Community

2025 Lighthouse District Holiday Display Contest Winners

Monterey, CA

The New Monterey Business Association congratulates the winners of our 2025 Lighthouse District Holiday Display Contest!

**Best Holiday Display with Lighting**
InSight Eyewear
490 Lighthouse Ave

Honorable Mention
Carpets & Floors, Inc.
471 Lighthouse Ave

**Best Holiday Display, Minimally Lit**
On The Beach Surf Shop
693 Lighthouse Ave

Honorable Mention
The Leather Company
638 Lighthouse Ave

We encourage everyone to come down and view the creative, amusing, and beautiful holiday displays in the windows of shops and restaurants along Lighthouse Ave.

Exciting New Programs at Play Full Ground in 2026

Monterey, CA

Play Full Ground is launching new part-time programs on January 26.

There will be part-time options for students in grades 9-12 to participate in art and creativity classes, enjoy independent study time in our comfortable space, or get involved in afterschool art programs.

These options are great for homeschoolers as well as students enrolled in public or private schools. Learn more.

OMBA's New Executive Director, Sabrina Hiltunen

Monterey, CA

The Old Monterey Business Association is excited to announce we have hired a new Executive Director, Sabrina Hiltunen! Sabrina has now settled into the OMBA's office at 98 Del Monte Avenue.

Sabrina brings to this position substantial skills in marketing and small business management and a passion for her hometown, Monterey. We warmly welcome her leadership, and look forward to all the possibilities of the new year. Learn more about Sabrina.

Monterey Firefighters Holiday Toy Drive 2025

Monterey, CA

Monterey Firefighters and Pacific Grove Kiwanis are teaming up to provide presents to families in need this holiday season and they need your help! They are seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys.

You can make your donation at Fire Stations #11-15 , including the fire station at 582 Hawthorne Street. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 18.

Monterey Firefighters Holiday Toy Drive 2025

Monterey, CA

Monterey Firefighters and Pacific Grove Kiwanis are teaming up to provide presents to families in need this holiday season and they need your help! They are seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys. You can make your donation at Fire Stations #11-15 , including the fire station located at 600 Pacific Street. Donations will be accepted through Thursday, December 18.

New Monterey Neighborhood Association Holiday Party at Gianni's

 
12/7/25
 
Free
 
Gianni's Pizza

The New Monterey Neighborhood Association invites New Monterey residents to a holiday party at Gianni's Pizza on Sunday, December 7, 5pm-7pm. Join us for a fun-filled gathering where we'll connect, discuss community matters, and more. RSVP here.

Do you live in New Monterey and want to become a registered member of the NMNA? It's only $10 per year! Help support the organization and register here.

Scoops Ice Cream Parlor: Grand Opening!

 
11/29/25
 
 
Scoops Ice Cream Parlor

Scoops Ice Cream Parlor is celebrating our Grand Opening on Nov. 29, 11am-10pm. Locally owned and operated, we're proud to serve Marianne's Ice Cream. At 11am-3pm we're offering free mini scoops featuring three special flavors (one per person). Learn more.

Winter Musings: Art Reception at Venture Gallery

 
12/6/25
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to meet our many talented local artists on Saturday, Dec. 6, 3pm-5pm, at a reception for our December group exhibit, Winter Musings . Enjoy a diverse array of interpretations of the season in this new group holiday show.

Oya Salon Introduces Stylist Ana Gonzalez

Monterey, CA

Oya Salon introduces our newest stylist, Ana Gonzalez. Ana delivers beautiful hair, exceptional service, and a welcoming vibe every time. Please call 831-656-0570 to book your appointment.

For a limited time, book any service with Ana and get a free deep-conditioning treatment for healthy, shiny, holiday-ready hair.

Clothing Donation Drive at Franklin Street Collaborative

 
11/21/25
 
 
Franklin Street Collaborative

Franklin Street Collaborative hosts Cozy Cause for Kindness, a clothing donation drive on Friday, November 21, 11am-4pm. We welcome all donations of gently used or new clothing, shoes, and hats plus bags, scarves, blankets, and other warm winter accessories. Donations...

Reception for Youth Arts Collective's Winter Show 2025

 
11/21/25
 
Free
 
Youth Arts Collective

Celebrate the season at a reception for Youth Arts Collective's 2025 Winter Show on November 21, 6pm-9pm.

