, Nov 15 • 1:00 PM

Wendi Kirby Music LLC

Check ticket price on event

Friends of Hopkins Lecture Series | Reuven Bank | Sunflower Star Lab

Tue, Nov 17 • 6:00 PM

Hopkins Marine Station

Check ticket price on event

Christmas in the Adobes 2026

Fri, Dec 11 • 5:00 PM + 1 more

Monterey, California

Check ticket price on event

THE COUNTDOWN CLUB - A NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY AT THE PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA

Thu, Dec 31 • 7:00 PM

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Online Events

Explore more events

SAMHAIN SÉANCE: Ancestral Collaboration with Pam Grossman & Janaka Stucky

Sunday • 6:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

Check ticket price on event

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

SAMHAIN SÉANCE: Ancestral Collaboration with Pam Grossman & Janaka Stucky

Sunday • 6:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

Check ticket price on event

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

This Weekend

Explore more events

HALLOWEEN PACK WALK

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Captain + Stoker

Check ticket price on event

Magical Monterey Scavenger Hunt

Saturday • 11:00 AM + 3 more

Tidal Coffee

Check ticket price on event

HALLOWEEN PACK WALK

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Captain + Stoker

Check ticket price on event

Magical Monterey Scavenger Hunt

Saturday • 11:00 AM + 3 more

Tidal Coffee

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Seasonal & Holiday events

Cannery Row Coastal Christmas

Wed, Nov 25 • 10:00 AM + 123 more

Steinbeck Plaza

Check ticket price on event

Black Friday Early Access at lululemon Del Monte Center

Fri, Nov 27 • 7:00 AM

440 Del Monte Center

Check ticket price on event

Holiday Platter Painting

Tue, Dec 1 • 6:00 PM

381 Cannery Row

Check ticket price on event

THE COUNTDOWN CLUB - A NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY AT THE PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA

Thu, Dec 31 • 7:00 PM

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Check ticket price on event

Cannery Row Coastal Christmas

Wed, Nov 25 • 10:00 AM + 123 more

Steinbeck Plaza

Check ticket price on event

Black Friday Early Access at lululemon Del Monte Center

Fri, Nov 27 • 7:00 AM

440 Del Monte Center

Check ticket price on event

Holiday Platter Painting

Tue, Dec 1 • 6:00 PM

381 Cannery Row

Check ticket price on event

THE COUNTDOWN CLUB - A NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY AT THE PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA

Thu, Dec 31 • 7:00 PM

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Check ticket price on event

Points of Interest near Monterey

Monterey State Historic Park

Monterey Museum Of Art

Shepherds Knoll

El Estero Park

Dennis The Menace Playground

Old Fishermans Wharf

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Frequently asked questions about Monterey

Where can I find live music events on Cannery Row?

Sly McFly's is an iconic spot on Cannery Row for genres like blues, funk, and rock. For a dedicated concert experience, Wave Street Studios hosts a variety of professional artists. These music events contribute to the area's relaxed and friendly waterfront atmosphere.

What's the nightlife scene like on Alvarado Street?

Alvarado Street offers a local-centric nightlife focused on craft beer and social gatherings. Alvarado Street Brewery is a popular starting point, while pubs like Britannia Arms host regular trivia and karaoke nights. The scene is convivial but generally winds down by midnight on weekdays.

Are there recurring free events in Monterey?

Monthly Monterey is a great monthly event where Old Monterey businesses stay open late. During this event, the Monterey Museum of Art offers free admission, and the streets fill with art and music. The weekly Old Monterey Marketplace also features live music.

Which venues host comedy events in Monterey?

The Pink Flamingo Theater is an intimate venue dedicated to comedy events and open mic nights. For bigger national acts, the historic Golden State Theatre also schedules major comedy shows as part of its diverse programming.

How can I experience the local art scene?

The monthly Monthly Monterey event is a great way to see local art in Old Monterey. For a more focused gallery experience, the Carmel Art Walk is a self-guided tour of galleries in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea on the monthly of each month.

What are some good spots for live jazz?

Cibo Ristorante Italiano is a local favorite known for its nightly live jazz performances downtown. For a more intimate speakeasy vibe, Pearl Hour hosts live jazz on select evenings, along with DJ nights. Both contribute to the city's sophisticated music scene.

Where are the local farmers markets?

The Old Monterey Marketplace happens every Tuesday on Alvarado Street. It's a year-round street fair with produce, food vendors, and live music. A more traditional market, the Monterey Farmers Market, takes place at the Del Monte Shopping Center on Friday mornings.

What is a good plan for a casual date night in Monterey?

A great date night could start with drinks at a downtown spot like Pearl Hour or Alvarado Street Brewery. Afterward, catch a live jazz set at Cibo Ristorante Italiano. The city's relaxed pace makes for a low-key and comfortable evening out.