Community

Meet Artist Murray Wagnon at Venture Gallery

 
2/1/25
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to meet local artist Murray Wagnon on February 1, 3pm-5pm. Drop by the gallery, view Murray's exhibit entitled Souvenirs , and speak with him about his work. Murray's art will be featured at the gallery through February.

Play Full Ground: Alternative Education for High School Students

Monterey, CA

For years artist, educator, and Play Full Ground owner Mai Ryuno has dreamed of opening an innovative school. Now her dream is coming true. In Fall 2025, Play Full Ground, located at 550 Lighthouse Avenue, will transform into a micro high school , offering creative, alternative education for students in grades 9-12.

Mai is currently developing a school curriculum that combines art and design with academics to create a unique, engaging learning experience .

Mai invites feedback and insight from families, particularly those whose children are experiencing challenges in conventional high school. Please schedule an appointment to talk with her.

Newly Certified Instructors at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monterey

Monterey, CA

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monterey congratulates our newly certified instructors, Sam and Josh, who just completed the rigorous, 6-month Gracie University Instructor Certification Program. They're excited to bring their new knowledge back to our community.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is located at 800 Lighthouse Avenue. We offer beginner-to-advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for men, women, and children - no prior experience necessary. Visit our website to sign up for a free 10-day trial.

Coffee with a Cop at Paris Bakery

 
1/29/25
 
 
Paris Bakery

Monterey Police invite you to join them for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 9am-11am at Paris Bakery to enjoy coffee and conversation.

International Poetry Gathering at East Village Coffee

 
1/26/25
 
Free
 
East Village Cafe

Language Studies at MIIS and Global Villagers invite you to join us for our monthly International Poetry Gathering at East Village Cafe on Jan. 26, 3pm-5pm.

Bring a poem to share in any language (your own original poem or that of a poet whom you admire), or listen and enjoy the sharing. No cover charge.

NMNA Annual Meeting and Election 2025

 
1/29/25
 
Free
 
Hilltop Park Center

The New Monterey Neighborhood Association (NMNA) Annual Meeting and Election is the association's most important event of the year, and all New Monterey residents are welcome!

On Jan. 29, 6:30pm-9pm, at Hilltop Park Center we'll elect NMNA officers and discuss plans for 2025. Mary Ann Leffel, District 3 Airport Commissioner, will also speak about the Monterey Airport.

Annual Chocolate and Wine Benefit for Monterey Public Library 2025

 
2/22/25
 
$75
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation presents the 20th Annual Chocolate & Wine Benefit at Monterey County Library for ages 21 and over.

Celebrate with chocolate, wine, beer, snacks, and a silent auction at the library. Tickets are $75 - purchase here. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Conversation Corner at The Pearl Works

 
1/28/25
 
free
 
The Pearl Works

The Pearl Works community coworking space hosts a Conversation Corner open to all on the last Tuesday of every month, 6pm-8pm. Meet some new people and bring a dish or treat to share potluck style. Suggested donation is $5-$20.

Sunday Coworking Session at The Pearl Works

 
1/12/25
 
$20
 
The Pearl Works

The Pearl Works offers Sunday Sessions, 10am-2pm, when students and working professionals can find a warm, supportive space to focus and get work done in our friendly, comfortable coworking space.

Enjoy a quiet atmosphere, nice desks and chairs, and fast, reliable wi-fi for only $20 per session. Register online here.

Christmas Day at Old Capitol Books 2024

 
12/25/24
 
Free
 
Old Capitol Books

It's Christmas Day at the bookstore! Come celebrate this special and magical day with us. We'll be open at 2pm and have hot chocolate, games, sweet treats, and free gifts for everyone.

2024 Lighthouse District Holiday Display Contest Winners

Monterey, CA

The New Monterey Business Association congratulates the winners of our 2024 Lighthouse District Holiday Display Contest!

**Best Holiday Display with Lighting**
Chic Event Rentals
301 Lighthouse Ave, Ste C

Runner-Up
On The Beach Surf Shop
693 Lighthouse Ave

**Best Holiday Display, Minimally Lit**
Fashion Trade
554 Lighthouse Ave

Runner-Up
Creative Property Management
484 Lighthouse Ave, Ste 101

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

Coffee with a Cop at Plumes

 
12/18/24
 
 
Plumes Coffee House

Join Monterey Police for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, December 18, 9am-11am at Plumes Coffee House. Bring your ideas, your questions, and your favorite mug to fill.

Meet the Jewelry Artists of Venture Gallery

 
1/4/25
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you a reception to meet our three local jewelry artists - Liliy Campos, Vanessa Martin, and Sandra Saldivar - on Saturday, January 4, 3pm-5pm. Drop by the gallery, view their join exhibit, and learn about their work.

The jewelry created by Campos, Martin, and Saldivar will be featured at the gallery throughout the month of January.

Holiday Food Drive at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 2024

Monterey, CA

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monterey invites you to join us in supporting our local food bank by bringing canned or dried food items to the studio at 800 Lighthouse Avenue, Dec. 2-21.

Every 5 items donated (canned food or dried goods) will give you one entry into our raffle. At the end of the month, names will be drawn and a winner will get a free rashguard of their choice.

Holiday Reception at Venture Gallery

 
12/7/24
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to meet the local artists behind our December group show, A Few of My Favorite Things . Drop by the gallery for our holiday reception, view these small, favorite works of art, and speak with the creators. Attendees may enter their names in a drawing to win a $200 gallery gift certificate.

Reception for Youth Arts Collective's Winter Show 2024

 
11/22/24
 
Free
 
Youth Arts Collective

Celebrate the season at a reception for Youth Arts Collective's 2024 Winter Show on November 22, 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!

High Tea Fundraiser for Casa Serrano Adobe

 
11/22/24
 
$82
 
Casa Serrano

All ages are welcome to join an English high tea with petit sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream, and hot tea prepared in the English style at Casa Serrano. All proceeds will benefit Monterey History and Art Association and this historic adobe building. Tickets are $82 - purchase here .