Carmel Area Organizations and Annual Events

Organizations & Events	Description
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea	City of Carmel by the Sea – General/All Information
Carmel Civic Meetings	Carmel monthly meetings across, committees, boards, chamber and more
Carmel Civic Events	Carmel supported, sponsored events and gatherings year round
Camel Farmers' Market	Carmel’s downtown weekly farmers' market - is held every Thursday along two sides of Devendorf Park from 10AM to 2PM. Only on holidays or harsh weather is this postponed. This market is full of fresh produce and items to delight your pallets or home with flowers and more. Plus you will also find tables hosted by local non-profit organizations that help serve our community. CRA - hosts one of these tables the last Thursday each month.
Carmel Residents Association Facebook Group	Updated area events, information, pictures and comments from other CRA leaders, and members. Join this group for the latest information.
Carmel Preservation Association	This group is focused on preserving the unique architectural character of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This work includes updating the Residential Design Guidelines and reinstating the Design Review Board with both residents and architects that share this goal. You can reach this team by emailing at this link. The Residential Design Guidelines can be found Here
Carmel Chamber of Commerce Carmel Chamber Events Chamber Ribbon Cuttings	Representing local businesses. Located in Carmel Plaza. Events and mixers generally open to the public. Public gatherings to meet new business owners and citizens.
Visit Carmel Visit Carmel Events Visit Carmel Board Meetings	Serving visitors and guests to Carmel-By-The-Sea – with great places to stay, what to eat & drink, and things do Public events and gatherings all year round Visit Carmel’s Board meetings, open to the public
Carmel Foundation Carmel Foundation Public Wednesday Programs	Serving the needs of the area’s Seniors with social, educational, physical and nutritional programs. Activities, speakers, tours, meals and more. Open to the public, Wednesday afternoons, outstanding speakers on items from history to travels and more.
Carmel Harrison Memorial Library Carmel Library Programs/Calendar Carmel Library Foundation	Providing materials, research and programs to our entire community, from age 1 to 100+. Events for our community children, adults and seniors for lifetime learning. Keeps the library open, relevant and thriving and to ensure free library service in perpetuity by providing funding for 100% of the books, materials, programs, equipment and services.
Carmel Heritage Society	The Murphy House is a source of historical and cultural information. It is a place for residents and visitors to browse through a Carmel history book, enjoy a video about the colorful people who shaped the character of this unique village or meet and reminisce with friends.
Friends of Carmel Forest	Founded in 1989, Friends of Carmel Forest works to protect, sustain and enhance Carmel's forest through awareness and care for the trees with educational programs, publications, tree planting, surveys and other activities.
Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve	Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve (MTNP) is a group of devoted local volunteers committed to conserving and restoring the Mission Trail Nature Preserve. As nonprofit 501(c)(3) they work with our City to protect the MTNP trees and wildlife - providing a serene, forested sanctuary. Signup to join the "Weedies" Volunteers monthly every 2nd Saturday.
Carmel Art Association Events at Carmel Art Association	Founded in 1927, Carmel’s oldest gallery features the work of more than 100 professional local artists and is dedicated to presenting only the finest work for sale by artists living on the Monterey Peninsula. Roster of shows, exhibits, events and more for these artists to showcase their creations
Carmel Youth Center Events at Carmel Youth Center	Helps our local kids develop the leadership skills they need to grow, learn, and thrive. Events and Programs to engage and interact with our community’s youth
Carmel Mission Carmel Mission Foundation Events at C armel Mission Foundation	Founded in 1771, the Carmel Mission Basilica has a full ministry and religious services, museum and more Established to restore and preserve the historic buildings, grounds and artifacts throughout the Carmel Mission Gatherings to deepen interactions with the community and fund raising programs
Carmel Women’s Club Events at Carmel Women’s Club	A philanthropic and community organization that is known for providing scholarships to women, donating to community organizations and sponsoring programs and events. From early October to early June, the club hosts 1st and 3rd Monday afternoon (2-4 PM) great programs and teas. Roster of routine inspirational and entertaining programs and special events
Sunset Center Sunset Theater Calendar	Welcomes over 125,000 visitors and locals annually with a combined 150+ theater events and 500+ North Wing events – including local to world renown music, theatre, entertainment, experts and more Calendar of events and ticket information
Rotary Club of Carmel-by-the-Sea	Our weekly meetings bring together people who have a diverse variety of backgrounds, but share a common passion – service to others. Our members actively engage in projects which benefit humanity and the environment, both near and far.
Carmel Host Lions Club	Proudly serving the Carmel area since 1942, our members are from the greater Carmel area and are dedicated to serving the community. We raise funds for local organizations and programs and support a variety of community activites.
