Arts Council for Monterey County

Toddler Gymnastics
2026-07-01 10:15 - 10:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | MY Museum, 425 Washington Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join us on Wednesdays as we partner with Shea’s Gymnastics
Toddlers will learn about the basics of gymnastics through games and movement in this fun and engaging Caregiver & Me program.
Recommended for children ages 2-5.
Fee: Included with daily admission.

“CREATIVE SELF-EXPRESSION AND FUN WITH COLLAGE ART” SUMMER CAMP
2026-06-29 09:30 - 2026-07-02 14:30 | The Lyceum of Monterey County, 1073 Sixth Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Art campers, we invite you to join mixed media artist and instructor Lisa Handley for 4 days of creative self-expression and fun with collage art! Each day we’ll explore and enjoy a variety of techniques and designs including cut and torn paper, monochromes, mosaics, surrealism and vision boards. We’ll play with shape, size, color, texture and composition in a variety of materials including paper, fabric, embellishments and upcycled ephemera (such as postage stamps and maps).
Lisa will provide campers with plenty of guidance, inspiration and encouragement. Activities will include mini collage art (inchies, twinchies, thrinchies and artist trading cards) showcased in a personalized art journal, a nature zine and a gratitude tag book. We’ll also create a unique handmade book collaged with “found words” on our final day.
Register now to enjoy this fun-filled week of creativity and collage!
Ages: 11 – 15
Dates: June 29 – July 2, 2026
Hours: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Location: Lyceum
Instructor: Lisa Handley
Class Size: Limited to 8 Students
Fee: $295

CRYING UNCLE WITH OTTER OPRY AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2026-06-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Legendary mandolinist David Grisman really likes the Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band: “Go and check out Crying Uncle! We dig what they are doing! The future of music is in good hands here!” Widely recognized as one of the most exciting young bands in acoustic music, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band plays a unique mix of bluegrass, Dawg (David Grisman music), jazz, and modern originals. Come check these ground-breaking musicians out on Friday, June 26th, when they bring their amazing talent to the Otter Opry stage at Monterey United Methodist Church!
Brothers Miles (fiddle) and Teo (mandolin) Quale are joined by bassist Andrew Osborn and 2023 National Flat Pick Guitar Champion Ian Ly, all outstanding musicians of the vibrant California bluegrass scene. Beginning in 2016 as a Duo, Miles and Teo formed the bluegrass band in 2017 – and since then, they have continued to make waves in the world of bluegrass and acoustic music. In 2024, the band celebrated its debut at the Grand Ole Opry; and in 2023, it received the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Momentum Band of the Year award. Crying Uncle was also honored to perform for the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame’s induction of its hero, David Grisman.
Patrice O’Neill, Executive Director of the annual Wintergrass Festival in Washington, is impressed with the band on multiple levels: “Sure, they can rip off a blazing solo,” he says. “But they can also explore the depths of melodic and harmonic sophistication with grace and oh, so much intelligence.” Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band is guaranteed to get your toes tapping (or maybe your feet stomping), so don’t miss this show! You can even enjoy a delicious barbequed chicken dinner before the show ($15 in advance, $20 after June 20th). Online sales will end at 11am the day of the performance. Tickets will be available at the door.
7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free). www.otteropry.org

Miss Sarah Sunshine
2026-06-26 10:15 - 11:00 | MY Museum, 425 Washington Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Please join our very own local celebrity, Miss Sarah Sunshine from It’s Circle Time, every Friday from 10:15 to 11:00 at MY Museum.
This educational and fun program will include singing, dancing, stories, and much more.
It’s Circle Time is a playful learning space where songs, stories, and meaningful connections come together. Designed for young children and the adults who love them, their content supports early literacy, emotional growth, and joyful learning—one circle at a time.
Fee: Included with daily admission, free admission for members.

Summer Art Camp: Anime Art Camp Ages 11–14
2026-06-22 09:00 - 2026-06-26 12:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
Monterey Museum of Art offers safe, creative experiences and tons of fun for children at our downtown Pacific Street location! Summer Camps are taught by professional educators, offering a wide range of skill-building and creative outlets for children ages five through fourteen.
Join MMA at the $175 Contributor Membership level to receive a 20% discount per class and MMA member benefits for one year. Visit our Membership Page for more information on membership options.
Anime Art Camp
Campers will jump into the colorful world of Japanese animation—exploring its roots and discovering what makes their favorite shows so magical. They’ll imagine and design their own characters, then create animation pages inspired by the styles they love. Perfect for campers who love to dream, draw, and bring their stories to life!

