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.

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Popular in Monterey

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Steinbeck's Landscape - Where Story Meets Place, A Lecture and Book Signing

Wed, Oct 14 • 6:00 PM

Irvine Auditorium

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Pints & Pilates

Sun, Oct 18 • 9:30 AM

Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Tap Depot

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Totally Trauma 2026: One Team: Optimal Cure with Multidisciplinary Care

Mon, Oct 19 • 7:30 AM

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course

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Friends of Hopkins Lecture | Danny Collins | Coral Bleaching Recovery

Tue, Oct 20 • 6:00 PM

Hopkins Marine Station

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Steven Curtis Chapman - Monterey, CA - Show Hope Volunteers

Tue, Oct 20 • 5:00 PM

Golden State Theatre

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Pub Run Kick Off for Monterey Bay Half Marathon Weekend

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:00 PM

Out of the Barrel

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Fuel Your Curiosity at MPC’s Family STEM Day!

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Monterey Peninsula College

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The Songbridge Concert

Sun, Nov 15 • 1:00 PM

Wendi Kirby Music LLC

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Steinbeck's Landscape - Where Story Meets Place, A Lecture and Book Signing

Wed, Oct 14 • 6:00 PM

Irvine Auditorium

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Pints & Pilates

Sun, Oct 18 • 9:30 AM

Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Tap Depot

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Totally Trauma 2026: One Team: Optimal Cure with Multidisciplinary Care

Mon, Oct 19 • 7:30 AM

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course

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Friends of Hopkins Lecture | Danny Collins | Coral Bleaching Recovery

Tue, Oct 20 • 6:00 PM

Hopkins Marine Station

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Steven Curtis Chapman - Monterey, CA - Show Hope Volunteers

Tue, Oct 20 • 5:00 PM

Golden State Theatre

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Pub Run Kick Off for Monterey Bay Half Marathon Weekend

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:00 PM

Out of the Barrel

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Fuel Your Curiosity at MPC’s Family STEM Day!

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

Monterey Peninsula College

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The Songbridge Concert

Sun, Nov 15 • 1:00 PM

Wendi Kirby Music LLC

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Online Events

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Music events

DJ Edison Tesla - EDM

Today • 8:00 PM + 52 more

The Salty Seal

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IAN MAKSIN in MONTEREY: "The Power of Cello" 2026 Concert Tour

Tue, Oct 13 • 7:00 PM

Monterey Center For Spiritual Living

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Steven Curtis Chapman - Monterey, CA - Show Hope Volunteers

Tue, Oct 20 • 5:00 PM

Golden State Theatre

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The Songbridge Concert

Sun, Nov 15 • 1:00 PM

Wendi Kirby Music LLC

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DJ Edison Tesla - EDM

Today • 8:00 PM + 52 more

The Salty Seal

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IAN MAKSIN in MONTEREY: "The Power of Cello" 2026 Concert Tour

Tue, Oct 13 • 7:00 PM

Monterey Center For Spiritual Living

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Steven Curtis Chapman - Monterey, CA - Show Hope Volunteers

Tue, Oct 20 • 5:00 PM

Golden State Theatre

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The Songbridge Concert

Sun, Nov 15 • 1:00 PM

Wendi Kirby Music LLC

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Seasonal & Holiday events

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Petal Perfect Pumpkins

Tue, Oct 20 • 6:00 PM

381 Cannery Row

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HALLOWEEN PACK WALK

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 AM

Captain + Stoker

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Cannery Row Coastal Christmas

Wed, Nov 25 • 10:00 AM + 123 more

Steinbeck Plaza

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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

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Petal Perfect Pumpkins

Tue, Oct 20 • 6:00 PM

381 Cannery Row

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HALLOWEEN PACK WALK

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 AM

Captain + Stoker

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Cannery Row Coastal Christmas

Wed, Nov 25 • 10:00 AM + 123 more

Steinbeck Plaza

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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

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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.