Carmel Photographic Center Events at Carmel Photographic Center	Established in 1967, that was launched by iconic photography artists Ansel Adams, Cole Weston, and Wynn Bullock Events and exhibits year-round
Pacific Repertory Theaters Golden Bough & Circle Theaters	PacRep produces bold and daring interpretations of the great plays from the world stage. Plays that engage, excite, educate and inspire. A world-class theatrical experience
Forest Theater & Forest Theater Guild	One of the oldest outdoor theaters west of the Rockies, the Forest Theater and the Forest Theater Guild was founded in 1910 by Herbert Heron and Carmel’s Bohemians to provide an open-air theater experience where plays could be produced by “locals who also have fun doing the acting, directing, lighting, costuming, and staging,” wrote Heron in a personal letter.
Carmel Outlands	The Carmel Outlands is to restore and operate the historic Flanders Mansion, transforming it into a space for cultural, educational, and video production events. Our organization aims to reignite interest in the Flanders Mansion by promoting the public benefit option, ensuring the mansion becomes a treasured asset for future generations while fostering a deeper connection within the community through storytelling and creative events
Carl Cherry Center Organization Cherry Center Calendar	Founded by Carmel-by-the-Sea artist Jeanne D’Orge, the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts was established in 1948, with a mission is to present quality and diverse artistic, educational, and cultural programs in Monterey County Events, exhibits, speakers and theater gatherings in this venue
Carmel Cares	Non-profit volunteer organization that helps assure our Village public spaces and community treasures are cared for in a way that will make this special place a spectacular place — forever. Great volunteer opportunities that match everyone's time and capabilities.
Carmel Neighbors	Carmel Neighbors is a group of Carmel citizens who have organized to help take care of each other and protect the most vulnerable among us during difficult times. They’ve also started the Neighbors for Neighbors program, to help neighborhoods organize so neighbors can support each other.
Carmel CERT	CERT is a dedicated group of our fellow citizens who have been specially trained to be the support team for our first responders in an emergency. They also assist in non-emergencies to assist the City in special situations. You can join CERT by attending a training class that is offered from time to time but you can also study the materials so that you are better prepared to take care of yourself and your neighbors. There are CERT teams in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Mid-Valley, and Carmel Valley as well as other communities throughout the Monterey Peninsula.
Carmel Music Society	Incorporated in 1927, Carmel Music Society is the oldest non-profit arts organization in California. In 1935, the Society was the co-sponsor of the first Carmel Bach Festival.
Carmel Garden Club	The Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club was established in 1980 and became a member of The Garden Club of America (GCA) in 1986. Our Club is committed to local conservation, civic improvement and environmental protection. We continue to foster the love of gardening through flower shows, garden history, community projects and local scholarships benefiting horticultural studies in our community.
You Know You’re From Carmel When Facebook Page	Historical and current information, photos and events and topics of interest to current and former residents – and visitors who wish they do. Join this group for the latest information.
Carmel by the Sea - Be Neighborly	Current information, photos and events and topics of interest to residents. Join this group for the latest information.
Monterey Symphony	The mission of the Monterey Symphony is to entertain and engage our community through musical performance and education. A 501c3 Community Non-Profit
Save our Shores	From policy change to educational programs, we’re ensuring ocean conservation. Our programs and projects are designed to support a thriving Monterey Bay: clean shores, healthy habitats and living waters.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Events at Monterey Bay Aquarium	From sea otters to seaweeds, our unique oceanfront location and timeless galleries and programs bring the wonders of the ocean to life for our visitors. Special programs and activities for locals and visitors that the whole family will enjoy.
Big Sur Kate	A site maintained by Kate Woods Novoa that contains a lot of information about Big Sur.
Monterey Cetacean Society	The American Cetacean Society engages in educational, conversational, and scientific pursuits for the purpose of expanding scientific knowledge of whales, dolphins, porpoises, and related creatures. Services include presentations about whales, dolphins and related aspects of the marine environment.
Annual Events	These events occur every year. Please check the link provided for dates and additional information.
Monterey WhaleFest	Spring There will be a 2 day symposium and lots of interesting displays by the Custom House Plaza, the Causeway and along Old Fisherman's Wharf. Lots of things for kids!
AT&T ProAM	February One of the most exciting events on the PGA TOUR, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is contested annually in front of thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers on three of the Monterey Peninsula’s premier golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course.
Big Sur Marathon	April The Big Sur International Marathon is a point-to-point course run on scenic CA Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel the last Sunday each April. Towering redwoods, crashing waves, coastal mountains and verdant pastures are featured on this bucket list course.
Monterey County Vintners/Growers Winemakers’ Celebration in Carmel	August Over 100 wines made from 42 different varietals will be available for sampling at the Winemakers' Celebration in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association hosts the county's signature wine event, the Winemakers' Celebration in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea. Celebrating the wines and winemakers of Monterey County's world-class growing region, the event will display incredible wines as Dolores Street (between Ocean & 7th) is transformed into an atmosphere reminiscent of a European village street festival.
