Arts Council for Monterey County

Avenue Q
2026-08-28 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-29 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-04 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-05 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-11 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-12 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-18 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-19 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 9 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!

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2026-09-04 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-02 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
2026-09-04 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-02 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
2026-09-04 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-10-02 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 each month.

Open Studios Art Tour Weekend 1
2026-09-12 11:00 - 2026-09-13 17:00 | Monterey County, CA, United States
Discover the vibrant creativity of Monterey County at the Open Studios Art Tour 2026!
Open Studios Art Tour is a free, self-guided event over two weekends, giving you the chance to visit artists’ studios, explore their creative processes, and even take home a one-of-a-kind piece. Plan your journey easily with our mobile app and printed guide, and don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate and support local art!
The tour will be held over two weekends: September 12–13 & 19–20, 2026, from 11 am – 5 pm.
As part of OSAT, a Special Exhibition including participating OSAT artists will be hosted in August leading up the event. Experience the magic of original artwork up close, meet the artists at an Artist Reception, and get inspired by the incredible talent in our community.
Stay tuned for more details.

Carmel Art Walk
2026-09-12 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-10 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
2026-09-12 17:30 - 18:30, 2026-10-10 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.

Night Owl Returns Friday, September 18, 2026 Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
2026-09-18 18:00 - 22:00 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
he Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History invites the community to save the date for the return of Night Owl, the Museum’s signature after-hours fundraising event.
Additional details, including ticket information and programming highlights, will be announced in 2026.
Mark your calendar. The night returns.

Open Studios Art Tour Weekend 2
2026-09-19 11:00 - 2026-09-20 17:00 | Monterey County, CA, United States
