Arts Council for Monterey County

Marinelli Bros. Circus - A New Experience!
2025-08-07 19:00 - 2025-08-18 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Mall, Salinas, CA, 93906
Step right up and experience the magic of Marinelli Bros. Circus – A New Experience, dazzling audiences in Salinas starting August 7! This all-new, family-owned circus combines old-world charm with jaw-dropping innovation to deliver a thrilling show for all ages. Be part of the action in an intimate, one-ring setting where world-class performers defy gravity with heart-pounding stunts, mesmerizing artistry, and moments that will leave you breathless. It’s a spectacular celebration of wonder, talent, and fun — perfect for families, date nights, and anyone who loves live entertainment! Grab your tickets now at MarinelliBrosCircus.com!

REBECCA FRAZIER WITH OTTER OPRY AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2025-08-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Let’s start with an on-point opinion from GRAMMY-winning banjoist and producer Alison Brown: “Rebecca Frazier is an important voice among the group of women whose musical talents and creative visions are recasting bluegrass. A triple threat, she sings, plays, and writes with fire and grace.” This “triple threat” will be gracing the Otter Opry stage on Thursday, August 21st at the United Methodist Church in Monterey, and it’s a show you’ll want to put on your calendar without delay. Grounded in her roots as a native Virginian, and like generations of her ancestors who have lived along Virginia’s coast, Rebecca Frazier has weathered life’s hurricanes and battering winds. She has also witnessed its luminous beauty, and her aim is to capture that juxtaposition with her music. “The paradox presented in the last line of my song ‘Hurricanes’ — ’We just keep on living here, boarding windows every year in paradise’ — that’s what pushed me to my current space,” she explains. As the first woman to grace the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, there’s no question that Frazier’s unique guitar playing will set the tone for this show. And with Charles Butler on banjo, Larry Cook on bass, Jordan Santiago on mandolin, and Laura Orshaw on fiddle, you can be sure that the music will be moving, inspirational, and fully authentic. Being real and true has always been a top priority for Frazier, and that’s what this show is all about: real, true bluegrass and acoustic roots music. So come on down, have a delicious smoked tri-tip dinner with us before the show ($15 in advance, $20 after August 16th), and get ready for an evening you’ll never forget. 7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free). www.otteropry.org

Heathers The Musical
2025-08-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-22 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-23 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-24 15:00 - 17:00 | CA
Heathers The Musical is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers.
But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid J.D.
When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather’s aerobicized a$$
…but J.D. has another plan for that bullet.

Educator Open House: An evening of art, connection, and celebration
2025-08-22 17:30 - 19:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Monterey Museum of Art invites Monterey County educators to a special evening celebrating your creativity, dedication, and the impact of arts education. Wander the galleries, experiment with hands-on art activities, and connect with fellow teachers in a relaxed, artful setting. Light refreshments will be provided, along with a preview of upcoming programs and classroom resources designed to support arts education. Open to all educators—RSVPs are appreciated to help us prepare a warm welcome.

25th Annual Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival
2025-08-23 11:00 - 19:00 | Custom House Plaza by Fisherman’s Wharf 20 Custom House Plaza Monterey, CA 93942
Join us for a vibrant weekend on the beautiful Monterey Bay as we celebrate the 25th Annual Turkish Arts & Culture Festival!
Experience the rich and colorful traditions of Turkey through:
Whirling Dervish performances
Live Turkish music and folk dance
Artisan vendors showcasing traditional crafts
Delicious Turkish food, desserts, tea, and coffee
Belly dancing and cultural demonstrations
Interactive activities for all ages
Hosted by the Turkish American Association of California, this festival is a joyful expression of community, friendship, and cultural exchange. Whether you’re savoring Turkish delights or admiring handcrafted treasures, you’ll feel the warmth and hospitality that Turkey is known for.
Come celebrate a milestone year with us and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Turkey — right in the heart of Monterey!
Live Music and Entertainment:
Folk Dancing, Belly Dancing & Art Exhibits
Featuring:
Group Taksim Big Band
Whirling Dervishes (on Saturday)
Food and drinks: Doner Kebap, Adana Kebap, Borek, Baklava, Turkish Coffee & more!
Many activities for children: puppet making, face painting, coloring, folk dancing & games

Sand City's West End Celebration
2025-08-23 12:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-24 12:00 - 19:00 | CA
The West End Celebration is back — and bigger than ever! Over 170 incredible artists & vendors are taking over Sand City for a weekend of art-fueled magic! 🛍️🎶

From bold painters and sculptors to handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind creations — this is the ultimateshowcase of creativity on the Central Coast. 🌊

🎶 Live music on multiple stages
🖐️ Meet-the-makers
🌮 Local food & craft drinks
🎭 Surprises around every corner

Come for the vibes, stay for the art. This isn’t just a street fair — it’s a full-on celebration of everything that makes this community wildly creative and totally unforgettable.
📅 Don’t miss it! August 23-24

Monterey Biennial Artist Mixer—Photography and Works on Paper
2025-08-23 14:00 - 16:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Join us at the Museum for a special series of Biennial Artist Mixers, made for Monterey Biennial artists and the artists of our community. Grouped by medium, this series of informal gatherings provides a unique opportunity to connect with fellow artists working within your discipline and strengthen relationships within the Central California creative community. The Museum invites all photographers and work on paper artists to MMA’s last artist mixer on August 23. Artists unable to attend their designated mixer are welcome to join the other mixers. July 12 – Painting July 26 – Sculpture/Mixed Media
