JOIN THE CLUB(S)
Arts & Crafts
Friday Nights in July
Summer Live Music
Carmel Plaza’s free Friday night summer concert series returns in July with performances by the Money Band and Chicano All Stars. Guests can also purchase $25 food and drink packages, with $5 from each package benefiting a local nonprofit.
Alfresco Arts
Nestled among the oak trees, just before Carmel Valley Village, Hidden Valley Music Seminars offers outdoor concerts and community classes (including dance instruction) year-round.
Sept. 26-28
All That Jazz
The longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world returns to the Monterey County Fair Grounds for its 68th season, Sept. 26-28. Featuring legendary jazz musicians, composers, and young rising stars.
July 12-26
Classic Sounds
The 88th season of Carmel Bach Festival—one of the oldest music festivals in the U.S.— takes place July 12-26, 2025. In addition to ticketed events, look for family-friendly free concerts in Salinas and throughout the Peninsula.
Walk About
Get a little movement while learning about the local area with a California Legacy walking tour, led by author and historian Monica Hudson. Prices vary for visits to Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel-by-the Sea, historic Monterey and Cannery Row. There’s even a “Walking in the Footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson” tour.
Play with Clay
Sign up for ceramics classes at Clay + Kiln at Hacienda, from wheel throwing to raku firing to hand-building with clay (prices vary).
Plein Air Painting
Paint in nature, with the local landscape as inspiration. The Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association, which has annual membership dues starting at $45, organizes several “paint-outs” every month. Members are invited to participate in three annual juried exhibits, while free public demos are routinely held.
Fun & Games
Aug. 28- Sept. 1
Fair Games
With a 2025 theme of “Surfin’ Safari,” the Monterey County Fair aims to wrap the essence of the area—with all its coastal activities and inspiration—in one family-friendly package with entertainment, exhibits, and classic county fair attractions.
June 27 & July 17-20
Lasso Some Fun
Don’t miss Blake Shelton at the California Rodeo Salinas kick off concert, June 27. Then, July 17-20, see one of the top 15 professional rodeos in the U.S.—and the largest in California—and take the whole family to enjoy the Rodeo’s annual carnival and parades.
Paragliding Season
Soar in the sky with Raven Wolf Sky Sports, whose paragliding season in Monterey runs from April to July. The small family-owned school’s offerings include novice training, speed flying and kiting courses.
Sept. 5-7
Bocce Ball Tournament
Festa Italia—a celebration of Italian heritage including food, music and dancing—returns to Monterey State Historic Park’s Custom House Plaza for its 92nd edition, Sept. 5-7. On Saturday and Sunday, gather at the bocce courts for the annual tournament.
July-Sept.
Camping and Fast Cars
In July, August and September, Laguna Seca (aka WeatherTech Raceway) has two big events slated each month. Catch the races from one of six campsites located around the track, booked through the venue.
Off-Road Driving Adventures
Looking for some off-road thrills? The Land Rover Experience Driving Center is open every day, all year round, at Quail Lodge. Customized itineraries are available — whether you have a Land Rover or not, have an hour or days to spare.
Saturdays, 5:30-9 PM
Dance the Night Away
Head to the Hacienda on a Saturday night to partake in line dancing, led by Nanci. The fun happens rain or shine at the covered, open-air venue. The music starts at 5:30 p.m., with lessons from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and open dancing until 9 p.m. Tickets, $25.
Tuesday nights
Trivial Matters
It’s anybody’s game on Tuesday trivia nights at Other Brother Beer. Assemble a team, get a table and some beer, and show off your smarts to the crowd gathered at the Seaside brewery.
First Fridays, 6-8 PM
Bingooo!
Grab your favorite dauber and good-luck charms. On the first Friday night of every month, 6-8 p.m., the Hacienda turns into a bingo hall. Food, drink and local prizes are part of the festivities. $10 per person.
Pinball Parlor & Can Slangery
Pinball enthusiasts—and those seeking good old fashioned fun—will love playing at the nostalgic Lynn’s Arcade in Seaside. With 40 machines to choose from, plus a menu of more than 100 hard-to-find canned beers and beverages, Lynn’s offers a uniquely analog gaming environment. All levels of players are even invited to join their league, Monterey Flipper Pinball.
HORse & HOUND
June 27 & July 17-20
Lasso Some Fun
Don’t miss Blake Shelton at the California Rodeo Salinas kick off concert, June 27. Then, July 17-20, see one of the top 15 professional rodeos in the U.S.—and the largest in California—and take the whole family to enjoy the Rodeo’s annual carnival and parades.
Every Tues., 5-8 PM
Dog Bar
Party with your pup. Every Tuesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. the patio at Carmel Mission Inn is open for dog owners and their (leashed) pets. Live music begins at 6 p.m. and the full Shearwater Tavern menu and happy hour menu is available—plus, a special “Dog Bowl” for your BFF.
Dog-Friendly Pilates and Events
The pet-loving people from Wellness Woofs recently landed on the Monterey Peninsula. Their mission? Create community through dog-friendly events—like outdoor pilates classes where pups are welcome, complete with bougie bonuses like goodie bags, social hours, and themed attire. Follow @wellness.woofs on Instagram for updates.
