Monterey Hostel, located at 778 Hawthorne Avenue, is thrilled to announce that we are now a Certified California Green Business. This certification recognizes businesses that excel in sustainable practices like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction, helping protect the future of the California coastline.

Now that we've achieved the Certified Level, we're already working toward the Innovator Level as we continue building sustainability into our daily operations.

A special thank you to our team member, Shelby (pictured here with the Hostel's Executive Director Ryan Oetting), for overseeing the certification process and helping guide the Hostel toward this important milestone.

Want to experience Monterey Hostel for yourself? Visit our website and book an overnight stay. Or, if you live in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello!

The excitement is just beginning for the Downtown Monterey 4th of July Parade! Join us as the City of Monterey proudly celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

This special event, organized in partnership with the Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation, will feature musical and performance artists, colorful floats, military units, community groups, civic leaders, and an anticipated audience of 20,000 people.

Parade Sponsorships

You're invited to be a part of this grand celebration as a valued sponsor with your 2026 tax-exempt donation. Your support helps make this milestone event possible!

Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $20,000. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your business and engage with the community. Download the Parade Sponsorship Form and return it to the OMBA by May 31, 2026.

Please note: Checks must be received before May 31 to guarantee the organization will be named in print and advertising materials.

Questions? Call the OMBA office at 831-655-8070.

Sponsorship Benefits

Sponsorship benefits include digital exposure with a link to your business, your business name or logo in print ads and materials, local press coverage, an opportunity for employee team building, and great community outreach to an anticipated 20,000 parade attendees. Learn more.

Update 4/6/26: The application period for the position has now closed. Thank you to all who have applied.

The Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA) is seeking an Administrative Assistant, 18-20 hours per week. Essential responsibilities include event organization, data entry and reporting, community engagement, board meeting agendas and minutes, media affairs (press releases and outreach), basic office maintenance and organization, and Farmers Market support.

The Administrative Assistant's work will be assigned and supervised by the OMBA's Executive Director, Sabrina Hiltunen. Interested? Read the job description to learn more about the position and how to apply.

About the OMBA

The Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA) is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing and promoting the economic vitality and community spirit of Old Monterey. The OMBA holds a weekly Farmers Market on Alvarado Street and organizes events such as the 4th of July Parade and the Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting on Colton Hall Lawn.

The OMBA strives to maintain Downtown Old Monterey as a district with cultural and historical diversity, featuring a variety of dining options, retail stores, and entertainment that serve both residents and visitors throughout the year.

The excitement is just beginning for the Downtown Monterey 4th of July Parade! Join us as the City of Monterey proudly celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

This special event, organized in partnership with the Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation, will feature musical and performance artists, colorful floats, military units, community groups, civic leaders, and an anticipated audience of 20,000 people.

Parade Sponsorships

You're invited to be a part of this grand celebration as a valued sponsor with your 2026 tax-exempt donation. Your support helps make this milestone event possible!

Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $20,000. Don’t miss this opportunity for your business or family foundation to engage with the community. Learn more and sign up using the Parade Sponsorship Form Online and make your payment by May 31, 2026.

Please note: Checks must be received by May 31 to guarantee the organization will be named in print and advertising materials.

Questions? Call the OMBA office at 831-655-8070.

Sponsorship Benefits

Sponsorship benefits include digital exposure with a link to your website, your business or family foundation's name or logo in print ads and materials, local press coverage, an opportunity for employee team building, and great community outreach to an anticipated 20,000 parade attendees. Learn more.

UPDATE: The survey has closed.

The Campbell Heritage Theatre has prepared an extensive list of acts that they're considering to host for a night of their 2026-27 concert season. There's something in here for everyone and they're asking for your help in choosing the performers.

Here's just a small sampling of what's in the selection queue:

• Keb Mo and Taj Mahal
• Tommy Emmanuel
• Depeche Mode Tribute Band
• Indigo Girls
• Los Lobos
• Pink Martini
• Spyro Gyra
• K-Pop Tribute Band
• Straight No Chaser
• Roseanne Cash
• Tanya Tucker
• Menopause the Musical
• Vienna Boys Choir
• Animaniacs Live

It's quite a list and if you fill out their survey, you'll be entered into a drawing to win two free tickets to an upcoming show.

The Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation are seeking volunteers for the annual 4th of July Parade in Downtown Monterey!

Parade Details

This old fashioned community parade, with marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, and community groups is a wonderful Monterey tradition that draws thousands of locals and visitors of all ages for a morning of family-friendly fun.

Volunteer Details

Volunteers will serve 8am-12pm on Saturday, July 4. As a volunteer, you may end up marching in the parade or placed along the route for crowd and parade control. Because of this, it is very important that you be able to walk a mile and stand for a few hours.

Interested? Fill out this short form and you'll be contacted by the Parade Volunteer Coordinator. If you have questions, please contact Sabrina Hiltunen at 831-655-8070.

Join Monterey's 4th of July Parade! Together as a community, we'll bring entertainment, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Downtown Monterey on Independence Day.

