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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Western Flyer: From Literary Legend to Living Legacy

Today • 6:00 PM

Irvine Auditorium

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2026 Monterey Bay Business Expo

Today • 4:00 PM

Monterey County Fairgrounds

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Chasing Poachers to Catalyzing Systems Change: The Evolution of Sea Shepard

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:00 PM

Hopkins Marine Station

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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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Official Monterey Bay Half Marathon Shakeout Run

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 AM

Portola Plaza

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The Songbridge Concert

Sun, Nov 15 • 1:00 PM

Wendi Kirby Music LLC

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Christmas in the Adobes 2026

Fri, Dec 11 • 5:00 PM + 1 more

Monterey, California

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Western Flyer: From Literary Legend to Living Legacy

Today • 6:00 PM

Irvine Auditorium

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2026 Monterey Bay Business Expo

Today • 4:00 PM

Monterey County Fairgrounds

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Chasing Poachers to Catalyzing Systems Change: The Evolution of Sea Shepard

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:00 PM

Hopkins Marine Station

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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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Official Monterey Bay Half Marathon Shakeout Run

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 AM

Portola Plaza

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The Songbridge Concert

Sun, Nov 15 • 1:00 PM

Wendi Kirby Music LLC

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Christmas in the Adobes 2026

Fri, Dec 11 • 5:00 PM + 1 more

Monterey, California

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MENTORSHOP: Using Claude AI to Build a SaaS Site in about a Week

Today • 12:00 PM PDT

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Turn Your Ideas Into Income

Today • 10:00 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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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 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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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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MENTORSHOP: Using Claude AI to Build a SaaS Site in about a Week

Today • 12:00 PM PDT

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Turn Your Ideas Into Income

Today • 10:00 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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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 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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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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This Weekend

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HALLOWEEN PACK WALK

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Captain + Stoker

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⁠Mindful Wellness Walk in Monterey

Saturday • 11:00 AM + 3 more

Tidal Coffee

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HALLOWEEN PACK WALK

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Captain + Stoker

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⁠Mindful Wellness Walk in Monterey

Saturday • 11:00 AM + 3 more

Tidal Coffee

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Business & Professional events

2026 Monterey Bay Business Expo

Today • 4:00 PM

Monterey County Fairgrounds

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Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Bootcamp in Monterey, CA

Tue, Nov 3 • 9:00 AM + 1 more

288 Pearl St

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Chasing Poachers to Catalyzing Systems Change: The Evolution of Sea Shepard

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:00 PM

Hopkins Marine Station

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2026 Monterey Bay Business Expo

Today • 4:00 PM

Monterey County Fairgrounds

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Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Bootcamp in Monterey, CA

Tue, Nov 3 • 9:00 AM + 1 more

288 Pearl St

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Chasing Poachers to Catalyzing Systems Change: The Evolution of Sea Shepard

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:00 PM

Hopkins Marine Station

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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.