Monterey County
montereyinfo.org
Monterey County Visitor Information Monterey County Meeting Planners Information Travel Media Information CVB Members
Great Deals Book a Room E-Newsletter Visitors Guide
Travel Basics Arts & Culture Lodging Food & Wine Attractions Recreation Golf Events Weddings Directory Contact Us Home

You are here: Monterey County Convention & Visitors BureauMonterey AttractionsHistoric & Literary MontereyHistorical & Literary Events 2006

Historical & Literary Events 2006

Visitor Information
Attractions
Family Vacations
Romantic Monterey
Nature
History & Literary
Adobes/Path of History
Missions
Lighthouses
Literary Sites
Historical & Literary Events
Shopping



The tall ship Guayas



Historical and Literary Events


Year-Round

2007
September | October | November | December

2008
January | February | March | April | May | June | July
August | September | October | November | December


Year-Round Events  

Saturdays Year-round
Carmel Heritage Walks
Carmel: 831-624-4447
Starting from First Murphy House (Lincoln & 6th) in Carmel, at 10am, these 90-minute tours cover Carmel's highlights.

Year-round
Tor House and Hawk Tower Tours
Carmel: 831-624-1831
Now a National Historic Landmark, Tor House and Hawk Tower are open for tours throughout the year on Fridays and Saturdays. A visit to Jeffers' extraordinary home is a special experience.

back to top

Year-round
Monterey State Historic Park
Monterey: 831-649-7118
www.parks.ca.gov
Take a free guided tour and discover the oldest parts of Monterey, led by guides from Monterey State Historic Park. Walks begin at Pacific House Museum at 10:30am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and holiday Mondays. Also many opportunities to visit historic buildings and gardens; see the website for details.


September 2007

September 11
The Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Presents: Ed Jarvis & Garland Thompson
Monterey
Tel: 831-684-0854
www.nwu7.org
Garland Thompson and Ed Jarvis read from their most recent works at the East Village Coffee Lounge.

September 23
Historic Garden League?s "History in Bloom"

Monterey
831-625-2909
Tickets include garden tours, plant and herb sale, lunch, wine tasting and as well as floral arranging and cooking demos. Casa del Oro and Memory Gardens.



back to top

September 24
Carmel Mission Fiesta
Carmel
Tel: 831-624-1271
www.carmelmission.org
Featuring a variety of international musical entertainment, children's games, Farmer's Market, fabulous barbecue, and shopping galore at local artisans booths.

September 28-30
The Carmel Authors & Ideas Festival

Carmel
831-620-2048
www.carmelauthors.com
The 1st annual Carmel Authors & Ideas Festival will present more than 30 authors, including winners of the New York Times Best Seller's List and the Pulitzer & Nobel prizes.



October 2007

October 4-15
History Fest Monterey

Monterey
831-649-2900
http://www.historicmonterey.org
A ten-day celebration of the history of Monterey, from the native populations who lived here first through the arrival of the Americans. Lots of fun for everyone, with hands-on kids programs, exclusive house and garden tours, special exhibits, historical films, and stimulating lectures and workshops.

October 6-7
Jeffers Tor House Fall Festival
Carmel
Tel: 831-624-1813
www.torhouse.org
Annual event includes re-enactments, special readings, speakers, theatre, music, benefit luncheon, sunset celebration, guided beach walks and more, all celebrating the life and works of early 20th century poet Robinson Jeffers.

October 7
Royal Presidio Conference

Monterey
http://www.montereyorg
An all day workshop on the architecture, artifacts and history of California's first stone building. Mark your calendars for more information to come.

October 7
Lower Presidio of Monterey Tour

Monterey
831-646-3456
http://www.montereyorg
A curator-led walking tour visiting the Vizcaino site, de Portola Junipero Serra site, El Castillo, Ft. Mervine and the Presidio of Monterey Museum. Reservations required.

