Hot Picks 10.22.26

 Thursday, Oct. 22

Musical Stars

Chamber Music Monterey Bay has accomplished quite a feat: The organization has endured for 60 years, bringing exceptional chamber music performances to enrich the cultural life of the region. To celebrate its diamond jubilee, the group is hosting a special 60th anniversary season launch event featuring acclaimed astrophotographer Gary Lopez, who creates breathtaking images of the universe’s ancient light. Lopez will deliver a presentation of his work which intersects art, science and music. The evening includes a wine reception, hors d’oeuvres and a first look at the season lineup. [PM]

5-7:30pm Thursday, Oct. 22, Carmel Woman’s Club, 907 San Carlos St., Carmel. $60. (831) 625-2212, chambermusicmontereybay.org.

Imagination Nation

If you’ve been to a Disney theme park, you’ve seen the work of Joe Rohde. Rohde spent four decades with Disney Imagineering, the crew behind the fantastical attractions that are often viewed as the pinnacle of theme park design. He was the lead designer of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction at Disney California Adventure and countless other projects. He’ll be in town courtesy of the California Architectural Foundation and the AIA Monterey Bay Chapter the day before the Monterey Design Conference kicks off, speaking on his new book, Floating Mountains: The Art of Imagining the Impossible, and taking audience questions. The Disney nerds will surely ask him about what’s going on with the Disco Yeti. [EC]

5:30-7:30pm Thursday, Oct. 22. Chapel at Asilomar Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar Ave., Pacific Grove. $50-$75; Sold out. (916) 448-9082, pavilion.aiacalifornia.org.

 Thursday, Oct. 22-Saturday, Oct. 24

Sea of Greens

The kelp forest is a thing of beauty and biodiversity – and you don’t need to get into the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean to learn about and appreciate it. The seventh annual California Seaweed Festival celebrates those myriad ways, and for the first time comes to Monterey. The main event is free and includes performances and presentations (learn about the science of genetic diversity, dive into culinary uses of algae, or get artsy in a workshop on seaweed color theory). Before the big day, short film screenings take place on Thursday, followed by tours and workshops at various destinations on Friday – divers can get underwater from 8am-noon, or stay on land where you can tour aquaculture at Moss Landing Marine Labs or hone your enzymatic isolation techniques. Newbie or expert, it’s a chance to learn, celebrate and get involved (see story, p. 42). [SR]

6pm Thursday, Oct. 22 films at JACL Hall, 424 Adams St., Monterey, $15-$20. 8am-6pm Friday, Oct. 23 workshops in various locations, free-$89. 9am-5pm Saturday, Oct. 24 festival at Custom House Plaza and Stanton Center, Monterey, free. californiaseaweedfestival.org.

 Friday, Oct. 23-Saturday, Oct. 24

Light and Dark

There’s something inherently creepy about lighthouses. They often stand alone near the edge of a cliff, ocean air howling through their eaves. They may be literally a beacon of light, but darkness surrounds them – and from within. Brave souls are invited to the first-ever Frighthouse Tours of Point Pinos Lighthouse, where they will be led through a 75-minute tour of candlelit rooms and shadowy surroundings while learning the tales and lore of this landmark. Lighthouse keepers Emily Fish and Alan Luce will rise from the dead to greet guests, and there’s also a basement to explore. At the end of the tour, which benefits the lighthouse, enjoy a cup of apple cider and a sweet treat. [EC]

6:45pm and 8:15pm Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24. Point Pinos Lighthouse, 80 Asilomar Ave., Pacific Grove. $30. (831) 648-5722, cityofpg.org/lighthouse.

 Friday, Oct. 23

Next Stop

In the seemingly sleepy town of Pacific Grove, a portal will open where, for a short time, residents can travel into a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man, one not only of sight and sound but of mind. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, science and superstition – a dimension of imagination, where goth, post-punk, death rock and industrial sounds permeate. Featuring three DJs, known collectively as The Sinny, this Twilight Zone-themed party also features a custom cocktail menu and costume contest, so dress up like a character from your favorite classic episode. [AS]

7pm Friday, Oct. 23. Pop & Hiss, 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. $5. (831) 275-3303, info@popandhiss.net.

 Saturday, Oct. 24

It Takes a Village

There is a standing invitation at Nā Haumāna’s Marina studio – all who wish to study drumming or dance from the Pacific Islands are invited to become students (“nā haumāna”) and join the community, or ohana. The family gets even bigger at this showcase event, celebrating these performing artists and the ohana they’ve built. Starting at 11am, food and craft vendors are set up, and demonstrations spotlight cultural traditions. At 3pm, the showcase begins with live drumming, hula dance and music by Ho’omana Hawaiian Band and Nā Haumāna. An after-party with CJ Khosmo follows, for those inspired to try some new, Hawaiian-inspired moves. [SR]

11am-5pm Saturday, Oct. 25. Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main St., Salinas. $45/open seating; $60/reserved seating. (831) 275-0301, nahaumana.org.

