I always get asked for tips on the best way to observe the annual Zombie Crawl Dance Mob. The first thing to think about is safety. Zombies can't touch you if you're dressed up as Colonel Sanders, Popeye, Olive Oyl, or a Priest. They're also afraid of Pea Shooters. See photos for examples of people doing this right and staying safe from the undead.

Know the Schedule

The zombie dancers begin sometime around 7pm with the first performance happening at Opa. The locations can change a bit from year to year, but they've always followed a counter-clockwise circuit through Downtown Campbell. From Opa, they head toward the train tracks and loop back. The night ends a bit before they complete their loop at 9pm at El Guapo's.

If you divide Downtown Campbell into quadrants, it takes them about 30 minutes to get through each quarter. If you're trying to predict where and when you'll see them, this is a pretty good rule of thumb, but get in position early because sometimes previously planned stops get skipped.

Grab a Table

Pick your favorite restaurant along the route with outdoor tables, make reservations for dinner, and enjoy a dinner show. If you're seated somewhere along Campbell Ave between 3rd St. and the train tracks, they will pass you at some point and will most likely perform at your spot.

Enjoy the Show

Most people don't know this, but zombies have feelings too. If you're encouraging them by laughing at their antics or cheering their moves, they'll eat someone else. They prefer eating grouchy no-fun people.

2025 calendars have arrived at Lighthouse Books! There are a wide variety of titles to choose from - 200 different calendars - but quantities are limited to 1 or 2 of each, so be sure to visit us soon at 600 Lighthouse Ave in Monterey. We're open daily, 11am-6pm.

Manasiri's Crepes and Sandwiches is excited to announce that our space is now open for pop-up shop reservations. Situated in the heart of Downtown Old Monterey at 321 Alvarado Street, our shop offers excellent foot traffic, modern amenities, and a vibrant community.

Elevate your business with a unique pop-up experience. Contact us today to reserve your spot! We have special offers and reasonable prices. Please DM us on Instagram for details, or call the cafe at 831-373-4646.

Check out these Downtown Campbell events that will keep your calendar full this holiday season!

As a leader in innovative health solutions, one of Cloud City Supply’s most significant pride points is its community involvement. Amy Taylor, founder and owner of the best CBD store in Silicon Valley, is a native resident who has built her roots in downtown Campbell and thus is devoted to giving back through opportunities to connect the community and free CBD education. Amy is the president of the Downtown Campbell Business Association (DCBA), and thus has become a go-to source for all the latest news and happenings. With the holidays right around the corner, we’re giving you the month-by-month inside scoop on where the party’s at so you don’t miss a beat. Get ready to mark your calendar for this last stretch of 2024! Hint: this blog also includes information on the first scheduled Downtown Campbell event in 2025.

October Downtown Campbell Events

10/25/24- Lunch & Learn with Mike Lloyd of Mike Lloyd Studios

Join the Campbell Chamber of Commerce for a FREE Lunch & Learn event to learn how to unlock profits using Facebook and Instagram paid ads in this workshop hosted by entrepreneur Mike Lloyd of Mike Lloyd Studios.

Cost: FREE for chamber members and guests.

RSVP here.

10/25/24- History Happy Hour at the Campbell Museum

Step back to 1926 Campbell and relive the gripping tale of the daring bank robbery that shocked the community. Join us for an evening filled with intrigue and suspense as David Blinn, Campbell Museum Researcher, unravels the true story behind this audacious heist.

Cost: $25 per person.

Learn more and purchase tickets here.

10/26/24- Kids Night Out- Halloween Canvas Art Painting- The Art Beat

Bring your kids to downtown Campbell’s famous Art Beat for Halloween games and activities (and free pizza, too!). Tickets include the cost of instructions, art materials, and food provided during the event.

Cost: $75 per person.

Learn more here.

10/27/24- Creepy Crawly Halloween Trick or Treat

This uber-popular annual event is a defining one for downtown Campbell. Expect to participate in a super fun, two-hour costume extravaganza. While candy and other freebies are a big part of this event, most people enjoy reveling in the community-wide...Read More

In solidarity with the people of Asheville, North Carolina, Webster Street Art Gallery is holding a small, impromptu show of work by Asheville artist Kyle Banner, who was evacuated from his home because of Hurricane Helene. We invite you to stop by and see Kyle's work, which will be here at 188 Webster Street in Downtown Old Monterey through the month of October.

About Kyle Banner

Before his recent evacuation because of Hurricane Helene, Kyle Banner resided in Asheville, North Carolina, a hub of musical and artistic creativity amidst the Appalachian Mountains. An artist and musician, his paintings evoke jazz, blues, and old-time musical traditions.

