Arts Council for Monterey County

Avenue Q
2026-04-17 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-18 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-24 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-25 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-01 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-02 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-08 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-09 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 8 more dates | Paper Wing Theatre 711 Cannery Row Suite I Monterey, Ca. 93940, 711 Canner Row Suite I, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Avenue Q is the outrageously funny, Tony Award–winning musical that’s part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. Set on a down-on-its-luck New York block, this smart, adults-only comedy follows Princeton, a recent college grad who moves to Avenue Q in search of his purpose, only to find a hilarious mix of quirky neighbors, wisecracking puppets, and songs you’ll be humming for days.
With show-stopping numbers like “It Sucks to Be Me,” and “The Internet Is for Porn,” the show blends nostalgia, satire, and genuine warmth in a way that’s utterly unforgettable. Beneath the humor is a relatable story about growing up, finding your people, and embracing the chaos of adulthood.
If you love witty comedy, bold musical theatre, and puppets behaving badly, Avenue Q is the must-see show of the season. Grab your tickets now and get ready to laugh, cringe, and cheer your way through one of the most unique musicals ever to hit the stage!

April Concerts Bring Wineglass World Premiere, Zappa, and Beethoven
2026-04-18 - 2026-04-19 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Carmel/Monterey, CA – Monterey Symphony continues its 80th season celebration with concerts on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at 7:30 PM and on Sunday, April 19th, at 3:00 PM at Sunset Center in Carmel with Music Director Jayce Ogren.
Concerts: “Our April program is about heroism and revolution. Do Frank Zappa and Ludwig van Beethoven belong on the same concert? I definitely think so, and I hope you’ll join us and decide for yourself! They both changed music forever, and they weren’t afraid to be brash, potent and political,” says Jayce.
“The world premiere of John Wineglass’s new clarinet concerto—titled Democracy, and featuring Mariam Adam—tackles heroism and politics head on. We’ll also feature Symphony No. 2 of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Geroges, a pioneering, multi-talented (and certainly heroic) composer of 18th century France,” says Jayce.
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 composer John Wineglass, and Sunday, 2:00-2:30 PM with Music Director and Conductor Jayce Ogren and composer John Wineglass, 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, soloist Mariam Adam, and composer John Wineglass 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 1:45-2:00 PM & 2:30-2:45 PM. The March concert Lobby Session features Symphony principal percussionist Frank Wyant. Arrive early to hear our musicians up close while enjoying refreshments from the Sunset Center Café. Free and open to the public.
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

Controlled Chaos Improv at California's First Theatre!
2026-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | California’s First Theatre, 439 Scott Street, Monterey, 93940
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter and unpredictable fun at California’s First Theatre! 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!

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2026-05-01 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-05 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
2026-05-01 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-05 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
2026-05-01 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-05 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.

Illustrating Nature Returns to the PG Museum on May 1
2026-05-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
A long-standing partnership between CSU Monterey Bay and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History continues May 1 with the 16th Annual Illustrating Nature Exhibition. Showcasing the talented work of graduates of CSUMB’s Science Illustration Program, Illustrating Nature is a tour de force in the ways scientific illustration and art take form. Thanks to the Arts Council for Monterey County and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, the show will be bigger than ever, featuring an expanded display reaching across both floors of the Museum. This year will also see the return of audience favorites, including the artist’s field journals on display. “Illustrating Nature is our most popular annual exhibit,” says Maya Sosa, the Museum’s Exhibitions Coordinator. “The art these graduates create showcases their talent and creativity and reminds us of the many ways beauty can be found in nature.”
The show will run from May 1 through June 7th, with a special free opening reception at the Museum on Friday, May 1, from 6-8pm. The reception will feature the opportunity to meet the artists and their instructors and explore the artwork in its expanded spaces. “As with recent years, our upcoming exhibit continues to highlight newer applications of Science Illustration, including infographics and comics in addition to paintings and illustrations guests are used to seeing,” says Reid Psaltis, head of the Science Illustration Program and former graduate. “Our current group of students has worked hard to find ways of communicating the scientific subjects they’re passionate about.”
Guests at the opening reception excited to discuss the art with the artists will have the opportunity to receive a sticker of their work. Visitors interested in more will also have plenty of opportunities to purchase, learn about, and create their own art over the course of the exhibition run with a variety of events including artist demonstrations from current students on 5/16 and 5/30, classes with the Museum taught by program graduates for all skill levels, and a special artist market on May 22 where visitors can purchase art prints, stickers, originals, and more from participating graduates. “The artist market is so much fun,” says Noelle Fletcher, the Museum’s Marketing & Events Manager. “The students have been working all year on incredible works, and we only get to see a subset in the show, but the market gives an opportunity to see much more and support them as they move into this next career chapter.”
Illustrating Nature will run May 1 through June 7 at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Get a sneak peek after April 10th at www.pgmuseum.org and sign up for events at www.pgmuseum.org/events. The talent will continue in June with a new exhibit in the Museum’s popular Beyond Illustrating Nature space by program graduate Amy Koehler, also funded by the Arts Council for Monterey County and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

