Welcome to our arts event calendar! This calendar supports arts programs and events in Monterey County. Find your next creative adventure, or submit your event to be added here upon approval.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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!
A monthly event to celebrate local artists in Salinas and North and South Monterey County. Live music and food/wine provided.
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 […]
Join Controlled Chaos Improv at Monterey’s legendary historical landmark, California's First Theatre! In the autumn of 1847, the adobe was converted into a theater to perform comedic skits. Now, 178 years later, Controlled Chaos Improv brings comedy back to California's First Theatre! These talented improvisers will create hilarious scenes on the spot based entirely on […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
The Central Coast Art Association presents a discussion with contemporary artist, Hanif Panni. Come learn more about digital art and see how this true master uses digital tools in his work. El Estero Center 777 Pearl Street in Monterey Free to attend.
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.
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 […]
What do you get when you put three brilliant multi-instrumentalists together? You get a fantastic show! And that’s just what Otter Opry has in store for you on Friday, October 10th, with the unbeatable combination of Tony Furtado, Luke Price, and Simon Chrisman bringing their special brand of music to the stage. Tony is an […]
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, 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 […]
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 […]
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.
