Arts Council for Monterey County

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2025-10-03 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-05 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!

Carmel International Film Festival
2025-10-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Golden Bough Playhouse – Circle Theatre, Casanova btwn 8th & 9th, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, 93922, United States
The Carmel International Film Festival (CIFFest) is where creativity meets community on California’s iconic coast. Originally established in 1929 and reimagined for today’s audiences, CIFFest has become a premier destination for filmmakers, industry leaders, and film lovers. Held in the artistic haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the festival celebrates bold storytelling and visionary talent through powerful screenings, intimate panels, and unforgettable events. From red carpet moments to emerging voices, CIFFest is where the future of film comes to shine.

Sketching Classes Create Opportunity for Local Youth to Display Art with the Pacific Grove Museum in New Exhibit
2025-09-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (September 15, 2025) — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has partnered with local artist Cady DeLay for a series of field sketching classes open to all knowledge levels and ages 12 and up. Participating artists ages 12-18 are also offered the opportunity to show their completed works in a new exhibition the Museum will hang at the Monterey Regional Airport beginning February 2026.
The sketching classes will take place on six Sundays between September and December, with each taking place in a new area and focusing on specific methods of artwork and exploration. Local areas including the Monarch Sanctuary, Huckleberry Hill, will make up the terrestrial portion of the classes, while tidepool sites at Asilomar will encompass the tide pooling portion, where artists will get to tidepool with marine biologist DeLay and learn how to draw what they’ve found. The series will finish with a final day at the Museum where artists will get the chance to finish their works, enhance them with materials provided by Cady and the Museum, and if youth artists would like, allow the Museum to borrow them for the final exhibit.
Cady DeLay has a background in marine biology and has been an art instructor with various organizations around Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties since graduating from CSUMB’s Science Illustration program in 2022. Cady said, “Nature journaling has helped me connect with my environment in a more personal way. It lets my curiosity fill a page of all the plants, animals, and more that makes Monterey County so special. I’m thrilled to share that joy with others and to show that art is something we are all capable of.”
Costs for the classes are $35 for adults and $25 for 18 and under, and classes can be bundled for a discount. More information and signup can be found at: Field Sketching Workshops — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Upcoming Events at the Museum:
Field Sketching Workshops: Begins September 28, learn more at www.pgmuseum.org
Dive into Jade: September 18, 5:30-7:30, sign up: Dive Into Jade — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Member Brown Bag: Don’t Get Rattled, Myths, Truths, and Lives of Rattlesnakes, September 19, 12:15-12:45pm, sign up: Brown Bag Lunch: Don’t Get Rattled! Myths, Truths, and Lives of Rattlesnakes — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
First Friday: October 3, Kirsten Carlson artist Meet & Greet, 6:00-8:00pm, learn more about Kirsten, KiRSTEN CARLSON | FATHOM iT STUDIOS
Night Owl: October 11, VIP 5:30-7:00pm, General 7:00-10:00pm, Learn more & get tickets: Night Owl 2025 — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Find WOW, our Mobile Museum at:
Carmel Women’s Club Centennial Celebration, September 20, Carmel
Steinbeck Street Fair, September 27, Steinbeck Center
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 cultural and natural world. The Museum supports conservation, scientific literacy, co-curation, and deep learning towards a resilient community and sustainable future. Their work is made possible, in part, by the following generous donors: American Water Charitable Foundation, City of Pacific Grove, Community Foundation for Monterey County, Harden Foundation, Helen Johnson Endowment Funds, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Artist Workshop: Ekphrastic Poetry With Laura Schulkind
2025-09-27 13:30 - 16:30 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Ekphrastic poetry is writing inspired by visual art. It describes what you see and how it makes you feel. It’s not just about the artwork, but your experience of it.

In this hands-on ekphrastic poetry workshop, participants will explore the art of writing poetry inspired by visual works of art and create a poem of their own! Drawing inspiration from artworks in MMA’s current Big Sur exhibitions, you’ll choose from a few pre-selected pieces to write about. Finished poems will be collected in a notebook that will stay with each artwork. An accompanying poetry reading will take place at MMA’s October First Friday.

