BusinessWorks: Mastering the Inner Game: Mindset for Art Business Success
2025-04-25 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Community Foundation for Monterey County, 945 S. Main Street, #207, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Attend Arts4MC’s upcoming installment of BusinessWorks, a free professional development series for artists and art nonprofits! Friday, April 25th at 10 am at the Community Foundation for Monterey County, Salinas Office: 945 South Main Street, Salinas. Success in the art business isn’t just about marketing—it starts with mindset. Join award-winning artist and gallery owner Edi Matsumoto (@edimatsumotoart) as she shares how shifting her beliefs about money, business, and self-worth transformed her art career. Learn essential mindset fundamentals and marketing strategies to help your creative business thrive! RSVP encouraged to ensure your seat: bit.ly/rsvpbizworks

MC Youth Poet Laureate BOS Resolution
2025-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Government Center, 168 W. Alisal St, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join Arts4MC at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 29, at 10 AM at the County Government Center, as they proudly present a resolution recognizing the upcoming 2025-2026 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate. Celebrate the talent and creativity of our young poets!

Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Ceremony
2025-04-29 17:30 - 18:30 | Marina Library, 190 Seaside Circle, Marina, CA, 93933, United States
You are invited to the 2025 -2026 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Ceremony—an evening celebrating the voices of young poets and introducing the next Youth Poet Laureate. Date: Tuesday, April 29th Time: 5:30 PM Location: Marina Library Community Room. Enjoy performances by the upcoming Youth Poet Laureate, Runner-Up, Honorable Mention, and a Featured Reader. We hope you’ll join us!

Seldom Heard History of the Civil War Era
2025-05-02 00:00 - 2025-05-04 23:59 | Monterey History & Art Association at Stanton Center, 5 Custom Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
2nd annual Central Coast Conference. “Seldom Heard History of the Civil War Era” will feature a full weekend of presentations by a roster of preeminent authors and historians, to be held in the Stanton Center Theater in Monterey, California. The Stanton Center is situated on the Custom House Plaza, bordering the Monterey State Historic Park. There will be a short program on Friday evening, followed by two full days of talks on Saturday and Sunday. Book sales and signing will be conducted in the Stanton Center lobby on Saturday afternoon. Visit the event website for more information: https://whtours.org/seldom-heard-history-2025.html

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2025-05-02 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-06-06 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 Artist Reception at ArtWorks @Salinas: Javier Lopez Jr. presents “Home: From the Valley to the Peninsula”
2025-05-02 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join us on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM at ArtWorks @Salinas (262 Main Street, Salinas) for a special Artist Reception with local artist Javier Lopez Jr. Experience his heartfelt exhibit alongside the inspiring PhotoCarmel display celebrating photography on the Central Coast. Enjoy light refreshments and snacks as you explore the vibrant artist studios and shop featuring over 10 local artists and artisans—all free and open to the public!

Night Market 831
2025-05-02 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 on the first Friday of every month. Free and All Ages! Visit www.nightmarket831.com for more information.

