First Night Monterey 2026
2025-12-31 15:00 - 2026-01-01 01:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
First Night Monterey 2026: “We’ve Got the Beat!” Celebrate the arrival of 2026 in Historic Downtown Monterey at the region’s largest, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts. Presented by First Night Monterey, this beloved annual festival offers nine hours of nonstop music, dance, theater, and hands-on art experiences in indoor and outdoor venues. From jazz and Latin rhythms to community art walls and children’s activities, First Night brings together diverse artists and audiences to ring in the new year creatively and alcohol-free. Festivities begin at 3 PM with the Twilight Procession on Alvarado Street, followed by live performances in the Conference Center, museums, and local churches. The celebration culminates in a rousing finale at midnight! Buttons—your admission to all events—go on sale in early December at local Safeway and Star Market stores, as well as online. Visit www.firstnightmonterey.org to learn more, view the lineup, and plan your night of art, joy, and community.

Art of Rehabilitation
2026-01-01 08:00 - 17:00 | County of Monterey Building, 168 West Alisal Street, Salinas, 93901
What if art could change lives?
A powerful new exhibit at the County of Monterey Administration building in Salinas proves it can. The installation showcases work by inmates from Soledad Correctional Training Facility—videos, audio, poetry and visual pieces that reveal the transformative potential of creativity and rehabilitation behind bars.
Created through the Life on Art’s – Rehabilitation program, these works are more than art—they’re part of a proven strategy to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for successful reentry into society. The program complements existing education and mental health services, giving incarcerated individuals a vital tool for self-expression and healing.
Each piece tells a story. Hear directly from the artists themselves as they share the thoughts, struggles, and hopes that shaped their work. This isn’t just an art show—it’s a window into the humanity of people often unseen, and a testament to the rehabilitative power of creative expression.
