Arts Council for Monterey County

Art of Rehabilitation
2026-01-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-28 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-29 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

The Elephant Man
2026-01-30 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.

Gutenberg! The Musical
2026-01-30 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-31 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-06 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-07 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-09 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-13 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-14 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Paper Wing Theatre 711 Cannery Row Suite I Monterey, Ca. 93940, 711 Canner Row Suite I, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
A hilarious love letter to Broadway
Get ready for big laughs, bigger dreams, and two actors playing ALL the roles!
Gutenberg! The Musical is a fast-paced, absurdly funny show about two hopeful writers who perform their epic musical for an audience, hoping it’s their big break.
With nothing but enthusiasm, imagination, and a whole lot of hats, this clever comedy celebrates creativity, ambition, and the joy of live theater.
Performance Dates:
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
January 16 – February 15
Sunday Matinees at 3:00 PM on the last two weekends
Saturday VIP Dinner Option Available
Includes:
• Buffet-style dinner
• One non-alcoholic beverage
• Dessert
• First choice of general admission seating
• A special keepsake photo from our themed photo booth
Whether you’re a Broadway fan or just looking for a night of nonstop laughter, Gutenberg! The Musical is the feel-good event you don’t want to miss.
Tickets available now, grab yours and join us for this side-splitting theatrical adventure!

2026 Poetry Out Loud Competition
2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:30 | Black Box Theater, 901 Blanco Circle, Salinas, CA
Join us for the 2026 Poetry Out Loud Monterey County Competition, where talented high school students from across the county bring powerful poetry to life through performance and public speaking. Cheer on the next Monterey County Champion as they compete for a chance to advance to the California State Finals and beyond.
Participating schools include Alisal High School, Monterey High School, Pacific Grove High School, Palma School, Rancho San Juan High School, and Trinity Christian High School. Hosted by the Arts Council for Monterey County in partnership with the California Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, this inspiring event celebrates youth voices and the enduring impact of poetry.
Saturday, January 31, 20261:00 – 2:30 PM
Black Box Theater, Monterey County Office of Education
901 Blanco Circle, Salinas
RSVP encouraged: bit.ly/polrsvp2026
Questions? Email info@arts4mc.org

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2026-02-06 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!

ArtWorks @Salinas Artist Reception Featuring Peggy Hartman
2026-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Fall in love with local art this First Friday Artist Reception, February 6, at ArtWorks @Salinas
Featured artist Peggy Hartman presents Art from the Aromas Backroads, a collection inspired by years of observing and painting scenes along the Central Coast’s rural backroads. Also on view is Mark S. Bollwinkel’s Water Breaks Down Rock Over Time, a ceramic series influenced by Japanese traditions that explores process, material, and transformation through clay.
Our February Artist in Residence, Nate Stapleton, presents Alternate Dimensions: Explorations in Shape and Color, a body of work that investigates form, color, and spatial relationships through his experimental visual approach.
Also in the gallery are works by Artists in Residence Cristal Hammer, Edge Lorenzo, Kelly Melendez, Shagufta Khan, Deborah Good, and Brenda Saglio. Enjoy a live guitar performance by Franky Soto and connect with artists and community throughout the evening.
Join us for First Fridays from 12 PM to 8 PM, with the Artist Reception beginning at 5 PM
Regular gallery hours are Tuesday 11 AM to 2 PM, Wednesday 2 PM to 5 PM, and Friday through Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM.

First Friday Salinas
2026-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Salinas, 100-300 Blocks Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
This month is all about love, community, and connection. Come enjoy an evening of local art, live entertainment, delicious food, and shops open late. It’s the perfect chance to gather with friends or find thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.
Bring your friends and family and discover something new every First Friday of the month — you won’t want to miss it!
Stay tuned for highlights from the special events and exhibitions happening this February.
When & Where:

Every First Friday of the Month
Starting at 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Salinas
Opening Ceremony: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, at the One Main Street Stage (in front of the Steinbeck Center).