Audio-Visual Storytelling with a Smart Phone Camp: 2026 Summer Camps at the Lyceum
2026-06-15 09:30 - 2026-06-19 14:30 | The Lyceum of Monterey County, 1073 Sixth Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
This 1-week camp will cover the fundamentals of audio-visual storytelling, lighting and recording techniques, and editing and post production to produce a short film.
• A must for content creators in front and behind the camera.
• Go beyond simple clips and start storytelling.
• Learn from a TV producer, and award-winning photographer, iPhotographer and graphic designer.
• Learn the basics of scriptwriting, storyboarding, casting, lighting, cinematography, sound, and editing.
• Get new ideas and inspiration to take your video and storytelling to new levels.
• Monday: Pre-production including scriptwriting, storyboarding, location scouting, and casting.
• Tuesday: Costumes, hair and make-up, lighting, directing talent, cinematography, and sound.
• Wednesday: More lighting, directing talent, cinematography, and sound.
• Thursday: Editing and post production.
• Friday: Film festival and critique, and video scavenger hunt.
• Required equipment: Smart phone camera (iPhone 10 minimum or equivalent).
• Suggested equipment: tripod with phone holder, selfie stick, flashlight or light cube
Ages: 11 – 15
Dates: June 15 – 19, 2026
Hours: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Location: Lyceum
Instructor: Steve Zmak
Class Size: Limited to 10 Students
Fee: $365

Summerfest 26 - Grace
2026-06-14 17:00 - 19:30 | Corral Wine Estate Vineyard – Barrel Room, 484 Corral De Tierra Rd., Salinas, 93908
Grace often comes in surprising forms… an unexpected kindness, a forgiven slight, a second chance. Join us for this triumphant festival finale concert in the stunning Barrel Room with its honey-hued wooden casks and twinkling lights where Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu and the musicians of Summerfest capture that redeeming spark of unanticipated grace. An epic program of startling intensity, surprising wit, and contemplative glory is destined to be yours to cherish and remember as the season draws to a close. Special wine tasting following the concert (sold separately).

Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium
2026-06-13 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.

Summerfest 26 - Echoing Prayer
2026-06-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Corral Wine Estate Vineyard – Barrel Room, 484 Corral De Tierra Rd., Salinas, 93908
From field to distillery, barrel to bottle, the vintner’s art is one of alchemy, toil, skill and luck with prayers to mother nature sprinkled in along the way. Prayer itself is like a distillation of our best intentions sent to a higher power to be sanctified with the hope of manifesting greatness. Surrounded by the heady fragrance and rustic charm of Corral Wine’s Barrel Room, a Summerfest favorite, clarinet and strings evoke the theme of echoing prayers. The music will carry you from ancient words murmured in quiet comfort to formal declarations spoken in community. Special wine tasting following the concert (sold separately).

Carmel Art Walk
2026-06-13 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.

Summerfest 26 - Kismet
2026-06-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, 93950
Is it a hypothetical force? A matter of fate? An awareness of an approaching end that sparks the finest work of an artist’s life? Join violinist Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu and the musicians of Summerfest at Asilomar’s Seascape room to find out. Seascape’s stone columns, floor-to-ceiling windows, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean provide the ideal backdrop for a musical exploration of Kismet by the sea. The afternoon’s program is highlighted by Schubert’s monumental String Quintet (in C), one of his last compositions, as temperamental and ethereal as the sea itself. Greet the performers at a post-concert reception with wine.

Summerfest 26 - A Cellist's Calling
2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library, 155 Van Buren Street, Monterey, 93940
Bathed in the afternoon glow of light-filled arched windows and stained glass, two giants of the cello world, Tanya Tomkins and Felix Fan, tell their tale of destiny and perform the music they came to champion. Their inspiration comes from past and future, and the venue shares a similar arc. What started as a 19th century chapel transformed through the fierce fortitude of its namesake to a 20th and 21st century library, research center and archive. The historic Doud House next door hosts our wine reception with the musicians in its charming backyard garden patio.

