Dennis Gaines performs at the Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. (Herald Archive/Orville Myers)
Ongoing Events

Old Monterey Market Place
Alvarado Street, Monterey
Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m. 655-2607 | www.oldmonterey.org

Marina Certified Farmers' Market
Marina Village Shopping Center, Marina
Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.384-6961 | www.everyonesharvest.org

Monterey Farmers Market
Monterey Peninsula College
Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.728-5060 | www.montereybayfarmers.org

Pacific Grove Certified Farmers' Market
Grand Avenue at Central, Pacific Grove
Mondays, 4 to 7 p.m.384-6961 | www.everyonesharvest.org

Rodriguez Farmer — Flea Market
Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey
Carnival Lot, Gate 8Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
235-1856| www.montereycountyfair.com/eventsOldtown

Certified Farmers Market
Across from the National Steinbeck Center, Salinas
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
905-1407 or 920-1088| www.oldtownsalinas.com

Monterey Symphony Concerts
Sunset Center, Carmel, or Steinbeck Institute, Salinas
Through June 3, 2012
646-8511 | www.montereysymphony.org


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Art after Hours
Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific, Monterey
Third Thursday of each month, 5 to 7 p.m.
Monthly open house offers appetizers, wine and viewing works of art. Admission: free.
372-5477 | www.montereyart.org

Salinas First Fridays Art Walks
Main Street, Oldtown Salinas
First Friday of each month, 5 to 8 p.m.
50 galleries, shops, restaurants and organizations in Oldtown Salinas throw open

Santa greets children at the annual Stillwell's Fun in the Park event at Caledonia Park, Pacific Grove. (Herald Archive/David Royal)
their doors to visitors, with live entertainment and refreshments.
758-9126 or 758-0725 | www.artistasunidos.org/Fridays.htm or www.oldtownsalinas.com

Historic Garden League Tours
Old Monterey
Docent-led tours by appointment, $5; self-guided tour brochure for $3 at the Picket Fence Store or other Historic Park locations.
649-3364 | www.historicgardenleague.org/tours

Point Sur Lightstation Guided Tours
West side Hwy 1 at locked gate 19 miles south of Rio Road, Carmel
Winter hours, November thru March: Saturdays — Sundays, 10 a.m.; Wednesdays at 1 p.m.
Three-hour, one-mile walking tours, with a 300-foot vertical rise in elevation. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Meet at the locked gate 30 minutes early. Space is limited. Admission: $10for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 17; free for age 5 and under.
625-4419 | www.pointsur.org or www.parks.ca.gov

Tor House and Hawk Tower Tours
26304 Ocean View Avenue, Carmel
Hourly docent-led tours, every Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tax-deductible tickets are $10 for adults, $5 forfull-time students.
624-1813 | www.torhouse.org

ONGOING THRU JAN 8

Monterey

Peter Babcock leads the band "Washboards with Big Mama Sue" at the annual Jazz Bash by the Bay. (Herald Archive/Orville Myers)
Masterworks: Paintings from the City of Monterey Collection
Monterey Museum of Art
559 Pacific, Monterey
372-5477 | www.montereyart.org

ONGOING THRU JAN 8

Ice Skating by the Bay
Celebrate the holidays at Monterey's seasonal ice skating rink in Custom House Plaza. Skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland right by the Bay.
Open Daily. Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10p.m.; Sundays, 12 to 8 p.m. Call for holiday hours.
Adults: $12, children 12 — under: $10; skate rental fee: $3
649-4511 | www.iceskatingbythebay.com

DECEMBER

DEC 2-4

The 13th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry — Music Festival
Monterey Conference Center
Popular annual event for all ages celebrates Monterey's contribution to our Western heritage with cowboy poetry and song.
(800) 722-9652 | www.montereycowboy.org

DEC 2-17

A Year with Frog and Toad
Wilson Children's Theatre, 320 Main St., Salinas
Delightful production highlights the adventures of two amphibious friends. Collected from Arnold Lobel's classic, award-winning series of children's books.
775-0976 | www.arieltheatrical.org

