30 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 CALENDAR Big Sur Foragers Festival January 24-25, 2026 This event is a celebration of the culinary delights of mushrooms—and includes events like a “Fungus Face-off,” during which chefs compete for the best foraged dish, and more. Various locations. (831) 667-2580, bigsurforagersfestival.org AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Feb. 12-15, 2026 The Pro-Am was started by entertainment icon Bing Crosby in 1937. Now golf’s biggest names compete to win the coveted title at this PGA Tour designated event. Last year the field included most of the world’s top 50 professionals. Most of the world’s top 100, in fact. At Pebble Beach golf courses. (831) 649-1533, attpbgolf.com Jazz Bash by the Bay March 6-8, 2026 For the 46th year, more than 20 bands will perform at eight indoor venues in downtown Monterey, playing traditional jazz, ragtime, swing, gypsy and blues. There are even six dance floors. Monterey Conference Center and Portola Hotel, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (888) 349-6879, jazzbashmonterey.com Pebble Beach Food & Wine April 9-12, 2026 This event brings together the finest chefs, wines and spirits from across the country and the world and places them in one of the most beautiful settings for four days of tastings, talks, dinners and more. It’s exquisite. Various locations, Pebble Beach. pebblebeachfoodandwine.com Life Time Sea Otter Classic April 16-19, 2026 A celebration of all things cycling that includes a little bit of something for everyone, from professionals to the kids. Watch the races, then head to the expo for food, drinks, the latest and greatest in bicycles and gear, and a chance to meet your favorite athlete. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. (800) 218-8411, seaotterclassic.com Whalefest Monterey April 11-12, 2026 This event dedicated to the wonderful whale celebrates marine life, explores environmental issues and more. Expect to hear from leading marine experts and enjoy interactive exhibits and activities—the festival’s signature blend of science and fun. Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. montereywharf.com Big Sur International Marathon April 26, 2026 A marathon is a marathon, except when it’s the Big Sur Marathon. Start training now in preparation for one of the most iconic and stunning running routes along the edge of the continent. Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 6256226, bigsurmarathon.org Trans Am Speedfest May TBD, 2026 The muscle cars of the Trans Am series are meant for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers and other high-horsepower beasts are on track for two days of racing in anger. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 242-8200, weathertechraceway.com The Quail Motofest May TBD, 2026 A lifestyle event as much as a concours, the gathering brings rare, classic and desired motorcycles, along with enthusiasts and anyone else, together for one day. There are fine wines, but also a beer garden, demonstrations and a lot of fun for all, even if you prefer four wheels. The Quail Lodge and Golf Club, 8000 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel. (831) 620-8879, peninsula.com TireRack.com Monterey SportsCar Championship May 1-3, 2026 It’s IMSA racing. Hot Porsches, Ferraris, Mustangs, Mercedes and more. Prototypes— the most sophisticated and powerful sports cars—as well, all on the track at the same time. It’s a lot of action. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 242-8200, weathertechraceway.com Good Old Days May 2-3, 2026 This free-admission street festival overflows with bands and other performers across several stages, with arts and crafts, carnival rides, plus food vendors and beer gardens to keep everyone fueled in a celebration of “America’s Last Hometown.” Lighthouse Avenue, downtown Pacific Grove. (831) 3733304, pacificgrove.org Salinas Valley Fair May 14-17, 2026 Come for the animals, stay for the fried foods. Or come for the carnival rides—your choice. This is classic, family-friendly fun in the heart of the Salad Bowl of the World. Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, 625 Division St., King City. (831) 385-3243, salinasvalleyfair.com California Roots Music & Art Festival May 22-24, 2026 Cali Roots is reportedly the largest festival of its kind in the world—and it certainly draws in the best reggae and related-to-reggae talent in the world. But what makes it special, fans say, is the whole vibe. Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. californiarootsfestival.com Carmel Culinary Week May TBD, 2026 Restaurants prepare specials, but the heart of this week are the ticketed events. You can party in the plaza, dine on long tables under the stars, opt for elegance or for street fare. There is even a chef competition. Downtown Carmel. carmelcalifornia.com California International Airshow Salinas CHARLES BRISCOE-KNIGHT
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