Open to all experience levels!

Performative Book Reading: Pedacitos: Little Pieces by Cristal Gonzalez-Avila
2025-09-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Alisal Center for the Fine Arts, 745 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas, 93905
Join us for a bilingual performance of Pedacitos / Little Pieces, written and performed by ACFA Teatro Instructor Cristal González Ávila, with live music by ACFA Music Instructor Alejandro Gomez.
This powerful and engaging reading blends poetry, storytelling, and music to celebrate resilience, identity, and the richness of everyday life. Through the coming-of-age journey of a young woman growing up among the farmworkers and fields that nourish our nation, Pedacitos / Little Pieces offers a heartfelt reflection on culture, community, and self-discovery.
*Book illustrations by ACFA Visual Arts Instructor Ariel Mar
*Recommended for ages 14 and up.
About the Artists
Cristal González Ávila is a playwright, performer, and arts educator whose work celebrates culture, identity, and community. Her solo show La Sombra was featured at the Los Angeles International Womens Festival, her short film Color Cielo recently won Best Drama at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, and she has performed at the Kennedy Center. As ACFAs Teatro Instructor, she inspires children, youth, and families to explore creativity and storytelling through theater.
More about the Cristal www.cristalgonzalezavila.com
Press https://bit.ly/pedacitospress
Order Book https://bit.ly/4g9APXl
Alejandro Gomez, aka Flaco El Jandro, is a songwriter from Salinas, CA, dedicated to advancing the evolution of Chicano music by blending traditional songwriting with modern instrumentation and diverse rhythms. He has independently released three EPs, gained viral attention with his 2022 hit Mi Encendedor, and performed with his band, Los Perros Callejeros, on the NPR Tiny Desk Contest Tour. Deeply rooted in the sounds and culture of his hometown, Flaco continues to tour internationally while honoring his roots and pushing the boundaries of Chicano music.
More about Alejandro www.flacoeljandro.com
Press https://voicesofmontereybay.org/2023/06/09/flaco-el-jandro/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VVgC1jDpquqRzWjRlaqf6
Ariel Mar is a local Artist, Printmaker, and Muralist from Salinas, CA. Ariel received her education at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, where she studied Illustration and Design. During her time in LA, she worked in printing and began teaching in multiple art programs. Through this work, Ariel developed a passion for working with communities and exploring different ways art and expression can bring healing and connection. Currently, Ariel is the Visual Arts Instructor at Alisal Center for the Fine Arts, where she enjoys working with students and their families to learn and grow, and create beautiful works of art from the heart of Salinas.
More about Ariel https://www.instagram.com/arielmar_studio/?hl=en
Who is ACFA: www.alisalfinearts.org
Since 1986, the Alisal Center for the Fine Arts (ACFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has provided free arts education and cultural programming to children, youth, and families in East Salinas. Over the years, ACFA has grown into a trusted community hub for creativity, mentorship, and cultural celebration. Each year, hundreds of students participate in visual art, guitar, theater, and Baile Folklórico classes, culminating in public performances that engage thousands of community members. By fostering artistic expression, leadership, and cultural pride, ACFA empowers young people to grow as both artists and leadersmany of whom return as mentors and instructors, continuing the centers generational impact.
Why Support:
By donating to ACFA, you are investing in the next generation of artists and leaders while preserving cultural traditions that strengthen our entire community.
Support ACFA here: https://alisalfinearts.org/support/

Monterey Jazz Festival
2025-09-26 10:00 - 2025-09-28 22:00
The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world and is held annually on the 20-acre, oak-studded Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey, Calif.
Monterey Jazz is about much more than our annual Festival. From our all-star touring ensembles, summer camps, and recitals, to local pop-up concerts and bringing professional jazz musicians into our schools, Monterey Jazz is active and happening all year round.
Tickets starting at $68 for Single-Day Grounds Access or $88 for Single-Day Arena Access (3-Day Tickets are available)

