Miss Sarah Sunshine
2026-06-26 10:15 - 11:00, 2026-07-03 10:15 - 11:00, 2026-07-10 10:15 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MY Museum, 425 Washington Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Please join our very own local celebrity, Miss Sarah Sunshine from It’s Circle Time, every Friday from 10:15 to 11:00 at MY Museum.
This educational and fun program will include singing, dancing, stories, and much more.
It’s Circle Time is a playful learning space where songs, stories, and meaningful connections come together. Designed for young children and the adults who love them, their content supports early literacy, emotional growth, and joyful learning—one circle at a time.
Fee: Included with daily admission, free admission for members.

CRYING UNCLE WITH OTTER OPRY AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2026-06-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Legendary mandolinist David Grisman really likes the Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band: “Go and check out Crying Uncle! We dig what they are doing! The future of music is in good hands here!” Widely recognized as one of the most exciting young bands in acoustic music, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band plays a unique mix of bluegrass, Dawg (David Grisman music), jazz, and modern originals. Come check these ground-breaking musicians out on Friday, June 26th, when they bring their amazing talent to the Otter Opry stage at Monterey United Methodist Church!
Brothers Miles (fiddle) and Teo (mandolin) Quale are joined by bassist Andrew Osborn and 2023 National Flat Pick Guitar Champion Ian Ly, all outstanding musicians of the vibrant California bluegrass scene. Beginning in 2016 as a Duo, Miles and Teo formed the bluegrass band in 2017 – and since then, they have continued to make waves in the world of bluegrass and acoustic music. In 2024, the band celebrated its debut at the Grand Ole Opry; and in 2023, it received the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Momentum Band of the Year award. Crying Uncle was also honored to perform for the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame’s induction of its hero, David Grisman.
Patrice O’Neill, Executive Director of the annual Wintergrass Festival in Washington, is impressed with the band on multiple levels: “Sure, they can rip off a blazing solo,” he says. “But they can also explore the depths of melodic and harmonic sophistication with grace and oh, so much intelligence.” Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band is guaranteed to get your toes tapping (or maybe your feet stomping), so don’t miss this show! You can even enjoy a delicious barbequed chicken dinner before the show ($15 in advance, $20 after June 20th). Online sales will end at 11am the day of the performance. Tickets will be available at the door.
7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free). www.otteropry.org

“CREATIVE SELF-EXPRESSION AND FUN WITH COLLAGE ART” SUMMER CAMP
2026-06-29 09:30 - 2026-07-02 14:30 | The Lyceum of Monterey County, 1073 Sixth Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Art campers, we invite you to join mixed media artist and instructor Lisa Handley for 4 days of creative self-expression and fun with collage art! Each day we’ll explore and enjoy a variety of techniques and designs including cut and torn paper, monochromes, mosaics, surrealism and vision boards. We’ll play with shape, size, color, texture and composition in a variety of materials including paper, fabric, embellishments and upcycled ephemera (such as postage stamps and maps).
Lisa will provide campers with plenty of guidance, inspiration and encouragement. Activities will include mini collage art (inchies, twinchies, thrinchies and artist trading cards) showcased in a personalized art journal, a nature zine and a gratitude tag book. We’ll also create a unique handmade book collaged with “found words” on our final day.
Register now to enjoy this fun-filled week of creativity and collage!
Ages: 11 – 15
Dates: June 29 – July 2, 2026
Hours: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Location: Lyceum
Instructor: Lisa Handley
Class Size: Limited to 8 Students
Fee: $295

Toddler Gymnastics
2026-07-01 10:15 - 10:45, 2026-07-08 10:15 - 10:45 | MY Museum, 425 Washington Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join us on Wednesdays as we partner with Shea’s Gymnastics
Toddlers will learn about the basics of gymnastics through games and movement in this fun and engaging Caregiver & Me program.
Recommended for children ages 2-5.
Fee: Included with daily admission.

Make & Take Crafts
2026-07-02 10:15 - 10:45, 2026-07-09 10:15 - 10:45 | MY Museum, 425 Washington Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Get crafty with us on Thursday mornings!
Art making plays a central role in cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional development. Enjoy creative exploration and make something fun to take home, too.
Recommended for children ages 2 and older.
Fee: Included with daily admission. free admission for members.

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2026-07-03 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
2026-07-03 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).

Night Market 831
2026-07-03 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.

First Friday Pacific Grove Celebrating Independent Businesses!
2026-07-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Pacific Grove, 612 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, 93950
It’s time for our next First Friday… Celebrating Independent Businesses during Independence Weekend. The tourist season has officially started in downtown Pacific Grove. Many feet will be on the street on First Friday, enjoying Live Music, Gallery Openings, Celebrations, Open Houses, Great Food! Participants located on Lighthouse, Grand and Central Aves!

