May 20 Wednesday
Through up-close footage of whale rescues, the Whale Entanglement Team at Marine Life Studies will reveal how the lives of humans and whales intertwine in ways far beyond ropes and lines. Seating is limited. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6:00 p.m.
May 21 Thursday
Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf Association hosts Wharf Walks on the First Saturday of Each Month. These Walking Tours take place at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf, are at no-charge to attendees and are held from 10am to 12:00pm. The tour is for ages 10-adult only, with no more than 15 people. Tours meet at the head of the Wharf near the pink “Harbor House” Store, #1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey.
More details are available on www.montereywharf.com. To reserve your free space, please visit monterey.gov/library/events or call 831-646-3933.
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About Wharf Walks:
This entertaining tour of Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the waterfront will take you back in time to explore the history of the Monterey Wharf, early history of the Monterey waterfront, The Rumsien/Ohlone People -- Monterey’s first fishermen, the abalone industry, whaling the bay and of course, the legendary sardine industry.
You will discover some of the people and cultures of Monterey’s colorful past and hear fascinating stories about Old Fisherman’s Wharf and those who worked and walked there. You will also learn about the sardine and squid industry.
About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf:
Known as the “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World” and a top destination of visitors from around the world, Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf provides a wide array of award-winning dining, shopping, whale watching, bay cruises, a glass bottom boat, marine life, fishing and sailing, and strolling leisurely in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay.
For more information about Old Fisherman’s Wharf, please visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.
Visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to explore the beauty and fine details of the natural world around us in this annual spring exhibit featuring works from over 50 local artists in a variety of mediums. Scientific illustration brings to life the intricacies of nature while deepening our knowledge and enriching connections. Every year, "The Art of Nature" exhibit continues to reveal new wonders—just like nature itself—offering fresh inspiration for curious minds. On view March 28 - May, 2026.
Join local author-illustrator and Art of Nature artist Sophie Wood Brinker for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Birds of Santa Cruz. In this engaging talk, Wood Brinker will share her creative process for illustrating the 25 bird species featured in her book, from early field observations along the coast to the final hand-painted portraits.
Blending art, science, and storytelling, she’ll explore how careful attention to movement, behavior, and habitat informs her work, and how illustration can deepen our connection to the natural world. Attendees will gain insight into techniques for capturing birds in paint, as well as the inspiration drawn from watching everything from Brown Pelicans gliding over the waves to California Quail gathering in community. Whether you’re an artist, bird enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of creativity and conservation, this presentation offers an exploration of what it means to truly see—and translate—that vision onto the page.
May 22 Friday
May 23 Saturday
May 24 Sunday