Family Activities

Turkish Arts and Culture Festival 2023

 
8/26/23
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

All are welcome to the Annual Turkish Arts and Culture Festival for a weekend of free family fun, August 26 and 27, 11am-7pm, at Custom House Plaza. We'll have live music and folk dancing performances, Turkish food and drinks, and special activities for children.

Monterey Public Library Summer Reading Sign Up Event

 
6/3/23
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Public Library presents a Summer Reading Sign Up Event featuring Germar The Magician on Saturday, June 3 at 2pm on the lawn of Colton Hall.

Join us for a magical family-friendly show full of laughter and wonder! Arrive early to register for Monterey Public Library's free summer reading program, running June 1 - July 29.

Monterey Bay Jade Festival Opening Night Film Screening

 
6/9/23
 
FREE // $20 VIP
 
Monterey History and Art 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.

Fleet Feet Monterey: The Big Run 5k

 
6/10/23
 
$45
 
Fleet Feet Monterey

Fleet Feet Monterey invites all runners and walkers to join us on June 10 for the Big Run 5k in celebration of Global Running Day! We're offering both an in-person and a virtual option for 2023. Register online. Fee is $45.

The Monterey course is stoller-friendly. All registered in-person participants will get a medal, technical t-shirt, and goodies from our sponsors.

Monterey County Pops! Free Memorial Day Concert 2023

 
5/29/23
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Enjoy a free Memorial Day Concert for all ages on the lawn in front of Colton Hall and Monterey City Hall on Monday, May 29.

At 1pm, the Monterey Peninsula Gospel Community Choir will perform under the direction of John L. Nash, Jr.

At 2pm, the full 40-piece Monterey County Pops! orchestra , conducted and hosted by Dr. Carl Christensen, will present an exciting program featuring solo violinist Laura Burian.

$2 Tuesday Movie Night at Stanton

 
6/6/23
 
$2
 
Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center

Grab $2 and join us for a film screening of a classic movie in our intimate theatre!

Monterey History and Art at Santon Center is introducing $2 Tuesday Movie Night at Stanton. If you've got two dollars, we've got...

Monterey Garden Tour 2023 Includes New Monterey Homes

 
6/10/23
 
$25
 
Casa Del Oro Garden

Monterey State Historic Park Association and the Historic Garden League present the Monterey Garden Tour on Saturday, June 10, 11am- 4pm. Tickets are $25 per person. Please reserve your tickets online today.

The self-guided tour will feature Casa del Oro Garden at Monterey State Historic Park plus 11 private gardens in the New Monterey Area. Learn about rainwater catchment systems, water-wise plantings, and weed suppression methods.

Fun in the Sun: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
5/6/23
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 6, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for an afternoon of art making and exploration.

Drop by the Museum for a special preview of our upcoming Summer Art Camps. Meet our camp leaders and explore activities ranging from cartoon creation to sustainable art.

Plein Air Painting in Old Monterey

 
4/15/23
 
free
 
Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center

The Old Monterey Foundation presents Plein Air in Old Monterey , featuring artists painting outdoors at historic adobes and gardens on Saturday, April 15, 10am-2:30pm. The public is welcome to stop by and watch the artists at work!

Afterwards, 3pm-4pm, an exhibit and sale of the art will be held on Calle Principal behind Monterey Museum of Art. Awards for the artwork will be announced at 3:30pm.

Red Engine Rides at MY Museum

 
4/15/23
 
$25
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum invites you and your children ages 3+ to join us on Saturday, April 15, as we partner with Red Engine Rides for a cruise around town. We're offering 15 minute rides in an open-air fire engine for $25 per person. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Rides depart every half hour, 10am-11:30am. Advance reservations required.

Block Party at Monterey Museum of Art 2024

 
4/6/24
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art's is hosting a free Block Party for all ages on Saturday, April 6, 11am-4pm.

Discover local artisans and makers showcasing their unique crafts alongside dazzling performances and a variety of delicious food and drink. Plus, participate in interactive arts activities and enjoy free admission to our latest exhibitions.

Monterey Parks Horticulture Faire and Plant Exchange 2023

 
3/18/23
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Parks Division presents the 66th Annual Horticulture Faire and Plant Exchange on the lawn in front of Colton Hall, held rain or shine. In addition to a bounty of plant cuttings, exhibits this year will include information on native plants, drought resistant plants, and more.

Teasure Trove: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
3/4/23
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 4, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for an afternoon of art making and exploration.

Participants of all ages will help us celebrate the beauty of historic California Art and the spirit of collecting. Inspired by the exhibition "Monterey Collects California," participants will be invited to paint with watercolors, create shadow boxes, and more!

