Community Calendar

Featured Events

Jul 17 Thursday
Ben Lomond's Monthly “Wee Kirk Market” -- First Sunday of Every Month through October

Wee Kirk Church

12:00 AM - 11:59 PM, every day through Oct 05, 2025.

Join us for Ben Lomond’s monthly Wee Kirk Market, a charming, old-fashioned farmers and makers market celebrating local artisans, farmers, musicians, and food vendors. Enjoy fresh produce, handcrafted goods, live music, and delicious eats in the heart
of Ben Lomond.
This outstanding market takes place on the First Sunday of Every Month through October at 9500 Central Avenue in Ben Lomond.
Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled community gathering.
Admission is Free.

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Jul 17 Thursday
First Ever “Monterey Abalone Festival: All Things Abalone” on July 26th and 27th

JACL

12:00 AM - 11:59 PM, every day through Jul 26, 2025.

Join us for this unforgettable Celebration of Tradition, Culture, History, and Conservation -- and help honor “All Things Abalone.”
Abalone has long held a significant place in Monterey’s cultural and culinary history. The community is invited to celebrate this rich legacy at the first-ever “Abalone Festival: All Things Abalone” on Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th at the Monterey Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Hall and additional nearby sites.
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WHAT: “The Monterey Abalone Festival: All Things Abalone”
WHEN: Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th
TIME: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm both days
WHERE: Monterey JACL Hall, 424 Adams Street, Monterey
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This unique two-day celebration will feature an outstanding lineup of expert speakers, documentary films, live performances, cultural demonstrations, a walking tour, abalone races, and more. The event will also debut the inaugural presentation of the Roy Hattori Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to abalone heritage and conservation.
One of the festival highlights will be a special “Abalone Dance” performed by the Monterey Rumsen Ohlone Community on Del Monte Beach, led there by the Monterey Lion Dance Troupe at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The weekend will also include a Zoom conversation with historians and researchers from Tateyama, Japan, the ancestral home of many Japanese divers who came to Monterey.
More information is available at: www.jaclmonterey.org

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Jul 19 Saturday
- Automobiles
- Fundraiser
Santa Cruz Mountains Classic Car Show

Brookdale Lodge

09:24 AM - 05:24 PM on Sat, 19 Jul 2025

Classic Car Show is a fire fighter fundraiser supporting 4 local fire districts: Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton, and Zyante.
Beautiful Classic cars on display with a completion element and People’s Choice. Live Music by Love Creek, Charlie Browns BBQ, local vendors and a beautiful day in the sun beneath the redwood canopy.
Bring the family and come enjoy this amazing event.
Thank you.

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Aug 02 Saturday
- All Ages
- Community
Hiroshima-Nagasaki Remembrance and Peace Lantern Ceremony

Lovers Point Cove

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM on Sat, 2 Aug 2025

Join the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Monterey County Branch, for a moving commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This free public event honors lives lost and affirms a commitment to a nuclear-free future.
The evening includes taiko drumming, music, poetry, and stories, concluding with a serene lantern floating ceremony at sunset. As peace lanterns drift across the cove, shakuhachi flute music will offer a meditative close to the evening.
Co-sponsored by the City of Pacific Grove, Peace Coalition of Monterey County, Veterans for Peace Chapter 46, Monterey Peace and Justice Center, and others. With appreciation to Pacific Grove Adventures for kayak support.
All are welcome to arrive early and decorate peace lanterns. Bring a blanket and dress warmly.
Program Highlights
Emcee: Alexandra Ramos – WILPF Monterey County & Monterey Peace and Justice Center
Guest Speaker: Masako Toki – Senior Project Manager, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
Schedule:
7:00 PM – Lantern making begins; performance by Shinsho-Mugen Daiko taiko drummers
7:45 PM – Music, poetry, and messages of hope:
o Opening Blessing – Brendan J. Ramsden, minister, Center for Sacred Studies
o Indigenous Land Acknowledgement – Michael Lojkovic, musician and peace activist
o Mayors for Peace – Pacific Grove Mayor Nick Smith
o Nagasaki Story – Troy Ishikawa
o Peace Poem – Jennifer Fellguth, poet, storyteller, retired educator
8:15 PM – Lantern Launch: Kayakers will guide lanterns serenely across the cove as Tai Chi Master Jim Scott-Behrends plays the shakuhachi bamboo flute