First Friday at Salinas Valley Art Gallery
2026-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Salinas Valley Art Gallery, 218 main st, Salinas, 93901
Celebrate community, creativity, and connection at First Friday in Old Town Salinas!
This month at Salinas Valley Art Gallery, we’re honored to feature celebrated artist Ed Avila. With over 50 years of experience as a photographer and painter, Ed’s expressive pastels capture the spirit and nostalgia of the Central Coast through still lifes, landscapes, and local scenes. He’ll be joining us in person from 5 to 8 PM—stop by to meet him and explore his beautiful work.
We’re also hosting a Make & Take Valentine Station for guests of all ages! Whether you’re feeling crafty or just want to share a moment of joy, this hands-on activity is a perfect stop during your evening stroll.
Valentine Station Highlights:
Free and open to kids and adults
All materials provided: paper, pens, glitter, glue, stickers & more
Create a handmade valentine for someone special—or just for fun!
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and soak in the creative buzz of First Friday on Main Street, where galleries, shops, and eateries come alive with music, art, and local love.
Whether you’re meeting an artist, making a valentine, or simply taking it all in, we hope you’ll join us for an evening that celebrates both heart and art.
We can’t wait to see you!

Night Market 831
2026-02-06 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.

Hearts on Fire Hot Glass Workshop
2026-02-07 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-02-14 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-02-21 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-02-28 16:00 - 17:30 | Chris Johnson Glass-Studio Zayante, 131 Old Coast Road, Davenport, 95017
We’re bringing back the Love in February with our annual Hearts on Fire hot glass workshop. Come make a beautiful glass heart to give to your special someone, or come together to make hearts to exchange. Whether you are looking to create a Valentine’s Day memory, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or engage your team through creative fun, an afternoon in our glassblowing studio is guaranteed to spark your creative fire. 🔥
❤️We have openings in our glass hearts workshops every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through February, and weekdays by special arrangement. Visit our live online reservation calendar to see all available times https://www.chrisjohnsonglass.com/classes-workshops
❤️Other cool (hot!) workshops throughout the year, too.
Note that all glass workshop creations will need to anneal (cool) at least 24 hours. You can pick up your work the next day or afterward, or arrange for shipping.

Arts in New Youth Exhibition
2026-02-09 - 2026-04-09 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
Chris Morello
Executive Director, Monterey Regional Airport
831-648-7000
cmorello@montereyairport.com
Monterey Regional Airport Weaves the Natural World with the Arts in New Youth Exhibition: Featuring the work and stories of talented young artists from Monterey County
MONTEREY, Calif. (January 30, 2026) — Timing perfectly with the first blooms of spring, the Monterey Airport’s Art at the Airport program unveils a special exhibition: Nature Journaling: A Lens into Conservation. This exhibit, in partnership with the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, explores the deep connections between the human and natural worlds through nature journals and art created by Monterey County youth ages 3-17.
Curated by the Museum’s Interpretive Programs Manager Natalie Johnston and Education Director Liese Murphree, the exhibit explores the ways in which humans are part of nature and how flora, fauna, and habitats in Monterey County feel meaningful. “These nature journals show kids’ superpowers of observation, and we are honored to partner with the airport on this project!” says Murphree.
The pieces invite visitors to engage with the work the same way it was created: by slowing down, observing, and being curious about the world around us. “I am inspired every day by the curiosity and love of nature our young visitors have. My goal with this exhibit is to share some of that wonder.” says Johnston. Inspiring wonder includes inviting visitors to start their own nature journal by sharing techniques (hint, it’s pretty easy and fun).
Nature Journaling: A Lens into Conservation will be displayed at the Monterey Regional Airport’s Youth Art Gallery now through the spring of 2026. Passengers and airport visitors are encouraged to view the new Art at the Airport exhibition and celebrate our region’s talented young artists and stunning natural wonders.
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 or on social media at @PGMuseum.
About the Monterey Regional Airport:
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is Monterey County’s only commercial airport and accommodates over 600,000 passengers each year. The airport serves nine nonstop markets with an average of 17 daily departures. We are committed to providing our customers with superior services and a convenient, hassle-free experience in a safe, secure, professional environment. The MRY Metamorphosis, an FAA-required Safety Enhancement Program, includes a replacement terminal that will welcome passengers in June 2027, and will transform how Monterey residents and visitors travel. Be sure to visit montereyairport.com or follow @montereyairport on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Controlled Chaos Improv at the Pacific Grove Art Center!
2026-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Do you hate Valentine’s Day because it feels forced and commercialized? Why not add something unexpected to your Valentine’s plans? Come see Controlled Chaos Improv at the Pacific Grove Art Center! This is a Valentine’s Day experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Fueled by audience suggestions, Controlled Chaos Improv will create unpredictable and comedic scenes on the spot. So, whether you’re single, making questionable dating decisions, coupled up, or “it’s complicated,” Controlled Chaos Improv will make it a night of fun! Sweets and drinks included.

