Community

Donate to Keep Monterey's 4th of July Parade Going Strong!

Monterey, CA

Monterey's annual 4th of July Parade is presented by the small but mighty staff of the nonprofit Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA). But we can't do it alone! Did you know it costs us $40,000 to put on the parade? And when it comes to paying the bills for this event, we can use all the help we can get.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation of any amount to keep this beloved event going strong, please visit this page to learn more.

Ballot Drop Box at Monterey Public Library for 2026 Elections

Monterey, CA

The California primary election is June 2, and it's time to vote! A permanent Monterey County Elections ballot drop box for voters is installed at Monterey Public Library, available 24 hours a day until 8pm on June 2. The County will empty it on a regular basis. Just drop your ballot safely in the box at 625 Pacific Street.

Donate to Keep the 4th of July Parade Going Strong!

Monterey, CA

Monterey's annual 4th of July Parade is presented by the small but mighty staff of the nonprofit Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA). But we can't do it alone! Did you know it costs us $40,000 to put on the parade? And when it comes to paying the bills for this event, we can use all the help we can get.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation of any amount to keep this beloved event going strong, please visit this page to learn more.

Fleet Feet Monterey: The Big Run 5k 2026

 
6/6/26
 
$54
 
Fleet Feet Monterey

Fleet Feet Monterey invites all runners and walkers to join us on June 6 for the Big Run 5k in celebration of Global Running Day! Register online. Fee is $54. Military and student-athlete discounts available.

Campbell Library Grand Reopening

 
5/9/26
 
Free
 
Campbell Library

After being closed for nearly 4 years for extensive renovation, the Campbell Library is ready for its public debut on 2026 Saturday, May 9th with an all-day grand reopening celebration that begins at 9:30am with LION DANCING. This will be fun.

Order Takeout at Montrio & Support Monterey County Film Commission, May & June 2026

Monterey, CA

The Coastal Roots Hospitality Group - including Montrio restaurant at 414 Calle Principal - has designated Monterey County Film Commission as the nonprofit recipient of its Pick It Up - Pay It Forward Program for May and June 2026.

When you order takeout food from Montrio , 10% of your order will automatically be donated to this nonprofit organization which promotes our county to the film industry. (Offer doesn't apply to delivery orders.)

Transformative Justice Center Open House

 
5/12/26
 
Free
 
Transformative Justice Center

The Transformative Justice Center invites business and community leaders to join us for wine, small bites, and a guided walk through our center - a space dedicated to bridging the divide between incarceration and community - on Tuesday, May 12, 5:30pm-7pm. RSVP via email.

Experience our reconstructed prison cell, a short introduction to our program, and a firsthand story from someone who has returned home.

Scoops: Limited Edition Shirts Raise Money for Kids with Autism

Monterey, CA

April is Autism Awareness Month and Scoops Ice Cream Parlor is selling limited edition Scoops t-shirts for $30 each. 100% of the proceeds will support the special needs program at Ord Terrace Elementary School in Seaside. Visit Scoops at 595 Munras Avenue to get your shirt!

We're offering both black shirts ("Scoops Autism Awareness") and white shirts ("Peace - Love - Scoops"). Even after April ends, we'll be selling these shirts until we run out.

Residential Parking Program Drop-In Help Night

 
4/30/26
 
Free
 
Monterey City Council Chambers

The City of Monterey is offering a Drop-In Help Night for residents seeking to register for the Residential Parking Program and who need some help on Thursday, April 30, 6pm-7:30pm at Monterey City Council Chamber.

The parking team will...

2026 MY Museum Auction Live Until May 6

Monterey, CA

MY Museum's 2026 Online Auction is ready for your bids! Whether you are looking for trips, spa services, gift cards to local restaurants, wine, new experiences, or family fun adventures, we've got you covered.

The best part? Every penny goes directly to making this non-profit children's museum a better, safer place for the kids of Monterey County. The auction ends May 6 at 8pm.

Alvarado Street Brewery's Howzit Punch Wins Gold...Again!

Monterey, CA

Alvarado Street Brewery's Howzit Punch has won Gold in the Fruited American-Style Sour Ale category at the 2026 World Beer Cup...for the second year in a row! This year their POG sour went straight off the canning line and into the show. No hocus-pocus.