Summer Art Camp: Splash Into Watercolor! Ages 6–8
2026-07-06 09:00 - 2026-07-10 12:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
Monterey Museum of Art offers safe, creative experiences and tons of fun for children at our downtown Pacific Street location! Summer Camps are taught by professional educators, offering a wide range of skill-building and creative outlets for children ages five through fourteen.
Join MMA at the $175 Contributor Membership level to receive a 20% discount per class and MMA member benefits for one year. Visit our Membership Page for more information on membership options.
Splash Into Watercolor!
Dive into the vibrant world of watercolor painting! Campers will explore bright, flowing colors, experiment with fun techniques, and create their own masterpieces inspired by visits to our galleries, the wonders of nature, and their own imagination. Each day brings new discoveries as young artists learn creative tricks, build confidence, and watch their paintings come to life. Perfect for campers who love to paint, play, and express themselves through color!

Carmel Bach Festival | PRE-FEST: Reginald Mobley Recital
2026-07-06 19:30 - 20:30 | All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Doroles St & 9th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921
Counter-tenor Reginald Mobley appears in this special pre-festival recital. His acclaimed recent album, Because, has received wide attention for its exploration of spirituals, identity, and personal history, connecting this repertoire with Baroque performance practice.
Mobley is recognized for his work in both early music and spirituals, and for his clear tone, musical intelligence, and strong communication with his audiences. This recital provides a compelling opportunity to hear one of today’s most distinctive counter-tenor voices in an intimate, pre-festival setting.

Summer Art Classes
2026-07-07 10:00 - 2026-07-27 12:00 | CA
A welcoming series of summer art classes for all skill levels, featuring instruction in drawing, acrylic and oil painting, landscapes, flowers, and still life in a supportive creative environment.

Carmel Bach Festival | PRE-FEST: Classical Cabaret
2026-07-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Classical Cabaret is an intimate, cabaret-inspired evening hosted by longtime Festival orchestra member, Jesse Barrett, in Studio 105. With an open bar and a relaxed, nightclub-style atmosphere, guests will enjoy classical favorites presented in fresh, full-of-personality ways.

BARKLEY COVE WITH OTTER OPRY AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2026-07-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Otter Opry *loves* to break new ground in the Monterey bluegrass scene, and here we go again: On Thursday, July 9th at Monterey United Methodist Church, East Coast student band Barkley Cove will be demonstrating in no uncertain terms what “new blood” in our favorite genre is all about.
Barkley Cove is a folk/bluegrass band known for its rich harmonies, with Jillian Dolan (guitar, vocals), Silas Gross (guitar, banjo, vocals), Yusuf Miller (mandolin, bass, vocals), and Robert Myers (bass) creating a sound that blends folk, rock, country, and bluegrass with imaginative songwriting. A quick search on the internet turns up praise and excitement for the group – like, “These youngsters are killing it!”
Robert explains the remarkable group dynamics of the band: “We love playing with each other because we write all our songs collectively and have a strong personal connection to one another, which makes each performance like playing music with friends while also connecting with each other and the audience on a deeply emotional level. Our goal is to take the listener on a journey that evokes the indescribable collective relationship that music forms between listeners.
Barkley Cove has never set foot in California, and some of them have never even been to the American West. They are excited to visit and learn more about the people and culture of the area, while also forming a connection with a part of the country that is known for innovative music and stunning nature. Let’s welcome them with open arms and see if we can “grass them up” a little bit more when they come to see us. And, how about some BBQ ribs before the show? Dinner at 5pm ($15 before July 4th, $20 after that).
7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free). Online sales will end at 11am on the day of the show. Tickets will be available at the door. www.otteropry.org

Controlled Chaos Improv at Carmel Valley Athletic Club's Mind & Body Studio!
2026-07-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Carmel Valley Athletic Club’s Mind & Body Studio, 27300 Rancho San Carlos Road, Carmel, 93923
Come out for a night of fun with Controlled Chaos Improv at the Carmel Valley Athletic Club’s Mind & Body Studio! 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+

Afternoon with the Curator: Cydney Payton
2026-07-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
Join MMA in the galleries for an inspiring afternoon with guest curator Cydney Payton and artist Jane Olin as they share their insights into Jane Olin: Some Trees.
Advance purchase is required. Seating is limited, so we recommend reserving your tickets early.
$5 MMA Members, Students, Military, Under 18, and SNAP Participants with EBT
$20 General Admission. Includes an admission pass to MMA – Pacific Street.
About the Curator
Cydney Payton is an independent curator and writer, and former CEO and Chief Curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. At MCA Denver, she led the architectural process and campaign to build the first Gold LEED-certified museum in the US. Her leadership in the arts has been acknowledged by The New York Times, The Denver Post, Artforum, and Art in America. She has served as a nominator for the MacArthur Fellowship and as a juror for the Taishin Art Awards Taiwan and Creative Capital. As a co-juror with Spike Lee, she selected Shepherd Fairey’s HOPE to represent the 2008 Obama Campaign. Since the late 1980s, Payton has curated groundbreaking exhibitions by such artists as David Altmejd, Morley Baer, Lynda Benglis, Yu-Chen Chou, Brad Kahlhamer, Susanne Kühn, Roberto Behar, and Rosario Marquardt, Wangechi Mutu, Arlene Shechet, Collier Schorr, and Fischli & Weiss, to name a few. Payton holds an MA in Curatorial Practice from California College of the Arts, with an emphasis on Architectural History and Theory.

