Arts Council for Monterey County

First Friday at Salinas Valley Art Gallery
2026-03-06 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Join us for First Friday and meet Featured Local Artist Bob Selin, whose paintings are known for bold color, expressive brushwork, and a touch of whimsy shaped by a lifelong love of art.
Enjoy the vibrant energy of First Friday in Old Town Salinas, with music, open shops, and creative buzz all along Main Street. Stop by to enjoy refreshments and snacks while meeting, chatting with, and supporting our local artists. While you are here, stop by our make and take card station where you can craft your own Easter card. Fun for kids and adults!

Night Market 831
2026-03-06 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-03 17:00 - 21:00 | sand city art park, 525 Ortiz Ave, Sand City, CA, 93955, United States
Inspired by the vibrant open-air street bazaars from around the world, Night Market 831 is a lively gathering where friends and families can sip, savor, socialize, dance, shop, and explore. Held in the colorful Sand City Art Park, surrounded by stunning murals, the market creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. We are committed to fostering a safe, fun, and inclusive community space, featuring a rotating lineup of local performers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who bring their talents to life each month.

16th Anniversary Celebration of First Friday Pacific Grove!
2026-03-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Pacific Grove, 612 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, 93950
Join us for an evening of Entertainment, Enlightenment, Enjoyment and Celebrating 16 years of First Friday Pacific Grove (2010-2026). Stop by the PG Art Center for 4 Gala Openings, PG Museum of Natural History & enjoy the museum “after hours”, Enjoy Loud & Local at the PG Meetinghouse, Katherine Lavin Band at Monarch Pub, Enjoy an exciting evening of trades and giveaways at Sharp Corners Cards & Collectibles on Cypress Ave, Check out the Spring Art & arrivals at Artisana Gallery, Local Artists on Grand Ave, Plus, enjoy an array of live music throughout downtown: Jazz, Blues, Folk, Rock…

Noir at the bar - Book Launch Party!
2026-03-12 18:00 - 21:00 | PG Meetinghouse, 599 Lighthouse Ave,, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950
Noir at the Bar – Book Launch Party!!
Join us in person for an unforgettable night at the Noir at the Bar book launch! Dive into the world of mystery and suspense with authors Nik Xadndir Wolf, C.W. Blackwell, and Joe Clifford!
Plus DJ Joey Camacho, drinks, and stories. Whether you’re a fan of noir or just love a fun evening out, this party is the place to be. Come celebrate the release and meet fellow fans. Don’t miss out on the fun – see you there!

MONROE CROSSING WITH OTTER OPRY AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Heads up, California! On Thursday, March 12th, Minnesota-based Monroe Crossing will grace the Otter Opry stage with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, original bluegrass and some surprising selections outside the bluegrass genre. Named in honor of Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music, Monroe Crossing’s superb musicianship and on-stage rapport have entertained audiences throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.
Monroe Crossing consists of four distinct personalities with differing musical backgrounds: Mark Anderson (bass), Lisa Fuglie (fiddle & lead vocals), Matt Thompson (mandolin & harmony vocals) and Derek Johnson (guitar & lead vocals). The band also utilizes a cadre of talented banjo players – Benji Flaming, David Robinson and Graham Sones – all of whom are alumni of the group. When combined, the individual histories of these outstanding musicians make for a truly unique sound.
In 2007, Monroe Crossing was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. They have twice been selected to showcase at the annual World of Bluegrass convention hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). They have also appeared twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2016, Monroe Crossing had the honor of being the first Minnesota bluegrass band to perform in South Korea. This is a bluegrass experience you won’t want to miss, and you can make it even more special with a delicious roasted chicken dinner before the show ($15 in advance, $20 after March 7th). Online sales will end at 11am the day of the performance.
7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free). www.otteropry.org

