Big Sur events: Whitney's concert moves to Carmel Valley, Big Sur Fashion Show postponed to May 2027.

If you were worried that Chicago indie band Whitney would have to cancel its Henry Miller Memorial Library concert due to the Timber Fire in Big Sur, worry no more. The concert will take place—but it’s moving to Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley. All other upcoming library events are on, but keep checking regarding status, suggests the Library's executive director, Magnus Torén.

One big event, the 2026 Big Sur Fashion Show, originally set for Sept. 10, is now postponed to May 2027, Torén confirms. 

Whitney fans can breathe a sigh with relief. Tickets are still available, and all tickets bought for the Henry Miller Library show will be honored at Folktale. 

Formed in 2015, Whitney (roommates Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek) debuted with the album Light Upon the Lake in 2016, which includes their most popular single to date, “No Woman.” Kakacek provides guitars; Ehrlich is a drummer and the vocalist. Their latest is Small Talk from 2025, and their vibe is described as indie rock with some soul, folk and country influences. 

“We remain eternally grateful to the local and visiting firefighters who are working around the clock to protect our Big Sur community, including the Henry Miller Library and surrounding homesteads,” wrote the organizers.

Folktale Winery—despite going through a remodel itself—recently also came to the rescue of Hacienda in Carmel Valley, a venue that was looking for a new home for its line dancing events. That doesn’t stop the winery from having an otherwise full calendar in the coming weeks and months. (Henry Miller Library is also hoping for an eventful late summer and fall—see all events here.)

Folk Yeah and Henry Miller Library staff recommend supporting the continued firefight and related relief efforts by donating to the Monterey County Fire Relief Fund or Big Sur Fire.  

“The weather has been wonderfully cooperating,” Torén says, hopeful as the fight to extinguish the Timber Fire continues. As of 7am Wednesday, Aug. 19, it is 5,526 acres and is 24-percent contained. Some evacuation orders have been lifted. Highway 1 remains closed to the public between roughly Post Ranch Inn and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Whitney performs at 7pm Friday, Aug. 21 at Folktale Winery and Vineyard, 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. $126-$152. (831) 293-7500, folkyeah.com.