illustrating Nature Returns to the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History on May 2, 2025
2025-05-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — Illustrating Nature, the much-anticipated showing of student works from CSUMB’s graduate Science Illustration Program will once again be on display at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History starting Friday, May 2nd. A landmark 15th year of partnership between the Natural History Museum and CSUMB, the exhibit is a beautiful demonstration of the deep connections between the natural and human worlds. “Each year, we are given the chance to witness how these talented illustrators interpret the natural world.” Says Dr. Rachel Miller, the Museum’s Executive Director, “Every artist brings their own unique perspective, style, and personal story behind the illustration they have chosen to exhibit. The Pacific Grove Museum is proud to support these emerging illustrators as they launch their careers and share their incredible talent with our community.” The program at CSUMB is one that prepares its students for the world of scientific illustration, and they obtain mastery in a variety of artistic techniques and learn techniques for starting a business, selling designs, and more. Most students come in with scientific or artistic backgrounds, and the program takes them through not just the ways to illustrate science but to work with scientists and institutions. “The pieces you’ll see in the exhibit are more than just beautiful pieces of art.” Says Reid Psaltis, head of the Science Illustration Program at CSUMB. “They are the end products of an extensive amount of planning, research and effort from our students to tell stories, explain scientific concepts, and inspire.” The Exhibit will open with a meet-the-artists reception from 6:30-8:30pm on Friday, May 2nd. In a change of pace, the show will have its longest run ever at the Museum with a six-week showing ending June 15th. The Museum and Science Illustration Program would like to extend their thanks to the Arts Council for Monterey County and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for funding this exhibit work. During its run, the Museum will host several accompanying events including: · Workshops led by program graduates May 17 and June 14 · Free student art demonstrations on May 24th and June 14th · A student art market held during the Museum’s First Friday on June 6 from 6-8pm where prints, stickers, posters, and more will be sold by the artists themselves. Those interested in seeing a sneak peek of the art on display can find it starting April 14 on the Museum’s website: Exhibits — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Upcoming Events at the Museum: Free Science Saturday: Student Research Symposium, 4/26, 10am-3pm Illustrating Nature Public Opening, 5/2, 6:30-8:30pm Walk of Remembrance, 5/10, 10am-2pm Illustrating Nature Artist Market, 6/6, 6-8pm Jade Beneath the Sea Opening & Ribbon Cutting, 6/12, 5:30-7:30pm History on Tap: Steinbeck, Ricketts, & The Sea of Cortez, 6/19, 5:30-7:30pm About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History The museum is currently hiring for two positions to join their award-winning education team. Find out more at our website: Careers — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Catalyst Quartet & Todd Palmer, Clarinet
2025-05-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Pre-concert lecture at 6:30 pm.
The program includes pieces by David and Samuel.

David Bruce “Gumboots”(2008)

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Quintet in F-sharp Minor for Clarinet and Strings, op. 10

Performers

Karla Donehew Perez, violin

Abi Fayette, violin

Paul Laroia, viola

Karlos Rodriguez, cello

Todd Palmer, clarinet

About the Performers

The Catalyst Quartet, known for “perfect ensemble unity” and “unequaled class of execution” (Lincoln Journal Star), has toured widely throughout the United States and abroad, including sold-out performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., at Chicago’s Harris Theater, Miami’s New World Center, and Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall in New York. The quartet has been guest soloists with the Cincinnati Symphony, New Haven Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá, and has served as principal players and featured ensemble with the Sphinx Organization’s featured ensemble, the Sphinx Virtuosi, on six national tours. They have been invited to perform at important music festivals such as Mainly Mozart in San Diego, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Sitka Music Festival, Juneau Jazz and Classics, Strings Music Festival, and the Grand Canyon Music Festival, where they appear annually. The Catalyst Quartet was ensemble-in-residence at the Vail Dance Festival in 2016 and in the 2021-22 season were in residence with San Francisco Performances where they presented the complete series of works from their Uncovered Project. In 2014, they opened the Festival del Sole in Napa, California with Joshua Bell and participated in England’s Aldeburgh Music Foundation String Quartet Residency with two performances in Jubilee Hall. In 2022 the Catalyst Quartet was named ensemble in residence for the Chamber Music Northwest Festival in Portland and for the Met Museum’s LiveArts series in NYC.

The Catalyst Quartet combines a serious commitment to diversity and education with a passion for contemporary works. The ensemble has served as principal faculty at the Sphinx Performance Academy at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Curtis Institute of Music. The Catalyst Quartet’s ongoing residencies include interactive performance presentations and workshops with Native American student composers at the Grand Canyon Music Festival. Past residencies have included concerts and masterclasses at The University Of Michigan, University Of Washington, Rice University’s Shepard School of Music, Houston’s Society for the Performing Arts, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, The Virginia Arts Festival, and Pennsylvania State University, and internationally at the In Harmony Project in England, The University of South Africa, and The Teatro De Bellas Artes in Cali, Colombia. The ensemble’s residency in Havana, Cuba for the Cuban American Youth Orchestra in January 2019, was the first by an American string quartet since the revolution.

The Catalyst Quartet members hold degrees from The Cleveland Institute of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, Juilliard School, and New England Conservatory. The Catalyst Quartet proudly endorses Pirastro strings.

