I Cantori di Carmel present Handel's Messiah in Salinas
2025-12-20 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sherwood Hall, 940 North Main, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
Join us for a beloved holiday tradition and take an evening back from the rush. Music Director Daniel Henriks conducts I Cantori di Carmel’s chorus and orchestra with wonderful soloists Morgan Balfour, Gabriela Estephanie Solís, David Kurtenbach Rivera, and Ben Kazez. Come with friends and let the music set a kinder pace for the season. There’s nothing better than Handel’s Messiah to usher in the holidays.
$39 General Admission Ticket
Bring the kids — children 12 & under are $10; Under 5: free with an adult (lap seating; ticket required only if they need their own seat)

Arts and Healing: Sound Bath
2025-12-21 09:30 - 11:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Join us for the Iluminado Sound Bath. Led by Jordy May of Om Studios, this restorative experience invites you to relax, recharge, and connect through sound and stillness. Please bring warm, comfortable clothing, a yoga mat and blanket/pillow to assist you in comfort as you find stillness.
Open to all experience levels.
Advance registration is recommended due to limited space.

Art of Rehabilitation
2025-12-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-23 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-29 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-30 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-31 08:00 - 17:00 and 7 more dates | 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.

ARIEL Theatrical presents A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre in Oldtown Salinas
2025-12-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-30 19:00 - 21:00 | The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre – Home of ARIEL Theatrical, 320 Main Street, Salinas, 93901
Gather your family and friends and make plans to catch A Charlie Brown Christmas this December at ARIEL Theatrical. Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang share their usual wit and wisdom as they work together to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Your favorite Charles Schulz characters can’t wait to see you! Make new memories this Christmas and bask in the warmth of nostalgia and holiday cheer at ARIEL Theatrical. This production is graciously supported by our 2025 Presenting Partner, the Sally Hughes Church Foundation.
Performances: December 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13 at 7 pm on all dates with additional 2 pm shows on Saturdays
Location: The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre – Home of ARIEL Theatrical, 320 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901
Tickets: Adults – $12, Students/Seniors/Military – $11, Children 3-12 – $10, Under age 3 – FREE
Tickets may be purchased online (www.arieltheatrical.org), over the phone (831-775-0976), and at the ARIEL box office (advance purchase or at the door until sold out).
Located in the beautifully renovated Oldtown neighborhood of Salinas, ARIEL Theatrical provides opportunities for children to explore the stage and learn valuable lessons about Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership – A-R-I-E-L. ARIEL is a safe and nurturing gathering place for young people where engaging programs and family-friendly entertainment take center stage.
ARIEL is honored to acknowledge the Sally Hughes Church Foundation as the 2025 Presenting Partner. ARIEL is also grateful to local individuals and businesses for their generous support, including 2025 Season Sponsors, Taylor Farms, Cardinale Moving & Storage, and Aladin Properties, and our show sponsors, Hastie Financial Group and Pathfinder Content Marketing.
For more information, visit ARIEL in the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street, online at www.arieltheatrical.org or call 831-775-0976.
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First Night Monterey 2026
2025-12-31 15:00 - 2026-01-01 01:00 | 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.

First Friday Salinas
2026-01-02 | Salinas City Center
Kick off the New Year at First Friday Salinas on January 2, starting at 5pm. Join the community in the Salinas City Center for an evening filled with art, live music, local shopping, and creative experiences.
Downtown businesses will be open late, including ArtWorks Salinas, Salinas Valley Art Gallery, Apotheca, XL Public House, La Gran Diabla, Brewjee Coffee, and The Beerded Bean. Enjoy live performances throughout the City Center, including street performances by Cross Carrasco and Proxima Movida, and the monthly Open Mic at The Beerded Bean.
Art lovers can explore the First Friday Artist Reception at ArtWorks Salinas featuring exhibitions by Peggy Hartman and Mark S. Bollwinkel, works by January Artist in Residence Edge (Edgar) Lorenzo, a special ceramics exhibition by students from Salinas High School and Everett Alvarez High School, plus a live piano performance by Andres Benito-Yanez. At Salinas Valley Art Gallery, watch a live painting demonstration by local artist Bob Selin.
Pop up vendors will be located throughout downtown, featuring Make It Dulce, Blue Heron Artistic Design, Lunova Mercantile, Britt’s Permanent Jewelry, Handmade by Brenda, Coastal Threads 831, Spiritual Bluejay, Meli Made It, Soy Tank Candle Company, Ry-Belle Loungefly Bags and More, and Art by Brija.
First Friday Salinas is a free, family-friendly monthly event celebrating creativity, community, and local businesses. Start the year downtown and discover something new.
Location
Salinas City Center
100–300 blocks of Main Street
Salinas, CA