Kyle’s ability to capture these unique figures has its roots in an upbringing steeped in the music and history of the American South. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, playing fiddle, guitar, banjo and harmonica with his family, dancing around the den while his father strummed a 1950s Gibson and blew mountain music on a rack harmonica.

With an encyclopaedic knowledge of music, Kyle hosted a popular early morning blues radio show in Atlanta. He went on to live and perform music in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and later Asheville.

Kyle's artwork is done on paper, wood, or canvas and combine a variety of mediums, including acrylic paint, pen and ink, watercolor, and the finest Italian espresso. They exhibit a range of influences and reflect the axiom, “everything is a study.”

Creepy Crawly Halloween in coming to Downtown Campbell and we need help from our community to make it a success! We're looking for volunteers to help us on Sunday, October 27th from 3:30pm to 6pm.

We need people to monitor parking barriers and supervise children's amusements. Creepy Crawly Halloween is extremely popular and a lot of fun to watch. If you'd like a front row seat as a helper, please fill out our Volunteer Registration form and we'll be in touch.

The Old Monterey Business Association congratulates the 29 Old Monterey businesses and organizations that won Monterey County Weekly’s Best of Monterey County 2024. Click the links to read what the Weekly’s writers and editors had to say about each business.

Ad Astra
Best Bakery

Alfredo's Cantina
Best Dive Bar

Alta Bakery
Best Cappuccino / Latte

Alvarado Street Brewery
Best Local Beer / Brewery
Best Bar for Gen X and Millennials

Ambrosia India Bistro
Best Indian

Bagel Bakery
Best Bagel

Bliss Boutique
Best Women's Clothing Boutique

Britannia Arms
Best Place for Karaoke

Compact Disco
Best Place to Go Dancing

Crown and Anchor
Best Pub

Dennis Murphy
...Read More

The New Monterey Business Association congratulates the 12 Lighthouse District businesses and organizations that won Monterey County Weekly's Best of Monterey County 2024. Click the links to read what the Weekly’s writers and editors had to say about each business.

Bulldog Sports Pub
Best Bar for Darts

Crystal Fish
Best Japanese / Sushi

First Awakenings
Best Breakfast

Gianni's Pizza
Best Pizza Place

Goodwill Central Coast
Best Thrift Shop

Hula's Island Grill
Best Happy Hour, Specialty Cocktails
Best Restaurant for Gluten-Free

International Market and Deli
Best International Market

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Best Local Nonprofit, Local Website, Place to Take Visitors

On The Beach Surf Shop
Best Surf Shop

Pearl Hour / Katie Blandin
Best Late-Night Hangout / Best Bartender...Read More

Fall flavors have returned to Sunrise Cafe! Embrace the season with our beloved Pumpkin Pancakes and Pumpkin Cinnamon French Toast. These fall favorites are here to warm your mornings and satisfy your cravings.

Join us at Sunrise Cafe, 204 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, and taste the cozy comfort of fall on your plate.

Get ready, Monterey! On October 11, tickets will go on sale for Monterey's signature holiday event, Christmas in the Adobes, on December 13 & 14. Stroll the streets of Monterey and tour the many beautifully decorated historic adobes with soft holiday lights and entertainment.

Tickets are $30 per night for adults and free for children and youth age 17 and under. A two-night Gold Pass is $45. Discounts available for active military personnel. Proceeds benefit Monterey State Historic Park children's educational and school history programs.

Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Custom House Store at 1 Custom House Plaza (open Thu-Sun, 11am-3pm) or the Pacific House Store at 20 Custom House Plaza (open Tue-Sun, 10am-4pm). Discounted tickets for active military personnel must be purchased in-person. Tickets are non-refundable.

A message from the City of Monterey:

San Carlos Beach on Cannery Row in Monterey reopened on October 4, 2024, after being closed since August 19 due to an influx of sea lions that crowded the beach during their annual migration to Monterey from the Channel Islands.

This year, the sea lions made their main landing spot at San Carlos Beach. Hundreds of (mostly male) sea lions are here taking advantage of the abundant food that is close to shore within the Monterey Bay.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff have been a vital partner in helping the City understand the sea lions’ behavior and helped with City’s decision to close the beach to ensure public safety and the safety of the sea lion population.

Marine mammal experts expect the sea lions to return to the Channel Islands at some point soon. Although unlikely, if the sea lions repopulate San Carlos Beach, the City of Monterey may have to close the beach again.

- October 4, 2024

A reminder: Marine mammals, including sea lions, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. People who harass, feed, capture, or kill any marine mammal could face a hefty fine or even jail time.