TODD PALMER (clarinet) has appeared around the world as soloist, recitalist, chamber music collaborator, educator, arranger, and presenter. A three-time Grammy nominated artist, he was a winner of the Young Concert Artist International Auditions and grand prize winner in the Ima Hogg Young Artist Auditions. He has made solo appearances with the Atlanta, Houston, and BBC Scotland orchestras, and the St. Paul, Cincinnati, Montréal, and Metamorphosen chamber orchestras. His recital performances include Weill Hall and 92nd Street Y in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. He has collaborated with some of the world’s finest string ensembles, such as the St. Lawrence, Brentano, Borromeo and Pacifica quartets, as well as renowned sopranos Kathleen Battle, Renée Fleming, Elizabeth Futral, Heidi Grant Murphy and Dawn Upshaw. Palmer has championed Osvaldo Golijov’sklezmer clarinet quintet The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind; premiered David Bruce’s Gumboots at Carnegie Hall with the St. Lawrence Quartet, and commissioned Ricky Ian Gordon’s theatre work, Orpheus and Euridice. He was awarded the Leonard Bernstein Fellowship by the Tanglewood Institute. He appeared in Lincoln Center’s revival of South Pacific and was also soloist in Robert Lepage’s staging of Stravinsky’s The Nightingale and Other Fables at BAM, dressed as a Cossack. Palmer has recorded for DG, EMI, Koch, Naxos, and Ghostlight.

Garden Party 2025: Celebration of Spring & Poetry
2025-05-04 14:00 - 17:00 | Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation, 26304 Ocean View Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921
Enjoy strolls in the springtime gardens. Tor House docents will read poetry and offer informed context to your visit inside this unique early 20th century cottage and tower, both built largely by the poet himself. Live music and gourmet refreshments complete the experience. Visitors can: * stroll the grounds, * enjoy Tor House and Hawk Tower, * ask questions of docents about the history of Tor House and about the poetry of Robinson Jeffers, * climb the 40′ Tower, * photograph to their hearts’ content, * enjoy music (the bagpiper at the top of the tower, the pianists playing Una’s 1904 Steinway Model O Grand Piano in the cottage, and Youth Music Monterey musicians in the east wing parlor) * learn about the birds of Carmel Point (scope, binoculars and information provided by the Monterey Audubon Society), and * enjoy delicacies from Sweet Elena’s Bakery.

Carmel Art Walk
2025-05-10 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-06-14 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.

SETH MULDER & MIDNIGHT RUN WITH OTTER OPRY
2025-05-13 19:00 - 21:30 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Once again, Otter Opry will be knocking your bluegrass socks off with an awesome show on Tuesday, May 13th at the United Methodist Church: Seth Mulder & Midnight Run. Hailing from the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains, the band started its journey in 2015 at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. With five like-minded musicians and graduates of college music programs, this group is strongly tied to the rich bluegrass traditions, while simultaneously offering a fresh approach to the “High Lonesome” sound. Each member draws from various influences, including bluegrass, country, and rock and roll. Together, they present a high-energy show filled with nostalgic entertainment, tight harmonies, and skillful musicianship. With over 300 dates a year, the band’s high-energy style of music has taken them worldwide, including festivals across the United States, Canada, and multiple European tours. Together, Seth Mulder, Colton Powers, Tyler Griffith, Chevy Watson, and Max Silverstein create a powerhouse of music and a stage show you do not want to miss, and that is why they’re one of the most talked-about young bluegrass bands on the festival circuit today. A favorite among bluegrass enthusiasts and non-bluegrass audiences alike, the band keeps the energy high and the audience on their feet. They clearly understand that when they’re on stage, it’s not only about the music — it’s about connecting with the audience and creating a memory that will last a lifetime. In a day and age where authenticity is everything, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run are the real deal, so come on out and see for yourself. To make the evening even more special, you can enjoy a delicious enchilada dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before May 10th, $17.50 at the door). 7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. www.otteropry.org