Free Concert by the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters

 
3/19/23
 
free
 
Monterey Conference Center

Join the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters for a free, family-friendly concert on Sunday, March 19 at 3:30pm in the Serra Ballroom of Monterey Conference Center. Space is limited to the first 1,000 guests - please reserve your tickets online .

The Navy Band Sea Chanters are the U.S. Navy's official chorus. The ensemble performs traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway tunes, and contemporary music. They regularly perform for the president, vice president, and foreign dignitaries.

MY Museum: Valentine's Membership Special 2023

 
2/13/23
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

Monterey County Youth Museum loves our members! And Valentine's week, February 13-17 only, we're offering you two free additional months of membership when you purchase a 12-month membership or renew your 12-month membership.

No code is necessary; ...

Whalefest Monterey 2023

 
3/18/23
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

Whalefest is an educational and entertaining family-friendly event held at and around Custom House Plaza and Old Fisherman's Wharf on March 18 and 19, 11am-5pm, rain or shine. It includes fun activities for all ages, live music, boat displays, and dozens of fascinating marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous local organizations.

Kid's Outdoor Hero Run and Obstacle Course 2023

 
2/25/23
 
$20
 
Colton Hall Lawn

The Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation presents a Kid’s Hero Run and Obstacle Course on Saturday, February 25, 10am-2pm in front of Colton Hall. Fee is $20 per child - register online here . At the event, participants will run through a city block lined with blow-up obstacle courses and meet local firefighters.

Red Engine Rides at MY Museum

 
2/25/23
 
$25
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum invites you and your children ages 3+ to join us on Saturday, February 25, as we partner with Red Engine Rides for a cruise around town. We're offering 15 minute rides in an open-air fire engine for $25 per person. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Rides depart every half hour, 9:30am-11:30am. Advance reservations required.

Collections and Curiosities Workshop at Monterey Museum of Art

 
1/28/23
 
$15/$30
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join Monterey Museum of Art on Pacific Street for an all-ages workshop on Saturday, January 28, 10am-12pm. In collaboration with the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, we will be exploring the art and origins of collecting.

Participants are...

Nature Wonderland: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
2/4/23
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, February 4, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for an afternoon of art making and exploration.

Participants of all ages will enjoy an afternoon of nature-inspired artmaking and exploration with special guests, exhibiting artists Elizabeth Barlow and Susan Manchester.

Saturday Morning Fun Run at Fleet Feet Monterey

 
1/7/23
 
Free
 
Fleet Feet Monterey

Everyone is welcome to join Fleet Feet Monterey on our Saturday Morning Fun Runs. Every Saturday we meet at the shop at 8am and take 15 minutes to socialize before we get moving. This free program is for people of all ages and abilities. All are welcome - the more, the merrier! Run or walk as you wish.

Mini Masterpieces: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
12/3/22
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 3, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for an afternoon of art making and exploration.

Participants of all ages will be invited to take part in an exhibition scavenger hunt, collaborate in community chalk art, and create their own mini masterpiece.

Ice Skating by the Bay 2022

 
11/25/22
 
$15/$13
 
Custom House Plaza

Celebrate the holidays at Ice Skating by the Bay's seasonal ice skating rink, open daily November 25 - January 1 . At Custom House Plaza, located behind Portola Hotel & Spa in Old Monterey, skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland by the Bay.

Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for children 12 & under. Skate rental fee is $5.

Giant Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
12/3/22
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is hosting a giant used book sale from Tuesday, November 29 through Saturday, December 3 in the Community Room of the Library.

You'll find something for everyone on your list including best sellers,...

Giant Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
12/1/22
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is hosting a giant used book sale Nov. 29 - Dec. 3 in the Community Room of the Library. You'll find something for everyone on your list including best sellers, rare books, DVDs, puzzles, children's books, coffee table books, and expanded genres.

Hours are Thu-Fri, 11am-2pm, and Sat, 10am-2pm.

Giant Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
11/29/22
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is hosting a giant used book sale from Tuesday, November 29 through Saturday, December 3 in the Community Room of the Library.

You'll find something for everyone on your list including best sellers,...

Run, Walk, and Roll with Fleet Feet and Blue Zones Project

 
12/4/22
 
free
 
Blue Zones Project Monterey County

Get into the spirit of community on Sunday, December 4 with a casual Run, Walk, and Roll with Fleet Feet and Blue Zones Project - we'll meet at the office of Blue Zones Project Monterey County at 9am. This event...

Christmas in the Adobes 2022

 
12/9/22
 
$25/$40
 
Custom House Store

Christmas in the Adobes on December 9 & 10 is Monterey's signature holiday event! Stroll the streets of Monterey and stop in at any one of the many decorated adobes with soft holiday lights and entertainment. The event supports Monterey State Historic Park children's educational programs.

Tickets are $25 per night for adults and free for children and youth age 17 and under. A 2-night Gold Pass is available for $40. Reserve your tickets online today.