Carmel Art Festival	May Annual Carmel Art Festival, a non-profit public benefit event held to educate and inspire. Many galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea schedule their own art shows, receptions, painting and sculpture demonstrations to coincide with the Carmel Art Festival. Sculpture-In-The-Park: Galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea are also given the opportunity to exhibit sculptures in Devendorf Park to be enjoyed by festival attendees.
Carmel’s Memorial Day Ceremony	Last Monday in May Held in Devendorf Park, located at Junipero and Ocean Avenues from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the American Legion, Post 512 in honoring our Veterans.
Surf About	June A Saturday and Sunday, starting at 7:00 a.m. on Carmel Beach at 11th Street. Since 1980, once a year, local Monterey County surfers and their families have gathered on the squeaky white sands of Carmel beach for a weekend of friendly surf competition. This weekend marks where we come together to celebrate our shared love for a life of chasing waves on our central coast and beyond.
Bach Festival	Regularly 10+ days in late June and early July This festival has grown to a two-week celebration of concerts, recitals, master classes, lectures, and open rehearsals in July+. The Festival’s mission is to celebrate the works, inspiration and ongoing influence of Johann Sebastian Bach worldwide by immersing audiences in a festival experience integrating music, education and ideas.
Carmel’s July 4^th Celebration	July 4 Held in Devendorf Park located on Ocean Avenue. This is a hometown community event features live music and more. All for Kids and Adults alike.
Pebble Beach Concours Car Week	August This week includes the very best in automobile showcases of activities, tours, auctions, events and more - throughout the Monterey Peninsula. Tuesday and Thursday impressive vehicles will be available to the public to view on Ocean Avenue.
Monterey Jazz Festival	Late September The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world. It is held annually on the 20-acre, oak-studded Monterey County Fairgrounds, located at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, California. More than 500 top jazz artists perform throughout the weekend on 8 stages spread throughout the Grounds. The Arena features 5 concerts throughout the Festival weekend.
Carmel’s Great Sandcastle Contest	A September Saturday The Great Sandcastle Contest, Saturday, Carmel Beach between 10th and 12th Avenues. Contest begins at 10 AM. Judging starts at 12:00 noon. Awards given at 2:00PM. For decades, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Bay chapter of the American Institute of Architects have collaborated on The Great Sand Castle Contest. Everyone who would like to build a castle can enter the contest.
Carmel Poodle Day	Early October - commonly the first Saturday. Poodle Day is an annual event in Carmel that unites poodle owners and lovers -- and their furry companions -- for a fun-filled day. Poodle Day kicks off with a parade for poodles, poodle mixes, and their human companions followed by other activities at The Crossroads. Afternoon events include off-leash beach play -- organized by the Poodle Day Team -- a scenic stroll, a hike, or other dog-friendly activities around Carmel.
Carmel’s Meet the Makers Art & Wine	October Stroll through charming downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and meet the artists who carry on the artist colony legacy and tour their galleries, while sipping Monterey County wines. Look for the blue lanterns to find participating art galleries!
Carmel’s Annual Birthday Parade	Held on October 31st Join Carmel and area enthusiasts in Celebrating our Village Birthday and some Halloween fun for all. Our Community Parade Plus - our Pumpkin Roll on Ocean Avenue north of Mission, check back for updates on this activity date/time. Often held the weekend before Halloween.
Homecrafters' Marketplace	Saturday before Thanksgiving each November. Each year, this event happens the Saturday BEFORE Thanksgiving week....to kick-start your unique holiday shopping experience One of the most anticipated events of the holidays, the city's Homecrafters' Marketplace features 100 vendors from Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties selling their own handmade crafts and artwork. Each has been subjected to a jury panel for selection, ensuring high-quality goods and a wide range of unique offerings. The sale takes place in the parking lots of the city's Sunset Cultural Center.
Monterey Bay Half Marathon	November The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is an out-and-back course beginning in historic downtown Monterey, running along Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, and next to the beautiful Pacific Grove shoreline. The course features scenic views of waves crashing on rocky beaches, beautiful Victorian-era homes, and frequent sightings of aquatic life (whales, dolphins, sea otters, pelicans and more). Celebrate your finish with family and friends at the downtown Custom House Plaza-Monterey State Historic Park at our post-race Finish Village.
Carmel’s Veterans Day	November 11^th Beginning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Devendorf Park, located on Ocean Avenue and Junipero Streets - Join the City of Carmel and the American Legion, Post 512 in recognizing and honoring our Veterans
Carmel’s Holiday Celebration	Typically, the first Friday in December. The festivities start with a short music program and pictures at Sunset Center. At 3:00 pm Santa arrives at Devendorf Park. At 4:00 there will be a Menorah lighting ceremony and at 4:30 the main music program starts followed by small bites and music at Carmel Plaza.