Opening Celebration of the 2025 Monterey Biennial at the Monterey Museum of Art
2025-05-17 11:00 - 16:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
All are welcome to join Monterey Biennial artists, friends, and families for the opening of the Biennial at Monterey Museum of Art. Enjoy beverages and light bites in MMA’s Sculpture Garden and spend time in the galleries exploring the exhibition. This special event honors the diverse and dynamic talent of artists across Fresno, Kern, Kings, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties, showcasing their impact on Central California’s artistic community. Schedule of Events 11:00 am Welcome from Corey Madden, Executive Director 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Live acoustic performance by Glenn Bell 1:00 pm Welcome from Corey Madden, Executive Director 3:00 pm Welcome from Corey Madden, Executive Director and dance duet by Kelsey McFalls and Maxwell Simoes of Ballare Carmel, choreographed by Natasha Adorlee

Monterey Symphony’s Season Closer
2025-05-17 19:30 - 22:00 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Carmel/Monterey, CA – Monterey Symphony closes their 79th season on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, May 18th, at 3:00 PM at Sunset Center in Carmel. “We close our season with one of the most beloved and powerful pieces of classical music, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring the Monterey Symphony debut of star pianist Joyce Yang. I’m very honored to be sharing one of my own compositions, Intertidal, inspired by the murmuration of shorebirds on the Pacific coast. The program will also feature our very own President and CEO, Nicola Reilly, as violin soloist on Tchaikovsky’s Melodie, as well as Respighi’s dazzling works The Fountains of Rome and The Pines of Rome,” says Music Director and Conductor Jayce Ogren. 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 Sunday, 2:00-2:30 PM with Music Director Jayce Ogren, 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 and soloist Joyce Yang 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 1:30-1:45 PM & 2:30-2:40 PM. The May concert Lobby Sessions feature Symphony Concertmaster Christina Mok and cellist Saul Richmond-Rackerd. Arrive early to hear our musicians up close while enjoying refreshments. Free and open to the public. Tickets are $45 for Tier 3, $68 for Tier 2, and $88 for Tier 1 seats. Students, teachers, and military tickets are $12. Performances at Sunset Center in Carmel at San Carlos and 9th Ave. About the Monterey Symphony: Founded in 1946, the Monterey Symphony’s mission of the Monterey Symphony is to entertain and engage our community through musical performance and education. www.montereysymphony.org # # #

Monterey Symphony’s Final Season Closer
2025-05-18 15:00 - 18:00 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921

Controlled Chaos Improv at the Pacific Grove Art Center!
2025-05-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter and unpredictable fun at the Pacific Grove Art 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! 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+

