Monterey events

The list below is only a selection of some of the many events taking place in Monterey County every year.

February
Masters of Food and Wine Festival
International chefs and master winemakers gather annually at the Highlands Inn in the Carmel Highlands to present cooking classes, wine tasting, tours and gourmet foods for what is regarded as one of the best and highly regarded food & wine events of the year.

March-April
Monterey Wine Festival
The biggest and smartest wine festival in the county, the Monterey Wine Festival features a series of gala wine tasting events. There are also workshops and cooking demonstration.

Dixieland Monterey
The event is a celebration of the roots classic jazz, swing, and ragtime. Enthusiasts from all over the US and Canada travel to Monterey to enjoy this festival.

May
Great Monterey Squid Festival
This annual food fair dedicated to squid features fishermen demonstrations on how to clean and prepare squid as well as numerous cooking demonstrations by master chefs. Food tasting and a variety of live entertainments accompany the event.

June
Monterey Blues Festival
With a history of 20 years, today the event is considered one of the hottest blues festivals in the country and continues to attract big names and young artists alike.

August
Annual Steinbeck Festival in Salinas
The event comprises 4 days of speakers, seminars as well as bus and walking tours.

September
Monterey Jazz Festival

December
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of Colton Hall including Carols, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa.

Christmas in the Adobes - Candlelit walking tours of historic Monterey and the adobes. The buildings taking part are decorated with period ornaments. Refreshments and entertainments available