Thursday, Oct. 3
Tasty Soiree
Carmel is home to dozens of restaurants, so it would be impossible to try them all in one night, but one of the village’s more enduring traditions, Taste of Carmel, lets you sample a good many in one fell swoop. Now over 35 years old, this swanky party is the premier fundraiser of the Carmel Chamber of Commerce. This year the party features more than 30 local restaurants plus wineries and craft beer makers offering their finest food and beverages. The theme for the night is “Masquerade at the Mission.” Partygoers are encouraged to don a mask and festive attire for a mysterious evening that features live music from the Money Band. Perfect for dancing off all those delectable dishes. For ages 21 and up only, and furry friends are not invited. [PM]
6pm Thursday, Oct. 3. Carmel Mission, 3080 Rio Road, Carmel. $200 (limited tickets available at the door). 624-3876, membership@carmelchamber.org, tasteofcarmel.org.
Freak Out
Singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart’s middle name, Obi, was inspired by Obi-Wan Kenobi. And while not a jedi in the Star Wars universe, the force is strong with Banhart. Born in Texas and raised in Caracas, Venezuela and later California, Banhart’s music is oft-described as “freak-folk,” whatever that means, but it hits like the music of a multicultural artist playing for the people. With his lyrics often in Spanish, it might be challenging for monolingual English speakers to follow along, but his hypnotic melodies nonetheless inspire reflection in the redwood grove at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur. And tickets are going fast – individual tickets are already sold out. [DS]
6:30pm (doors 5:30pm) Thursday, Oct. 3. Henry Miller Memorial Library, 48603 Highway 1, Big Sur; shuttle, starting at 5pm, leaves from the Loma Vista lot at 47540 Highway 1. $311/two tickets, $459/three tickets, $607/four tickets; shuttle included for all. 667-2574, henrymiller.org.
Gypsy Jazz OG’s
There’s no better feeling than listening to tunes that make you tap your feet and snap your fingers. Based in San Francisco, The Hot Club’s five-member ensemble is releasing its 15th album, Original Gadjo. American gypsy jazz musicians and fans can look forward to playful compositions with a touch of Bay Area flair. The group features Paul Mehling, the leader known as the godfather of American gypsy jazz, violinist Evan Price, rhythm guitarists Jordan Samuels and Nelsen Hutchison and upright bass player Dexter Williams. [KR]
7pm Thursday, Oct. 3. SandBox, 440 Ortiz Ave., Sand City. $25 – $40; sold out. sandboxsandcity.com.
Thursday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 19
Making Sense
Jane Austin novels are immortal and make for great movies and plays. Pacific Repertory Theatre is producing Sense And Sensibility, a timeless story about love, confusion and… the economy. We may think we have it hard with dating apps in the 21st century, but imagine the pressure of finding a wealthy husband from a good family as the only guarantee of a comfortable life. And all that without losing your nerve, because ladies have to possess manners, unless they are willing to stay old spinsters. A fresh take on the beloved novel will be served in fresh air of the Outdoor Forest Theater. [AP]
7:30pm Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 3-19. Outdoor Forest Theater, Mountain View Avenue and Santa Rita Street, Carmel. $23; $18/seniors; $13/teachers, military; $8/students; $11/children. 622-0100, pacrep.org.
Friday, Oct. 4
Call of the Raptor
The Night Owl series is soaring back to the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and this celebration will be bigger than ever. Come ready to meet owls, enjoy drinks and food and buy one-of-a-kind goods. Get yourself a cat from Animal Friends Rescue Project, all-you-can-eat charcuterie, brews from Alvarado Street Brewery and tequila with the Tequila People. Admission includes two drink tickets. Host Antonio Balestreri and his live owls will entertain in the garden, along with music and beats by DJ Ice Cream Adventure. [AP]
4-10pm Friday, Oct. 4. Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. $35/members; $45/general, $75/VIP; $50/at the door; ages 21 and up. 648-5716. pgmuseum.org.
Friday, Oct. 4 – Sunday, Oct. 6
Tor It Up
So you think it’s impossible to combine scholarly presentations with good fun. You also think there’s no way one could add cool outdoor excursions to the mix. Wrong and wrong. It’s all possible, thanks to the folks behind the annual Robinson Jeffers Tor House Fall Festival. The weekend affair starts with a happy hour celebration on Friday with wine, food and recitals – both of you-know-who’s poetry and of music on Una Jeffers’ prized 1904 Steinway grand piano. Saturday is taken up by talks and panel discussions, followed by a banquet. On Sunday there are field trips – in the morning to Point Lobos, in the afternoon to Carmel River State Beach. Do one, do both. The field trips are free (registration required), as are the Saturday talks. So you learn something and you have a lot of fun. It can be done. [DF]
5-7pm Friday, Oct. 4: Sunset Celebration, Tor House, 26304 Ocean View Ave., Carmel. $25. 8:30am-3:45pm Saturday, Oct. 5: presentations, Carmel Woman’s Club, San Carlos and 9th. Free. 5:30pm: Banquet. Pine Inn, Ocean and Lincoln. $65. 8:30am-4pm Sunday, Oct. 6: Field Trips at Point Lobos and Carmel River State Beach. Free. 624-1813, torhouse.org.