THRU DEC 18

Every Christmas Story Ever Told
Circle Theatre, Casanova Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel
A fond and furious look at the holiday classics and traditions we all remember. Every Christmas Story Ever Told spares no holiday icon, from Frosty and Rudolph to the Grinch and It's a Wonderful Life.
622-0100 | www.pacrep.org

DEC 3

18th Annual Stillwell's Fun in the Park
Caledonia Park, Pacific Grove
Lots of wintry fun for all, with Santa's arrival on a shiny Pacific Grove fire truck, Frosty the Snowman, Snow Queen, hayrides, petting zoo and entertainment. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
373-3304 | www.pacificgrove.org

DEC 4

Lighted Boat Parade
Monterey Bay
Brilliantly decked out boats sail from the Coast Guard Pier past Cannery Row to Lovers Point. Ships compete fiercely to win the coveted award for Best Decorations from the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club at the end of the evening. 6 to 9 p.m.
372-9686 | www.mpyc.org

DEC 4

Holiday Spectacular
Château Julien Wine Estate, 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel
Featuring The Choral Project - enjoy a magical performance in the Wine Estate's Chai. A capella choir echoes beautifully amongst nearly 1,200 oak barrels, with a holiday wine tasting and gift reception following in the elegantly decorated Great Hall. Limited seating is available. $40 perperson; $30 for club members.
624 2600 | www.chateaujulien.com

DEC 8 — 10

26th Annual Christmas in the Adobes
Downtown Monterey
Evening candlelight walking tour of 23 historic Monterey adobes. Buildings are decorated with period ornamentation. Refreshments and entertainment. New this year: Gold Pass good for both nights. Tickets: Cooper Museum Store, 535 Polk Street, Monterey. Thursday and Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m.
649-7120 | www.parks.ca.gov/events

DEC 9, 10 — 11

Nutcracker
Dance Kids of Monterey County presents this holiday classic. From the Nutcracker Prince tothe Sugar Plum Fairy to the Rat Queen, this Dance Kids production will delight audiences of all ages. Come see the magic of the dancing Soldier Dolls, Sugar Plums, Candy Canes and Snow Flakes.
Friday — Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Opening night gala, Friday, 5 p.m.; Sugar Plum Party, Sunday, 12 p.m. Sunset Center, Carmel
620-2048 | www.sunsetcenter.org

DEC 10

Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Lover's Point, Pacific Grove
A fun, festive way to kick off your holidays. Wear a holiday-themed costume and tie jinglebells to your shoelaces to run or walk in this 5k event that benefits the Central Coast Branch of the Arthritis Foundation. 1k Elf Run for kids, with Santa and lots of fun activities. 7:30 a.m.
620-1699 | www.arthritis.org or www.jinglebell-runpacgrove.kintera.org

DEC 10

Holiday Wreaths — Cookies
Earthbound Farm, 7250 Carmel Valley Road (3 1/2 miles east of Hwy 1), Carmel
Celebrate the holidays by making your own wreath, decorating holiday cookies, or both! Learn how to twist grapevines into a wreath and then decorate it with natural greenery for a wonderful holiday decoration. Be sure to bring your gardening gloves! Then join Chef Sarah for a demonstration featuring that holiday favorite, gingerbread cookies —mdash; and take home her delicious recipe. $20 includes materials andinstruction. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
625-6219 | www.ebfarm.com

DEC 11

Community Open House
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Local conservation and environmental organizations share their contributions with residents and provide them with opportunities to get involved. During Community Open House, the Aquarium is free to residents of Monterey County (photo ID required). 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
648-4800 | www.montereybayaquarium.com

DEC 14

Twilight Rides at Laguna Seca
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Bicycle enthusiasts take to the legendary LagunaSeca track for informal Twilight Rides. Helmets are required. The track will be open to recreational cyclists from 4 to 6 pm. $10 per rider.
800-327-7322 | www.mazdaraceway.com

DEC 16

Paula Poundstone
Sunset Center, Carmel
8 p.m.
620-2048 | www.sunsetcenter.org

DEC 28 - JAN 8

From Buddy Holly to Elvis!
Pacific Repertory Theatre's Golden Bough Theatre, Monte Verde Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel
Shake, rattle and roll at this Buddy Holly Tribute Concert. Eight performances only, including a special '50s-themed New Year's event on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 8:30 p.m.
622-0100 | www.pacrep.org

