Organizations & Events

Description

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea 

Carmel Civic Meetings

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

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

Friends of Carmel Forest

Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve

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 Carmel 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 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 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

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

Carmel by the Sea - Be Neighborly

Monterey Symphony 

Save our Shores

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

Monterey Cetacean Society 

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.