World-class central coast destination offers summer-ready reasons to visit
Monterey, Calif., โ This summer, Monterey County is offering a diverse lineup of events and festivals taking place across the county June through September. According to theย U.S. Travel Association, approximately six in 10 Americans are planning at least one summer trip this year.
In addition to soaking up the sun along the destinationโs 99-miles of Pacific coastline or playing a round of golf at the iconic Pebble Beach Resorts, travelers can experience an unforgettable summer escape in tandem with one or more of the unique events and festivals taking place in the months ahead.
Not-to-miss events and festivals coming up
June
Castroville Artichoke Festivalย โ June 11-12ย
Experience a one-of-a-kind event dedicated to all things artichoke in the โArtichoke Capital of the World.โ The Castroville Artichoke Festival will return to the Monterey County Fairgrounds for a weekend filled with cooking demonstrations by Monterey Countyโs top chefs, family-friendly activities and live entertainment. Taste-test unique artichoke dishes, including the always popular fried baby artichokes, and learn about the regionโs top growers. The festival will also include aย wine tasting eventย featuring a host of California wineries. Tickets available online through June 12.
California State Parks Weekย โ June 14-18ย
Join the first annual California State Parks Week celebration by responsibly exploring the six participating state parks in Monterey County. As part of Stewardship Day on June 17,ย Monterey State Historic Parkย invites visitors to learn about the conservation of some of Californiaโs oldest buildings during itsย Historic Sites Preservation Tour. Following the tour, head toย Pfeiffer Big Sur State Parkย to hike the newly reopened Pfeiffer Falls Trail. Visitors can now enjoy a new segment of the trail that traverses the redwoods and includes majestic waterfall views.ย Find inner peace amid the bluffs at the under-the-radarย Fort Ord Dunes State Parkย in Marina. The parkโs four miles of coastline offers beautiful views ofย theย Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
July
GEICO Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfestย โ July 8-10ย
Held at the renowned WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the high-speed, family-friendly event includes over 180 riders competing in seven classes of road racing โ HONOS Superbikes, Supersport, Stock 100, Twin Cup, Junior Cup, King of the Baggers and Heritage Cup. Enjoy qualifying races on Friday before two full days of racing on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket packages offer the opportunity to meet the riders at the open race paddock and ride on the famous track with the Saturday Fan Lap.
California Rodeo Salinasย โ July 21-24 ย
As the largest rodeo in California, the event takes place at the Salinas Sports Complex and features performances by cowboys and cowgirls from across the U.S. Events include bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding and more. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, food and the always-entertaining track acts. New to this yearโs action-packed lineup is the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)โs Xtreme Bulls Tour. The tour, showcasing PRCAโs top bull riders, will make a stop at the Salinas Sports Complex on July 20.
Carmel Bach Festivalย โ July 14-30ย
The Carmel Bach Festival will once again celebrate the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Now in its 85th year, the two-week festival will feature an array of concerts at stunning venues throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea, including the Sunset Cultural Center and the historic Carmel Mission Basilica. Festival highlights include the Light of my Life, Brahmsโ Requiem and Easter Oratorioย concerts. While in town, be sure to taste your way through some of the regionโs bestย wines on theย Carmel-by-the-Seaย Wineย Walk, a self-paced and self-guided tour using a mobile app, and catch a sunset atย Carmel Beach.
August
Salinas Valley Food & Wine Festivalย โ August 6ย
The agricultural bounty of the Salinas Valley will be on full display in Oldtown Salinas on August 6. Stroll along Main Street and browse foodย and wine sampling stations highlighting the fertile land of theย Salinas Valley. The region, nicknamed the โSalad Bowl of the World,โ produces 150 different crops and award-winning wine varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Tickets purchased in advance or at the door include wine and beer tastings along with an abundance of culinary delights from local chefs.
Monterey Car Weekย and Pebble Beach Concours dโEleganceย โ August 12-21ย
As one of the most anticipated automobile events in the world, car enthusiasts and collectors alike gather in August to enjoy nearly 30 car events over 10 days. The event kicks off on August 12 with a classic car show along Montereyโs Alvarado Street and concludes with the Pebble Beach Concours dโElegance on the legendary 18thย fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. A tradition going back over half a century, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is where the finest collector cars meet and compete. For a sneak peak of the cars participating in Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, head to the Pebble Beach Tour dสปEleganceย by Rolex on August 18. Other can’t-miss events includeย Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunionย August 17-20 and The Little Car Show in downtown Pacific Grove on August 17.
Sand City West End Celebrationย โ August 27-28ย
Watch as Sand City comes alive with over 100 visual and performing artists showcasing their talents during the Sand City West End Celebration. During the two-day event, six blocks of Sand City are transformed into sidewalk galleries and theaters while live music from local acts fill the air. Stroll the streets while sipping wine, beer or a nitro margarita from local vendors including Post No Bills Craft Beer House. Visitors can mix their art-filled escape with equal parts beach time during a stay at nearbyย Monterey Tides. Nestled among the sand dunes, the boutique hotel is the perfect spot to catch one of Monterey Countyโs magnificent sunsets and enjoy oceanfront dining.
September
Monterey County Fairย โ September 1-5ย
Labor Day weekend fun will be in full force at the Monterey County Fair held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Come ready to partake in all the traditional fair fun with carnival rides and games, delicious food, art exhibits, livestock competitions and more.
Monterey Jazz Festivalย โ September 23-25ย
Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world. The festival will return in September with three days of programming dedicated to the legacy of jazz in Monterey. This yearโs headliners include vocalistย Gregory Porter,ย Cuban pianist-composerย Chucho Valdรฉsย performingย La Creaciรณn, the all-women supergroup,ย Artemis, and more. Three-day and single-day tickets are available for purchase online.
All Summer Long
Farmers Markets
Earning the name the “Salad Bowl of the World,” it is no surprise Monterey County is home to a plethora ofย farmers’ marketsย of varying sizes and specialties. The region offers 1.4 million acres of land that produces lettuce, strawberries, artichokes, wine grapes and more. Several markets also feature food booths serving up Monterey County’s finest delicacies. Live entertainment makes theย Old Monterey Marketplace,ย held Tuesdays on Alvarado Street, a local favorite.
Art Walks
On the second Saturday of every month, visitors can partake in Carmel-by-the-Seaโsย Carmel Art Walk. Starting at Kevin Milligan Gallery and ending at Bennett Sculpture, the walk is the perfect way to be immersed in the villageโs lively art scene, which comes complete with nearlyย 100 galleriesย within one-square mile. Standout artist-owned galleries include Lisaโs Studio, Gallery North and Travis Hall Fine Art.
Live Music
Nothing says summertime like live music. Monterey County offers a variety of venues to enjoy live music includingย Carmel Plazaย in Carmel-by-the-Sea andย Folktale Wineryย in sun-soaked Carmel Valley. For a live music experience unique to the Monterey Bay, dine at Pebble Beach Resorts andย listen to theย bagpiperย put the golfย course to sleep at sunset with a sweet melody.
Visitors are encouraged to travel responsibly in Monterey County by following all current health and safety guidelines and respecting the areaโs iconic landscapes by staying on trails and leaving no trace behind.ย
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