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Sep 13 Saturday
Gala for the Arts

Hartnell College - Steinbeck Hall

150.00

04:00 PM - 10:15 PM on Sat, 13 Sep 2025

When you attend or sponsor the Gala for the Arts, you’re not just supporting a one-night event. You're investing in young people and artists with big dreams.
You and your guests will enjoy a joyful evening of delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and an uplifting program. We’ll honor incredible individuals: Gary Smith for Distinguished Service to the Arts and Jesús Ruvalcaba as our Distinguished Alumnus in the Arts. The Gala for the Arts will also feature live music from the Hilltown Bluegrass Band and include a pre-Gala peek in the newly renovated Hartnell Art Gallery.
After the Gala, guests are invited to attend The Western Stage's production of Bright Star, a heartwarming musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell set in the Blue Ridge Mountains between the 1920s and 1940s.
Learn more:
https://hartnellfoundation.org/event/gala/

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Jul 17 Thursday
Watsonville Taiko hosts the Tanabata Star Festival at the Kizuka Hall in Watsonville on Sunday, August 10th

Kizuka Hall

05:00 AM - 03:00 PM, every day through Aug 10, 2025.

Watsonville Taiko hosts the Tanabata Star Festival at the Kizuka Hall in Watsonville on Sunday, August 10th.
Watsonville Taiko will host the Tanabata Star Festival at the Kizuka Hall in Watsonville on Sunday, August 10th. This very special event celebrates and symbolizes the annual reunion of two stars separated by the Milky Way: Vega. The Weaver Star and Altair, the Cow-herder Star. As part of this Festival, the Bamboo Tree, a symbol of Hope and Properity, will be adorned with Origami and Wishes in the hope of reuniting the couple and bringing Good Fortune.
A Japanese Lunch is available and can be ordered for $20.00. This includes:
• Soup
• Salad
• Rice
• Either Chicken Teriyaki and Pork Gyoza (or) Tofu Dish and Vegitarian Gyoza
The event will be highlighted with very special Origami Artwork to include decorations on Bamboo Branches with Origami Art created by atendees.
Please email info@watsonvilletaiko.org for reservations.
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DATE: Sunday, August 10th
TIME: 12:00pm to 3:30pm
LOCATION: Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn Street, Watsonville
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Lunch Ordering Deadline is Friday, August 1st. For Event Reservation and Lunch Orders please contact: info@watsonvilletaiko.org
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Watsonville Taiko is a registered 501(c)3 Organization.
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 1673
Watsonville, CA 95077-1673

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Jul 18 Friday
On the Edge of the Pacific: Art Reception

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

05:30 PM - 08:00 PM on Fri, 18 Jul 2025

This spring, artist Monica Loncola GNSI, accompanied the Western Flyer, retracing the legendary voyage of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts to the Sea of Cortez. A science illustrator and visual artist, Monica holds a BFA in Studio Arts and a Master’s Certification in Science Illustration from CSUMB. She was selected as an intern with the Western Flyer Foundation during the summer of 2024 as part of her degree requirements.
This new body of work—inspired by her affiliation with the Western Flyer Foundation and her experience on this voyage to the Sea of Cortez—celebrates the vibrant biodiversity found in the tidal zones and explores the intersection of art, science, and storytelling.
Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Sanctuary Exploration Center for the show's launch, featuring presentations by both the artist, and Sherry Flumerfelt, Executive Director at the Western Flyer Foundation. Hear Monica’s stories from the Western Flyer and discover how the Western Flyer Foundation stirs curiosity in marine biology and ocean exploration research.
Doors open at 5:30pm for light refreshments and independent exploration in the art gallery. Presentations begin at 6:00pm. No reservations required, seating for the presentation portion of the event is first-come, first-serve.

