10 Best Festivals and Events in Monterey

Lively and Festive Events in Monterey

Monterey is a city located on the central coast of California on the southern tip of Monterey Bay. Its proximity to the ocean means that it’s prone to pleasant, mild weather year-round akin to the Mediterranean. That not-too-hot, not-too-cold weather makes Monterey the ideal spot to let loose at an outdoor festival.

Festivals and events in Monterey are plentiful. You can find something to celebrate nearly any time of year. But the best festivals know how to cater to massive crowds, have good food and drinks, and really lean into its niche interest. What are the best festivals and events to attend in Monterey?

1. Monterey Jazz Fest

Attended by 40,000 jazz aficionados a year


Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna


Did you know that the world’s longest continuously-running jazz festival is held in Monterey, California? That’s right – for more than 60 years the Monterey Jazz Fest has celebrated the heritage of jazz music.

Held annually in September, the weekend’s festivities include live performances on 5 stages all day long. Bands and solo acts flock to Monterey from around the world. Local food and drink vendors set up at the Monterey Fairgrounds where the festival is held to keep festival-goers fuelled for the lively festivities.


Localização: 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

Telefone: +1 831-373-3366

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Monterey Jazz Fest

2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

2. Monterey Car Week

Add the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to your car week schedule


Ideal para: Luxo, Viagens alternativas


Calling all car enthusiasts to Monterey Car Week – where racing cars, vintage cars, muscle cars, and souped-up sports cars are on display in city centre Monterey. Each day, different car and driver categories come together for special shows like the Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show or the Porsche Monterey Classic.

Don’t miss the opportunity to look through vintage car memorabilia on display or pop by an auction if you want to shop for a one-of-a-kind ride. Car Week happens annually in August.

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Monterey Car Week

3. AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

Originally started by Bing Crosby in 1937


Ideal para: Luxo, Aventura


Watch professional golfers and celebrities take to the green at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am with proceeds from the PGA tournament benefitting local charities. The event, which can be spectated in person or on TV, takes place across 3 of Monterey’s top courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course.

Spectators can enjoy an array of activities besides just golf, including food trucks, wine gardens, a speakeasy, and upscale lounges with views of the courses. The tournament happens annually in winter.


Telefone: +1 831-649-1533

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AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

4. California Roots Music & Art Festival

The festival has grown from one day to three


Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna


California vibes run deep through the California Roots Music & Arts Festival, where hip-hop and reggae are celebrated en masse. The festival is large and hosts up-and-coming performers as well as chart-topping headliners.

Cali Roots is hosted on the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Festival goers get access to 3 stages, multiple bars, and concert merch. VIP packages with reserved viewing areas, plus a separate lounge and bar are available – which can be a great benefit since the festival hosts upwards of 10,000 guests per day.


Localização: 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

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California Roots Music & Art Festival

2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

5. Monterey County Fair

Held over Labour Day weekend


Ideal para: Famílias, Alimentação


The Monterey County Fair is a huge event spanning 4 days held on the 22-acre Monterey County Fairgrounds. The weekend festivities include a carnival with amusement park rides provided by Helm and Sons Amusement, live music on the main stage, and agriculture-related competitive exhibits.

From food and wine to arts and culture to games and experiences, the Monterey County Fair showcases the best that Monterey has to offer and there’s something that everyone in the family will enjoy.


Localização: 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

Telefone: +1 831-372-5863

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Monterey County Fair

2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

6. Big Sur International Marathon

Live music and beer are plentiful at the finish line


Ideal para: Aventura


Runners of the Big Sur International Marathon have the opportunity to see a large swath of California coastline on this point-to-point course. The race starts at Big Sur Station, runs along the scenic byway, and finishes 26.2 miles north in the city of Carmel, just shy of Monterey.

For those looking to enjoy the beauty of the course without the commitment of marathon training, shorter distances are also options (5K, 12K, 11-miler, 21-miler, and marathon relay). And if you want to make your running experience a bona fide holiday, there is a marathon tour package that includes lodging with your race registration.


Localização: 47555 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA

Telefone: +1 831-667-2315

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Big Sur International Marathon

47555 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA

7. Monterey Wine Festival

An epicurean extravaganza


Ideal para: Casais, Alimentação, Luxo


The historic Monterey Wine Festival is a two-day event that pays homage to the humble grape with a vast array of vino tastings from award-winning vineyards. Sample chowder, calamari, and decadent cheese and charcuterie boards from esteemed West Coast chefs while sipping Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato Spumante, Merlot, and rosé.

Held in the picturesque coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, visitors will enjoy over 100 world-class wines from across Monterey County including Arroyo Seco, San Antonio Valley, and the Santa Lucia Highlands. After you’ve indulged, listen to live jazz music, peruse works by local artists, or get up close and personal with raptors at Green Fields Falconry.


Localização: Monterey Conference Centre, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

Telefone: +1 360-693-6023

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Monterey Wine Festival

Monterey Conference Centre, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

8. Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival

Celebrate the cultures of Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales


Ideal para: Famílias, História


The Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival is an unforgettable summer weekend filled with music, living history, food, and whisky tastings. For more than 50 years, the Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Association has been putting together this experience.

A competitive spirit runs throughout the festival with drum major contests, pipe band competitions, sheep dog trials, and Highland athletic events. Kids, too, will have a blast learning some of the Highland athletic skills, playing mini golf, or getting their faces painted.


Localização: 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

Telefone: +1 831-298-0009

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Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival

2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

9. Good Old Days Street Festival

More than 200 craft vendors put their wares on display


Ideal para: Famílias, Compras


Every year, festival-goers descend upon the historic Lighthouse Avenue to gather for the Good Old Days Street Festival. The free event is Monterey County’s largest annual arts and crafts gathering. The community event also has live music, dancing, carnival rides, a parade, and a petting zoo.

Don’t miss the wine and beer garden after grabbing a bite to eat at one of the numerous food booths. Overall, it’s a weekend full of community and traditional American festival fun, reminiscent of the good old days.


Localização: Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA

Telefone: +1 831-373-3304

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Good Old Days Street Festival

Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA

10. Old Monterey Marketplace

hree blocks of California’s culinary culture


Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação


The Old Monterey Marketplace is like a festival held year-round. Every week the farmers’ market has exciting vendors selling local fruits and veggies and culinary treats with international influence. Think European pastries, Korean BBQ, or Mexican street food.

What you’ll find here changes week after week. A visit in the winter means you’re likely to find Christmas carol singers serenading the street. A visit in spring means you might find seed starts to get your own vegetable garden going. The beauty of Old Monterey Marketplace is in the variety of each visit.


Localização: Alvarado St Monterey, CA 93940, USA

Abre: Tuesdays from 4.00 pm

Telefone: +1 831-655-2607

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Old Monterey Marketplace

Alvarado St Monterey, CA 93940, USA

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