Make plans to attend Monterey Peninsula social events during your stay. Contact local chambers of commerce including Monterey County:
For a complete list, click here.
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce (831) 667-2100
Carmel Tourist Information Center (831) 624-1711
Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce (831) 659-4000
Castroville Chamber of Commerce (831) 633-6545
Gilroy Chamber of Commerce (408) 842-6437
Marina Chamber of Commerce (831) 384-9155
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau (888) 221-1010
Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (831) 649-1770
Moss Landing Chamber of Commerce (831) 633-4501
Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce (831) 373-3304
Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce (831) 424-7611
Seaside/Sand City Chamber of Commerce (831) 394-6501
Annual Calendar of Events
Below is a sample of the wide variety of events, festivals and activities that take place throughout the year. Most events occur on the same day or weekend each year, and some occur only in the same month but on different days. For the most current listing, please go to: http://montereyinfo.org/page/06_monterey_calendar_of_events/
OCTOBER 2008
Through December 31
Selected Artworks from the Collection of Monterey State Historic Park
Monterey
Stevenson House (one-time home to Robert Louis Stevenson, Jules Tavernier, C.S. Price, and August Gay)
530 Houston Street
Tel: 831-649-7118
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=575
This exhibition of twelve diverse paintings and drawings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries features representations of local scenes by artists Percy Gray, Charles Bradford Hudson, M. Evelyn McCormick, Francis McComas, Arthur Hill Gilbert, famed actor Lionel Barrymore (grandfather of Drew Barrymore), Armin Hansen, Helen Bruton, and Paul Whitman. This exhibit will inspire you to learn more about the Stevenson House and the many artist and writers that lived and worked here, as well as the many other wonderful works of art in many of Monterey's historic buildings.
October 3-12
History Fest Monterey, Monterey
Tel: 831-649-2900
http://www.historicmonterey.org/page/history_fest_07/
A ten-day celebration of the history of Monterey, from the native populations who lived here first through the arrival of the Americans. Lots of fun for everyone, with hands-on kids programs, exclusive house and garden tours, special exhibits, historical films, and stimulating lectures and workshops.
October 4
Butterfly Parade, Pacific Grove
Tel: 831-646-6548
http://www.pacificgrove.org/
Local elementary school children parade in butterfly costumes to welcome the Monarchs to their winter home in Pacific Grove. The parade is followed by the Butterfly Bazaar behind the Forest Grove School.
October 7
Lower Presidio of Monterey Tour, Monterey
Tel: 831-646-3456
http://www.monterey.org/museum
Curator walking tour visiting the Vizcaino site, de Portola Junipero Serra site, El Castillo, Ft. Mervine and the Presidio of Monterey Museum. Reservations required.
October 13
"California's 1849 Constitution" Film, Monterey
Tel: 831-646-5640
www.monterey.org/museum
California's Constitutional Convention drafted the state's constitution in 1849, right in Monterey's Colton Hall. To celebrate, view the award-winning re-enactment video California's First 1849 Constitutional Convention, followed with punch and cookies. Free, but reservations are required.
October 14
Fourth Annual Historic House Tour, Monterey
"Homes from the Past"
Tel: 831.646.5601
www.monterey.org/library
Hosted by the Friends of the Monterey Public Library, this is a self-guided walking tour of some of Monterey's most interesting vintage homes. Tickets may be purchased at the library in advance $20. Proceeds benefit the library.
ONGOING
Adobe Home & Garden Tours
Monterey
Tel: 831-649-7118 or 831-649-7109
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=575
Call for schedule of state parks' guided tours of historic adobes and their secret gardens.
ONGOING
Point Sur State State Historic Park Tours
Big Sur
Tel: 831-625-4419
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=565
Perched on the scenic Big Sur coast, enjoy a guided three hour tour. Tours are offered Wed., Sat., & Sun. at 10am and 2pm and are limited to 40 people. Reservations are required. Fee is $8/adults, $4/ages 6-17. 
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NOVEMBER 2008
Through December 31
Selected Artworks from the Collection of Monterey State Historic Park
Monterey
Stevenson House (one-time home to Robert Louis Stevenson, Jules Tavernier, C.S. Price, and August Gay)
530 Houston Street
Tel: 831-649-7118
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=575
This exhibition of twelve diverse paintings and drawings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries features representations of local scenes by artists Percy Gray, Charles Bradford Hudson, M. Evelyn McCormick, Francis McComas, Arthur Hill Gilbert, famed actor Lionel Barrymore (grandfather of Drew Barrymore), Armin Hansen, Helen Bruton, and Paul Whitman. This exhibit will inspire you to learn more about the Stevenson House and the many artist and writers that lived and worked here, as well as the many other wonderful works of art in many of Monterey's historic buildings.
November 14, 7:00 pm
Robert Louis Stevenson Unbirthday, Monterey
Tel: 831-646-3949
http://www.monterey.org/library/
Commemorate Robert Louis Stevenson's "Unbirthday" with a lecture presented by Dr. Roger Swearingen at the Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific Street. Admission is free but reservations are required. Contact: Jeanne McCombs 646-3949 mccombs@ci.monterey.ca.us
November 29
Monterey Christmas Tree Decoration Day
Monterey
Tel: 831-646-3866
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DECEMBER:
Through December 31
Selected Artworks from the Collection of Monterey State Historic Park, Monterey
Stevenson House (one-time home to Robert Louis Stevenson, Jules Tavernier, C.S. Price, and August Gay)
530 Houston Street
Tel: 831-649-7118
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=575
This exhibition of twelve diverse paintings and drawings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries features representations of local scenes by artists Percy Gray, Charles Bradford Hudson, M. Evelyn McCormick, Francis McComas, Arthur Hill Gilbert, famed actor Lionel Barrymore (grandfather of Drew Barrymore), Armin Hansen, Helen Bruton, and Paul Whitman. This exhibit will inspire you to learn more about the Stevenson House and the many artist and writers that lived and worked here, as well as the many other wonderful works of art in many of Monterey's historic buildings.
December 7
Monterey Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Monterey
Tel: 831-646-3866
Gather on the lawn outside Colton Hall to watch the lighting of the town's tree: caroling and good cheer abound!
December 11 & 13, 5-9 pm
26th Annual Christmas in the Adobes, Monterey
Tel: 831-649-7118
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=575
This community-wide event features approximately 20 of Monterey’s historic adobes lit by candlelight and luminarias, and a variety of musical entertainment, refreshments, and decorations to get everyone in the holiday spirit. This is the only time of the year that many of these nineteenth century buildings are open to the public and open in the evening. Most of the historic buildings are in close proximity to each other so that visitors are able to walk, using a self-guided brochure, to any or all of the historic houses. Once inside the house or building, staff and docents (many in period clothing) will tell about its history. Christmas in the Adobes is sponsored by California State Parks in association with Old Monterey Preservation Society. Tickets are $17 for adults until November 15, and $20 after; with a paid adult, ages 6-17 years are $2, and 5 and under are free. For more information, please call the Monterey State Historic Park office: (831) 649-7118.
December 31 (Wednesday)
First Night Monterey 2008
3pm to midnight
Historic Downtown Monterey
Tel: 831-373-4778
http://www.firstnightmonterey.org/
Celebratng 15 years, First Night Monterey is a New Year's celebration of the community through the arts, featuring many kinds of music, dance venues to get footloose, interactive art activities, classical music, poetry slams, special installations and exhibits. First Night Monterey takes place indoors and out throughout historic downtown Monterey. This is a community arts event with activities for the entire family. Buy your First Night buttons online at http://www.firstnightmonterey.org/ or at any Long's or Safeway stores in Monterey County.