Dusty Jacket

Dusty Baker played in the majors for 19 years, compiling a .278 average with 242 home runs. He managed the Giants, Cubs (boo!), Reds, Nationals and Astros, taking all of them to division titles and winning two World Series. But the most remarkable statistic is that – in an emotional game subject to human errors – he was only tossed from a game 26 times in his 26-year tenure as a manager. That is calm in the face of 162 or more storms a year, which is why Baker is known for his leadership qualities. Now he has put it all in a book, Crossroads: A Memoir in Baseball and Life, and he is coming to Rancho Cielo for a book signing. A car show precedes the Baker meet and greet. [DF]

1-3pm Saturday, Oct. 24. Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, 710 Old Stage Road, Salinas. Free. (831) 444-3533, ranchocieloyc.org.

Honey Hub

Did you know Monterey County is one of California’s honey hubs? Our region’s diverse flora and microclimates support an active bee population and a blossoming local beekeeping network. Meredith May, a bestselling author and fifth-generation beekeeper, talks about how to protect local honeybees, discussing everything from the lives of bees to the threats they face amid widespread pesticide use and other environmental challenges. [KR]

2-4pm Saturday Oct. 24. Center for Spiritual Living, 52 Soledad Drive, Monterey. Free. (202) 413-2247, bit.ly/HoneyBTalk26.

All You Fear is Here

How about a casual ride through San Lorenzo Park while sitting on a bale of hay in a tractor-pulled cart? Sounds innocent enough – until you realize it’s in the dark, and the path takes you through several creepy areas with the undead just dying to meet you. Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum’s Haunted Hayride is back for its third year, a 20-minute excursion through the unknown filled with local legends. If this sounds too scary, don’t fret, because before the hayrides kick off, enjoy trick-or-treating around the museum’s courtyard and play games while scoring candy. All are welcome to get into the Halloween spirit. [EC]

5pm (food trucks open), 6pm (trick-or-treating), 7pm (hayride) Saturday, Oct. 24. San Lorenzo Park, 1160 Broadway St., King City. $10/hayride, $5/trick-or-treating. (831) 385-8020, mcarlm.org.

One, Two…

They say water is for fightin’ and whiskey is for drinkin’ but in this case, the latter is for dancing. Not that you need it to jam out to the folk rock trio that bears the name of the lord of the underworld. If the devil is going to go anywhere, it’s to downtown Monterey, where The Devil Makes Three performs. Prepare yourself for a mix of blues, folk and rock all in one stage with the twang of a banjo, guitar and upright bass. The only way a fiddle would show up is if the Georgia boy Johnny himself joined in. But with the star power already on stage, you might think he’s already there. [SC]

5pm Saturday, Oct. 24. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $62. (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com.

Cosmic Convergence

Say goodbye to the summer season with an evening of cosmic tunes from Big Sur’s own indie psych-pop band, Pfeiffer Beach Hotel, the experimental indie folk post rock art pop project known as ZETI (not to be confused with the ongoing effort to search for ETs) and the astral folk of Toronto-born twin siblings Romy and Sari Lightman, also known as the Lightman Sisters. The trippy trio of bands converges for a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic occurrence that will reverberate into the universe for all of time. Don’t miss it. [AS]

6-10pm Saturday, Oct. 24. Henry Miller Library, 48603 Highway 1, Big Sur. By donation. (831) 667-2574, henrymiller.org.

Ensemble Cast

Anyone can draw a classical music crowd by offering pieces from Bach, Haydn or others in the pantheon. But to open Ensemble Monterey’s 2026/2027 concert season, conductor Alan Truong chose to bring a program of more recent works that are just as engaging and powerful. The concert includes “Banner” from Jessie Montgomery, “O Sweet and Beloved Mother” by Sarah Kirkland Snider and Joel Thompson’s potent choral piece, “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed.” OK, so Truong closes the program with some Shostakovich, but the evening – titled The Enduring Spirit – is more than the same old. Ensemble Monterey will be joined by guest conductor Carlin Truong, baritone soloist Omar Alejandro and Cantiano!, Cabrillo College’s chamber choir. [DF]

7pm Saturday, Oct. 24. First Presbyterian Church, 501 El Dorado St., Monterey. $60; $50/seniors; $30/educators, military; $20/students; $10/18 and under. (831) 869-9276, ensemblemonterey.org.

