Most people take the free shuttle from Fort Ord which is located in Seaside just north of Monterey (follow the special event signs to the parking area).
This celebrity Pro-Am features some of the worlds top celebrities and top golfers including Mike Weir, Vijay Singh, Phil Mikelson and Mark OMeara. The week starts off with practice rounds (great time to come -- less crowds) and is followed by the four day tournament which culminates after Saturdays cut-down to an exciting finish on Sunday. The tournament is played on three courses -- the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Course, Poppy Hills and Spyglass. Once you access the tournament via the complimentary shuttle from Fort Ord (or the shuttles from Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove for people staying in local hotels -- cost about $5 per person), you can ride smaller shuttles in-between all of the courses. tickets: $60 for the tournament & $60 for practice or you can buy a Season pass and get in for every day including the practice rounds.(ticket office # 831-644-0333)
Monterey Wine Festival
Location:
Mostly Downtown Monterey
Directions:
There are several events -- most of which take place at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on October 1 and the Hyatt Regency Monterey on October 2.
Dates:
6/10/10 - Monterey Bay Aquarium 7:30pm -10:30, 6/11/10 - New Releases & More 5pm - 8pm, 6/12/10 - The Best of the best Chowder cook off 12pm - 3pm
Description:
Known as "America's Original Wine Festival," the Monterey Wine Festival has continued to grow and reach record attendance numbers each year since its inception in 1976 (this is their 33rd Anniversary). Drawn by a combination of world-class wine, educational seminars presented by industry leaders, cooking demonstrations by distinguished chefs, a live wine auction, and exquisite dining, the festival has expanded to include more than 125 California wineries and more than 3,000 wine lovers. Sample from over 400 wines and enjoy a gastronomic delight with fine cuisine from local restaurants.
Whether wine is your livelihood, your avocation, your hobby, or just something you'd like to learn more about, the Monterey Wine Festival is for you. You will have the opportunity to taste more than 1,000 different wines, and meet, talk with, and learn from some of the worlds most knowledgeable wine experts.Both events on the 11th & 12th will be held at the Monterey Conference Center
Good Ol' Days Pacific Grove
Location:
Downtown Pacific Grove
Directions:
On Lighthouse Avenue in the middle of downtown historic Pacific Grove
Dates:
April of every year, but dates may change (TBD)
Description:
A Pacific Grove tradition!! Includes the Counties largest arts and crafts show, with over 225 art and food vendors in downtown Pacific Grove, a parade down Pine Avenue; live entertainment on a variety of stages; California Police Motorcycle Competition; Miniature golf; Firefighter competition; old-fashioned games and contests and lots of family fun. Free admission.
Big Sur International Marathon
Location:
Big Sur
Directions:
The race ends just south of the intersection of Hwy 1 and Rio Road, Carmel.
Dates:
April 25th 2010 6:45am
Description:
Point to point, moderately difficult, live music along rolling hills course, largest rural marathon in the world; through redwoods, paralleling ranches, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean; USATF sanctioned and certified. Because Highway One is closed to vehicular traffic until after 12:30 p.m., spectators, families and friends of the runners/walkers can only view the end of the race at AT&T Broadband Marathon Village.
Monterey Bay Blues Festival
Location:
Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey
Directions:
The Fairgrounds are located near the Monterey Peninsula Airport. From Hwy 1 heading North, take the North Fremont Avenue exit and follow the signs.
Dates:
6/25-6/27/2010 1pm - 11:30pm
Description:
The 24th Annual Monterey Bay Blues Festival. A great time with live performances on an outdoor garden stage and a large indoor theater as well as a wide variety of food and craft artisans. By far, one of the most popular events to attend on the Peninsula -- very relaxed and a great way to unwind to great music. Individual day passes start as low as $25. Scheduled headliner last year was B.B. King!
Fourth of July in Monterey
Location:
Downtown Monterey at the Wharf
Directions:
Most people will set up camp on Del Monte Beach. Park either at Fisherman's Wharf or one of the surrounding streets or the large parking garages off of Del Monte in downtown Monterey
Hours:
People barbecue during the day and the fireworks start at about 8:30p
Description:
A large fireworks display over the Monterey Bay. Because of the foggy nature of our area, sometimes the fireworks are a bit blurred. For the best view, make sure you are camped out on Del Monte Beach adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf. Because the streets are closed off, you need to get their early and walk to the beach. For the prime spots, don't arrive any later than about 9 am.
Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix
Location:
Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca
Directions:
The Raceway is located just off of Hwy 68 about half way between Monterey and Salinas.
Dates:
7/23-25/2010 10:30am
Description:
This race, one of the largest and most important of its kind, returns to the Monterey Peninsula for the fifth year in a row after a long hiatus. All of the high profile, top racers compete. Besides the race, its a great weekend to be in town if you are a motorcycle enthusiasts.Tickets start at tickets: $30 - $350. Book your hotel room early as the entire area sells out for about a 30 mile square radius.
