Fall Arts Calendar 2026

Editor's Note

Welcome to the fall.

September is the month when we here at the Weekly traditionally realize we can’t keep up with all of the events of the season all at once – important exhibits, concerts, theatrical productions, community celebrations and various holiday traditions. As we pack our calendars to the brim, it’s the most exciting and busy time of the year for the arts. So while you can still find a focus on arts and culture this week (see the Hot Picks section, p. 28), we take a look through the end of the calendar year.

This year, event powerhouse Sunset Cultural Center in Carmel is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its existence (first as a school, then as a venue). A big community block party is coming up on Oct. 25, followed by three years of special events and extra fun programming within the nonprofit’s “Century of Creativity” campaign, set to culminate in 2031, the centennial of the theater itself.

In the visual arts world, another party happens for the 150th birthday of the famous artist (and Monterey County local) Jo Mora. An exhibit of his work pertaining to his life as an author is on display at the John Steinbeck Library in Salinas now through at least October. An exhibit of his multiple artistic talents opens at One Main Street in Salinas this month and runs through the end of the year. Meanwhile, another exhibit of his life and artwork, as documented by Carmel photographer Lewis Josselyn, displayed at the Stanton Center in Monterey runs into 2027.

Local theater audiences have more opportunities for staged works than ever, with initiatives such as Enchantrix and Soapbox Stage Works supplementing productions from more established local stages. Waiting for Godot by Enchantrix is coming this October, with Fort Ord National Monument as a setting. The annual Shakespeare offering from PacRep is A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the fittingly dreamy Outdoor Forest Theater. Paper Wing Theatre is back with its annual tradition of The Rocky Horror Show, with a run ending on Halloween.

There’s more live entertainment from intimate classical ensembles to emerging local rock ‘n’ roll musicians, touring DJs and seasonal performances of The Nutcracker coming too. Seemingly every style from every era will grace Monterey County venues this season. Enjoy.

-Agata Popęda, Arts and Culture staff writer

SEPTEMBER

REX RAY: WE ARE ALL MADE OF LIGHT

On display until Jan. 17, 2027

Monterey Museum of Art, Monterey

372-5477, montereyart.org

BORN OF THE BEAR DANCE: DUGAN AGUILAR’S PHOTOGRAPHS OF NATIVE CALIFORNIA

On display until Dec. 20

Monterey Museum of Art, Monterey

372-5477, montereyart.org

MONICA LONCOLA: ON THE EDGE OF THE PACIFIC

On display until Jan. 3, 2027

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, Pacific Grove

648-5716, pgmuseum.org

Sept. 26

JOE MANN, VICTORIA LYNN

6pm, Henry Miller Library, Big Sur

667-2574, henrymiller.org

JO MORA & FAMILY: THROUGH THE LENS OF LEWIS JOSSELYN

On display until 2027

Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center, Monterey

372-2608, montereyhistory.org

Sept. 27

MONTEREY PENINSULA GOSPEL COMMUNITY CHOIR

5pm, Sunset Center, Carmel

625-9938, sunsetcenter.org

Sept. 30

GEOFF TATE

7pm, Golden State Theatre, Monterey

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