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Jul 29 Tuesday
Lavender Workshop

El Gabilan Library

04:00 PM - 05:00 PM on Tue, 29 Jul 2025

Create calming lavender bath salts with fresh garden lavender harvested from author and artist, Enid B. Ryce’s, own backyard. Then craft beautiful gift jars topped with hand printed cotton fabric and tied with ribbon, each one a unique and fragrant keepsake.
No registration required. Only 30 spots available and given on a first-come first-served basis.
Questions? Contact Jissella at JissellaD@ci.salinas.ca.us

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Aug 02 Saturday
- Adults (18+)
- Visual Arts
Soul Collage

Felton Branch Library (NEW)

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, every 12 months on Saturday through Dec 07, 2024.

Soul Collage is an insightful, incredible, dynamic activity. A collage is a powerful visual tool to focus your intentions; create a collage of images that will express your visions, your desires, your dreams and goals. Collage speaks to the subconscious which invites and allows incredible miracles to happen, dreams to manifest, goals to be realized, and our visions to become real. This is a playful process of creative fun. It might becomes one of your favorite past times, and now it is happening every first Saturday of the month!
There will be a short PowerPoint presentation of collages. You are welcome to bring images and personal photos, sharp scissors, and magazines. Everything else will be provided including more magazines

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Aug 09 Saturday
Carmel ArtWalk

Artist Owned Galleries Throughout Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM, every 12 months on Saturday through Sep 14, 2024.

Join us monthly for the Carmel ArtWalk which takes place the second Saturday of every month from 4 - 7 p.m.
The FREE - ALL AGES event takes place throughout downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Pick up a map at any of the participating galleries (see full gallery list below) and be sure to follow the blue lanterns during the walk - each participating gallery will have a lantern displayed out front to help you along your self-guided tour. View our online map at www.CarmelArtWalk.com
Delia
Delia Bradford
6th btwn Dolores & San Carlos
deliabradford.com
Gallery North
Barbara Kreitman
Dolores btwn Ocean & 7th
gallerynorthcarmel.co
Joaquin Turner Gallery
Dolores btwn 5th & 6th (next to the Carmel Art Association)
joaquinturner.com
Nicole Cromwell
Dolores btwn 5th & 6th (next to Joaquin Turner Gallery in Su Vecino Court)
nicolecromwellart.com
Carmel Art Association
Dolores btwn 5th and 6th
carmelart.org
Gallery Sur
David Potigian
6th btwn Dolores & Lincoln
gallerysur.com
Patricia Qualls Gallery
Dolores btwn 5th & 6th
patriciaquallsgallery.com
Aaron Chang Gallery
South Side of Ocean btwn Lincoln & Dolores
aaronchang.com
Scott Jacobs Fine Art
Mission btwn 5th & 6th
(in Mission Passageway)
thepegasuscollection.com
Edi Matsumoto Art & Design
Mission btwn 5th & 6th
edimatsumoto.com
Meuse Gallery on Ocean
Ocean & Monte Verde
meusegallery.com

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Sep 06 Saturday
- Adults (18+)
- Visual Arts
Soul Collage

Felton Branch Library (NEW)

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, every 12 months on Saturday through Dec 07, 2024.

Soul Collage is an insightful, incredible, dynamic activity. A collage is a powerful visual tool to focus your intentions; create a collage of images that will express your visions, your desires, your dreams and goals. Collage speaks to the subconscious which invites and allows incredible miracles to happen, dreams to manifest, goals to be realized, and our visions to become real. This is a playful process of creative fun. It might becomes one of your favorite past times, and now it is happening every first Saturday of the month!
There will be a short PowerPoint presentation of collages. You are welcome to bring images and personal photos, sharp scissors, and magazines. Everything else will be provided including more magazines

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Oct 04 Saturday
- Adults (18+)
- Visual Arts
Soul Collage

Felton Branch Library (NEW)

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, every 12 months on Saturday through Dec 07, 2024.