Carmel Art Walk
2026-02-14 16:00 - 19:00 | Throughout Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921, United States
Founded and run by local artists, the Carmel Art Walk is a free and family-friendly event. Support our local artists and keep the HEART of Carmel beating strong! Carmel Art Walk is the second Saturday every month from 4pm-7pm and is open to the public. Tour artist-owned galleries and meet the artists who carry on the Carmel-by-the-Sea artist colony legacy. Follow the blue lanterns at each gallery.

Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium
2026-02-14 17:30 - 18:30 | Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Pacific Grove Public Library hosts a monthly reading by poets from Central California and beyond, organized by the Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium. Enjoy all styles of poetry, created fresh by local poets. Sept. 13: Avery Burns and Lee Knight Jr.; Oct. 11: Chrissy Hernandez and Brandi Kary.

Monterey Symphony: February Concerts
2026-02-21 - 2026-02-22 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Carmel/Monterey CA – Monterey Symphony’s first concerts of 2026 are Saturday, February 21, at 7:30 PM and Sunday, February 22, at 3:00 PM with Music Director and conductor Jayce Ogren.
“In February, the Monterey Symphony embarks on a long-awaited choral collaboration, presenting Mozart’s miniature masterpiece Ave verum corpus and Schubert’s radiant Mass in G major,” says Ogren. “For the Schubert, we have the honor of welcoming renowned vocal soloists Deanna Breiwick, Alek Shrader, and Andrew Garland. The chorus will be provided in cooperation with San Francisco based VOLTI, prepared by their Artistic Director, Robert Geary.”
“The program will also feature Haydn’s beloved Symphony No. 104, London, and a side-by-side performance of Mendelssohn’s tuneful and mysterious Hebrides Overture, with Youth Music Monterey musicians sitting alongside the professionals of the Monterey Symphony,” says Ogren.
SATURDAY:
All Saturday night patrons are invited to a pre-concert lecture by Musicologist Christopher Anderson-Bazzoli. The lecture is held from 6:30-7:00 PM, in the Sunset Center auditorium.
SUNDAY:
The Symphony Lobby Sessions continue this season with live music in the lobby from 1:30-1:50 PM. The February session features Symphony principal flute Dawn Walker. Additionally, a pre-concert lecture by Music Director Jayce Ogren will be held on Sunday, 2:00-2:30 PM, in the Sunset Center auditorium.
Tickets are $50 for Tier 3, $70 for Tier 2, and $90 for Tier 1 seats. Students, teachers, and military tickets are $12.
About the Monterey Symphony: The Monterey Symphony was founded in 1946 and presents double weekend performances during the academic calendar, opening the season at Forest Theater, followed by six more programs at the Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For each program, the Symphony orchestra is comprised of 80 professional musicians from throughout California. The Symphony is committed to bringing people together through music and using the healing power of music to transform lives. The Symphony actively engages patrons of all ages through a variety of partnerships and initiatives, including performances for thousands of local school children. The Symphony’s mission is to entertain and engage our community through musical performance and education. Monterey Symphony regularly receives national attention for the strength of its audience support, robust subscription renewals and audience retention.
Performances at Sunset Center, Carmel, San Carlos and 9th Ave.
www.montereysymphony.org