California Rodeo Salinas
Location:
California Rodeo Grounds, Salinas
Directions:
From Highway 101 North, take Laurel Drive exit and make a right. Turn right on North Main Street and follow signs. From Highway 101 South, take Laurel Drive exit and make a left Turn right on North Main Street and follow the signs.
Dates:
All events all year round
Description:
Daily tickets start as low as $13-$80. Top competition in steer wrestling, bull riding, calf roping, bareback bronco riding, and barrell racing as well as parades and night shows for the whole family. A very fun event with a lot of real cowboy types in the audience from the Salinas Valley.
Carmel Bach Festival
Location:
Sunset Theater, San Carlos and 9th Streets, Carmel
Directions:
From Hwy 1 heading south, take a right at the Ocean Avenue exit and follow it into downtown Carmel. Turn left on San Carlos and follow it to the corner of 9th.
Dates:
07/17-31/2010
Description:
Most performances take place at the newly renovated Sunset Center in Carmel. Highlights include opera, classical symphonies, baroque string concertos, organ recitals and solo string bach recitals. Besides the events at the Sunset Center, there are performances at other venues throughout the city. Ticket cost vary widely but start as little as $12-$152. Extremely popular event and tickets (and hotel rooms) sell out very quickly.
Monterey County Fair
Location:
Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey
Directions:
The Fairgrounds are located nearby Hwy 68 and the Monterey Peninsula Airport. From Hwy 1 heading North, take the North Fremont Avenue exit and follow the signs.
Hours:
09/1-6/2010
Description:
Live music, animals (petting zoo, pony rides, pig races), circus, clowns, wine tasting, chef demonstrations and more. Tickets start at $8 for adults, $4 for kids under 12 and kids under 5 are free.
Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Location:
Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, Monterey
Directions:
The Raceway is located just off of Hwy 68 half way between Monterey and Salinas
Hours:
August 13-16, 2010
Description:
The Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races is the largest event held during the renowned classic car weekend. More than 40,000 visitors worldwide annually attend the Historic Races, which greatly supports the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula's (SCRAMP) contribution to local charities. Tickets start at $25. Cars from pre-war racers to McLarens from the 80's. Races featured are IMSA, Can-Am, Trans Am Race groups and featured marque for the year.
Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Location:
At the Lodge at Pebble Beach
Directions:
From Hwy 1 heading south of Monterey, take the Hwy 68/Pebble Beach exit. Continue straight through the light and veer to your right to the guard gate. They will give you instructions from there.
Hours:
08/15/2010 Dawn:field opens to entrants, 9am:judging commences, 10:30am:field opens to spectators, 1:30p-4:30p Awards are presented.
Description:
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Exhibiting prewar and postwar along with the latest in concept car designs, the Pebble Beach Concours is the premiere Concours in the world. Cars are displayed amongst the backdrop of the Monterey Bay and Pebble Beach greens. General admission tickets are $150 in advance & $175 day of the show.
Cherry's Jubilee
Location:
Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Laguna Seca Recreation Area
Biggest "Oldies" Party of the Year. Show 'n Shine in Monterey, Cannery Row, Pacific Grove, and Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Scenic Poker Run through Historic Monterey Peninsula, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf and Big Sur. Parade your "Cherry" on Laguna Seca's famous 2.2-mile circuit. Saturday Night Dance, Cherry's Sports Bar and More. Information subject to change.Tickets: Adults $10 Seniors (60+) $8 Children (6-12) $5
Children under 6 are free
Monterey Jazz Festival
Location:
Monterey Fairgrounds, Fremont Blvd, Monterey
Directions:
From Hwy 1 heading into town, take the Casa Verde exit off the Hwy and turn left. Continue until it dead ends at the Fairgrounds.
Dates:
09/17-19/2010 gates open at 6p on the 17th & 11:30a on the 18th & 11a on the 19th
Description:
Three days of non-stop jazz from over 500 jazz artists on 7 stages in a garden setting. This is the longest running jazz fest in the world with legendary jazz performers as well as new up-and-comers (52nd Annual). A great way to spend a relaxing weekend soaking up the sun (September is normally in the 70s). Ticket prices: $35 - $225.
Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend
Location:
Monterey
Directions:
NA
Dates:
11/12-14/2010
Description:
Visit Monterey Wine Country at the hospitality event of the year! The Great Wine Escape Weekend brings together our area's Winemakers, Grape Growers, Hoteliers, Restauranteurs and Chefs in an extravaganza of fine food and fine wine! Events include live entertainment, a winemakers' dinners, wine tasting and tours, an auction and gala and a grand finale tasting.
First Night Monterey
Location:
Downtown Monterey
Directions:
Located up and down Alvarado Street and surrounding areas in the heart of downtown Monterey. Follow signs to Fishermans Wharf.
Hours:
2pm - Midnight
Description:
One of the largest, non alcoholic, family friendly events you will find anywhere. Variety of live music, dance, poetry, exhibits, and food culminate in the countdown to midnight party at Custom House Plaza.