Free to BE
2025-06-01 15:00 - 17:30 | Stanton Center, 5 Custom Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
A Concert Immersion for the Soul: An afternoon of original music, sacred sound, ancestral healing & collective elevation. An Opportunity to be Part of Something Unique on the Monterey Peninsula Live Concert Immersion of all-original music with Sound Healing + nature art Personal reflection and community discussion, including option to directly engage with the artists at the event. Event Experience 3pm: Doors Open: Arrive and treat yourself to hand-selected healthy hor d’oeuvres from our local businesses. 3:30pm: Concert immersion: World premiere of LiSára’s original music + ancestral healing + sound healing journey! 4:45pm: Intermission. Peruse world-class nature art from our diverse local artists 5pm: Learn about the inspiring youth accessibility & environmental education work of The Wahine Project. ~5:10pm: Personal reflections & community discussion about nature within & around us, facilitated by LiSára. ~5:30pm: Event end This is for you if you are Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience on the Monterey Bay Peninsula … on a Sunday! Wanting to contribute to a great cause in our community that supports our youth, nature, and awareness of environmental issues internationally Seeking inspiration, stronger sense of purpose want to feel more sensual and embodied Desiring community connection Ready to have fun, enjoy unique fresh music, and experience something new. Come as you are. Leave as who you were always meant to be. What People Say: “LiSára’s work is totally a unique, dynamic healing experience that can only be truly understood through experience.” Ivy “LiSára’s presence will help you embody liberation on a cellular level so that you can share your unique offering in the world with more love and less limitations.” Shereen “You took what I have been feeling and could not articulate into song…there was also the way in which you were able to convey the silver lining in that all change is not bad…” -Alexis “Just knowing I’m not the only one who wants to heal myself, so that I can do my part it heal others and our fellow humans is such a blessing! I appreciate your willingness to open up that space and go to the depths with us.” Sarah About LiSára: Lisára is an award-winning multicultural indigenous artist, Forbes-featured entrepreneur, published author, songwriter, sound & ancestral healer, and expressed leadership mentor who has lived across four continents. Where songbird vocals uplift poignant lyrics and modern music meets shamanic sound, Lisára emanates paradigm-shifting messages of love, freedom, and human potential. Lisára’s musical immersions offer audiences light-hearted journeys home to themselves. Her multilingual performances have ranged from intimate retreats and executive meetings to crowds over 10,000, where she introduced Toots & the Maytals in one of their final performances together. She has studied music business with Dr. Mathew Knowles (Beyonce, Destiny’s Child), songwriting with Suzan Koç (Pink, Brandy, Ace of Base), and artist development with Kevin Shine (Kanye West). Her debut ballad “Things Are Changing” is out now, and she is recording new music for release in Summer 2025. In addition to music, Lisára graduated as the first woman of color (WOC) forensic linguist in the Americas, having trained with the FBI’s 1st full-time linguist and a founding member of the Woodstock band Sha Na Na. Lisára’s artistry is a call to wholeness and sovereignty, with deep reverence for ancient wisdom. She also coaches and mentors visionaries, entrepreneurs, creators, healers, cycle breakers and changemakers seeking personal and collective transformation to fully claim their unique voices and embodied expression as leaders. **Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lisaraxo/ **Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaraofficial About Wahine The Wahine Project seeks to break down the barriers that prevent youth participation in ocean sports and provide them the opportunity to become proficient water humans with the sense of social responsibility that the ocean uniquely provides around climate change, and environmental justice. For this event, we are focused on funding our Access for All Program: providing youth living with disabilities access to the ocean. Who’s Involved: Musical Artist & Sound Healer: LiSára Fundraiser Beneficiary: The Wahine Project MC & Moderator: Dr. Carley Corrado DJ / AV: Vida Loek Media Musicians: Jayson Fann Nathan Dennen Visual Artists: Edi Matsumoto Kristina Kernytska Supported By: The Arts Council for Monterey County KRML Radio Wild Plum Cafe ***Buy your ticket online to ensure entry! We look forward to seeing you there.

7 Artist 1 Show
2025-06-05 18:00 - 2025-06-28 20:00 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Learn more at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7-artists-1-show-tickets-1374936053749?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

MMA First Friday—Monterey Biennial
2025-06-06 17:00 - 19:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Enjoy an evening at MMA filled with live music by Kito Rayburn, local food and beverages, and interactive art activities for all ages. This special Biennial-themed First Friday will bring the exhibition to life with hands-on experiences tied to the artwork on view. The Museum welcomes you, friends, and family for an evening to enjoy the talent of Central California. First Friday Activity Inspired by the Biennial’s theme, Resonance and Reflection, cut, place, and trace your way through memory. In this calming, hands-on activity, you’ll create abstract shapes from reflective paper—each one a fragment of your story. As you outline the shapes over and over, their lines begin to intersect, revealing how our moments connect and shape who we are. A quiet practice in reflection, connection, and self-discovery.

First Friday Artist Reception at ArtWorks @Salinas: Javier Lopez Jr. presents “Home: From the Valley to the Peninsula”
2025-06-06 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join us for a special Artist Reception with local artist Javier Lopez Jr. Experience his heartfelt exhibit alongside the inspiring PhotoCarmel display celebrating photography on the Central Coast. Enjoy light refreshments and snacks as you explore the vibrant artist studios and shop featuring over 10 local artists and artisans!

MMA Free Family Fun Day–Monterey Biennial
2025-06-07 11:00 - 15:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Bring the whole family to downtown historic Monterey for a FREE fun-filled day of creativity, community, and celebration. Stop by MMA to create art inspired by the Monterey Biennial and engage with the exhibition in a brand-new creative setting. Around town, explore historic Monterey by visiting community partners including Monterey Public Library, Cooper-Molera Adobe, and the Monterey State Historic Park Association to participate in workshops, performances, pop-ups, and more creative community fun!