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2026-01-02 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 Opening Artist Reception at ArtWorks @Salinas
2026-01-02 17:00 - 20:00 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Celebrate the new year at ArtWorks during our First Friday Artist Reception. Meet the artists and explore new exhibitions featuring Peggy Hartman, Mark S. Bollwinkel, and January Artist in Residence Edge (Edgar) Lorenzo.
The evening also includes a special exhibition titled Ceramics, That’s Fire, showcasing ceramic works by students from Salinas High School and Everett Alvarez High School from the Salinas Union High School District. This exhibit honors the dedication, thoughtfulness, and determination required to transform clay from concept to creation.
Enjoy a welcoming evening of art, conversation, and community, with the opportunity to connect directly with artists and experience a wide range of creative work across mediums.
Ongoing Gallery Hours
Tuesday 11 AM to 2 PM
Friday through Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM

Night Market 831
2026-01-02 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.

The Elephant Man
2026-01-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-10 19:00 - 21:00 | 1534 Fremont Blvd, 1534 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, 93955
In 1880s London, John Merrick is a horribly deformed young man – a victim of rare skin and bone diseases. Under the care of celebrated physician Frederick Treves, Merrick slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane gentleman, desperate to be recognized as a man like any other.

SPECIAL CONSENSUS WITH OTTER OPRY AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2026-01-10 15:00 - 16:30 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
“Music like this is the reason people come to love bluegrass,” says Folk & Music Exchange. “Special Consensus approaches this hallowed American musical art form with boundless energy and an aesthetic reverence that tickles the ribs, tugs at the heart, and puts a restless two-step into boots and bare feet.” This iconic bluegrass band is coming to Otter Opry on Saturday, January 10th for a matinee performance, which you truly will not want to miss!
Marking its 50th anniversary in 2025, Special Consensus continues to deliver a vibrant contemporary bluegrass sound deeply rooted in tradition. Led by founder Greg Cahill, the band has been a cornerstone of the bluegrass community for five decades, with 22 acclaimed recordings, eight International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, and two Grammy nominations testifying to their enduring artistry and innovation.
With the foundation of Greg Cahill’s unique banjo playing style and the vocal prowess of Greg Blake (guitar), Nico Humby (bass) and Brian McCarty (mandolin), these musicians effortlessly support each other and consistently maintain their bluegrass center whether they’re playing a jazz-tinged instrumental or a song from any of their award-winning recordings. These four talented vocalists and instrumentalists follow their creative desires without straying too far from their roots.
3pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free). Tickets and information at www.otteropry.org. Online ticket sales will end at 9am the day of the show.

Carmel Art Walk
2026-01-10 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
2026-01-10 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.

Lysander Piano Trio
2026-01-10 18:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
The incredible Lysander Piano Trio, known for their “polished and spirited interpretations” (New York Times), will continue our 59th Season at Sunset Center on January 10, 2026. The Lysander has spent over a decade performing around the United States, with more than 100 highly-acclaimed appearances at notable venues. They are now performing for the first time in Chamber Music Monterey Bay’s concert series. Lauded by The Strad as exhibiting “[i]ncredible ensemble, passionate playing, articulate and imaginative ideas and a wide palette of colors,” we are thrilled to introduce this exciting ensemble to our Peninsula audience.
Chamber Music Monterey Bay shares the Trio’s dedication to inventive programming, finding connections between works from all over the world, and uncovering lesser-known gems of the repertoire from the past to the present. The program will include piano trios by Udi Perlman (a Lysander commission), MieczysławWeinberg, and Antonín Dvořák.
The Lysander ensemble displays what the Washington Post termed “an uncommon degree of heart-on-the-sleeve emotional frankness” – a quality Chamber Music Monterey Bay’s season artists are known for. We hope you will join us in welcoming them at their first appearance in Carmel.