Thunder Clap

Twenty years ago a group of talented men from Ireland and Scotland were brought together to celebrate their common Celtic heritage through song. That was the birth of Celtic Thunder, a singing group that has persevered and succeeded over the years – it’s been named as Top World Music Artist five times by Billboard. The group’s albums have been named Top World Album five times. The current cast featuring Emmet Cahill, Neil Byrne, Damian McGinty and Ronan Scolard is making a stop at the Sunset Center on their 18th U.S. tour. Each singer is considered a powerhouse in his own right – together their voices blend in perfect harmony. They bring a show backed by a dynamic band that includes an eclectic mix of songs ranging from traditional Celtic tunes to international hits, with some originals sprinkled in. [PM]

7pm Saturday, Oct. 24. Sunset Center, 908 San Carlos St., Carmel. $60-$103. (831) 620-2048, sunsetcenter.org.

 Saturday, Oct. 24-Sunday, Oct. 25

Park n Ride

Welcome to a trailer park community where everyone fits into a role until a mysterious newcomer arrives, sparking skepticism. This colorful, rollicking play, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, welcomes you to join the cast in confronting big themes like love, jealousy, secrets and betrayals of trust. A note that this play includes an advisory for content such as profanity and sex that may not be appropriate for younger audience members. [SR]

7:30pm Saturdays, 2pm Sundays, Oct. 24-Nov. 15. The Western Stage, Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave., Salinas. $12-$30. (831) 755-6816, westernstage.com.

 Sunday, Oct. 25

Botanical Art

Ever see artists perched at a scenic vista, easels and paints in hand, ready to sketch the view in front of them and think, “Wow that looks peaceful, I’d like to try that!” Well here’s your chance. Guided by local illustrator Erin Ellis, learn step-by-step techniques in graphite and watercolor to capture botanical subjects. Your backdrop will be the beautiful Marina Dunes. Your subject? The diverse local flora observed and translated onto paper. It’s a chance to slow down, immerse and have a little fun capturing the beauty of the natural world. [KR]

11am-1pm Sunday, Oct. 25. Sanctuary Beach Resort, 3295 Dunes Drive, Marina. $55. (831) 883-5526, tinyurl.com/BotanicalArt26.

Good Gourd

Bobbing for apples? That’s how your grandparents amused themselves when they were young. Plunging in the pool for pumpkins is where the fun is now. Dive in, dogpaddle for a bit, then find the pumpkin you like and transform it into something disturbing. It’s bulbous, it’s orange, it has similar cognitive awareness – you know what to do. There are activities and food vendors, but to really keep the monster mash going, the plunge is followed by a dance party and costume contest. Of course, there are only so many pumpkins available (200), so register early to kick off Halloween. And to think, to keep their parties going, your grandparents had to leave the dance floor to flip the record. [DF]

2-5pm Sunday, Oct. 25. Monterey Sports Center, 301 E. Franklin St., Monterey. Free. (831) 646-3730, monterey.gov.

Strings Theory

Not only can you go home again, you can also perform a concert when you do. Quartet Novalis formed in 2024 as students of the Carmel Bach Festival Baroque & Classical Academy. Since then, they have been gaining attention for their sense of the 18th and 19th century – restoring period concepts of sound, allowing the music to communicate and transcend as it did for audiences at the time. The string quartet of Luka Stefanović on cello with violin masters Eliana Estrada, Annemarie Schubert and Ela Kodžas (also on viola) will play selections of Mozart, Dvořák, Puccini and Mendelssohn – sorry, Annemarie, no Schubert. [DF]

7pm Sunday, Oct. 25. Church in the Forest, 3152 Forest Lake Road, Pebble Beach. $45-$55. (831) 624-1521, bachfestival.org.

Preserving Tradition

Beyond performing son jarocho, a traditional music from Veracruz, Mexico, Los Vega is dedicated to promoting it as well. The family-based ensemble has released five albums and performed across the globe, from China to Colombia. Now they’re here for a concert in Seaside, where you might recognize their song “La Bruja” from the Oscar-nominated 2001 film Frida. Son jarocho is centered not just around the music itself, but the exchange of dance, poetry, music and performance. [CO]

7-9pm Sunday, Oct. 25. Palenke Teen Arts Center, 530 Elm Ave., Seaside. $30. (831) 899-9909, palenkearts.com.

 Wednesday, Oct. 28

Play in the Sand

Playing around in the sandbox of classical music, a set of six musicians on viola, violin and cello, known as the WolfganG, perform pieces across a variety of artists influenced by Mozart. Dig through the sand and the memories of John Corigliano’s quartet inspired by a photo from his father’s childhood, build a castle like Philip Glass did through his quartet to honor the late artist Brian Buczak, or go down the slide into Jessie Montgomery’s nostalgic, celebratory quartet. In this small, intimate setting, they finish off with a classic quintet by Mozart. [CO]

7-10pm Wednesday, Oct. 28. SandBox, 440 Ortiz Ave., Sand City. $25-$40; free/youth under 18. sandboxsandcity.com.

• • •

Hot Picks by Sloan Campi, Erik Chalhoub, Dave Faries, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Chrissa Olson, Agata Popęda, Katie Rodriguez, Sara Rubin and Aric Sleeper.