Scientific Summer Camps around the Corner for PG Museum
2025-06-09 09:00 - 2025-07-31 15:00 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — The Pacific Grove Museum has released their list of summer camp themes for the 2025 season with a combination of new and favorite themes and an upgraded time model where all grades (K-5) get a full day of camp running from 9am-3pm. Museum summer camps are popular because of their scientific focus, with campers learning about ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation through play, science activities, and field trips. “We teach kids scientific concepts through hands-on experience to inspire long-term care and curiosity about the world we live in.” says Dr. Liese Murphree, the Museum’s Director of Education, “Campers get to discover aspects of the natural world in fun and accessible ways with friends and professional educators” Returning popular camps include Be a Scientist, where children will get to conduct scientific experiments with a science show at the end of the week, and Ocean Exploration, which takes them down to the beach to go tide pooling, learn about marine life, and find special creatures hidden in the sand. New offerings include Nocturnal Ecology camp, which will include a special evening hike to find crepuscular (twilight and dawn) and nocturnal (night only) animals; and Engineering for the Earth, where campers will get to design hands-on solutions to environmental issues. Beyond the science, the museum also focuses on the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of all their campers by creating flexible and supportive learning environments where one-on-one attention is given a priority. “This summer is going to be a fun one for kids at the Museum, we have so much planned and we’re so excited to see everyone!” Says Murphree, “But parents be warned: these camps can fill quickly, so sign up as soon as possible.” Registration opens for Museum Family Members and above Friday, February 14, and Monday, March 3 for the general public. Members will also receive a $35 discount on each camp registration. Families interested in signing up for Museum membership and getting these and other perks can do so at: Support — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Camps will run June through the end of July, with all grade camps starting the week of June 9th. Parents and Guardians can sign their children up and learn more about each camp at: Services 1 — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Upcoming Museum Events: Volunteer Training: Every Wednesday in March, learn more at: Volunteer — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Museum Family Camp: 2/17, 9am-1pm, sign up at: Winter Camp: Nature Explorers Family Camp — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Free Science Saturday: Fabulous Fungi! 2/22, 10am-3pm March is Membership Month! Learn more at: Membership Month — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Member Saturday Morning Sound Bath: 3/1, 9-10am, member sign up at: Member Morning Sound Bath — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Free First Friday: Wild Monterey Bay Talk and Book Signing, 3/7, 6-8pm Sunset Bird Walk: March 8, 4-5:30pm, sign up here: Sunset Bird Walk with Amanda Preece — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Member & Student Brown Bag Lunch: Who Ate My Fries? The Gulls of Monterey, 3/12, 12:15-12:45pm, sign up: Member Brown Bag Lunch: Who Ate My Fries? The Gulls of Monterey — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society Public Meeting, 3/14, 7-9pm Member Saturday Morning Qigong: 3/15, 9-10am, member sign up at: Member Morning Qigong — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Member Friends & Family Free Week: March 19-23, become a member at: Support — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History “From the Unreal to the Real” Special Exhibit Opening & Documentary Screening: 3/21, 4:30-5:30pm Member & Student Brown Bag Lunch: How Did We Get Here? Conserving Collections, 3/26, 12:15-12:45pm, sign up: Member Brown Bag Lunch: How Did We Get Here? Conserving Collections — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Science on Tap: Raptor Conservation with extra member discounts, 3/27, 5:30-7:30pm, get tickets at: Science on Tap: Raptor Conservation — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Free Science Saturday: Dinos and Fossils, 3/29, 10am-3pm About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

2025 Pacific Grove Chalk the Block
2025-06-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Pacific Grove, 612 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, 93950
Join us for the 3rd Annual CHALK THE BLOCK in Downtown Pacific Grove, presented by the PG Downtown Business Improvement District! Whether you’re a professional artist or want to join the fun with your friends and family, all are welcome! Saturday, June 14th, 2025 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Check-in at Mechanics Bank Plaza on Lighthouse Avenue (map) Registration is required as space is limited You will be provided eco-friendly chalk to use, but you can also bring your own non-toxic supplies, too! Teams of artists are encouraged (no more than 4 people), but individual artists are more than welcome. Compete for category prizes or just for fun! The theme this year: “Love is…”