Friday, Oct. 4 – Thursday, Oct. 31
Oh, the Horror
October brings many things. Pumpkins, the changing color of foliage and Paper Wing Theatre’s The Rocky Horror Show. What better way to get into the season than a campy musical about a mad scientist who mutilates humans into abominations? We can’t think of anything more appropriate. Late-night Halloween showing? There’s no competition. The Rocky Horror Show is well-known for its catchy tunes such as “Sweet Transvestite” and “Time Warp.” And as always, the audience can expect to be a part of the show. Go ahead and let your wild side out. [EC]
8pm Fridays-Saturdays and midnight on Saturdays, Oct. 4-30 and 9pm Thursday, Oct. 31. Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club, 711 Cannery Row, Suite I (upstairs), Monterey. $35. 905-5684, paperwing.com.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Training on Wheels
Learning to ride a bike is an important challenge for any kid to overcome, and one that should ideally be fun. But if that kid lives in Monterey County, it can be way more fun if they can also learn how to properly roll on a mountain bike. The Monterey Off Road Cycling Association hosts its annual “Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day” event at the Fort Ord Day Camp Cycling Area. It’s a free event where preschool – to middle school-aged young bucks can get trail-riding coaching from their high school-aged peers. They can roll free in the “kid zone” and test their mettle in the “skill zone.” They just need a bike and helmet, and a water bottle is recommended too. [DS]
10am-1pm Saturday, Oct. 5. Fort Ord Day Camp Cycling Area, 15301 Watkins Gate Road, East Garrison. Free. morcamtb.org.
Plant Based
Boot camp is difficult, to say the least. Push-ups, 20-mile hikes in full gear, instruction on seeds and organic fertilizing techniques… What? Either the Marine Corps has changed or we’re talking about a different training facility. Yep – the latter. The nonprofit Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association has a training facility where for sustainable farming practices, and they are giving everyone a peek at Family Farm Day. There are tractor rides, a maize maze (see what we did there?), pumpkin decorating, games and more. ALBA representatives will be there to talk about their facility and fresh produce will be for sale (bring cash). This is basic training the way it should be – fun and informative. [DF]
11am-3pm Saturday, Oct. 5. ALBA, 1700 Old Stage Road, Salinas. Free. 758-1469, albafarmers.org.
Dynamic Duo
San Francisco-based guitar duo Christopher Mallett and Robert Miller have a rich repertoire that spans classical music to original works. Talented musicians and advocates for the arts, they are co-founders of The California Conservatory of Music and The Peninsula Guitar Series. Recently recognized by Classical Guitar Magazine as one of America’s most promising young guitar ensembles, the duo brings their incredibly rich and dynamic tunes to the Pacific Grove Art Center for an intimate performance. [KR]
6pm Saturday, Oct. 5. Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. $25/in advance, $30/at the door. carmelguitarsociety.org.
Legend in Town
You know Jimmie Vaughan from the way he wields his guitar. His sound swelters like shotgun shack blues. It roars like a hot rod through R&B and wails with the sorrow of a soulful heartbreak. Vaughan and The Tilt-A-Whirl band can make you twirl or contemplate as they rummage through American roots. Vaughan is known for his work with The Fabulous Thunderbirds and hits like “Tuff Enuff” and “Six Strings Down.” But Vaughan and the band are an encyclopedia of the music that emerged from working class woe, as well as from the American experience. [DF]
8pm Saturday, Oct. 5. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $46-$90.55. 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com.
Saturday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 6
Spread Your Wings
Every fall, monarch butterflies make their miraculous migration from thousands of miles north to the California coast to their favorite overwintering spots. That includes the pines and eucalyptus trees of Pacific Grove, hence the nickname “Butterfly Town.” Every October, the townspeople organize Butterfly Days to celebrate the arrival of their favorite invertebrates, with a whole host of activities spread out over two days. The extended party kicks off with a parade on Saturday morning, featuring the cute kindergartners dressed as monarchs. Over both days enjoy a bazaar, croquet tournament, walking tours, a birdhouse silent auction and more. A special Sunset Celebration takes place Saturday night with live music at Point Pinos Lighthouse. [PM]
Parade: 10:30am Saturday, Oct. 5, downtown Pacific Grove, free. Bazaar: 11:30am Saturday, Oct. 5, Robert H. Down School, 485 Pine St., free. Events sponsored by Heritage Society of Pacific Grove: 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday Oct. 5-6, various downtown locations, free. Sunset Celebration: 5-7pm Saturday, Oct. 5, Point Pinos Lighthouse, 80 Asilomar Ave., $60. pacificgroveheritage.org.