DEC 31

First Night Monterey
Downtown Monterey
A FantaSea of Art is the theme for the 19th annual First Night Monterey. Ring in the New Year with music, visual and performing arts, dance and theater in this day-long, alcohol-free, family friendly celebration, culminating in a grand finale at midnight.
373-4778 | www.firstnightmonterey.org

DEC 31

New Year's Sleepover
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Ring in the New Year with the entire family at the Aquarium. Fun family activities and programs include a special New Year's Eve sparkling cider toast at 9 p.m. to celebrate the countdown to the New Year on East Coast time, and an evening snack of Ghirardelli ice cream sundae bar. Wake up with the fishes on New Year's Day, enjoy a full breakfast in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Cafe,then join our naturalists in watching wildlife from the Great Tide Pool Deck. Sleepover ages: five to adult (under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult). $120 per person for Aquarium members; $150 per person for general public. 7 p.m. Saturday through 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
866-963-9645 | www.montereybayaquarium.org

JANUARY 2012

JAN 1

Rio Resolution Run
22nd annual race starts at the Rio Grill in The Crossroads Shopping Village, Rio Road and Hwy 1, Carmel. 6.5-mile footrace and 3-mile family fun run on a cross-country course in Carmel. Benefits Community Partnership for Youth. Registration, 7:30 a.m.; run, 9 a.m.
647-1085 | www.riogrillsresolutionrun.com

JAN 12-16

Monterey Swingfest
Hyatt Regency Monterey
Dance workshops feature past and present world and national champions, plus open dancing. Presented by Central Coast Swing Dance.
(805) 937-1574 |www.centralcoastswingdance.com

JAN 14

The Kingston Trio
Sunset Center, Carmel, 8 p.m.
620-2048 | www.sunsetcenter.org

JAN 15

"A Day to Remember" Bridal Show
Monterey Conference Center
Meet over 100 of the area's finest wedding professionals at this 17th annual Bridal Show. Register to win prizes and sample delicious wedding cakes. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monterey Conference Center.
(888) 900-8877 | www.montereybridalshow.com

JAN 16

Martin Luther King Jr. Day March
Seaside
March through Seaside honors the slain civil rights leader. Noon.
899-6805

JAN 18

Twilight Rides at Laguna Seca
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Bicycle enthusiasts take to the legendary Laguna Seca track for informal Twilight Rides. Helmets are required. The track will be open to recreational cyclists from 4 to 6 pm. $10 per rider.
800-327-7322 | www.mazdaraceway.com

JAN 20

The Peking Acrobats
Sunset Center, Carmel, 8 p.m.
620-2048 | www.sunsetcenter.org

JAN 21

Whalefest Monterey
Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey
A free fun event for all ages that celebrates the Monterey Bay, Old Fisherman's Wharf and whales, while benefiting many local marine conservation non-profit organizations. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
649-6544 | www.montereywharf.com

JAN 21 - 23

Cassuto's Guide to Iberia — the Rhine
Monterey Symphony
Alvaro Cassuto, guest conductor, and Michael Ludwig, violin. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m, Steinbeck Institute of Art and Culture (Sherwood Hall), 940 N. Main St., Salinas. Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 8 p.m. Sunset Center, Carmel
646-8511 | www.montereysymphony.org

JAN 28

31st Annual Ancestor Roundup
Family History Center, LDS Church, Noche Buena at Plumas Avenue, Seaside
Nationally known writer and the host of the popular Genealogy Gems Podcasts, Lisa Louise Cooke will be the keynote speaker for this year's all-day genealogy conference. Learn how to find your ancestors. Great speakers and classes to jump start your family history research. $30; register early for an event yllabus. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Commodore Sloat Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.
899-2121 | seritasue2@comcast.net

JAN 31

Local History Lecture: Early Carmel — Founder Frank Devendorf
Sunset Center, Carpenter Hall
Join wine maker and Carmelite Jack Galante, the great-grandson of Frank Devendorf, as he traces the regional history and development of the city of Carmel in 1902. Presented by the Carmel Public Library. 7 p.m.
624-7323 |www.carmelpubliclibraryfoundation.org