The Extra Terrestrial Ball
2025-06-14 17:00 - 23:00 | Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL BALL – SATURDAY, JUNE 14th At the P.G. Art Center Doors at 5pm, music at 6pm. Calling the glam, the groovy, and the patrons of arts! Join us for THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL BALL hosted by Mephistopheles Music Co. This fundraiser for the Pacific Grove Art Center will support their goal of upgrading equipment and art supplies. As we are drawing inspiration from the 60’s art-pop movement, 70’s glam, and the New York club kid scene, we highly encourage dressing up in costume! Rock out at the Enchantrix Stage (Gill Gallery), enjoy indie and acoustic sets at the Oddities Stage (Annand Gallery) and dance with DJs at the MPYRE party (Dyke Gallery)! Thank you to our sponsors – Monterey Pride, Radimedia, and Ikhwan Studios for making this event possible! All Ages | Beer & Wine bar Tickets at door – $15 general admission, $10 for costumed attendees

Monterey Jazz & The Club at Pasadera Present Father's Day Blues Festival
2025-06-15 11:00 - 17:30 | The Club at Pasadera, 100 Pasadera Dr, Monterey, 93940
Treat Dad to a day he’ll never forget—filled with live music, sunshine, and soulful vibes at the stunning Club at Pasadera! Enjoy great music, delicious food, and an atmosphere perfect for celebrating the awesome dads in your life. Bring a blanket, bring the family, and get ready to groove! ????️???? Featuring powerhouse performances by: JC Smith Tony Lindsay (of Santana) Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Band & Vocal Ensemble ???? The Club at Pasadera – 100 Pasadera Dr, Monterey, CA 93940 ???? Sunday | 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM ????️ $40 Adults | $20 Students | Kids under 12 FREE

THE ALUM RIDGE BOYS & ASHLEE WITH OTTER OPRY
2025-06-19 19:00 - 22:00 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
What could possibly be better? It’s bluegrass from the Blue Ridge, and it’s coming to the Monterey United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 19th as the next incredible show from Otter Opry. Mining the fertile common ground between bluegrass, early country music, and traditional mountain music, The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee are Virginia’s torchbearers of the old-time sound. Featuring the classic quintet of fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and bass, the band comprises five masterful musicians and singers who have immersed themselves in the dance music traditions of the Blue Ridge region and developed a deeply rooted old-time bluegrass sound. Deep appreciation for Country and “Hillbilly” music of the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s enables the band to craft tasteful original songs and instrumentals that blend seamlessly alongside the classics. Their powerful harmony singing and energetic instrumentals have captivated audiences around the globe and helped the band to win many awards, including first prize in the old-time band contest at the 85th Annual Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax, Virginia and the bluegrass band contest at the 51st Mount Airy Fiddlers’ Convention in North Carolina. Band members have also won a slew of individual awards including first place bluegrass banjo at Galax, first place old-time fiddle at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WV, and first prize in the 29th Annual MerleFest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee cut no corners when it comes to real, hard-hitting, old-time country music — an approach that is quickly gaining them loyal followers far beyond the reaches of their Virginia mountain home. You will love this show! The event includes a delicious spaghetti dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before June 14th, $17.50 at the door). 7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. www.otteropry.org.

Monterey Biennial Juror Panel Discussion
2025-06-21 13:30 - 15:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Join us at the Museum for an afternoon of conversation with Biennial Jurors Demetri Broxton, Ann Jastrab, and Hector Dionicio Mendoza. Dive into the creative minds behind the Biennial’s review process and learn more about these distinguished members of California’s art scene.

At the Artist Table: Celebrating the Central California Creative Community
2025-06-21 17:00 - 21:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Spend the longest day of the year at the Monterey Biennial at this unique event dedicated to California’s creative community. Join other artists, gallerists, and prominent members of the region for an evening of live music, summer cocktails, and a casual outdoor dinner.