More Mora
The weekend-long Jo Mora Gathering invites everyone to learn about the influential artist whose legacy lives on throughout Monterey County (and beyond). Mora was born in 1876 in Uruguay, then attended art school in Boston before moving west in 1903, eventually settling in Carmel. View works by Mora and hear from of scholars and art historians deeply familiar with his life and work, starting with a wine and cheese reception, followed by guided tours at Casa Serrano and Trotter Art Gallery. [SR]
Symposium: 9am-3:30pm Saturday, Oct. 5, Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey. Reception: 3:30-5pm Saturday, Oct. 5, Stanton Center. Viewing of works: 1-4pm Sunday, Oct. 6, Casa Serrano, 412 Pacific St., Monterey; 2:30-4:30pm Trotter Gallery, 301 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. $80/all events. 372-2608, montereyhistory.org.
(The above listing has been updated to include the symposium from 9am-3:30pm on Oct. 5, which was omitted from the print edition.)
Saturday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 27
Past, Present, Future
Spoiler alert: The romance that is at the center of the story in The Last Five Years is only five years long – it fails. But don’t worry, we’re not really spoiling anything. The genius of this play is that one character (the wife) tells her story backward, while the husband tells it forward, in chronological order from falling in love to marriage to divorce. The characters meet just once, in the middle, at their wedding. It’s a musical take on love and heartbreak, with a poignant story about every phase of romance – including the least romantic part, its end. [SR]
7:30pm Fridays and Saturdays (except Oct. 25), 2pm Sundays, Oct. 5-17. The Western Stage Studio Theater, Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave., Salinas. $12-$28; free/Hartnell students. 755-6816, westernstage.org.
Sunday, Oct. 6
Happy Birthday
River Inn in Big Sur is celebrating its 90th birthday and invites the community to gather. The River Inn story began in 1888 when Jay Pheneger acquired a 160-acre parcel from the government. Ellen Brown opened the inn in 1934 on the east side of the dirt road that would later become Highway 1. She began by serving hot apple pie to guests; the pie is still on the menu. At this party, expect pie, a tribute to the Abalone Stompers, a barbecue buffet, face painting, lawn games, pool time and more. BYO chair or blanket. [AP]
Noon-4pm Sunday, Oct. 6. River Inn, 46800 Highway 1, Big Sur. $20; $10/children. 667-2700, bigsurriverinn.com.
Fierce Performer
Hungarian pianist Peter Toth racked up an impressive number of awards during his days as a competitor, winning top prizes at competitions throughout the world. He retired from competing in 2013 to immerse himself on the concert stage, and has enjoyed an equally impressive performance career. Toth is also a student of the craft, having earned a doctorate of musical arts in piano performance at the University of Texas. He can also tell you all about the progressive harmonic language of Franz Liszt’s piano music, having had a work published on the topic in 2016. He brings his diverse musical repertoire in a solo show presented by the Carmel Music Society. [EC]
3pm Sunday, Oct. 6. Sunset Center, San Carlos Street at 9th Avenue, Carmel. $41.50-$61.50. carmelmusic.org.
Monday, Oct. 7
Thinking Mangrove
Mangrove forests are a beautiful sight – and one of the most important ecosystems in the world, as well as waterways that are important for fishing. In this talk, Jose María Argueta and Nick Rahaim, an alum of MIIS (and the Weekly), present on mangrove restoration and sustainable fishing in Jiquilisco Bay in El Salvador, an area with the largest concentration of mangrove forests in Central America. Since the 1950s, the country has lost about 60 percent of its mangroves; hear updates on restoration and fisheries, a way of life for many people in the region. [CJ]
6-7:30pm Monday, Oct. 7. Middlebury Institute, McGowan Building 102, 411 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. 647-4183, middlebury.edu.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Spin and Win
It’s not often that pedal power is on display at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, probably because that climb from Turn 5 to Turn 8 is a test of leg strength. And that plunge down the Corkscrew is pure adrenaline. But during the final Twilight Cycling event of 2024, riders of all ages can pedal around the famed 11-turn beast, whether your ride has a banana seat and bell or multiple gears. Even class 1 and 2 e-bikes are welcome to buzz around the track. One rule: Just as in auto racing, helmets are required. While it’s not really a race (Twilight Cycling is family-friendly), with a chance to get some exercise on an iconic track, everyone wins. [DF]