Family Activities

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.

Lighthouse Movie in the Park: "School of Rock"

 
9/19/26
 
free
 
Scholze Park Community Center

The Lighthouse District is hosting a free outdoor screening of the fun, all-ages comedy School of Rock (2003) starring Jack Black. Bring the whole family for a cinematic evening under the stars!

The film will be shown at 7pm 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.

Scoops Ice Cream Parlor Opens in Downtown Old Monterey

Monterey, CA

Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, a fun new dessert spot for all ages, has opened at 595 Munras Ave. An independent, family-owned business, they know how to do sweet treats right!

Exclusively serving Marianne's ice cream, they offer everything from simple scoops, milkshakes, and hot chocolate to wildly creative treats featuring clouds of freshly-spun cotton candy and more. It's a great indoor hangout for families, friends, and youth.

Adobes of Monterey: A Plein Air Exhibition at Casa Gutierrez

Monterey, CA

Adobes of Monterey: A Plein Air Exhibition is now on display at historic Casa Gutierrez at 590 Calle Principal. The exhibition is free and open to the public Fridays and Saturdays, 11am-3pm.

The exhibition features 12 paintings of adobes houses and gardens in Monterey State Historic Park by members of the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association.

Monterey Bay Greek Festival 2022

 
9/23/22
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

All are welcome to the Monterey Bay Greek Festival, a weekend of family fun featuring Greek cuisine, live Greek music, and shopping, September 23-25 at Custom House Plaza. Hours are 5pm-9pm on Friday, 11am-7pm on Saturday, and 11am-4pm on Sunday. Admission is free.

Old Monterey Marketplace Fall and Winter Hours

Monterey, CA

The Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market will be switching to our Fall/Winter hours soon. Beginning October 1, the market will be open every Tuesday, 4pm-7pm. Join us rain or shine on Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey!

Monterey Parks Cutting Day and Horticultural Fair 2026

 
3/21/26
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Parks Division presents the 69th Annual Cutting Day and Horticultural Fair at Friendly Plaza next to Colton Hall, held rain or shine. In addition to a bounty of cuttings, exhibits this year will include information on drought resistant plants, propagation, and more. Free tree seedlings will be given away!

Monterey Bay Jade Festival Opening Night Film Screening

 
6/9/23
 
FREE // $20 VIP
 
Monterey History and Art Museum at Stanton Center

Step into a world of enchantment with an exclusive film screening of Andrew B. Matheson's documentary film "Circle of Life" at the historic Stanton Center Theatre. Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing adventure into the captivating realm of jade, a gemstone steeped in history, mystique, and awe-inspiring beauty.

And be sure to visit the Monterey Bay Jade Festival in Custom House Plaza all weekend, Friday-Sunday.

Art Opening: Monterey's Hidden Gem: A Journey Through Jade's History

 
5/18/24
 
FREE
 
Monterey History and Art Museum at Stanton Center

Monterey History and Art Association presents an exhibition showcasing one of Monterey history's best kept secrets: jade. A free opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 18, 3pm-5pm.

Through a captivating display of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits, "Monterey's Hidden Gem: A Journey Through Jade's History" reveals the untold stories of local jade miners and artisans who have carved out a living from the earth's green bounty.

Mom's Night Out at Rosebuds Kids Co.

 
9/22/26
 
 
Rosebuds Kids Co.

Mom's Night Out is back at Rosebuds Kids Co. on Tue., Sept. 22, 4pm-7pm. Come shop, hang out, and help us keep perfectly good clothes in rotation a little longer with our guest, Quilt BB , who will offer on-the-spot patch repairs for kids' clothes and handmade patches.

Everyone is welcome - not just moms - so bring the whole family!

Free Talk: The Architecture of California's First Theater

 
10/3/26
 
Free
 
California's First Theater

An 1840s building constructed of redwood and adobe, California’s First Theater is one of Monterey’s most unusual historic structures. Learn about its unique architecture during this free talk, “California’s First Theater: An Idiosyncratic Treasure” by Dr. Cynthia Wagner Weick held...

Monterey First Theater Fest 2026

 
9/5/26
 
Free
 
California's First Theatre

Monterey State Historic Park presents an afternoon of free, all-ages fun at the third annual First Theater Fest on Saturday, September 5, 11am-4pm.

Join us at California's First Theater and Casa del Oro Garden for entertainment by Monterey Peninsula College Theatre Department; Monterey poets; live music by River Voices and Night Herons; a Maker's Market featuring talented local artisans; family-friendly activities, and food trucks. Learn more.

IndyCar Grand Prix of Monterey Street Party 2026

 
9/3/26
 
Free
 
Old Monterey

Meet drivers of the IndyCar Grand Prix at a free Street Party in Downtown Monterey on Thursday, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Join us on Alvarado Street between Franklin & Del Monte for autographs, ticket giveaways, prizes, and more. All ages welcome!

Here's your chance to meet Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward and others before they race at the NTT IndyCar GrandPrix of Monterey, Sept. 4-6.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat on Lighthouse 2026

 
10/24/26
 
free
 
Lighthouse District

Kick off Halloween Week in New Monterey! On Saturday, October 24, 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.

Coastal Conversations: Between Tide and Paper at Play Full Ground

 
8/30/26
 
Free
 
Play Full Ground

Dream Lab at Play Full Ground presents a free event entitled Coastal Conversations: Between Tide and Paper on Sunday, August 30, 2pm-4pm. Join Mai Ryuno and Emily Gottlieb for an afternoon of conversation, seaweed pressing, and creative exploration inspired by the Monterey Bay coast. RSVP here.

Whether you're an artist, educator, scientist, student, nature lover, or simply curious, you're warmly invited to join us. No previous art or science experience is necessary. Learn more.

The Hot Spot: Paint for Pups Fundraiser

 
9/12/26
 
 
The Hot Spot Studios

The Hot Spot Studios Monterey is raising funds for Peace of Mind Dog Rescue on September 12 & 13. Just mention "Peace of Mind" at checkout and a percentage of proceeds from the weekend will go to this worthy cause.

Join us for a kick off paw-ty on Sept. 12, 10am-12pm, to paint some pottery and have fun! We'll have adoptable Peace of Mind dogs, a mocktail bar, and more.