Visit them at 426 Alvarado Street to try Howzit Punch and more amazing beers.

I Heart You Candles & Gifts: 5th Anniversary Party!

 
4/25/26
 
 
I Heart You Candles and Gifts

I Heart You Candles and Gifts is celebrating our fifth anniversary in business on Saturday, April 25, 12pm-6pm. Come on down and enjoy raffles and prizes plus our amazing candle customization station and photos by Stacie Marie Photography.

Meet Artist Gordon Mayfield at Venture Gallery

 
5/9/26
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to meet local artist Gordon Mayfield on Saturday, May 9, 3pm-5pm, at a reception celebrating the new exhibit of his watercolor paintings, Alive . This is a great chance to speak with Gordon about his work.

New Lighthouse District Banners Installed, April 2026

Monterey, CA

The New Monterey Business Association (NMBA) is excited to announce that Lighthouse District street banners have been installed by the City of Monterey along Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey.

The bright and cheerful blue banners you see along the street have taken a small village to bring to life, and they're a testament to everyone's dedication to our community and their commitment to raising awareness of New Monterey's Lighthouse District. Here's to neighborhood pride!

Community Town Hall: Measure D and Stormwater Fee

 
4/22/26
 
Free
 
Hilltop Park Center

The City of Monterey is hosting a Community Town Hall 6pm-7pm at Hilltop Park Center to discuss the 0.375 cent sales tax measure and the flood protection and clean stormwater initiative that will be voted on at a special election on June 2.

City of Monterey staff will provide a 10-15 minute presentation, then residents will have time to ask questions.

Film Commission Awards 2026 Scholarships to Julian Sumano & Hanna Smith

Monterey, CA

Congratulations to Julian Sumano, winner of the $2000 Monterey County Film Commission's Director Emeritus Richard Tyler Film Student Scholarship Award, and Hanna Smith, recipient of a $1000 runner-up award!

Both Julian and Hanna are students in the Cinematic Arts and Technology Department at California State University, Monterey Bay.

A New Chapter for Parker-Lusseau

Monterey, CA

After 30 years of serving our community, Yann Lusseau and Anne Parker Johnson, the owners of Parker-Lusseau Pastries and Cafe , have retired. We want to thank them for their many years of kindness, community spirit, and delicious food.

The good news is that Yann and Anne are "passing the rolling pin" to Jeanne Brooks of Bees Knees Bakery , A baker for more than 20 years with a strong background in French baking, Jeanne has worked at Parker-Lusseau since mid-February, familiarizing herself with its staff and recipes.

We want to wish Yann and Anne a wonderful retirement and congratulate Jeanne on this new journey. We encourage you to stop by the cafe at 539 Hartnell and enjoy all your favorite sweet treats...plus the new ones to come.

Group Run with Fleet Feet and HOKA

 
4/4/26
 
Free
 
Fleet Feet Monterey

Join Fleet Feet Monterey and HOKA on Saturday, April 4 at 8am as we clock in some morning miles together on a group run! Whether you’re training for the 2026 Big Sur Marathon or just want to move with the...

Residential Parking Program Update for Old Monterey / Old Town

 
4/6/26
 
Free
 
City Council Chambers

The City of Monterey is holding a Residential Parking Program Requalification Update for residents of Monterey's Old Town Neighborhood at the City Council Chambers. If enough residents don't show interest in the program by April 30, the on-street permit parking restrictions will end and the neighborhood won't be eligible to reapply for at least 3 years.

This meeting is an opportunity for residents to ask questions, review next steps, and ensure you have the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Spring Art and Wearable Art Sale at Venture Gallery

 
4/11/26
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to a two-day Spring Art and Wearable Art Sale featuring the work of Venture Gallery artists on Saturday and Sunday, April 11 & 12, 10am-6pm. We'll have racks of art and wearable pieces at "Spring Cleaning" prices, and artist demonstrations out on Alvarado Mall.

Monterey Hostel Is a Certified Green Business

Monterey, CA

Monterey Hostel, located at 778 Hawthorne Avenue, is now a Certified California Green Business. This certification recognizes businesses that excel in sustainable practices like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.

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.