Avenue Q
2026-03-13 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-14 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-20 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-21 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-27 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-28 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-29 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-03 20:00 - 22:00 and 1 more date | Paper Wing Theatre 711 Cannery Row Suite I Monterey, Ca. 93940, 711 Canner Row Suite I, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Avenue Q is the outrageously funny, Tony Award–winning musical that’s part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. Set on a down-on-its-luck New York block, this smart, adults-only comedy follows Princeton, a recent college grad who moves to Avenue Q in search of his purpose, only to find a hilarious mix of quirky neighbors, wisecracking puppets, and songs you’ll be humming for days.
With show-stopping numbers like “It Sucks to Be Me,” and “The Internet Is for Porn,” the show blends nostalgia, satire, and genuine warmth in a way that’s utterly unforgettable. Beneath the humor is a relatable story about growing up, finding your people, and embracing the chaos of adulthood.
If you love witty comedy, bold musical theatre, and puppets behaving badly, Avenue Q is the must-see show of the season. Grab your tickets now and get ready to laugh, cringe, and cheer your way through one of the most unique musicals ever to hit the stage!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Fabric Art at Sylvan!
2026-03-14 13:30 - 15:00 | CA
We’re thrilled to invite you to a one-of-a-kind creative experience—Sylvan Learning Salinas is proud to be the first to introduce Fabric Art to Monterey County!
Join us on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 1:30–3:00 PM at Sylvan Learning Salinas (1465-B North Davis Road, Salinas 93907) for a festive, hands-on event where families will create two St. Patrick’s Day-themed Fabric Art tiles.
This is a fun and relaxed way to celebrate the holiday, explore a new art form, and make something beautiful together. All materials will be provided, and no experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and holiday spirit!
Price $40 all proceeds go to help financially Sylvan families pay for tutoring at Sylvan Learning!
Call or text Cary at: 831-449-7551 to sign up.
We hope to see you there!

Carmel Art Walk
2026-03-14 16:00 - 19:00 | Throughout Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921, United States
Founded and run by local artists, the Carmel Art Walk is a free and family-friendly event. Support our local artists and keep the HEART of Carmel beating strong! Carmel Art Walk is the second Saturday every month from 4pm-7pm and is open to the public. Tour artist-owned galleries and meet the artists who carry on the Carmel-by-the-Sea artist colony legacy. Follow the blue lanterns at each gallery.

Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium
2026-03-14 17:30 - 18:30 | Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Pacific Grove Public Library hosts a monthly reading by poets from Central California and beyond, organized by the Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium. Enjoy all styles of poetry, created fresh by local poets. Sept. 13: Avery Burns and Lee Knight Jr.; Oct. 11: Chrissy Hernandez and Brandi Kary.

LOCAL DIRECTOR JOHN KIM'S FEATURE FILM "REUNION" WORLD PREMIERE! WITH Q&A.
2026-03-15 12:30 - 14:15 | California Theatre, 345 S 1st St, San Jose, 95113
A despondent Asian American funeral home worker, goes to his high school reunion with hopes of jump starting his bleak existence, only to be mistaken for the most successful alumnus of the wrong school, a mysterious Asian graduate whom no one has seen in twenty years. What this misidentification sets in motion is a comic farce and a modern twist on the classic Cinderella tale.

