Thursday, Jan. 8
Read Along
If your New Year’s resolution is to read more in 2026, Monterey County Free Libraries has just the thing to kickstart your journey. The library system has a free Winter Reading Club through Jan. 31 for all ages. Sign up as an individual, or as a family or group,
at one of 16 locations throughout the county and receive a free book and a reading log. For every 20 minutes of reading, color or check off a fun snowball graphic. Prizes are awarded for six hours of reading. The idea is to read for fun, so pick something that brings you joy. [PM]
Through Jan. 31. Monterey County Free Libraries, various locations. Free. (831) 883-7573, bit.ly/3YktlJ8.
Saturday, Jan. 10
Run/Walk 2026
Maybe you’re the person who takes a beat in January – takes a chill pill and hibernates after a busy holiday marathon. Or maybe you’re eager to jog off the eggnog. If you fall somewhere in between and want to just move your body and get some fresh air for a good cause, Carmel is hosting a run/walk 5K to kick off 2026. Translated: That’s 3.1 miles of gorgeous coastal views along Scenic Drive. The proceeds go to Girls on the Run Central Coast Inc., a nonprofit that empowers girls in grades 3-8 to thrive and make a positive impact through programs that blend physical activity, teamwork, and life skills – helping build friendships and foster a sense of belonging. Canines will need an additional ticket ($15). [KR]
8:30am Saturday, Jan. 10. San Carlos and 9th, Carmel. $48. (323) 630-3407, carmel-by-the-sea-5k.com.
Triple the Charm
Chamber Music Monterey Bay presents the Lysander Piano Trio (Itamar Zorman, violin; Liza Stephanova piano; James Kim, cello). Inspired and named after the character in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the trio was formed at The Juilliard School, where the performers studied and met. They are returning to Monterey County with songs by Czech composer Antonín Dvorák (Piano Trio No. 3 in F Minor, op. 65), Polish-Soviet composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg (Piano Trio in A Minor, op. 24) and living Israeli composer Udi Perlman (“Nostos”). [AP]
7:30pm Saturday, Jan. 10. Sunset Center, San Carlos and 9th, Carmel. $30-$75. (831) 625-2212, chambermusicmontereybay.org.
Saturday, Jan. 10 - Sunday, Jan. 11
Skeptics Only
Being skeptical is healthy. Are you ready to take it to yet another level? Meet many curious and playful minds at Monterey County SkeptiCamp, an annual gathering of local and regional skeptics, for a day of presentations and discussions. From free will to free energy, a plethora of provocative subjects will be broached. Should we trust data? What’s the latest on the colonization of Mars? Go ask your questions and get your answers. [AP]
9:30am-4:30pm Saturday, Jan. 10; 10am-2pm Sunday, Jan. 11. El Gabilan Library community room, 1400 N. Main St., Salinas. Free; register online. (831) 214-9466, abouttimeproject.org/skepticampinfo.
Here and Now
At first glance, the title of Madregalia’s upcoming concert, Renaissance Now, may seem like an oxymoron. The Renaissance period is considered to have ended in roughly the 17th century, so how can it be happening now? Simple: The music is timeless. Madregalia presents a concert with music that is based on the variety of chord patterns Renaissance musicians used to compose their works. Those same progressions are still in use today. In addition to historical pieces, modern works will be showcased composed by director Jefferson DeMarco, including the “Mass on Renaissance Basses.” It all proves that the Renaissance never really ended. [EC]
2:30pm Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 10-11. All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Dolores and 9th, Carmel. $30. pastymemusic.com.
Sunday, Jan. 11
On Key
Frank Wiens has spent 40-plus years mastering over 35 concertos on the piano, performing those (and other repertoire) around the world. But he’s also spent that time doing something beyond playing music – he uses piano to connect to people, break down barriers and support causes he believes in. That includes benefits for homeless solutions and for fire relief, and performing in venues “where classical recitals are rarely heard,” according to his bio. He is a technical master, but believes the underlying power of music is in its emotional layers, and is known for connecting to his audiences with sincere and accessible explanations about the music. He brings that spirit (and piano chops) to Monterey for an afternoon concert. [SR]
3-4:30pm Sunday, Jan. 11. Wendi Kirby Music, 550 Hartnell St., Suite F, Monterey. $50. wendikirbymusic.com.
New Year, New Sound
If 2025 left you feeling a bit battered, welcome 2026 with intention and refreshment in a historic and inspirational location, California’s First Theatre in Monterey, where yoga teacher Jordy May is leading a 90-minute New Year’s yoga and sound bath experience to benefit the Monterey State Historic Park Association. “There is something deeply grounding about practicing in a space that has held so much history, presence and human connection while honoring the local roots of Monterey,” May writes in her event description. It includes a slow yoga practice, followed by stillness and an immersive sound journey. An after-practice tea inside the adobe’s saloon is included. Bring your own yoga mat, water, blankets and props, and wear layers – the old building has no heating. [PM]
4-5:30pm Sunday, Jan. 11. California’s First Theatre, corner of Pacific and Scott streets, Monterey. $60. info@mshpa.org, adaywithjordymay.com.
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Cucina Romana
There was a kid once that always said she’d move to Italy and her name is Katie Parla. Not only did she move there, she became well-versed in a country that packs tons of culture, art, food and wine into its iconic boot shape. Parla managed to pack her love affair with food into her latest book, Rome: A Culinary History, Cookbook, and Field Guide to the Flavors that Built a City. If that title seems like a mouthful, the pasta you can make from it is a ready contender. Come say “ciao” to her and receive a copy of the book at this event hosted by Ad Astra Atelier. [SC]
6-8pm Tuesday, Jan. 13. Ad Astra Atelier, 319 Mid Valley Center, Carmel Valley. $125. ateliercarmelvalley.com.
Acoustic Jazz
Adam Moezinia is a Juilliard graduate who uses his education in traditional jazz to experiment with his band,
Folk Element Trio. They incorporate different styles of folk music from around the world including West Africa, the Caribbean, the U.K. and Appalachia. Moezinia has worked with many greats in the music industry, such as Freddy Cole and Mike LeDonne. [AP]
7pm Tuesday, Jan. 13. Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave St., Monterey. $25. (831) 655-2010, wavestreetstudios.com.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
O Face
Steve-O continues his mission to pull off the most attention-grabbing, wince-inducing, turn-your-head-afraid-to-look stunts before, as he put on his last tour, he’s at an age no one will want to look. The Jackass star, stand-up comedian and best-selling author (with a memoir titled Professional Idiot) revels in “a lifetime of terrible decisions” in his The Crash and Burn Tour, which opened in Nashville at the start of the new year with sold-out shows. What to expect? Steve-O is funny. He also puts on a multimedia experience featuring his stunts. But what should say it all – without giving anything away – is that the show is for ages 18 and up, and generally comes with a warning. Prepare to laugh and cringe as low as possible into your seat at the same time. [DF]
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