October 13
California Constitution Day
Monterey
Tel: 831-646-5640
www.monterey.org/museum
California's Constitutional Convention drafted the state's constitution in 1849, right in Monterey's Colton Hall. To celebrate, view the award-winning re-enactment video California's First 1849 Constitutional Convention. Free, but reservations are required.

back to top

October 13
Marina Air Faire
Marina
Tel: 831-582-0102
http://www.marina-airfaire.com
This free event at the Marina Airport showcases vintage, experimental, contemporary aircraft and warbirds. Airplane rides, aviation booths, model airplane exhibitions and food are featured at this annual event.

October 13
Poetry Writing Workshop with Patrice Vecchione

Monterey
831-646-3949
Practice your writing with this inspiring and talented poet. Workshop features poetry writing exercises, encouragement and feedback. For ages 14-adult. Admission free. Pre-registration required.

October 14
4th Annual Historic House Tour: "Homes from the Past"

Monterey
831-646-5601
www.monterey.org/library
Hosted by the Friends of the Monterey Public Library, this is a self-guided walking tour of some of Monterey's most interesting vintage homes.

October 27
Carmel�s 91st Birthday

Carmel
831-620-2020
www.carmelcalifornia.com
Join Carmelites as they celebrate the city's birthday with a parade and barbecue.



November 2007

November 3
Monterey County Film Commission�s 20th Anniversary Gala
Monterey
831-646-0910
www.filmmonterey.org
Celebrate 20 years of the Monterey County Film Commission at a gala event that salutes big band supper clubs and the golden age of Hollywood style! This special evening includes dinner, celebrity surprises, and dancing to the music of Wally�s Swing World.

back to top

November 14
"The History of the Stevenson House"

Monterey
831-646-3949
Celebrate the "Unbirthday" of Robert Louis Stevenson with an interesting look at Monterey's historic "Stevenson House", by Stevenson scholar and biographer Roger Swearingen. For ages 16-up. Admission is free, but reservations are required.



December 2007

December 2
Inns of Distinction Tour

Carmel
831-624-447
www.carmelheritage.org
Presented by the Carmel Heritage Society. Tour selected historic inns in Carmel while enjoying wine & hors d'oeuvres.

December 5-9
Streets of Bethlehem
Salinas
Tel: 831-422-9872
www.1stbaptist.net
A living history interactive experience. Over 200 cast members, numerous musical groups and even live animals help bring this Christmas story to life.

December 6
Casanova Celebratory Dinner for the Arrival of Van Gogh�s Table

Carmel
831-625-0501
www.vangoghstable.com
Casanova will be holding a celebratory dinner in honor of the 4 year anniversary of the arrival of Van Gogh's table, and the release of the new edition of Van Gogh's Table cookbook. Chef Christophe Bonny will prepare recipes from the book.

December 6-8
23rd Annual Christmas in the Adobes
Monterey
Tel: 831-649-7118
www.parks.ca.gov/mshp
Experience Monterey's beautiful historic buildings illuminated by candlelight and enhanced with period decorations, musical entertainment, costumed volunteers and refreshments.

back to top

December 7-9
8th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival
Monterey
Tel: 1-800-722-9652
www.montereycowboy.com
The best cowboy poets and balladeers are featured in a three-day weekend event that also showcases western artists and gear makers.

December 15
La Posada
Seaside
Tel: 831-899-6805
www.ci.seaside.ca.us/
One of the most charming customs brought to California by Spanish and Mexican settlers is the Posada, recreating the search by Mary and Joseph for lodgings on the eve of the Christ Child's birth. Seaside presents its own version, as the procession wends through town to Oldemeyer Center.

December 31
First Night Monterey
Downtown Monterey
Tel: 831-373-4778
www.firstnightmonterey.org
Celebration of New Year's Eve through the arts. Music, dances, poetry, special installations and exhibits from 2pm to midnight indoors and out throughout historic downtown Monterey. Alcohol-free event for the entire family.


January 2008

January 16
Stories for Adults featuring Elizabeth Ellis and Tim Tingle

Monterey
831-646-3949
www.monterey.org/library
Join two master storytellers as they share the stage to tell a tale set in Appalachia during WWI. For ages 16-up.

back to top

January 19
Poetry Writing Workshop with Patrice Vecchione

Monterey
831-646-3949
Practice your writing with this inspiring and talented poet. Workshop features poetry writing exercises, encouragement and feedback. For ages 14-adult. Admission free. Pre-registration required.