Women’s Night Out: Escape to our 8th Annual Women's Night Out "White Lotus" inspired party at the Monterey Symphony!
2026-03-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-22 15:00 - 16:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
March Concerts and 8th Annual Women’s Night Out
Carmel/Monterey, CA – Monterey Symphony celebrates its 8th Annual Women’s Night Out on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, from 6:00-7:30 PM with a concert to follow at 7:30 PM and repeats the concert on Sunday, March 22nd, at 3:00 PM at Sunset Center in Carmel with Music Director Jayce Ogren.
Women’s Night Out: Escape to our 8th Annual Women’s Night Out “White Lotus” inspired party at the Monterey Symphony!
Come dressed in your Maui, Sicily, or Thailand exotic resort chic attire and be transported to a vibey vacation inside Studio 105. Get lost in the tantalizing music of San Francisco based Axon Orkestra. This trip is all-inclusive: tropical cocktails (and mocktails!) from Pour Girl cocktails, light bites from Chic Charcuterique, tarot and palm readers, a photo booth, and more surprises await you. All this, plus a gorgeous Symphony concert to follow. Tickets are $35 with promo code: LOTUS Tickets include both the Symphony Concert and the Women’s Night Out Pre-Concert Party. (Limited to Tier 2 seats). This event sells out every year, so don’t wait! All are welcome.
Concerts: “Our March program features star violinist Stefan Jackiw in Tchaikovsky’s delightful and virtuosic Violin Concerto. We’re thrilled that Jackiw will be making his debut with the Monterey Symphony. The concert opens with Moño by Marina López, a Monterey Symphony co-commission, and part of our 80th anniversary celebration featuring exciting new works. We’ll also play Sibelius’s Seventh Symphony, his greatest tribute to nature, humanism and spirituality,” says Jayce.
Pre-Concert Lectures – Lectures are included with all concert tickets and are held on Saturday, 6:30-7:00 PM with Musicologist Christopher Anderson-Bazzoli and composer Marina López, and Sunday, 2:00-2:30 PM with Music Director and Conductor Jayce Ogren and composer Marina López, in the Sunset Center auditorium. Free and open to the public.
Saturday Night Talk Back – Immediately following the Saturday evening concert, all ticket holders are welcome to join Conductor Jayce Ogren, soloist Stefan Jackiw, and composer Marina López in the lobby for a Talk Back. Patrons will have the opportunity to ask questions about the concert in a Q&A style format and are offered a complimentary glass of wine.
Sunday Pre-concert Music – On Sundays, the Symphony offers Lobby Sessions with Live Music in the lobby from 1:45-2:00 PM & 2:30-2:45 PM. The March concert Lobby Session features Symphony principal horn Dan Nebel. Arrive early to hear our musicians up close while enjoying refreshments from the Sunset Center Café. Free and open to the public.
Tickets are $50 for Tier 3, $70 for Tier 2, and $90 for Tier 1 seats. Students, teachers, and military tickets are $12.
About the Monterey Symphony: The Monterey Symphony was founded in 1946 and presents double weekend performances during the academic calendar, opening the season at Forest Theater, followed by six more programs at the Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For each program, the Symphony orchestra is comprised of 80 professional musicians from throughout California. The Symphony is committed to bringing people together through music and using the healing power of music to transform lives. The Symphony actively engages patrons of all ages through a variety of partnerships and initiatives, including performances for thousands of local school children. The Symphony’s mission is to entertain and engage our community through musical performance and education. Monterey Symphony regularly receives national attention for the strength of its audience support, robust subscription renewals and audience retention.
Performances at Sunset Center, Carmel, San Carlos and 9th Ave.
www.montereysymphony.org

Controlled Chaos Improv at Stanton Center!
2026-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Monterey History & Art Association at Stanton Center, 5 Custom Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Come out for a night of fun with Controlled Chaos Improv at Stanton Center! Controlled Chaos Improv puts their own twist on traditional improvisational theatre. Quick wit and spontaneous energy are combined with truth in comedy to bring something fresh and fun to the stage! Fueled by audience suggestions, Controlled Chaos will create unpredictable and comedic scenes on the spot. So, grab your friends and join us for an evening you won’t soon forget! A good time is guaranteed for all. You may pay for a whole seat, but watch as these improvisers keep you on the edge of it! 16+

The Art of Observation
2026-03-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Monterey Regional Airport
Monterey Regional Airport invites you to the opening of the
2026 Art Exhibit
March 24th at the Monterey Regional Airport off Hwy 68 & Olmstead Rd
Please join us at 5:30-7:00pm with a 6:00pm Monterey Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting to celebrate and enjoy the PG Museum’s new collaborative exhibit and the incredible artists, cultures, and natural wonders of Monterey County!

Mountains to the Sea
2026-03-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-25 10:00 - 2026-06-06 17:00 | Chesebro Wines, 19 East Carmel Valley Rd, Ste D, Carmel Valley, 93924, United States
Monterey Bay Plein Air Association and Chesebro Wines present:
Mountains to the Sea, Monterey County Landscapes.

Dover Quartet
2026-03-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Chamber Music Monterey Bay is thrilled to present as our fourth concert of the season the extraordinary Dover Quartet, which BBC Music Magazine pronounced as “one of the greatest quartets of the last 100 years.” They have frequently been favorably compared to the great American string quartets of years past, such as the Emerson or Guarneri Quartets, for their depths of originality and musicianship. Their last appearance for CMMB was a streaming performance online during the pandemic, so we are overjoyed to welcome them back in person.
The Dover Quartet is currently the Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence at the Curtis Institute of Music, as well as Quartet in Residence at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. The Chicago Tribune described their performances as embodying “expert musicianship, razor-sharp ensemble, deep musical feeling and a palpable commitment to communication.” We are proud to have them here to share their amazing music making with our Peninsula audience.
They will perform an exciting and unusual program featuring works by Jessie Montgomery, Franz Joseph Haydn, Karol Szymanowski, and Felix Mendelssohn, timeless compositions spanning the years from 1772 to 2012. Each work is a masterpiece of the chamber music literature.
The New Yorker called them “the young American String Quartet of the moment,” and we are over the moon to be bringing them to our wonderful corner of the world with this spectacular program. You will want to buy your tickets early.

