Jul 29 Tuesday
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 heartof 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.
Aug 02 Saturday
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 HighlightsEmcee: Alexandra Ramos – WILPF Monterey County & Monterey Peace and Justice CenterGuest 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 drummers7:45 PM – Music, poetry, and messages of hope:o Opening Blessing – Brendan J. Ramsden, minister, Center for Sacred Studieso Indigenous Land Acknowledgement – Michael Lojkovic, musician and peace activist o Mayors for Peace – Pacific Grove Mayor Nick Smitho Nagasaki Story – Troy Ishikawao Peace Poem – Jennifer Fellguth, poet, storyteller, retired educator8:15 PM – Lantern Launch: Kayakers will guide lanterns serenely across the cove as Tai Chi Master Jim Scott-Behrends plays the shakuhachi bamboo flute
Sep 13 Saturday
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/
Jul 30 Wednesday
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 10thTIME: 12:00pm to 3:30pm LOCATION: Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn Street, WatsonvilleADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Lunch Ordering Deadline is Friday, August 1st. For Event Reservation and Lunch Orders please contact: info@watsonvilletaiko.org
Watsonville Taiko is a registered 501(c)3 Organization.
MAILING ADDRESSP.O. Box 1673Watsonville, CA 95077-1673
Inspired by the vibrant open-air street bazaars from around the world, Night Market 831 is a lively gathering where friends and families can sip, savor, socialize, dance, shop, and explore. Held in the colorful Sand City Art Park, surrounded by stunning murals, the market creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. Committed to fostering a safe, fun, and inclusive community space, featuring a rotating lineup of local performers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who bring their talents to life each month.
Where: Sand City Art Park, 525 Ortiz Ave, Sand City, CA 93955
When: Every First Friday of the month, from 5PM to 9PM
Jul 31 Thursday
In this bold and hilariously irreverent reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, a tangled web of old friends, ex-lovers, estranged in-laws, and lifelong rivals come together under one roof. As they confront life’s deepest questions—and each other—old wounds are ripped open, and chaos is just a heartbeat away. What could possibly go wrong?
Directed by NCTC Associate Artistic Director Noah Lucé, Life Sucks features Artistic Director J. Matthew Gordon, Managing Director Justine Stock, and returning New Canon players Sarah Dunnavant, Craig Storm, Celeste Lagrange, Mike McColl, and Patty Gallagher.
Aug 01 Friday
Aug 03 Sunday