Horseback Beach Rides
Among the Monterey Bay Equestrian Center’s offerings is a horseback ride for the whole family, through the Monterey Dunes and along the coastline. The 115-minute excursion costs $175 per person (children must be 10+ years old and at least 54" tall).
Equestrian Aspirations
Dos Suenos Stables in Carmel Valley offers boarding, training, horseback-riding lessons and summer camps for ages 7-12.
SPORTS & RECREATION
Aug. 14-17
Car & Driver
While the classic car showcase considers its big anniversary next year, the 2025 Concours d’Elegance brings a 75th celebration of Formula 1, with several racing greats—both cars and drivers—in attendance.
Take a Hike
In addition to its Let’s Go Outdoors! program of nature walks, hikes, workshops, and family adventures—registration opens one month prior to each event—the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District has printable, self-guided hikes on its website.
The Life Aquatic
The Monterey Sports Center’s Natatorium is expected to reopen in June, following a two-month renovation. With two swimming pools—as well as a waterslide, sauna and sun deck—there are a range of lessons and activities to choose from.
Tennis, Anyone?
Monterey Tennis Center’s half- and full-day summer camps, for ages 5-17, combine the fundamentals, fitness and fun. Year-round, the center is open daily, with memberships allowing access to its six tennis courts and six pickleball courts, along with other perks.
Tee Off
CVR’s junior golf program is open to participants on a monthly basis. The cost per month ranges from $120-$160, plus a $50 annual membership fee. There are three levels and three age groups (from kindergarten through 8th grade). During the summer, resort guests and golf members can also book three-day junior golf camps for ages 6-12. And you don't have to be a kid: CVR Golf Academy boasts a variety of options for instruction.
Nike Parent/Child Golf Camps
The Pebble Beach Golf Academy hosts camps in June and July for parents and kids ages 10+ of all abilities. Each session runs three days.
Friday Night Lights
Carmel High’s football team begins its state championship defense in August. The Padres went undefeated last season, making games the place to be. Check the school website for schedule updates.
Nike Junior Pickleball Camps
Monterey’s Meadowbrook Swim & Tennis is the site of day and overnight pickleball camps throughout June, July and August. The programs are designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced players, ages 7-17.
Public Access to Pickleball
Join the Monterey Bay Pickleball Club to enjoy activities and events put on by the nonprofit; a $20 donation is suggested. Or check out its website for a list of public courts in the area.
Catch the Curl
The Wahine Project holds youth surfing camps in June and July. The organization also offers individual lessons as well as trips for teens and adults.
Sail Away
Whether you’re interested in learning to sail or taking a cruise, get out on the water with Monterey Sailing School. Rentals are also available.
Now through Oct. 25
The Beautiful Game in the Bay
Monterey Bay FC’s 2025 season runs through Oct. 25, with Fan Appreciation Night happening the final home tilt at Cardinale Stadium.
On the Run
The Monterey and Salinas area’s Wednesday Night Laundry Runners welcomes locals and visitors alike to lace up with them. The midweek runs have varying routes; there are also additional runs and workouts scheduled. A $20 annual membership isn’t required, but joining means access to club benefits and social activities.
Bike Rides and Post-Pedaling Beers
AMG Cyclery’s three monthly rides — for groups, the road or the mountain — start at the Seaside bike shop, with riders welcome to grab a bite and drink at neighboring Other Brother Beers afterward.
Pedal All Over the Peninsula
With rides happening every week, join Velo Club Monterey for routes designed for cyclists of varying levels and covering beautiful spots on the Monterey Peninsula.
Wellness
Good Vibes
Feel the vibrations with healing sound experiences at locations throughout the Peninsula—including at Om Studios in Monterey, and Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley—led by yoga and wellness instructor Jordy May.
Body of Work
Manifest your perfect summer with a retreat to the iconic Esalen Big Sur. This season’s slate of workshops (which are typically three to five days long) focus on everything from chakra rituals, to sexual intimacy, to breath work, yoga, aging, and more.
Vibe Shift
If you’re seeking a summer reset, consider classes and workshops at the newly opened Lighthouse Wellness Studio in downtown Carmel. Founded by Jess Beauchamp and featuring favorite local practitioners, Lighthouse’s offerings include Reiki, meditation, energy healing, and more.
Every Wed. at noon, May-July
Outdoor Yoga
Every Wednesday at noon, from May through July, Om Studios offers a 45-minute outdoor yoga flow in the Cooper Molera gardens behind Alta Bakery in Monterey. Bring your own mat and towel. Registration required; $25.
Walk About
Get a little movement while learning about the local area with a California Legacy walking tour, led by author and historian Monica Hudson. Prices vary for visits to Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel-by-the Sea, historic Monterey and Cannery Row. There’s even a “Walking in the Footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson” tour.
Take a Hike
In addition to its Let’s Go Outdoors! program of nature walks, hikes, workshops, and family adventures—registration opens one month prior to each event—the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District has printable, self-guided hikes on its website.
Mondays at 10 AM
through Aug. 4
Tai Chi for Beginners
Mondays at 10 a.m., through August 4, learn from Liana Olson, senior trainer with the Tai Chi for Health Institute, in the Cooper Molera gardens behind Alta Bakery in Monterey. $10 drop-in fee.