The Old Monterey Business Association is now accepting applications to participate in the 2026 4th of July Parade, to be held at 10am on Saturday, July 4 in Downtown Monterey. Entries are required to be entertaining, creative, and exciting. We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance groups, equestrians, comical groups, etc.. Get creative and think outside the box!

Entry deadline is Friday, May 29, 2026. Fill out the parade entry form. Parade organizers will notify you via e-mail if your entry is accepted.

The Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation are seeking volunteers for our 4th of July Parade in Downtown Old Monterey!

Parade Details

This old fashioned community parade, with marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, and community groups is a wonderful Monterey tradition that draws thousands of locals and visitors of all ages for a morning of family-friendly fun.

Volunteer Details

Volunteers will serve 8am-12pm on Saturday, July 4. As a volunteer, you may end up marching in the parade or placed along the route for crowd and parade control. Because of this, it is very important that you be able to walk a mile and stand for a few hours.

Interested? Fill out this short form and you'll be contacted by the Parade Volunteer Coordinator. If you have questions, please contact Sabrina Hiltunen, OMBA Executive Director, 831-655-8070.

As reported in the Edible Monterey Bay Newsletter of March 17, 2026:

"The folks working to revive Monterey's historic Osio Theater are seeking a culinary partner to fill the space that used to house the much-missed Cafe Lumiere on Calle Principal. They are looking for an independent cafe, coffee roaster, baker and/or chef-operator interested in creating a welcoming gathering space serving artists, audiences, and the surrounding neighborhood.

"According to board member Olivia Russell, 'The concept is well suited for coffee, pastries, light meals and simple prepared foods that complement the creative atmosphere of the center.' Potential partners are asked to contact organizer Brant Wilkinson by March 27 with a short description of their brand, cuisine and experience."

**To our readers: Edible Monterey Bay's magazine and free email newsletter are a great source of information for local food lovers! Subscribe at the links.

Spa on the Plaza, located at 201 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is offering spring specials until the end of April 2026. To make an appointment, please phone us at 831-647-9000.

Spring Specials

Renew and Refresh Facial Special
$185 for 50 minutes or $220 for 80 minutes
Enjoy a facial designed to bring back your brightness with a lemon enzyme and golden honey nourishing mask. This is ideal for clients seeking deep nourishment and a comforting, glow enhancing experience.

Spring Bloom Ritual Massage
$185 for 50 minutes or $220 for 80 minutes
The Spring Bloom Ritual Massage begins with a dry brushing to promote circulation followed by a back scrub and massage. When you extend your massage to 80 minutes, the service ends with a food scrub treatment.

Monterey Hostel, a nonprofit lodging provider located at 778 Hawthorne Street in Monterey, would welcome help from local volunteers in our garden or with building a Little Free Library for our garden. If anyone is interested or would like more information, please contact Ryan by email or call/text 831-677-6060.

Gardening and Weeding

Right now, our biggest need is help with gardening and weeding. We have four container gardens, several perimeter beds, and a large concrete planter with two California live oak trees. We need volunteers to help with weeding, planting, and generally caring for our drought-tolerant gardens. We’re also hoping to plant herbs that neighbors can share and enjoy!

Building Little Free Library

Monterey Hostel is also hoping to add a Little Free Library to our garden so neighbors can share books. If there are any community members with carpentry skills, we'd love to collaborate with a volunteer to build one. We believe we can get the materials donated. Here’s an example of a design we like.

Join the parade! Together as a community, we'll bring entertainment, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Monterey on Independence Day.

The OMBA is now accepting applications to participate in the 2026 4th of July Parade, to be held at 10am on Saturday, July 4 in Downtown Monterey. Entries are required to be entertaining, creative, and exciting. We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance groups, equestrians, comical groups, etc.. Get creative and think outside the box!

Entry deadline is Friday, May 29, 2026. Fill out the parade entry form. Parade organizers will notify you via e-mail if your entry is accepted.

At Namaste India Bistro in the Lighthouse District, our menu reflects the diversity of Indian cooking. Whether you’re new to Indian food or grew up eating it, there’s something here for everyone!

From rich, comforting curries like Butter Chicken and Saag Paneer, to flavorful vegetarian dishes such as Chana Masala and Aloo Gobi, every dish is prepared fresh using traditional spices and techniques.

We also offer favorites like tandoori dishes, biryani, and freshly baked naan, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available. We invite you to visit us at 538 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Heaven on Earth Cleaning, an independently owned cleaning service headquartered in the Lighthouse District, is now offering laundry pickup and delivery! We'll pick up your laundry and return it within 24-48 hours, ready to put away.

Details

Skip the loads and get your time back. Heaven On Earth Cleaning now offers convenient wash-and-fold service with doorstep pickup and drop-off. Your clothes return fresh, clean, and neatly folded - without the hassle. Learn more and schedule a pickup.

Heaven on Earth Cleaning is a reliable local service that offers door-to-door convenience, professional care, a quick turnaround, and easy online booking. We serve Monterey, Seaside, Carmel, and nearby areas.

Fees

Fees for our fluff and fold laundry service are:
$35 per load (up to 15 lbs.)
Weekly: $32 per load
Bi-weekly: $33 per load

Learn more and schedule your pickup here.