Carmel Art Walk
2026-07-11 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
2026-07-11 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.

Carmel Bach Festival: Haydn The Seasons
2026-07-11 19:30 - 22:00 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Celebrate Opening Night with us after this performance on Saturday, July 11! This post-concert party will happen on the Sunset Center Terrace, and is open to all ticket holders. Haydn’s The Seasons is a large-scale oratorio depicting Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Combining chorus, soloists, and orchestra, it tells stories of nature, human labor, and rural life. The orchestra paints vivid scenes—flowing streams, birdsong, thunderstorms, icy winds, and harvest celebrations—while soloists bring human characters to life, from peasants at work to lovers strolling and farmers celebrating. Premiered in Vienna to wide acclaim, The Seasons quickly became one of Haydn’s most celebrated works.
Norwegian composer Nils Henrik Asheim explores the textures, silence, and rhythms of winter in Muohta – Language of Snow. Evoking snow-covered landscapes, his work blends contemplative atmospheres with subtle harmonic shifts. Audiences can expect an immersive, meditative experience where sound mirrors nature’s stillness and the quiet power of the frozen world.

Carmel Bach Festival: Bach & Rebel
2026-07-12 15:00 - 17:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
This program traces how composers use music to explore our deepest responses to the world — grief and wonder, chaos and order, sorrow and joy.
The journey begins in darkness and disorder: Purcell’s Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary confronts mortality, while Rebel’s Les Élémens erupts from a single “Chaos” chord, giving form to Earth, Air, Fire, and Water — elemental forces whose turbulent beginnings echo the disorder and beauty of human life.
At the program’s center, Kaija Saariaho’s Nuits, Adieu evokes transformation, impermanence, and reflection through whispering voices and shifting harmonies. Sandström’s expansion of Purcell’s Hear My Prayer, O Lord gradually intensifies, layering voices and harmonies to convey human hope and resilience. The program culminates in Bach’s festive Cantata No. 214, a joyful celebration of life, energy, and the enduring human spirit.

Carmel Bach Festival: Music of Earth and Elysium – Candlelight Concert
2026-07-12 20:00 - 21:00 | CA
This candlelit string quartet concert explores musical depictions of nature, from sunrise and weather to birdsong and the infinite, with works by Dittersdorf, Fanny Mendelssohn, Angélica Negrón, and Haydn.

Carmel Bach Festival: All Bach Organ Recital
2026-07-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Carmel Mission Basilica, 3080 Rio Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921
Enjoy a morning of organ music in the historic Carmel Mission Basilica. Performed by Andrew Arthur, the Festival’s Principal Organist and a member of the Artistic Leadership Team, this recital highlights the beauty of Bach’s works as well as works by Heinrich Scheidemann & Georg Böhm.

Carmel Bach Festival | Meet the Composer: John Dowland
2026-07-13 13:30 - 14:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
This program features music by John Dowland, one of the most influential composers of the English Renaissance, marking 400 years since his death. Focusing on his celebrated lute songs, the concert explores themes of love, loss, time, and nature that made Dowland famous throughout Europe.

Carmel Bach Festival: July in Paris
2026-07-13 15:00 - 16:00 | All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Doroles St & 9th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921
Step into Paris at the turn of the 18th century, when candlelit salons and royal courts were filled with elegant, expressive music. Works by François Couperin and Jean-Féry Rebel capture the refined beauty, rich harmonies, and vivid character of the French Baroque, offering a glimpse into the sound world of the city alive with new musical ideas.

Carmel Bach Festival: Vivaldi Four Seasons & Handel Water Music
2026-07-13 19:30 - 22:00 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is a set of four violin concertos paired with short poems that describe the scenes each movement depicts: birds singing, dogs barking, storms breaking, and people celebrating. Vivaldi brings these images to life with musical details such as trills for birds, a repeating viola line for a dog, droning lines for Summer’s heat, and chattering teeth in Winter. The solo violin leads the story in each concerto, acting almost like a narrator. These concertos have captivated listeners for centuries and appear frequently in films, including The Four Seasons (1981) and Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019).
Handel’s Water Music was composed in 1717 for a royal barge trip on the Thames, performed outdoors for King George I as the boats traveled along the river. The suites include a series of dance movements for strings, horns, oboes, and bassoons, designed to carry across the water. Its lively rhythms and bright orchestration have made it one of Handel’s best-known works, and it has appeared in films such as Dead Poets Society (1989).

Carmel Bach Festival: 19th Century Guitar
2026-07-14 13:30 - 14:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
This concert features 19th-century works for fortepiano and mandolino by Beethoven, Hummel, Giuliani, and Carulli. The program highlights the interplay between the two instruments and the elegance of early Romantic chamber music.
