Family Activities

Monterey 4th of July, 2025: Join the Parade!

Monterey, CA

Update, June 8, 2025: Thank you to everyone who has applied to march in the parade! The application deadline has now passed.

Join the parade! The OMBA is now accepting applications to participate in the 2025 4th of July Parade . Together as a community, we'll bring entertainment, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Monterey on Independence Day. Entry deadline is Friday, May 30.

We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance groups, unique vehicles, entertainment troupes, and equestrians. Get creative and think outside the box!

Monterey 4th of July Parade 2025

 
7/4/25
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Monterey's annual 4th of July Parade is a must-attend celebration that draws approximately 15,000 people of all ages to line the streets in and around Old Monterey. We invite you to join us and revel in the festive floats, patriotic displays, entertaining costumes, and musical bands. The parade begins at 10am sharp.

First Night Monterey 2024

 
12/31/23
 
 
Old Monterey District

A community celebration of the arts, First Night Monterey is an affordable, alcohol-free family celebration held on New Year’s Eve, 3pm-midnight, in the heart of Downtown Old Monterey. Join us as we dance, play, act, perform, create and sing our way into 2024! Featuring multiple performance venues. Purchase your admission button here.

Free Talk at First Theater: Shipwrecks of the Monterey Peninsula

 
10/18/25
 
Free
 
California's First Theatre

Monterey State Historic Park invites you to learn about the ships that met their demise along the rocky Monterey Peninsula coastline during a free presentation for all ages - "Shipwrecks of the Monterey Peninsula" - on Saturday, October 18 at 7pm in California's First Theater.

Halloween Trunk-or-Treat and Movie in the Park 2025

 
10/18/25
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

In honor of Halloween, the City of Monterey presents a free Trunk-or-Treat and Movie in the Park on the lawn of Colton Hall.

The walk-through trunk-or-treat will be held 5pm-6:30pm. Our feature film, Disney's Encanto (2021), will begin at 6:30pm. Come dressed in costume! There will be food trucks, fire engines, kids' activities, and more.

Traditional Tree Lighting on Colton Hall Lawn 2025

 
12/5/25
 
Free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

All are cordially invited to the Historic Downtown Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 5, 5pm-6pm. Join us on the lawn in front of Colton Hall by candlelight to share in this much-loved holiday celebration.

Enjoy cookies, cider, live music and caroling, and the lighting of the tree to bring in the holiday season. KMBY 1240 AM / 95.9 FM will broadcast the event.

Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade 2024

 
12/8/24
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

The Monterey Yacht Club presents Brighten the Harbor , a lighted boat parade. Watch boats beautifully decorated for the holidays cruise along the Monterey Coast.

Ocean Arts Festival 2024 at Monterey Museum of Art

 
5/11/24
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

SpectorDance and Monterey Museum of Art present the 2024 Monterey Ocean Arts Festival on Saturday, May 11, 1pm-4pm. Admission is free.

Come enjoy this family-friendly event featuring ocean-themed visual and performing art created by artists under the age of 24. We'll offer free admission to the museum, performing and visual art exhibitions, science tables, art activities, creative movement workshops, face painting, and more.

City of Monterey Services Fair: City Hall in Your Corner

 
8/21/25
 
Free
 
Hilltop Park Center

The City of Monterey is hosting a free city services fair, City Hall in Your Corner, on Thursday, August 21, 5pm-7:30pm at Hilltop Park Center.

Come out and enjoy some hot dogs, games and activities for kids, and meet your City staff. This is a great opportunity to get to know the wide variety of programs and services offered for residents of all ages.

Monterey 4th of July: Join the Parade!

Monterey, CA

Update, June 4, 2024: Thank you to everyone who has applied to march in the parade! The application deadline has now passed.

Join the parade! Together as a community, we'll bring entertainment, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Monterey on Independence Day. We are now accepting applications to participate in the 2024 4th of July Parade . Entry deadline is Friday, May 31.

We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance groups, unique vehicles, entertainment troupes, and equestrians. Get creative and think outside the box!

Halloween Trick or Read at Current Comics 2025

 
10/25/25
 
free
 
Current Comics

Current Comics is holding a Halloween Trick or Read on Saturday, October 25, 11am-7pm, featuring a big bowl of candy and free comics to give to kids and parents (while supplies last).

You'll find comics from Spider-Man, X-Men, Godzilla, Fantastic Four, and more. And you might even be able to take a picture with Yoda.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat on Lighthouse 2025

 
10/25/25
 
free
 
Lighthouse District

Join us for a spooky good time! On Saturday, October 25, Lighthouse District shops, restaurants, and boutiques will be open and welcoming little goblins with special treats, 2pm-5pm, rain or shine. So dress up the kids, get in the spirit, and come on down with your family to enjoy a fun and safe time in the community.

