It’s been called a tribal gathering, a party, an improvisation… and a “cultural colossus.”
Around here we just call it the Monterey Jazz Festival – and we wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Now in its 54th year, this year’s event takes place the weekend of Sept. 16-18 at the Monterey Fairgrounds. Over 500 artists play on eight stages… here’s just a few of the headliners:
- Herbie Hancock
- Sonny Rollins
- India.Irie slotsonlinecanada.ca
- Huey Lewis and the News
- Hiromi
- Joshua Redman
Tickets just went on sale for single day and 3-day admission packages. Don’t wait!

On Another “Note”
As of this writing we still have availability for the Jazz Festival weekend. Put your feet up at this lovely ocean view two bedroom/three bath home in nearby Pacific Grove.
It’s just a short walk to downtown shops and restaurants – and minutes from the Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and Carmel.
Need info? Reservations@MontereyRentals.com
Get some “viticulture” at the 19th Annual Monterey Winemakers’ Celebration – an outdoor summer festival that brings together over 40 wineries in Carmel’s lovely Barnyard Shopping Village.
Enjoy wine, food and jazz – and chat with local winemakers including Gianni Abate (Morgan Winery), Bill Anderson (Chateau Julien), Steve Pessagno (Pessagno Winery), and Paul Hahn (Hahn Wines).
From 1-4 pm, sip from a selection of some 200 wines and savor culinary treats from these Barnyard restaurants:
- Robata Sushi Grill
- Allegro Gourmet Pizzeria
- Bahama Billy’s
- Pieces of Heaven
- Serendipity Farms
- Flanagan
- From Scratch
- Hola
- Lugano Swiss Bistro
- The Monterey Chocolate Company
Admission is $30 in advance, $35 at the door (designated drivers are $15). You can also ride to the festival from downtown Carmel or downtown Monterey on a convenient mini bus operated by MST (Monterey Salinas Transit). Fare is just one dollar each way.
Cutting edge art, great music, gourmet food, fine wine and ales: you’ll find it all August 26-28 at Sand City’s Tenth Annual West End Celebration. Over one hundred resident and visiting artists will open their studio doors, showcase their wares – and wow you with their talent.
The event kicks off Friday night, Aug. 26, with “Raising Cain in Sand City” – a benefit concert starring legendary bluesman Chris Cain, John “Broadway” Tucker, Red Beans & Rice, and the Monterey Bay Blues Festival’s “Blues in the Schools” Honor Band. The concert takes place in the Carmel Stone Imports Building, along with an exhibit by young local artists ages 12 to 22. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Saturday and Sunday there will be live music on two different stages, and Saturday afternoon the Boomtown Saints will rock Sweet Elena’s Bakery. The MST Trolley will provide free transportation to and from the event sites.
This year’s celebration has a “green” theme, with lectures on topics from “building green” to “living green” both days. Several presentations will showcase the new, green concepts being formulated and implemented in the redevelopment of Sand City.
Vintage races, auto shows, auctions, rallies and parties: it’s all about cars during Monterey Car Week when auto enthusiasts from all over the world gather in Pebble Beach and environs.
Here are some of the highlights:
Aug. 16 – Concours on the Avenue: Carmel-by-the-Sea’s world famous Ocean Avenue will be closed to traffic – 16 blocks will be filled with over 175 luxury cars, muscle cars, hot rods and sporting cars.
Aug. 16-17 – “Automobilia:” Road & Track calls this a must attend event: over 45 international dealers displaying vintage posters, photos, hood ornaments, models… if it’s related to cars you’ll find it here.
Aug. 17 – Pebble Beach Motoring Classic: “The ultimate road trip.” Up to 30 quality and thoroughbred automobiles manufactured prior to 1968 are invited to participate. The 1,500 mile adventure begins near Seattle and winds south, arriving in time for the exhibition on August 17.
Aug. 17 – The Little Car Show: Display of electric, gas powered micro and mini vehicles from noon to 5 pm on Lighthouse Ave. in Pacific Grove, followed by a tour parade along the waterfront.
Aug. 18-20 – Monterey Sports and Muscle at the Marriott: Russo and Steele’s 11th annual auto auction event. Previews begin at 10am and auctions are at 5pm each day.
Aug. 18 – Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance: Classic cars tour scenic 17-Mile Drive with a break from noon to 2 pm in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where cars will be on display on Ocean Avenue.
Aug. 19-20 – RM Auctions at the Portola Hotel: A two day sale of the world’s finest automobiles, from sports and racing cars to unique and coach built classics.
Aug. 18-20 – Mecum Auction: Muscle cars and more at the Hyatt in Monterey. From vintage Beetle convertibles to Mustang GTs and Porsche tractors, this is one of the most popular Concours events.
Aug. 20 – Concours d’LeMons: a celebration of the “oddball, mundane, and truly awful of the automotive world” at the Seaside City Hall.
Aug. 21 – Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: Some 200 of the most prized collector cars and motorcycles in the world converge at Pebble Beach for this “Super Bowl of the automotive universe.”
Pebble Beach Vacation Rental

Accommodations are extremely scarce during the Concours events.
We currently have a 3 bedroom/3 bath family (and dog) friendly home in the Pebble Beach forest with a sunroom and a lovely garden.
Contact: Reservations@MontereyRentals.com
The exchange rate is horrible, but you can visit Ireland and Scotland without ever leaving town August 6-7 at the 44th Annual Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival at Toro Park between Monterey and Salinas on Highway 68.
Watch kilt-clad hunks throw trees (the “Caber Toss”) and heave 20 lb. boulders (the “Stone Put”). Then stroll through the “Avenue of Clans” to trace your ancestry – and invite your new found relatives to join you for food and drink from over 50 vendors.
The festival will feature live entertainment by Irish singer Seamus Kennedy, Celtic rock band “Brother,” Sligo Rags, and harpist Amy Krupski.
From 9am to 5pm both days there will be activities for everyone:
- Massed Pipe bands
- Drum Major and Pipe band competitions
- Highland and Irish step dancing
- Sheepdog Herding demonstrations
- Athletic Events & Scottish games for the kids
- Historical Re-enactments
Then Have Yourself a Highland Fling:
In a newly remodeled two bedroom/1.5 bath ocean view condo at Lover’s Point.
Enjoy the many moods of Monterey Bay from the living room, patio or master bedroom, head out on the coastal trail, or explore charming Pacific Grove, just three blocks away.
Contact:
Reservations@MontereyRentals.com
Put some sparks in your relationship with a romantic bonfire on the beach!
Here’s how it works: you casually stroll down Carmel Beach at a pre-appointed time and voila!: surprise someone special with a pre-lit, blazing bonfire in the sand.
Romantic Room Designs also supplies the beach blanket, extra wood, roasting sticks, and all the fixin’s for s’mores: marshmallows, Hershey bars and graham crackers.
You can even have a message written in rose petals on the sand http://st..emale-cialis/. Prices start at $139 with various options and upgrades for different occasions. (They’ll do everything but propose for you.)
Relax in this Bubbling Beauty
And what could be better than soaking in a bubbling hot tub after that bonfire? Listen to the sounds of the surf while relaxing in the tub in this secluded courtyard – or check out the stars from the huge roof top deck.
With breathtaking views of Carmel Bay and the Pebble Beach Golf Course, this four bedroom 2200 sq. ft. retreat is just a short walk from the beach and the heart of downtown Carmel.
Contact:
Reservations@MontereyRentals.com