Chamber Music Monterey Bay Announces 59th Season: A Showcase of Masterworks, Innovation, and Cultural Stewardship at Sunset Center
2026-05-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Chamber Music Monterey Bay (CMMB) announces its 59th season, presenting five evening concerts by world-class ensembles at the historic Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Concerts will be held on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., preceded by complimentary pre-concert lectures at 6:30 p.m., offering audiences deeper engagement with the repertoire and performers. The 2025–2026 season continues CMMB’s mission to enrich the cultural life of the Central Coast by presenting exceptional chamber music performances, commissioning new works, and supporting community education and outreach initiatives. This season reflects CMMB’s dual commitment to preserving the legacy of chamber music while advancing its evolution through contemporary voices.Chamber Music Monterey Bay (CMMB) announces its 59th season, presenting five evening concerts by world-class ensembles at the historic Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Concerts will be held on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., preceded by complimentary pre-concert lectures at 6:30 p.m., offering audiences deeper engagement with the repertoire and performers. SEASON FINALE Calidore String Quartet Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Sunset Center, Carmel Free pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. Closing the season is the Calidore String Quartet, described by The New York Times as possessing “deep reserves of virtuosity and irrepressible dramatic instinct.” Franz Joseph Haydn – String Quartet No. 65 in D Major, Op. 76, No. 5 Dmitri Shostakovich – String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110 Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 131 An evening of musical gravity and brilliance, this finale offers a masterclass in the enduring power of the string quartet. TICKETS AND ACCESS Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available now at www.chambermusicmontereybay.org or by calling (831) 625-2212. CMMB’s Kids Up Front & Free! program welcomes students in grades 3–12 to experience professional performances from premium center seats at no cost, fostering a lifelong appreciation for chamber music. Accessible seating, pre-concert talks, and printed program notes are provided at every performance to deepen audience experience and inclusion. About Chamber Music Monterey Bay Founded in 1966, Chamber Music Monterey Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to presenting a world-class concert series, commissioning new works, and offering education and outreach that makes chamber music accessible to diverse communities. Its programming reflects a commitment to artistic excellence, cultural stewardship, and education for audiences of all ages.