Warm up in our cozy studio, where you can enjoy hors d'oeuvres while browsing over 100 exceptional works from YAC artists and mentors. It's a perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts.

Holiday Toy Drive Party!

 
12/6/25
 
 
Monterey Church

Join in a family-friendly Toy Drive Party full of Christmas fun, music, and treats at Monterey Church on Saturday, Dec. 6, 10am-12pm. Please bring an unwrapped gift to benefit The Monterey Firefighters Foundation's Holiday Gift Drive for local families in need.

Outdoor Club Hike: Monterey Core Fitness

 
11/23/25
 
Free
 
Garland Ranch Regional Park

Monterey Core Fitness is hosting our free monthly Outdoor Club Hike led by Brynn Casas on Sunday, Nov. 23. We'll meet in the parking lot of Garland Park at 9:45am. Women, let's get outdoors and enjoy movement together! Book online here .

Transformative Justice Center's First Anniversary Party

 
11/15/25
 
Free
 
Transformative Justice Center

The Transformative Justice Center invites you to join us in celebrating our first anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2pm-6pm.

Meet a former prisoner and listen to their story, experience 10-30 minute prison cell simulations, learn about our Empathy in Action program, and enjoy a raffle, silent auction, and refreshments.

Donate Gently Used Halloween Costumes to MY Museum

Monterey, CA

MY Museum is accepting gently used Halloween costumes in good condition for use in our theatre by little performers. Costumes can be dropped off at the museum during regular business hours, Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm. We're located at 425 Washington Street.

Bamboo Reef Dive Shop Has Closed

Monterey, CA

We have sad news for the Monterey diving community: Bamboo Reef Dive Shop has closed after 64 years in business. The owners want to thank everyone who has shared in the journey over the years.

Info for customers: If you have pending gear service, classes, or other questions, please contact Bamboo Reef directly via email . In the subject line include your: name and gear service, class, or orders. This will help expedite your reply. Staff will respond as quickly as they can to all inquires.

Fleet Feet Shakeout Run for Monterey Bay Half Marathon 2025

 
11/8/25
 
free
 
Fleet Feet Monterey

Join the vibrant Monterey running community for a free Shakeout Run hosted by Fleet Feet on the Saturday morning before the Monterey Bay Half Marathon. You'll have the opportunity to interact with sponsors and fellow half marathon participants while grabbing all the race day essentials you need. Register here.

Grand Opening of I Heart You Candles and Gifts

 
11/1/25
 
Free
 
I Heart You Candles and Gifts

I Heart You Candles and Gifts is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 1, 10am-6pm. Enjoy live music by Dan Cioper, prizes, specials, raffles, refreshments, and fun!

I Heart You features handmade organic soy candles made locally by Sherry Devine. Come find a unique gift or create your own customized candle in-house.

Travel Book Launch Party with Zack Reed at Monterey Hostel

 
10/29/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Hostel

Monterey Hostel hosts Zack Reed on Wed., Oct. 29, 7pm-8pm, as we celebrate the release of his new travel memoir, Same Bag, Different Bunk: My Life Inside American Hostels . The event is free and open to all ages!

Enjoy an informal evening with Zack, who will share readings from the book and talk about living and working in hostels across the U.S.

Annual November Skulls Art Show at Headdress 2025

 
11/16/25
 
free
 
Headdress

Headdress Salon presents our annual collaborative art show and celebration, November Skulls , featuring shadow boxes by Heather Jorgensen (a.k.a. Lili Jorge), photography by Michelle Robertson, and art by Rory Glass.

Browse the artwork while enjoying delicious food from The Side Kitchen and mingling with the artists and fellow community members. All art work is for sale.

Meet Artist Edi Matsumoto at Venture Gallery

 
11/1/25
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to meet local artist Edi Matsumoto on Saturday, Nov. 1, 3pm-5pm for a reception and book signing. In Otter Therapy , sea otters whimsically appear in reimagined classic masterpieces and transform into cultural icons, blending fine art with humor.

Spooktacular Soiree Luncheon at Scholze Park Center

 
10/29/25
 
Free
 
Scholze Park Community Center

Scholze Park Center presents a Spooktacular Soiree Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 11am-3pm. Costumes are encouraged - we'll have a contest beginning at 11am.

This event is free - tickets available in person at Scholze Park Center. Space is limited.