All businesses handing out candy will be located on Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey between Reeside and David and will have a Lighthouse Halloween poster displayed in the window.

Celebrate PARK(ing) Day at Parklets in Old Monterey 2025

 
9/19/25
 
free
 
Old Monterey

The City of Monterey invites you to celebrate PARK(ing) Day, when we'll transform parking spaces into temporary parks on Alvarado Street, 10am-2:30pm.

These parklets will feature green spaces, outdoor seating, and fun and educational booths from numerous City departments. Bring your kids to check out the City vehicles!

CANCELED: Autumn Explorers Kids Camp at Monterey State Historic Park

 
10/6/25
 
$200 per student
 
Memory Garden at Pacific House

We regret to report that the fall camp has been canceled because of low enrollment. Students in grades 3-5 are invited to join Monterey State Historic Park for Autumn Explorers, a 5-day camp exploring the rich cultural history and natural areas throughout the Park and beyond.

Campers will engage in seasonal crafts, activities, and walking field trips in Downtown Monterey, October 6-10, 9am-4pm. Learn more.

Meal Snack Packs at International Cafe for Movie in the Park

 
9/20/25
 
 
International Cafe

This Saturday's Movie in the Park: Hocus Pocus is the perfect chance to enjoy a picnic in Scholze Park with friends and family, and International Cafe, located steps away from the park, is offering $20 Meal Snack Packs.

Simply stop by and select your favorite items from their Mediterranean-style deli station. The staff will assemble a delicious Meal Snack Pack for you to share with family and friends. Whether you're vegan or omnivore, gluten free or dairy free, they have options for everyone.

Labor Day Celebration at International Cafe

 
8/31/25
 
Free
 
International Cafe

International Cafe is hosting a community gathering on Sunday, August 31, 2:30pm-5:30pm. Come on down for food samples and music and make some new friends. Everyone is welcome!

Labor Day weekend is a great time to come together in support of all our neighbors in peace, understanding, and joy. We're stronger when we're together, and we have fun, too!

Lighthouse Movie in the Park: "Hocus Pocus"

 
9/20/25
 
free
 
Scholze Park Community Center

The Lighthouse District is hosting a free outdoor screening of the all-ages Halloween comedy Hocus Pocus (1993). Let's kick off spooky season with a laugh!

The film will be shown at 7:30pm in front of Scholze Park Community Center. You're welcome to come early and bring a picnic. Remember to dress warmly and bring blankets and/or chairs. No pets or alcohol.

What's the event like? View photos from Movie in the Park 2023.

Old Fisherman's Wharf 180th Birthday Celebration

 
10/12/25
 
Free
 
Old Fisherman's Wharf

Celebrate the 180th Birthday of Monterey’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, October 12, 10am-5pm. This free, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, tours of the legendary boat The Western Flyer, and activities for all ages.

Monterey First Theater Fest 2025

 
8/30/25
 
Free
 
California's First Theatre

Monterey State Historic Park presents an afternoon of free, all-ages fun at the second annual First Theater Fest on Saturday, August 30, 11am-4pm.

Join us at California's First Theater and Casa del Oro Garden for entertainment by Monterey Peninsula Theatre Company and musician Katherine Lavin, a Maker's Market featuring talented local artisans, a bunch of family-friendly activities, and food trucks. Learn more.

Children's Music Classes at Wendi Kirby Music, Fall 2025

Monterey, CA

Wendi Kirby Music is offering three music classes for children beginning in September: a Group Piano Class (6+ yrs), a Kindermusik Little Musicians Class (4.5 - 7 yrs), and a Kindermusik Mixed Age Class (6 mo - 4.5 yrs).

All three classes provide children with a strong foundation of skills in a fun and engaging setting. Learn more.

Gaming Flea Market at Mythic Games 2025

 
8/17/25
 
 
Mythic Games Monterey

It's out with the old, in with the new at Mythic Games Monterey's Gaming Flea Market on Sunday, August 17, 12pm-4pm. Use this chance to find some new projects from other gamers in the community.

Make Charm Bracelets with The Green Craft Club

 
8/10/25
 
$10-$20
 
Play Full Ground

The Green Craft Club invites you to join us at Play Full Ground to make custom friendship bracelets with beads, charms, and ribbon on Sunday, August 10 at 2pm.

Open to all ages (younger children may need adult assistance). Register here. Fee is $15 for 1 bracelet, $20 for 2 bracelets, and $10 for an additional sibling to attend.

Reception for Youth Arts Collective's Summer Show 2025

 
7/25/25
 
Free
 
Youth Arts Collective

Youth Arts Collective invites you to the opening reception for our 2025 Summer Art Show on Friday, July 25, 6pm-9pm. Join us for an unforgettable evening as we showcase over 100 original works created by YAC’s talented young artists and mentors.