Thursday, June 11, 2026 5:30-7pm – “Shipwrecks of Monterey” Exhibit Opening at Casa Gutierrez Gallery, on 590 Calle Principal, next to the Museum sculpture garden. From the SS Frank H Buck wrecked at Point Pinos in 1924 to the Roderick Dhu at Asilomar Beach in 1909- Monterey Bay’s seafloor holds stories that few know. This new exhibit brings them to the surface. Light refreshments and exhibit remarks included.
Friday, June 12, 2026, 11-12 pm Art and Literature Tour. Join the Art and Literature Walking Tour starting in front of the Custom House. Visit the Stevenson House and others that are part of our rich history. Max 15.
Saturday, June 13, 11-12 pm Historic Garden Tour lead by State Park docent. Meet in front of the Custom House and wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and sun protection. Maximum 15.
Saturday, June 13, 10-2 pm Community Craft Day- Meet in the Memory Garden behind the Pacific House for activities inspired by California history. Every participant takes home somethings they made. Free, family-friendly, come as you are. No registration.
Sunday, June 14, 11 am – 12 noon. Final Art and Literature Tour, lead by State Park docent. Meet in front of the Custom House and wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and sun protection. Maximum 15.
Monday, June 15, 10-11 am. – Colton Hall and Old Monterey Jail Walking Tour- Meet at Colton Hall, 570 Pacific Street. Step back in time to 1849, where forty-eight delegates debated, wrote, and signed the California Constitution during the California Constitutional Convention, held inside Colton Hall. See original documents, artifacts, and even walk on the same floor as the delegates. Tours of Colton Hall are free of charge on the 3nd Monday of the month and last one hour. Reservations are required. Spaces are limited. Register at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/16945360
Monday, June 15, 2-3 pm. – Colton Hall and Old Monterey Jail Walking Tour- See above. Register at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/16945378.
Wednesday, June 17, 6:30-7:30 pm – Meet and Greet with the New City Manager -Meet Dante Hall, Monterey’s new City Manager. Join New Monterey and Old Town neighbors at the Hilltop Community Center Park, 871 Jessie Street, Monterey, to discuss his ideas and hear yours for the future of our city.
Saturday, June 20, 2-3 pm – First Theater “Bring Me the Head of Joaquin Murieta!”- Uncover the story of one of California’s most legendary outlaws in this presentation by historian and author John Boessenecker at California’s First Theater, corner of Scott and Pacific. Free. Books available for purchase.
Saturday, June 20, 4-6 pm “Colton Hall-Old Flags of Monterey” Reception highlighting an exhibit of flags that tell the stories of early California and the United States. A 31-star flag welcoming California to the union, history of California’s Bear Flag, a piece of the last Mexican flag to fly iin Monterey, and the John C Fremont flag flown iin Monterey County. Learn about the history of the Monterey City flag. Flags will be on exhibit from July 1-31 at Colton Hall, 570 Pacific Street. Register at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/16868018.
Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Old Fisherman’s Wharf Father’s Day Celebration– Enjoy festive decorations perfect for family photos and selfies, and support restaurants and retailers on the wharf. Participate in the wharf’s “Dad’s Favorite Story” Essay Contest, by sending an email describing Dad’s favorite story in 200 words or less by Monday, June 22, 2026 at Midnight. There will be a drawing and the three winners will receive either $100, $50 or $25 in Wharf Dollars certificates redeemable at any merchant on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Further info at montereywharf.com.
Saturday, June 27, 12-4 pm -Discussion of City Issues with Tom Reevesat the American Legion. The discussion will include city issues such as parking, budget etc. Tom is a retired engineer that worked for the city of Monterey for many years, and has been president of New Monterey Neighborhood Association. He is a candidate for City Council District 1, and has been exploring ways to address the city’s issues. Come share ideas. Light snacks provided. RSVP to tomformonterey.org.
Friday, July 3, 6-8 pm – Opening Reception at the Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove. Enjoy music by Glenn Leon-Guerrero on keyboards and vocals, purchase raffle tickets for bidding on Tiny Treasures Annual Miniature Show Fundraiser, and visit four new exhibits: PGAC Studio Artists in the Gill Gallery; “7 in 7 Exhibition-Seven Continents in Seven Years” by Theodore Heublein in the Dyke Gallery; “Painterly Perspective- Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association Signature Members in the Annand Gallery, a juried show; Tiny Treasures Annual Miniature Show Fundraiser with over 100 pieces in the Boyer Gallery and Small Halls. Exhibits will be continuing until August 27, 2026.
Saturday, July 4, 2026, 7:30-10:10- Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station #11 at 600 Pacific Street. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, kids activities, music and a chance to interact with your local Monterey Firefighters. Tickets are $17 at www.mymuseum.org/july4, supporting Monterey Firefighters Charity.