FEBRUARY

FEB 2

Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Sunset Center, Carmel, 8 p.m.
620-2048 | www.sunsetcenter.org

FEB 6-12

AT—T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
Annual 72-hole PGA Tour golf championship played on Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course. Golf professionals team with Hollywood celebrities, musicians and captains of industry as they compete for a $6.4 million purse. Practice rounds and other events, Monday - Wednesday; tournament play, Thursday - Sunday.
644-1533 or (800) 541-9091 | www.attpbgolf.com

FEB 10

An Evening with Joan Rivers
Sunset Center, Carmel, 8 p.m.
620-2048 | www.sunsetcenter.org

FEB 11 — 12

Shark Days
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sharks and rays have always evoked strong feelings. Learn more about these amazing animals from the Aquarium's experts. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
648-4800 | www.montereybayaquarium.com

FEB 15

Twilight Rides at Laguna Seca
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Bicycle enthusiasts take to the legendary Laguna Seca track for informal Twilight Rides. Helmets are required. The track will be open to recreational cyclists from 4 to 6 pm. $10 per rider.
800-327-7322 | www.mazdaraceway.com

FEB 17

Chocolate — Wine Tasting Benefit
Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific Street, Monterey
The Friends of the Monterey Public Library will hold their annual Chocolate — Wine Tasting Benefit on Friday, February 17, from 7-9 p.m., at the Monterey Public Library. Sample a wide variety of local wines and enjoy a dazzling array of chocolate ranging from cakes, candies, petit fours, ice cream, cookies, brownies, fondue, moles and more. The event features a silent auction, live music and door prizes. All proceeds go to purchase books and other resources for the Monterey Public Library. Tickets are $25 in advance at the Library Help Desk or $30 at the door. Must be 21-up to attend.
646-3949 | www.monterey.org/library

FEB 18 - 20

2002 Arabian Nights
Monterey Symphony
Featuring Met Opera soloist Ekaterina Semenchuk. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Steinbeck Institute of Art and Culture (Sherwood Hall), 940 N. Main St., Salinas. Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 8p.m.
Sunset Center, Carmel
646-8511 | www.montereysymphony.org

FEB 24

Wine, Art — Music Walk
A walking tour of Pacific Grove's finest art venues. The event is complimentary and open to the public. Art Walk maps will be available at the participating locations and at the Pacific Grove Chamber office. 6 to 9 p.m.
373-3304 | www.pacificgrove.org

FEB 26

Steinbeck Celebration - Free Day
National Steinbeck Center, One Main Street, Salinas
The National Steinbeck Center hosts a Community Free Day in recognition of John Steinbeck. For Monterey County residents, museum admission and all of the Birthday Celebration activities are free.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
775-4721 | www.steinbeck.org

FEB 28

Local History Lecture: Steinbeck — Jeffers
Sunset Center, Carpenter Hall, Carmel
Join Dr. Susan Shillinglaw, professor of English at San Jose State University and Scholar-in-Residence at the National Steinbeck Center, for a talk about two famous regional authors, John Steinbeck and Robinson Jeffers. Presented by the Carmel Public Library. 7 p.m.
624-7323 |www.carmelpubliclibraryfoundation.org

MARCH

MAR 2-4

Jazz Bash by the Bay
Monterey Conference Center
Annual Dixieland Monterey event presents varied musical program featuring Dixieland jazz, bigband, swing, ragtime, blues and Gypsy jazz music in downtown Monterey.
675-0298 or 888-349-6879 | www.dixielandmonterey.com

MAR 2 — 3

Smuin Ballet's Winter Program
Sunset Center, Carmel
"Stabat Mater," Michael Smuin's tribute to September 11. March 2, 8 p.m., and March 3, 2 p.m.,
620-2048 | www.sunsetcenter.org

MAR 4

Colton Hall 163rd Birthday Celebration
Pacific Street, Monterey
Free birthday celebration of one of Monterey's most historic buildings, includes birthday cake and punch. 2 p.m.
646-5640 | www.monterey.org/museums