Pacific Grove Art Expo
2025-09-20 15:00 - 21:00 | Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
This multimedia event will transform Lighthouse Avenue into a corridor of creativity with film screenings, street vendors, and performances. The Expo celebrates collaboration and diversity in the arts. Screenings will be hosted at venues throughout downtown Pacific Grove.
Tickets: $12.00 Arts Expo Pass

Carmel Valley Gem and Mineral Society Gem Show
2025-09-20 10:00 - 2025-09-21 17:00 | Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
🌟 Get ready to rock! 🌟
Join the Carmel Valley Gem and Mineral Society for a dazzling weekend of discovery at its 63rd annual GEM SHOW!
Explore a treasure trove of gems, minerals, fossils, crystals, and handcrafted jewelry. Enjoy the silent auction and exhibits for all ages. Whether you’re a jewelry maker, seasoned collector or just rock-curious, this family-friendly event promises sparkle and surprises around every corner.
More info: cvgms.rocks

Open Studios Art Tour Artist Reception
2025-09-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Walter Lee Avery Gallery at Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside, CA, 93955
Join us for a special opportunity to meet the artists of the 2025 Open Studios Art Tour at a special Artist Reception on Friday, September 19th, at 7 PM.
Open Studios Art Tour is a free, self-guided event over two weekends [October 11–12 & 18–19, 2025]. This year, we’re pleased to also include a Special Exhibition featuring OSAT participating artists at the Walter Lee Avery Gallery (inside Seaside City Hall) — a curated showcase running from Sept. 8 – Nov. 6 and this Artist Reception.
Special Exhibition at the Walter Lee Avery Gallery:
Sept. 8 – Nov. 6, 2025, | Mon. – Fri. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Artist Reception: Friday, Sept. 19th at 7pm

Live Music at PG Library
2025-09-19 17:30 - 18:30 | Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Pacific Grove Public Library presents Rhythms & Reads, monthly live music concerts. September 19 features the Miranda Perl Trio, entertaining with classic jazz and pop hits. October 10 features the Andrea Carter Trio, jazz with the vocalist from Andrea’s Fault. All ages welcome, no cover.

Monterey Symphony presents Love Letter to Paris
2025-09-17 18:30 - 21:30, 2025-09-16 18:30 - 21:30 | Outdoor Forest Theater, Mountain View and Santa Rita, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, 93922, United States
Performances at Forest Theater, Carmel, Mountain View and Santa Rita Ave.
The Monterey Symphony presents Love Letter to Paris September 16 and 17 at 6:30 PM at the outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel. Take a moonlit walk through the music of Paris—past, present, and cinematic.
Join the Monterey Symphony for our fifth Love Letter concert, a sparkling celebration of Paris and the unforgettable music it has inspired. From Offenbach’s high-spirited Can Can to Fauré’s lush Pavane and Gershwin’s jazzy An American in Paris, the evening brims with beauty.
We’re thrilled to feature three phenomenal vocalists: Love Letter favorite Malinda DeRouen returns to bring the timeless Édith Piaf classics La Foule and La Vie en rose to life; Bernard Holcomb joins Leberta Lorál for a showstopping Phantom of the Opera duet; and Lorál dazzles in Bizet’s Habanera and Michel Legrand’s I Will Wait for You.
You’ll also hear music from beloved films including Beauty and the Beast, Ratatouille, Amélie, and more! This is your passport to a Parisian dreamscape—romantic, nostalgic, and utterly enchanting. Join the Monterey Symphony for a passionate homage to the city that continues to inspire the world’s greatest music and films.
TICKETS: montereysymphony.org or (831) 646-8511, $57, $12 for students, teachers and military – (general admission)
About the Monterey Symphony: The Monterey Symphony was founded in 1946 and incorporated in 1947. The Symphony’s mission is to entertain and engage our community through musical performance and education.
www.montereysymphony.org

Heathers The Musical
2025-09-14 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-13 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-12 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-07 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-06 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-05 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-31 15:00 - 17:00
Heathers The Musical is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers.
But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid J.D.
When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather’s aerobicized a$$
…but J.D. has another plan for that bullet.

Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium
2025-09-13 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 Art Walk
2025-09-13 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.

East Garrison Art Festival
2025-09-13 10:00 - 16:00
The East Garrison Community is hosting an Art Festival and you should check it out. Chances are you have never been there and don’t know what a nice place it is. At the Marina Equine Center there will be 30 artists, food booths, music, and fun animals. Sponsored by the East Garrison Kiwanis.
Art Festival (East Garrison)

Marina Equestrian Center Park
5th Ave, Marina, CA 93933

Healing Sound Bath
2025-09-11 18:30 - 19:30 | Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Sound alchemist ValiAnna presents a free, monthly sound bath every month at Pacific Grove Public Library. Calm your nerves, breathe in healing vibrations from musical crystal and glass bowls. Please bring a mat or cushion to use on the floor or sit in the library’s chairs. All ages welcome. Sponsored by MCGives! donations.

Palace Art & Office Supply 76th Anniversary Fall Celebration Weekend
2025-09-07 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-09-06 10:00 - 18:00 | Palace Art & Office Supply, 1501-K 41st Ave, Capitola, 95010
Get inspired to create more when you spend the day (or two!) at Palace to celebrate our 76th anniversary! Each day, the store will be filled with local artists and top manufacturers demonstrating products and techniques across a range of mediums: from acrylic and watercolor paints to screen printing to mixed media and collage and beyond. Plus, chances to win prizes and walk away with art that you create throughout the event.

Open Studios Art Tour Special Exhibition
2025-09-06 - 2025-11-06 | Walter Lee Avery Gallery at Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside, CA, 93955
Discover the vibrant creativity of Monterey County at the Open Studios Art Tour 2025!
Open Studios Art Tour is a free, self-guided event over two weekends [October 11–12 & 18–19, 2025]. This year, we’re pleased to also include a Special Exhibition featuring OSAT participating artists at the Walter Lee Avery Gallery (inside Seaside City Hall) — a curated showcase running from Sept. 8 – Nov. 6. Experience the magic of original artwork up close, meet the artists at the Artist Reception on Friday, Sept. 19, and get inspired by the incredible talent in our community.
Also includes Special Exhibition at the Walter Lee Avery Gallery:
Sept. 8 – Nov. 6, 2025, | Mon. – Fri. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
And don’t miss your chance to meet the OSAT artists at the Artist Reception: Friday, Sept. 19th at 7pm

Night Market 831
2025-09-05 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 Artist Reception: Featuring Exhibit by Andy Williams
2025-09-05 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Celebrate four decades of art at our next First Friday Artist Reception by Andy Williams’s “Monterey County: A Painter’s Chronicle – 40 Years in Steinbeck Country.” Andy’s paintings capture the rugged coastlines, golden fields, and vibrant communities that make this region unforgettable.
In addition to Andy’s collection, you will encounter luminous fused glass art by Jill Casty and bold acrylic paintings by Gregorytheartist. This month’s featured resident artist, Nate Stapleton, presents his work titled “Blending the Abstract with the Fantastic.” Nate’s paintings combine elements of abstraction and fantasy, exploring themes of hope, pain, alienation, and wonder. You will also find works by local artists and artisans, including Shagufta Khan, Edge Lorenzo, Victoria Lee, Cristal Hamer, Deborah Good, and Kenji Tanner.
Come meet the artists, explore the open studios, and enjoy a vibrant evening of local creativity. Free and open to the public.
ArtWorks Salinas | 262 Main Street, Salinas
Friday, September 5th at 5 PM
Gallery hours: Friday to Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
Learn more at https://arts4mc.org/artworks/