Saturday, July 4, 2026, 10 am – Annual Independence Day Parade- Monterey’s annual 4th of July Parade is a must-attend celebration that draws approximately 20,000 people of all ages to line the streets in and around Old Monterey. Revel in the festive floats, patriotic displays, entertaining costumes, and musical bands. The parade begins at 10am sharp, starting at the corner of Alvarado Street and Pearl Street. It will go down Alvarado Street and turn left onto Del Monte Ave and then take an immediate left onto Calle Principal. It will continue on Calle Principal until Jefferson Street, and end there.
Saturday, July 4, 2026, 10:45-4:30 -Annual Big 4th of July Celebration and Backyard Food Fest on Colton Hall Lawn. Hear Samz School of Music Youth Band, 10:45-11:45; New Moon on Monday from 12:00-1:30; Chicano All Stars 1:30-3:00 pm; and Foreverland (Michael Jackson Tribute Band) from 3:00-4:30 pm.
Sunday, July 5, 2026, 3- pm -Artists Demonstration at Venture Gallery- Watch July’s featured artists Evelyn Klein and Sahar Jabr demonstrate how they unite Jabr’s felt, embroidery, and botanical elements to meet Klein’s cyanotype, etching, and print in their new as they explore memory, identity and connection. The new exhibit, entitled “Intertwined” will be featured during July, from 10-6 daily at the Venture Gallery at Portola Hotel and Spa, 260 Alvarado Street.
Saturday, July 11, 2026, 1-3pm – Old Town Neighborhood Annual Picnic in the Park – Meet at Group site #1 in Veteran’s Park, close to the play structure and lawn. Old Town Neighborhood Association will provide soft beverages and sandwich bites. Guests are encouraged to bring hand-held snacks to share. This is a free, fun-friendly family event for all who live or own property in Old Town.
Monday, July 20, 2026 10-11 am Colton Hall and Old Jail Walking Tour- Meet at Colton Hall, 570 Pacific Street. Step back in time to 1849, where forty-eight delegates debated, wrote, and signed the California Constitution during the California Constitutional Convention, held inside Colton Hall. See original documents, artifacts, and even walk on the same floor as the delegates. Tours of Colton Hall are free of charge on the 3nd Monday of the month and last one hour. Reservations are required. Spaces are limited. Register at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/ 16945361
Monday, July 20, 2026, 2-3 pm Colton Hall and Old Jail Walking Tour- See above. Register at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/ 16945379.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Monterey Trolley is again providing FREE transportation from downtown Monterey to the Aquarium and back, daily through Labor Day, 10-6 pm.
The Residential Parking Program will remain in the areas currently participating (no requalification required),changed in a unanimous vote by City Council May 19. The new virtual permits, license plate readers and $25 annual fee to register a car in participating areas will be implemented in the summer. More information can be found at https://haveyoursaymonterey.org/residential-parking-program.
Volunteer Opportunity at the California State Parks. Volunteers are needed as Custom House Storekeeper, School Program Docent, Museum Greeter, and Period Attire Docent. Help support local renovation work and education with this enthusiastic group working to preserve our historic adobes and gardens. Contact Chris or Stuart at Monterey Historic Parks or 831-236-4691.
Casa Gutierez New “Shipwrecks of Monterey” Exhibit- From the SS Frank H Buck wrecked at Point Pinos in 1924 to the Roderick Dhu at Asilomar Beach in 1909- Monterey Bay’s seafloor holds stories that few know. This new exhibit brings them to the surface, beginning June 11. 590 Calle Principal (next to the sculpture garden and museum), open Fridays and Saturdays 11-3 pm. Free.
College Scholarship Applications are now being solicited by the Monterey County Historical Society. Please view these college student scholarship opportunities at: https://mchsmuseum.com/education/
Crepes of Brittany 16th Anniversary – In appreciation of 16 years, Crepes of Brittany Seniors Program now offers 15% discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays to seniors over 55 who show a current Monterey County. Those with a military ID card receive a 15% discount daily (ongoing). They also have initiated a Crepes of Brittany VIP Card that earns patrons a free sweet crepe after five prior crepe purchases. Visit them at 211 Alvarado St.
Monterey Public Library Used Book Sale Wednesdays and Saturdays 12-2 pm. Find a treasured bargain in the basement below the library, entered from the parking lot. Paperbacks $1.00. Others as marked. Proceeds go to support the library.
Sand Bag Fill Station next to the Fire Station at 600 Pacific Street is now operational for the season. This is a self-serve station. Sand and bags are provided. Bring your own shovel.
PGE Outage Compensation Program – If you have an outage longer than 48 hours, PGE will compensate you automatically on your bill. For more information, go to https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/.
Free Recycling Bins are available by asking at the Planning Office, main level of Colton Hall at 570 Pacific Street, or by emailing bristow@monterey.gov to arrange for a pick up.
Invitation to Wednesday and Saturday Barbecues at the American Legion. At our Old Town Neighborhood Association Meeting on Wednesday, August 20, our speaker from the American Legion wanted to be sure that we, their neighbors, are always invited to attend the Wednesday Steak Barbecues (at $15, a bargain) and the Saturday Grills of Hot Dogs/ Hamburgers (under $6). Soft drinks are reasonable and it’s a nice way to meet our veterans.