EVIE LADIN BAND WITH OTTER OPRY AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2026-02-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Guess what’s coming up? A really cool matinee that’s guaranteed to make your weekend extra special! Otter Opry is thrilled to bring foot-stompin’, down-home bluegrass and old-time music back to Monterey on Saturday, February 21st with the amazing Evie Ladin Band. Tenacious, innovative string musicians, the Evie Ladin Band – consisting of Evie Ladin, Keith Terry and Erik Pearson – throws down captivating, truly entertaining live shows that get rave reviews every time.
Grounded in Appalachian old-time repertoire, seasoned in African-diaspora roots, writing from life in modern cities, blurring the lines between music and dance, the polyrhythmic heat of Evie’s clawhammer banjo, resonant voice, real stories and rhythmic dance have been heard from “A Prairie Home Companion” to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival.
Come on down to the United Methodist Church and treat yourself to Evie’s mastery of the clawhammer banjo and what WOMAD Festival calls “the soulful, salty tanginess of her voice” that grips the listener and refuses to let go. You don’t want to miss this one!
3:00 PM. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30, 15 and under free). www.otteropry.org Online sales end at 9:00 AM the day of the show.

Natalia Osipova: Force of Nature
2026-02-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Carmel Dance Festival presents
Natalia Osipova: Force of Nature
Friday, February 27
7:30 pm
at the Sunset Center
​​
Described by The Independent as “the most sought-after ballerina in the world,” hailed by The Guardian as “a supernatural tour de force,” and praised by The New York Times for “Many Giselles, but only one Osipova,” Royal Ballet principal dancer Natalia Osipova brings her unparalleled artistry to the Monterey Peninsula for a rare appearance presented by Carmel Dance Festival.
Audiences will experience Force of Nature — Osipova’s acclaimed program that offers an intimate showcase of her extraordinary range and star power. The evening weaves together an electrifying mix of classical and contemporary works —including her celebrated interpretation of Giselle and the iconic The Dying Swan — alongside pieces by today’s most sought-after choreographers, performed with distinguished guest artists from around the world. Virtuosity, passion, and world-class artistry converge in this exclusive event. Don’t miss your chance to experience Natalia Osipova live in Carmel for one night only.
Tickets start at $65, with a limited number of VIP packages available.
VIP Experience: Elevate your evening with an exclusive VIP Experience limited to just 100 guests. Enjoy the best seats in the house plus a post-show reception with Natalia Osipova featuring a champagne toast, dessert, photo opportunity, and signed program — a rare chance to meet one of the world’s most captivating artists.
Tickets: VIP $350 / Premier $175 / Preferred $125 / Standard $65

Morgenstern Piano Trio
2026-02-28 18:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
On February 28, the Morgenstern Trio returns to Carmel for their eagerly-awaited sixth performance for Chamber Music Monterey Bay audiences. Within two years of the Trio’s formation in Germany, they had amassed a number of top prizes and awards, including the prestigious Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio Award in 2010. This prize introduced the Morgenstern Trio to the classical music stage in the United States, and provided them with a 20-concert nationwide tour that earned them superlative reviews and immediate re-bookings. Following one performance, The Washington Post wrote of their “polished technique and musical imagination… A smashing debut.”
The Trio’s program includes Beethoven’s Piano Trio, Op. 1, the joyous Trio on Irish Folk Tunes by Frank Martin, and Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht [Transfigured Night], Op. 4, an early masterpiece originally written for string sextet. The Morgenstern played this lushly Romantic piece as part of our “virtual season” in 2021, and their performance was so remarkable and moving that we asked them to play it again in person, for a wider audience, when they next appeared in Carmel.
The Morgenstern Trio has deservedly become a favorite of Chamber Music Monterey Bay audiences, who know they will always hear an extraordinary musical experience. As Musical America wrote following one performance, “Bravissimo! …A truly electric, compelling presence. A world-class group.” We hope you join us to be moved and delighted by the Morgenstern Trio.