Level Up Your iPhoneography Summer Camp: 2026 Summer Camps at the Lyceum
2026-06-08 09:30 - 2026-06-12 14:30, 2026-06-08 08:00 - 17:00 | The Lyceum of Monterey County, 1073 Sixth Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
This 1-week camp will cover the fundamentals of taking a great photo, special effects apps, lighting techniques, and editing and post production that can be applied to a full range of subject matter: portraits, action, landscapes, close-up/macro, architecture, abstract, etc.
• Take better photos with your iPhone than most people take with a DSLR.
• Go beyond simple snapshots and start taking outstanding photos.
• Learn from an international award-winning photographer and iPhotographer.
• Get in on the fastest growing field of photography.
• Get new ideas and inspiration to take your iPhoneography to new levels.
• Monday: Environmental portraits, selfies and group photos.
• Tuesday: Landscape, nature, and close-up/macro.
• Wednesday: Studio portraits and still life.
• Thursday: Architecture, street and candid.
• Friday: Gallery exhibit and critique, and photo scavenger hunt.
Required equipment: Smart phone camera (iPhone 10 minimum or equivalent)
Suggested equipment: tripod with phone holder, selfie stick, flashlight or light cube
Ages: 11 – 15
Dates: June 8 – 12, 2026
Hours: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Location: Lyceum
Instructor: Steve Zmak
Class Size: Limited to 10 Students
Fee: $365

Summer Art Camp: From Caves to Canvases Ages 8–10
2026-06-08 09:00 - 2026-06-12 12:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
Monterey Museum of Art offers safe, creative experiences and tons of fun for children at our downtown Pacific Street location! Summer Camps are taught by professional educators, offering a wide range of skill-building and creative outlets for children ages five through fourteen.
Join MMA at the $175 Contributor Membership level to receive a 20% discount per class and MMA member benefits for one year. Visit our Membership Page for more information on membership options.
From Caves to Canvases
Become an Art Time Traveler! Jump into the world of creativity from long ago to today! Each day, campers visit a new era of art, make fun hands-on projects, and collect “passport stamps” as they explore how art has changed over time. Perfect for curious campers who want to create, discover, and go on art adventures!

The Big Weekend: Members' Morning MMA Member Benefit
2026-06-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
The Big Weekend
Join the Museum for a weekend-long celebration of the Winter 2026 Exhibition Season! FREE admission all weekend, beginning Friday at 5 PM.
Members’ Morning
Enjoy The Art of Place Exhibition Season during exclusive member access hours! All membership levels are welcome to explore the galleries before the Museum is open to the public. This event is open to Museum members only. For more membership information, visit our Membership page.

For the Love of Dance
2026-06-06 16:00 - 18:00 | CA
Join Carmel Dance Festival for a vibrant, joy-filled evening where art, dance, and community come together in an inspiring and intimate setting. This special gathering offers an early glimpse into a major new production currently in development—an opportunity to be among the first to encounter the work and to help bring it to life.
Graciously hosted by Simon Bull at his new painting studio—rarely open to the public—this evening invites you into a dynamic creative space for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy sangria and empanadas while mingling with artists and fellow supporters.
The program features live dance performances, including an appearance by Terpsichore Project dancers and a teaser of new work by acclaimed flamenco artist Fanny Ara. Experience dance up close, meet the artists behind the work, and take part in the early momentum of something extraordinary.
This isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a FUNraiser.
Come curious. Leave inspired. Be part of bringing new work into the world.
Saturday, June 6th from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Hosted at Simon Bull’s private painting studio (Address shared upon RSVP)

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.

The Big Weekend: Free Family Fun Day
2026-06-06 11:00 - 15:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
The Big Weekend
Join the Museum for a weekend-long celebration of the Winter 2026 Exhibition Season! FREE admission all weekend, beginning Friday at 5 PM.
Free Family Fun Day
Join the Museum for an afternoon of art and creativity for the whole family!

Controlled Chaos Improv at Wave Street Studios!
2026-06-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, 93940
Come out for a night of fun with Controlled Chaos Improv at Wave Street Studios! 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! Fueled by audience suggestions, Controlled Chaos will create unpredictable and comedic scenes on the spot. So, 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! 16+

Night Market 831
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.