February 2008

February 6
Stories for Adults featuring Milbre Burch

Monterey
831-646-3949
www.monterey.org/library
Join this internationally known performer, author, and award-winning recording artist for an evening of fantasy and faerie tales for ages 16-up.

February 9
A Day of Romance in Old Monterey

Monterey
831-647-6226
www.historicmonterey.org
Living history presentations at Larkin House, Cooper-Molera Adobe, Diaz Adobe and the Sherman Quarters. Featuring romantic stories presented by historic characters from 19th century Monterey, as well as food, music and period dancers.

back to top

February 23
Steinbeck's Birthday Celebration

Salinas
831-775-4721
www.steinbeck.org
Join a hometown celebration as Salinas remembers the life and works of native son and Plitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck.



March 2008

March
�The Big Read� of Fahrenheit 451

National Steinbeck Center
Salinas
831-775-4721
www.steinbeck.org
Over 30 events throughout Monterey County focusing on Ray Bradbury�s Fahrenheit 451.

March 12
Stories for Adults featuring Bill Harley

Monterey
831-646-3949
www.monterey.org/library
Don't miss this evening with Grammy-winning storyteller, author, songwriter and popular commentator on NPR's "All Things Considered". For ages 16-up.

back to top

March 29
Poetry Writing Workshop with Patrice Vecchione

Monterey
831-646-3949
Practice your writing with this inspiring and talented poet. Workshop features poetry writing exercises, encouragement and feedback. For ages 14-adult. Admission free. Pre-registration required.

March TBA
Colton Hall 158th Birthday

Monterey
831-646-5640
www.monterey.org
Birthday celebration of one of Monterey's most historic buildings. California's first Constitution was drafted in this historic site in October 1849. Colton Hall is a landmark in the City of Monterey.



April 2008

April 9
Stories for Adults featuring Taelen Thomas: "Mark Twain on the Mississippi"

Monterey
831-646-3949
www.monterey.org/library
Thomas portrays Twain at age 50, recalling how he grew up alongside the Mississippi, and earned a license to pilot a steamboat between St. Louis and New Orleans in the 1850's. For ages 16-up.

back to top

April 12
San Antonio Mission Days

Jolon
831-385-4478
Mission life in the early 1800's-----padres, indians, soldados, vaqueros, and early Californio families will mingle with you and your family. See how adobe bricks are made. See homemade bread baked in an outdoor oven. Hear the mission Bells and join our Celebration!



May 2008

May 4
Jeffers Tor House Garden Party

Carmel
831-624-1813
www.torhouse.org
Annual Garden party offers afternoon tea, silent auction and gifts for sale. Live music serenades artists painting in the gardens. Photography allowed this day only.

back to top

May 21
Stories for Adults featuring Stphanie Sadie

Monterey
831-646-3949
www.monterey.org/library
Don't miss this performance of "Refugees", set in an English as a Second Language classroom, celebrates new immigrants reinventing their lives in America. For ages 16-up.



June 2008

June 28
Carmel Mission Founder's Day Celebration

Carmel
831-624-1271
www.carmelmission.org
All day celebration on the historic Carmel Mission Courtyard with Docent Tours, Historical exhibits, Farmer's Market, Food & Music, Craft demonstrations, dancing and invited plein air painters capturing the lively happening.

back to top





July 2008

July 4
Living History Day in Monterey

Monterey
831-657-6348
www.monterey.org
Travel back in time and find out what life was like in the 1840s. At the historic Cooper-Molera Adobe you will meet a gardener, cook, rancher, soldier ad more. Or, try your hand at bowling.