Rental Registry Compliance – All rental properties must be in compliance with the city rental registry ordinance, and be registered annually.
Annual Residential Parking Passes are available to residents of Monterey and active military for $20, good for two hours at both East and West Downtown Garages, Cannery Row Garage and the Waterfront lot. Bring proof of residency, vehicle registration and ID to Parking office, 340 Tyler Street in the East Garage. See Monterey.org/parking for more information.
City of Monterey Accepting Applications for Boards, Committees, and Commissions. For position descriptions and requirements, please go to Monterey.gov/bcc.
Free Wharf Walks by Maritime Historian Tim Thomas the first Saturday of every month from 10am to noon. Hear and experience a two hour cultural maritime history tour, with themes changing monthly. Meet at the head of Old Fisherman’s Wharf near the pink Harbor House store. Free, but advance reservations are required and can be made at monterey.gov/library/events or by calling 831-646-3933. This tour is recommended for ages 10 and up with a maximum group of 15 people.
The Presidio Museum of Monterey is open Saturdays and Sundays 10-4 pm – Learn the fascinating history of our Presidio, including the early indigenous settlers, the founding of the fort, the history during three wars, and the history of the Buffalo Soldiers. An interpretive walk with great views of the bay lead up to the Sloat Monument. You can take a short cut from Van Buren over the creek bridge to reach it from Old Town. Free. Please consider volunteering as a docent for this great museum!
Free Public Tours of Ed Ricketts Pacific Biological Laboratories Second Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 and 11:30-12:30 pm, subject to availability. Modeled after famed ecologist Ed Ricketts, “Doc” was featured prominently in John Steinbeck’s novels about Cannery Row. The Lab at 800 Cannery Row was also where the idea of the Monterey Jazz Festival was born and welcomed such prominent figures as Louis Armstrong. Reserve in advance at monterey.gov/museums or by calling 831-646-5648. Visitors are also welcome to drop by without a reservation to self-tour this historic site from 12:00-4:00 pm on the second Saturday.
Casa Serano, the historic adobe at 412 Pacific Street, is now open for free visits on Saturday and Sunday 2-4 pm. Docents can help you learn the interesting history of this adobe built in 1843, as you peruse the art and furnishings.
Old Town Neighborhood Association’s website is LIVE! Visit oldtownmonterey.org for the latest on events, issues, and to find the Historic Homes self-guided walk featuring historic homes in our Old Town neighborhood. Photos of the July 13 picnic are now posted on the social page of the website.
COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CLUBS
Are you interested in finding others with your interests? Below are some of the other local organizations that welcome new members:
American Association of University Women – This national organization promotes equity for women in the workplace and in education. In addition to supporting education through scholarships, they have book clubs, social events, monthly speakers, a Romancing the Coast monthly adventure, a hiking/walking group, and other interesting events. See http://mpb-ca.aauw.net for more information.
Monterey Civic Club – Founded in 1906, the club owns the House of the Four Winds, located at 540 Calle Principal. This beautiful and historic adobe is believed to be the oldest women’s clubhouse in continuous use in the United States. Members meet the first Tuesday of each month for lunch and a social program ($25), often with a speaker of importance to members. Contact (831) 747-1072 for more information.
Gentrain Society is an organization for life-long learners. They generally meet the first and third Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 at the Monterey Peninsula College Lecture Forum #103. Lectures are free and open to the public (except $3.00 parking fee). Topics range from drama, history, and understanding civilizations and more. Courses are also offered, along with trips organized for special events. Schedules are shown at gentrain.org.
Native Daughters of the Golden West – founded in 1880s, for women born in California. The Monterey Junipero Parlor No 141 meets at 6:30 pm in the Casa Serrano on the second Monday of each month. An added benefit of membership is that members can stay at the NDGW home designed by Julia Morgan on Baker Street in San Francisco. For more information, call or text Jerilynn Crivello at 831-320-2080.
Kiwanis Club of Monterey –founded in 1926, helps support community projects, scholarships, and youth groups in our community. Learn more at http://www.kiwanisclubmonterey.org or by emailing factpath-kiwanis@yahoo.com.
| Not Yet a Member of Old Town Neighborhood Association? Annual membership dues are just $20 for two adults in your household which covers the calendar year in which paid. Your dues help support social events and technical costs of website, Zoom meetings, and newsletter. Members can be renters, owners or landlords of a property in Old Town. Learn how to become a member on our website! If you have any questions, contact us! All residents living above Pacific St between the creek near Madison and the Presidio/DLI are eligible. Checks to OTNA can be mailed, along with your names, address, phone and email to our address below. Old Town Neighborhood Association P O Box 724, Monterey, CA 93942 |
This information is being shared as a service by Old Town Neighborhood Association. Information is presumed accurate, but is not guaranteed, and always subject to change. Visit our website at oldtownmonterey.org.