Things to Do in Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley Farmer’s Market
https://www.wcfma.org/carmel-valley
Every Thursday 10am – 2pm
Held weekly on Thursdays, the Carmel Valley Farmers Market offers a vibrant showcase of locally grown, produce, flowers, prepared foods, and more. Set in Mission-of-Carmel Park, the market features live music and a welcoming family atmosphere. Meet local growers and makers, and savor the fresh local flavors that Carmel Valley has to offer.
Big Sur Foragers Festival
https://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org/
January 22-25, 2026
Big Sur Foragers Festival is a four-day celebration in Big Sur, California. Guests can enjoy guides foraging walks, gourmet mushroom dinners, wine tastings and more. All ticket proceeds support the Big Sur Help Center, which provides essential healthcare for the local community.
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
February 12-15, 2026 starts at 7am
Held at one of the most famous golf courses in the US, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am brings 80 of the most iconic golfers to compete at the legendary Pebble Beach and Spyglass coastal golf courses. Known for the stunning views, relaxing coastal charm, and rich history, this a must-see golf tournament.
Big Sur International Marathon
https://www.bigsurmarathon.org/
April 26, 2026 6:45 AM PDT
The Big Sur International Marathon is a stunning point-to-point 26.2-mile race held along scenic Highway 1. Runners will traverse through misty forests, towering redwood trees, and the famous Bixby Bridge. This is a unique experience that highlights the beauty of the California Central Coast.
Pebble Beach Food & Wine
https://www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com
April 9-12, 2026
Where culinary artistry meets coastal luxury, the Pebble Beach Food & Wine event is a multi-day festival that showcases the talents of Michelin-starred chefs, top winemakers, and beverage innovators. Immerse yourself with delicious tastings, intimate dinners, and informational seminars, all while being surrounded by the beauty of Pebble Beach.
Sea Otter Classic
https://www.seaotterclassic.com
April 16-19, 2026 9:00am – 5:00pm Thursday through Saturday, Sunday 9:00am – 2:00pm
Known as the world’s premier cycling festival, the Sea Otter Classic is a must for all cycling fans. Held at the iconic Laguna Seca recreation area, this expo features the latest bikes and gear, racing, demos, and group rides. Don’t forget to bring the family as they can enjoy the plethora of other activities, food, and entertainment the expo has to offer.
Sportscar Championship
https://weathertechraceway.com/pages/imsa-weathertech-sports-car-championship-of-monterey
May 1-3, 2026
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship of Monterey brings high-intensity endurance racing to the famed Laguna Seca raceway. Experience the cutting-edge prototypes and agile GTD race across the tight turns, elevation changes, and the iconic Corkscrew. Enjoy paddock access, fan experiences, and a thrilling race over this three day event.
California Roots
https://www.californiarootsfestival.com
May 22-24, 2026
The California Roots Music & Arts Festival is a three-day celebration of reggae, roots, hip-hop, and contemporary West Coast music. Held at the historic Monterey County Fairgrounds, there are multiple stages with top artists, live mural painting, eco-friendly initiatives, and craft food and drinks. With a welcoming and feel-good vibe, this is must for all music lovers.
Carmel By the Sea Culinary Week
https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-by-the-sea-culinary-week
June 5-13, 2026
Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week is a weeklong showcase of the coastal flavors of Carmel. With more than 30 local restaurants participating, visitors can enjoy special menus, chef collaborations, wine pairings, and more.
Ferrari Challenge at Laguna Seca
https://weathertechraceway.com/pages/ferrari-challenge
June 19-21, 2026
The Ferrari Challenge at Laguna Seca brings the excitement of racing that all Ferrari fans can enjoy. Both amateur and seasoned racers compete with identical Ferrari race cars, which showcase speed, precision, and teamwork. Fans will enjoy paddock access, close racing, and an Italian flair-filled weekend.
MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey at Laguna Seca
https://weathertechraceway.com/pages/motoamerica-superbike-speedfest-at-monterey
July 10-12, 2026
The MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey brings the nation’s top motorcycle racers to Laguna Seca for a weekend of pure adrenaline. Riders will push their bikes to the limit on the fast straights, tight corners, and the legendary Corkscrew. Fans will enjoy the non-stop action with paddock access, rider autographs, vibrant fan zones making this a must for all motorsport fans.
Carmel Valley Fiesta
https://www.carmelvalleypark.com/special-events
August 1-2, 2026
The Carmel Valley Fiesta is a long-standing tradition that transforms the community park into a lively gathering with live entertainment, great food, crafts, and activities for all ages. From classic-car shows, dog shows, and a horseshoe tournament, there is something that everyone will enjoy.
Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb at Laguna Seca
https://weathertechraceway.com/pages/monterey-pre-reunion-and-corkscrew-hillclimb
August 8-9, 2026
A favorite of vintage racing enthusiasts, the Monterey Pre-Reunion celebrates motorsport history with two days of track time for beautifully preserved and race-ready vintage cars. Fans can enjoy the decades of motorsport heritage race around the legendary Laguna Seca circuit. This event ends with the Corkscrew Hillclimb, a unique challenge that pushes drivers to conquer the track in a different manner.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca
https://weathertechraceway.com/pages/rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion
August 12-15, 2026
Carmel-By-The-Sea Car Week
https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-car-week
August 12-17, 2026
Carmel-by-the-Sea Car Week turns the village’s charming streets into an open-air gallery of automotive excellence. Every August, auto enthusiasts gather to admire rare classics, vintage racers, and exhilarating supercars along beautiful Ocean Avenue. This relaxed event makes it a stand-out experience for all car buffs.
Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance
https://www.pebblebeachconcours.net/
August 16, 2026 5:30 am – 5:00 pm
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is not just any auto show, it is a showcase of the world’s finest collector cars. From vintage icons, to the unique and rare, this is the pinnacle of automotive shows. With esteemed awards, special debuts, and stunning views, this is the highlight of Carmel-By-The-Sea Car Week.
INDYCAR Grand Prix of Monterey (Season Finale)
https://weathertechraceway.com/pages/indycar-grand-prix-of-monterey
September 4-6, 2026
The IndyCar Grand Prix of Monterey is holding it’s exciting season finale race at the legendary Laguna Seca. Teams will be competing in this high-intensity last race to come out on top. Fans will enjoy lightning-fast racing, with daring overtakes, in this late season showdown. IndyCar fans will not want to miss this!
GRIDLIFE Laguna Festival
https://weathertechraceway.com/pages/gridlife-laguna
September 18-20, 2026
GRIDLIFE is a celebration of all things racing and car culture. From Time Attack competitions and full-course drifting to car shows, vendor exhibits, and more there is something that every car enthusiast will enjoy. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment, car displays, food, and the welcoming community of passionate gearheads.
Monterey Jazz
September 25-27, 2026
As the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world, the Monterey Jazz festival is one of the most beloved celebrations of the genre. With the top jazz icons to new emerging artists on the scene, guests will experience the full spectrum of jazz. Held at the scenic Monterey County Fairgrounds, this event features panel discussions, clinics, and youth programs that support music education, coupled with fantastic food, art vendors, and more. This is a lively celebration for both longtime jazz lovers and newcomers.
Carmel International Arts Festival
https://carmelartsfestival.org/
September 27-28, 2026 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Carmel Art Festival brings art lovers together for a weekend of fine art, live performances, and creative energy. Sixty of California’s top artists come to exhibit original paintings, sculptures, and more, many being available for purchase. Add in live music, demonstrations, and children’s art activities, this free event is fun for all ages!
Laguna Seca SpeedTour (Trans Am)
https://weathertechraceway.com/pages/laguna-seca-speedtour-trans-am
October 2-4, 2026
The Laguna Seca SpeedTour (Trans Am) brings the excitement of racing with dozens of both production-based and high-performance cars to Laguna Seca. From historic Trans-Am racers to modern competition cars, this weekend delivers thrilling wheel-to-wheel action on a legendary track. Fans will enjoy vintage racing, paddock access, vendor exhibits, and a weekend of high-octane racing.
Big Sur River Run
October 2026
The Big Sur River Run is a beautiful way to discover Southern Monterey County’s Landscape. Both a certified 10k race or a family fun walk/run are offered and loops beside the Big Sur River and through the towering redwoods and oak groves. Proceed support local organizations including Big Sur Health Center and Big Sur Fire.
Big Sur Food and Wine Festival
https://www.bigsurfoodandwine.org
November 6-8, 2026
Held annually in November, the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival showcases local chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers. Guests can enjoy gourmet tastings, chef-driven dinners, wine seminars, and exclusive events that highlight regional cuisine and world-class wines. The festival supports local nonprofits with proceeds going to the MidCoast Fire Brigade, Big Sur Historical Society, and much more.
First Night Monterey
https://www.firstnightmonterey.org
December 31, 2025, 3:00pm – Midnight
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the family-friendly event First Night Monterey. Held in historic downtown Monterey, this event includes live music, dance, art installations, hands-on activities for all ages and more. This award-winning, inclusive festival celebrates community, culture, and is a fun way to ring into the new year!
Holidays in the Park
https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/event/holiday-tree-and-menorah-lighting-ceremony/ (includes the Carmel Valley Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony)
December 5, 2025, 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with Holidays in the Park. Festivities include the annual tree and menorah lighting ceremony, live music, family activities, and Santa’s arrival by firetruck. After the celebrations, head over to Carmel Plaza for even more live entertainment, treats, and kid-friendly activities.