July 4
Valley Heritage Day

King City
831-385-8020
www.mcarlm.org
It's a 4th of July from another era at the King City Independence Day parade, complete with antique farm equipment, historic displays and a classic car show and entertainment, food, games and crafts.

back to top

July (TBA) Carmel Heritage Society Annual House Tour
Carmel
831-624-4447
www.carmelheritage.org
Each year, the Carmel Heritage Society makes it possible for the public to visit a small selection of homes representative of Carmel's heritage. This year�s tour includes the remarkable Frank Lloyd Wright house, the new, spacious "Carefree Sur Mer", and the the redwood studio-home built in 1905 by distinguished photographer Arnold Genthe. The 2007 tour also includes one of the oldest homes in Carmel, built in 1888 for Davenport Bromfield, Carmel's first land surveyor.



August 2008

August 7-10
28th Annual Steinbeck Festival

National Steinbeck Center
Salinas
831-775-4721
www.steinbeck.org
A four-day event including lectures, panels, walking tours of Salinas, bus tours to Steinbeck sites of interest and stage performances. This year�s theme will focus on Steinbeck and Mexico.

back to top

August 15-17
Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races presented by Toyota

Laguna Seca, Monterey
831-327-SECA
www.laguna-seca.com
The Monterey Historics bring out the best of racing's past, from pre-war racers adorned with nameplates like Bugatti and Alfa-Romeo to 70s and 80s rocket ships from Lola and McLaren.



September 2008

September 7-10
27th Annual Steinbeck Festival

Salinas
831-75-4721
www.steinbeck.org
Four days of films, speakers, panels, theater, and bus or walking tours, all celebrating John Steinbeck, most famous son of Salinas.

back to top

September (TBA)
The Carmel Authors & Ideas Festival

Carmel
831-620-2048
www.carmelauthors.com
The 2nd annual Carmel Authors & Ideas Festival will present more than 30 authors, winners of virtually every prestigious literary award including the New York Times Best Seller's List and the Pulitzer & Nobel prizes. Seating limited.



October 2008

October 10-12
Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation Fall Festival

Carmel
831-624-1813
www.torhouse.org
Annual event includes re-enactments, special readings, speakers, theatre, music, benefit luncheon, sunset celebration, guided beach walks and more, all celebrating the life and works of early 20th century poet Robinson Jeffers.

October 25
Carmel's 91st Birthday

Carmel
831-620-2020
www.carmelcalifornia.com
Join Carmelites as they celebrate the city's birthday with a parade and barbecue.

October (TBA)
California Constitution Day

Monterey
831-646-5640
www.monterey.org/museum
Screenings of the award-winning re-enactment of California's first Constitutional Convention in Monterey. Free, but reservations required.

back to top

October (TBA)
Marina Air Faire

Marina
www.marinaairfaire.com
Display of vintage, experimental, contemporary aircraft and warbirds at the Marina Municipal Airport. Living history from soldiers, sailors and airmen. Games and chili cook-off. Free.

October (TBA)
History Fest Monterey

Monterey
831-649-2900
www.historicmonterey.org
A ten-day celebration of the history of Monterey, from the native populations who lived here first through the arrival of the Americans. Lots of fun for everyone, with hands-on kids programs, exclusive house and garden tours, special exhibits, historical films, and stimulating lectures and workshops.

October (TBA)
5th Annual Historic House Tours

Monterey
831-646-5601
www.monterey.org/library
Hosted by the Friends of the Monterey Public Library, this is a self-guided walking tour of some of Monterey's most interesting vintage homes. Tickets may be purchased at the library in advance $20. Proceeds benefit the library.



November 2008



back to top





December 2008

December 5-7
9th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival

Monterey
800-722-9652
www.montereycowboy.com
The best cowboy poets and balladeers are featured in a 3-day weekend event also showcasing western artists and gear makers.

December (TBA)
Inns of Distinction Tour

Carmel
831-624-4447
www.carmelheritage.org
Presented by the Carmel Heritage Society. Tour selected inns while enjoying wine & hors d'oeuvres.

back to top

December (TBA)
24th Annual Christmas in the Adobes

Monterey
831-647-6226
www.parks.ca.gov/mshp
Experience Monterey's beautiful historic buildings illuminated by candlelight and enhanced with period decorations, musical entertainment, costumed volunteers and refreshments.