Chamber Music Monterey Bay Announces 59th Season: A Showcase of Masterworks, Innovation, and Cultural Stewardship at Sunset Center
2026-03-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Chamber Music Monterey Bay (CMMB) announces its 59th season, presenting five evening concerts by world-class ensembles at the historic Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Concerts will be held on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., preceded by complimentary pre-concert lectures at 6:30 p.m., offering audiences deeper engagement with the repertoire and performers. The 2025–2026 season continues CMMB’s mission to enrich the cultural life of the Central Coast by presenting exceptional chamber music performances, commissioning new works, and supporting community education and outreach initiatives. This season reflects CMMB’s dual commitment to preserving the legacy of chamber music while advancing its evolution through contemporary voices. Dover Quartet Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Sunset Center, Carmel Free pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. Recognized by BBC Music Magazine as “one of the greatest quartets of the last 100 years,” the Dover Quartet presents a deeply expressive program blending historical depth with contemporary brilliance. Jessie Montgomery – Strum Franz Joseph Haydn – String Quartet No. 27 in D Major, Op. 20, No. 4 Karol Szymanowski – String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, Op. 37 Felix Mendelssohn – String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80 (“The Lick Quartet”) This concert affirms CMMB’s dedication to programming that challenges, inspires, and uplifts. TICKETS AND ACCESS Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available now at www.chambermusicmontereybay.org or by calling (831) 625-2212. CMMB’s Kids Up Front & Free! program welcomes students in grades 3–12 to experience professional performances from premium center seats at no cost, fostering a lifelong appreciation for chamber music. Accessible seating, pre-concert talks, and printed program notes are provided at every performance to deepen audience experience and inclusion. About Chamber Music Monterey Bay Founded in 1966, Chamber Music Monterey Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to presenting a world-class concert series, commissioning new works, and offering education and outreach that makes chamber music accessible to diverse communities. Its programming reflects a commitment to artistic excellence, cultural stewardship, and education for audiences of all ages.

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2026-04-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
FREE after-hours access to the Museum on the First Friday of the month. Join us for an evening of art, music, and community gathering!

First Friday Salinas
2026-04-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Salinas, 100-300 Blocks Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
First Friday Salinas is a monthly tradition designed to transform Downtown into a consistent, positive space for community and culture to thrive.
Come and enjoy an evening of local art, live entertainment, delicious food, and shops open late. Bring your friends and family to Salinas City Center and discover something new every First Friday of the month — you won’t want to miss it!
When & Where:
Every First Friday of the Month
Starting at 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Salinas in 100 – 300 Blocks of Main Street
Opening Ceremony: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, at the One Main Street Stage (in front of the Steinbeck Center).

First Friday Pacific Grove Spring Celebration!
2026-04-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Pacific Grove, 612 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, 93950
Join us in downtown Pacific Grove, CA for an evening of Community, Art, Entertainment. Galleries, Shops, Restaurants and Service Businesses will be open late to offer you open houses, new exhibits, live music, grand openings, food & drink specials and more from 6:00-9:00 pm. Participants on Central, Grand & Lighthouse Aves. New art exhibit at Center for Spiritual Awakening, The French Baker & Entertainment at PG Masonic Lodge on Central Ave, 18th Business Anniversary Party at Artisana Gallery, Gallery Night at P.G. Art Center, Katherine Lavin Band at Monarch Pub, Grand Opening of The Block Wine Bar, Jazz at Wild Fish Restaurant, Loud & Local at PG Meetinghouse, Grand Opening of Paperscapes-Journey Through Motion on Lighthouse Ave, Artists Meet & Greet at 227 Grand Ave featuring the work of Diane Grindol & Nancy Donaldson and so much more!!!