Annual Walk of Remembrance Celebrates Impacts and Legacy
2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:30 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
Annual Walk of Remembrance Celebrates Impacts and Legacy of Fishing Village Residents & AAPI Community Members on May 9th
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — “Change Through Kindness” was always the motto of Gerry Low Sabado, a descendant of Quock Mui, the first Chinese woman born in California, who spoke multiple languages including Rumsen and Ohlone, and was a resident of the Fishing Village of Point Alones. Growing up, Gerry didn’t know much about her family’s history until she read Chinese Gold, a book by Santa Cruz historian Sandy Lydon, which detailed the story of her great grandmother, the impacts of the fishing village community on the Monterey Bay, and their tragic dispersal in the early 1900s after being driven out of their homes due to fire and looting. Gerry, a Monterey teacher who often worked to do good and stand up for various communities, wanted to bring this knowledge to our community, and approached the PG Museum in the hope that they might team up to shed light on this important history.
Together, Gerry and the Museum founded the Walk of Remembrance, which commemorates both the anniversary of the village burning down and the positive impacts the members of the Fishing Village community, their descendants, and the broader AAPI community have had on Monterey County and beyond. Though Gerry sadly passed away in 2021, her legacy lives on in many ways, including through the Quock Mui Foundation, founded by her husband Randy and other members of her family.
“May 16, 2026 is the 120th anniversary of the burning of the Pt. Alones/Pt Almeas Chinese fishing village once located in Pacific Grove.” says Randy Sabado, Chair of the Walk of Remembrance Committee and President of the Quock Mui Foundation. “Please help celebrate AAPI Heritage month by attending events that honor and remember the sacrifices and contributions that the Chinese community has made and continues to make to the Monterey Bay area.”
This year’s Walk of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Starting at the PG Museum and ending at Hopkins Marine Station, the walk is just under 2 miles roundtrip on a primarily flat and accessible surface. The Museum will also serve as a learning hub for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the Fishing Village and its community with an updated and expanded exhibit about the Fishing Village, Gerry, and the Walk.
The day will start at 12:00pm with a discussion in the Museum’s Bird Gallery, followed by a Chinese lion dance at 1:00, some brief remarks, and the Walk itself starting around 1:45. To get more inspired and learn about this incredible history, Chinese Gold is available for sale in the Museum store.
Upcoming Events at the Museum:
April:
Garden Work Bee: 4/4, 10am-11am
Garden Unveiling: 4/4, 11am-12pm
Free Summer Camp Preview: 4/11, 10-11:30am
Monarch Society Event: 4/22, 4:30-6
Student Research Symposium: 4/25, 10am-3pm
Family Tidepool Bioblitz: 4/26, 1:15-2:15pm
May:
Illustrating Nature Grand Opening: 5/1, 6-8pm
Garden Work Bee: 5/2, 10am-12pm
Walk of Remembrance: 5/9, Lion Dance followed by Walk: 1:00pm
Illustrating Nature Artist Demonstration: 5/16, 11am-2pm
Illustrating Nature Artist Market: 5/22, 6-8pm
Member Brown Bag: A Tall Drink of Water, Redwood Trees & Ecosystems, 5/29, 12:15-12:45pm
Illustrating Nature Artist Demonstration: May 30, 12-3pm
Science Saturday: Discover Dinos & Fossils, May 30, 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 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.

Carmel Art Walk
2026-05-09 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
2026-05-09 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.

For the Love of DANCE
2026-06-06 16:00 - 18:00 | CA
Join Carmel Dance Festival for an intimate evening of wine, art, and dance at acclaimed artist Simon Bull’s new private painting studio. (Address disclosed to ticket holders.)
The evening will feature a curated auction of fine paintings by Simon Bull, Jennifer Perlmutter, Elizabeth Murray, and other distinguished artists, alongside bronzed sculptures by Tom Bennett. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on exceptional experiences, including vacation getaways, fine dining at Chez Noir, and restorative spa packages.
Enjoy thoughtfully selected wines, artisanal fare, and a special live dance presentation — all within an inspiring creative space that is rarely open to the public. The highlight of the evening will be the opportunity to mingle with the artists themselves.
Most importantly, this gathering supports the future of Carmel Dance Festival.
Guests will learn about our upcoming productions and two full-scholarship initiatives that expand access to the arts in meaningful ways. The Terpsichore Project brings aspiring dancers into hospitals, residential care facilities, and community centers to perform and uplift patients, families, and staff. The Dance & Choreography Fellowship Program provides full scholarships to emerging dancers and production support to choreographers shaping the future of dance.
Your presence directly sustains artistic excellence, broadens opportunity, and brings dance into spaces where it has the power to inspire and heal.
We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable evening of connection, creativity, and purpose.