Soul Collage is an insightful, incredible, dynamic activity. A collage is a powerful visual tool to focus your intentions; create a collage of images that will express your visions, your desires, your dreams and goals. Collage speaks to the subconscious which invites and allows incredible miracles to happen, dreams to manifest, goals to be realized, and our visions to become real. This is a playful process of creative fun. It might becomes one of your favorite past times, and now it is happening every first Saturday of the month!
There will be a short PowerPoint presentation of collages. You are welcome to bring images and personal photos, sharp scissors, and magazines. Everything else will be provided including more magazines

Read More
Nov 01 Saturday
- Adults (18+)
- Visual Arts
Soul Collage

Felton Branch Library (NEW)

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, every 12 months on Saturday through Dec 07, 2024.

Soul Collage is an insightful, incredible, dynamic activity. A collage is a powerful visual tool to focus your intentions; create a collage of images that will express your visions, your desires, your dreams and goals. Collage speaks to the subconscious which invites and allows incredible miracles to happen, dreams to manifest, goals to be realized, and our visions to become real. This is a playful process of creative fun. It might becomes one of your favorite past times, and now it is happening every first Saturday of the month!
There will be a short PowerPoint presentation of collages. You are welcome to bring images and personal photos, sharp scissors, and magazines. Everything else will be provided including more magazines

Read More
Apr 04 Saturday
- Adults (18+)
- Visual Arts
Soul Collage

Felton Branch Library (NEW)

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, every 12 months on Saturday through Dec 07, 2024.

Soul Collage is an insightful, incredible, dynamic activity. A collage is a powerful visual tool to focus your intentions; create a collage of images that will express your visions, your desires, your dreams and goals. Collage speaks to the subconscious which invites and allows incredible miracles to happen, dreams to manifest, goals to be realized, and our visions to become real. This is a playful process of creative fun. It might becomes one of your favorite past times, and now it is happening every first Saturday of the month!
There will be a short PowerPoint presentation of collages. You are welcome to bring images and personal photos, sharp scissors, and magazines. Everything else will be provided including more magazines

Read More
May 02 Saturday
- Adults (18+)
- Visual Arts
Soul Collage

Felton Branch Library (NEW)

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, every 12 months on Saturday through Dec 07, 2024.

Soul Collage is an insightful, incredible, dynamic activity. A collage is a powerful visual tool to focus your intentions; create a collage of images that will express your visions, your desires, your dreams and goals. Collage speaks to the subconscious which invites and allows incredible miracles to happen, dreams to manifest, goals to be realized, and our visions to become real. This is a playful process of creative fun. It might becomes one of your favorite past times, and now it is happening every first Saturday of the month!
There will be a short PowerPoint presentation of collages. You are welcome to bring images and personal photos, sharp scissors, and magazines. Everything else will be provided including more magazines

Read More
Jun 06 Saturday
- Adults (18+)
- Visual Arts
Soul Collage

Felton Branch Library (NEW)

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, every 12 months on Saturday through Dec 07, 2024.

Soul Collage is an insightful, incredible, dynamic activity. A collage is a powerful visual tool to focus your intentions; create a collage of images that will express your visions, your desires, your dreams and goals. Collage speaks to the subconscious which invites and allows incredible miracles to happen, dreams to manifest, goals to be realized, and our visions to become real. This is a playful process of creative fun. It might becomes one of your favorite past times, and now it is happening every first Saturday of the month!
There will be a short PowerPoint presentation of collages. You are welcome to bring images and personal photos, sharp scissors, and magazines. Everything else will be provided including more magazines

Read More

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