First Friday Salinas
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).

The Big Weekend: First Friday
2026-06-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
First Friday
Enjoy FREE after-hours access at the Museum on the first Friday of every month. Join us for an evening of art, community, and live music!
The Big Weekend
Join the Museum for a weekend-long celebration of The Art of Place Exhibition Season! FREE admission all weekend, beginning Friday at 5 PM.

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
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!

I Cantori di Carmel presents Carmina Burana
2026-05-31 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-30 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Indoor Forest Theatre, Carmel
Carmina Burana: Under the Open Sky
I Cantori di Carmel at the Forest Theater
Forget everything you think you know about classical music. Join I Cantori di Carmel and Music Director Daniel Henriks at the historic Forest Theater for an evening of raw power and cinematic wonder. Featuring over 130 musicians, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is a bucket list musical experience set under the stars and towering trees of Carmel.
Why You Can’t Miss This
The Music You Already Love: Even if you have never stepped foot in a symphony hall, you will recognize the pulse-pounding “O Fortuna.” Heard in countless movies, commercials, and sports anthems, hearing it live with an intense choir and orchestra is a physical experience you have to feel to believe.
A Masterpiece Made in Carmel: While Carmina Burana is performed on the world’s biggest stages, this is a uniquely local production. There is a special kind of energy that comes from a homegrown chorus of our neighbors and friends taking on a work of this magnitude. Our ensemble will lead the performance alongside world class soloists Ashley Fabian, Chris Mosz, and Ethan Vincent, with a special debut by our youth chorus, I Cantorini.
A Medieval Festival Atmosphere: We are turning the Forest Theater into a lively 13th-century carnival. Arrive 90 minutes early to wander through a world of traveling minstrels, song circles, and fortune tellers. These festivities bring to life the world of the “Goliards,” the wandering poets who wrote the rowdy and romantic verses that make up the text of the show.
Picnics and Pinots: This is not a “sit still and hush” event. Pre-order a gourmet grazing box from Chic Charcuterique, bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a picnic in the forest while the music sweeps through the trees.
Plan Your Evening
Dates and Times:
Friday, May 29 at 7:30 PM (Pre-show at 6:00 PM)
Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 PM (Pre-show at 6:00 PM)
Sunday, May 31 at 3:00 PM (Pre-show at 1:30 PM)
The Menu:
Elevate your evening with pre-ordered treats ready for pickup at the venue:
Charcuterie Grazing Boxes: $32
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: $14
Tickets for Everyone
General Admission: $57
Reserved/VIP: $77 (Includes premium seating and an exclusive post-concert reception)
Young Adults (Under 30), Students, Teachers, and Military: $21
Children (Under 12): $10
Secure your spot under the trees at icantori.org
Pro-Tips for the Forest Theater
Dress in Layers: Carmel nights are beautiful but can get chilly, so bring a blanket or your favorite cozy sweater.
Seating: General Admission is first-come, first-served. Arrive early to snag your favorite spot and enjoy the pre-show festivities.
Parking: Give yourself extra time to park and stroll into the woods.

Chalk the Block
2026-05-30 10:00 - 14:00 | CA
CHALK THE BLOCK is a sidewalk art competition for all ages and all skill levels. There will be prizes for category winners! Art, music, and free fun for all. Sign up using the QR code on our flyer. We hope to see you there!

Afternoon with the Curator: Robert W. Edwards
2026-05-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
Join MMA in the galleries for an inspiring afternoon with guest curator Robert W. Edwards as he shares his insights into Mary DeNeale: Doyenne of the Carmel Art Colony.
Advance purchase is required. Seating is limited, so we recommend reserving your tickets early.
$5 MMA Members, Students, Military, Under 18, and SNAP Participants with EBT
$20 General Admission. Includes an admission pass to MMA – Pacific Street.

Reception for CCAA Member Exhibit
2026-05-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Walter Lee Avery Gallery at Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside, CA, 93955
The Central Coast Art Association invites you to our semi-annual member exhibit at the Avery Gallery. Come view a wonderful selection of art, meet artists, and celebrate the winners of this juried show. Held at the Avery Gallery in Seaside City Hall.
