Thursday, Nov. 5
Air Waves
Do you have something to say? We all do, but in this noisy media environment in which it seems everyone has a podcast, how do you make something worth listening to? Learn techniques behind successful broadcasting and podcasting from the experts – Nikki Silva, one-half of the award-winning duo known as The Kitchen Sisters, and Suki Wessling, broadcaster at KSQD (90.7FM) in Santa Cruz. Get tips on interviewing people, equipment, how to edit your recording – and how to share it online or on the radio so that others can hear what you’ve produced. We’ll be listening. [SR]
6:30-8pm Thursday, Nov. 5. El Estero Park Center, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. Free; RSVP to bean@ksqd.org. (831) 900-5774, ksqd.org.
Power Moves
In uncertain times and times of conflict, how do nations respond? What does history tell us about the decisions made during major turning points? Anne Clunan, an associate professor for the Institute for Regional International Security at the Naval Postgraduate School, shares how governments navigate uncertainty, respond to conflict and pursue national priorities during such turning points. She will show how examining pivotal events and the leaders who shaped them offers insights into international relationships and how global decisions shape the lives of ordinary people like us. [PM]
7pm Thursday, Nov. 5. Carpenter Hall at Sunset Center, 908 San Carlos St., Carmel. Free with registration. (831) 624-2811, carmelpubliclibraryfoundation.org.
Friday, Nov. 6
Silly Science
The field of science can be very serious, but the Super Scientific Circus aims to break it down in a very fun and very funny way. Mr. Fish, aka John Lepiarz, is the ringmaster of this circus, with Trent the Mime, aka Trent Arterberry, acting both as assistant and clown who comedically foils Mr. Fish’s lessons. With a background in the Big Apple Circus, Mr. Fish incorporates his circus skills with science, using boomerangs, bubbles, beach balls, bullwhip and magic to introduce scientific principles, including friction, inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics, sonic booms, air pressure and ultraviolet light. If only science class could have been this entertaining. [PM]
4:30pm Friday, Nov. 6. Sunset Center, 908 San Carlos St., Carmel. $34-$55. (831) 620-2048, sunsetcenter.org.
With Alma
The Day of the Dead is an ancient celebration that inspires many people beyond Nov. 2 and celebrates the loved ones that died. Many use it as inspiration to write poems, dress extravagantly, create new wearables and more. Under a rooftop at Alma, a Día de los Muertos Fashion Experience combines cheer, culture, art and creativity, bringing together a mystical night. Locals have the opportunity to see the artwork of local designers. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and share their unique style. [CJ]
6-9pm Friday, Nov. 6. Rooftop parking structure, 1 Main St. (entrance through Lincoln Street), Salinas. $34; $82/VIP. @ms_natalie_galaxy @nickoromo, bit.ly/almafashionsal2026.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Slow and Steady
There’s a cynical truth to the idea that second place is just the first loser. So how is it possible that the first to cross the finish line is actually the first to lose? Easy: the slowest tractor race. For its first-ever Honor & Iron Tractor Show, Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum invites tractor racers… err… drivers to compete in the battle of the slowest for the ultimate oxymoron: Last place wins. If The Tortoise and the Hare taught us anything, this is the place to apply that education. There will also be a “hay thief” competition, which is exactly as it sounds, along with antique tractor displays, food and more family activities. [EC]
10am (tractor race), 1pm (hay thief competition) Saturday, Nov. 7. San Lorenzo Park, 1160 Broadway St., King City. Free. (831) 385-8020, mcarlm.org.
On The Mend
Doesn’t it feel nice to be able to fix things yourself, and be environmentally friendly, and create cute designs on your clothes, and learn something new, and – you get the point. This traditional Japanese sashiko stitch and visible mending workshop will help you patch up ripped jeans, the precarious seams of your jacket or the tiny mystery holes at the bottom of your shirts. Bring needles, threads, fabric scraps and a garment of clothing you’d like to mend. That favorite shirt you thought you had to throw out? You can hold on a little longer. [CO]
Noon-2pm Saturday, Nov. 7. Paper Thread Studio, 171 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. $30. (831) 760-8039, paper-threadstudio.square.site.
Bid Up
“Autumn on Broadway, A Starry Starry Night of Wonder” promises fine dining and amazing views. It’s at Ferrante’s Bayview Room, after all. It will also be a night of great entertainment, since this is Pacific Repertory Theatre. Indeed, the event is PacRep’s annual fundraising gala, which means the real highlight just might be the evening’s live auction. You can bid on a seven-day Holland America cruise for two if you want something typical. Or you can up the ante on more unexpected items. Win dinner for up to 10 on the revolving stage at Founders Theatre – kind of like Dinner with Friends, but for real. Treat yourself to a VIP box for a performance, where VIP means parking (important in Carmel) and Champagne. Even better, take over an entire theater for a private movie night. The auction is where the action is. Just dress for the occasion. [DF]
5:30pm Saturday, Nov. 7. Ferrante’s Bayview Room, Monterey Marriott, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey. $395. (831) 622-0100, pacrep.org.
So Bright
It’s a party in the sky, from the ground. The Santa Cruz Astronomy Club and the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy host a sky gazing event. The theme is “Venus and Deep Sky Objects,” so say hello to the hottest planet in our solar system while learning about what those other specks of light in the sky are from the knowledgeable astronomers that surround you. Clouds cancel this event, so make sure you check the website or call the number below before you go. [EC]
5:30-7:30pm Saturday, Nov. 7. Garland Ranch Regional Park, 700 W. Carmel Valley Road. (831) 659-6065, nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/events/126669.
Sunday, Nov. 8
Join the Band
In 1999, the Canadian band Broken Social Scene quickly soared to acclaim as an indie darling. Now they’re back with their first new record in nearly a decade, Remember the Humans. They’re still rocking, but they are not too cool to play at a high school music program benefit. Some of the band members know fellow-Canadian Edwin Huizinga, a violinist who has graced many local stages, including annually at the Carmel Bach Festival. Huizinga joins Broken Social Scene members – and kids from Monterey High School’s instrumental and vocal programs in some backup roles throughout the evening – onstage. All ticket proceeds go directly to MHS Music Boosters, a nonprofit that supports about 200 student musicians. This is a rare opportunity to see them perform on the stage alongside big names. [SR]
4pm doors, 5pm show Sunday, Nov. 8. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $60-$180. MHSmusicboostersconcert@gmail.com, etix.com.
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Bible Thumpin’
East Texan singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen got his start playing in the indie folk rock duo known as the Sons of Fathers with fellow musician David Beck and later branched out his own, releasing his debut solo album, My Gospel, in 2016 and his second, Room 41, in 2019, along with other team-up albums and EPs. Cauthen is now touring for his latest album, Book of Paul, which features heavy themes sprinkled with levity, which were influenced by his late grandfather, a preacher who died when Cauthen was a boy. Cauthen brings his unique sound to the Golden State Theatre alongside the opener, The Wilder Blue. [AS]
7pm Tuesday, Nov. 10. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, $45-$150. (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com.
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