Friday, Dec. 26
Guitar Man
If you put strings on something and call it a guitar, Casey Wickstrom can play it. A lap slide guitar? Yep. A cigar box three-string? Of course. He can even pick up a ukulele and other instruments. The singer-songwriter is known for his often dark and introspective songs with elements of redemption that mirror his own life—rock drenched in blues, with impressions of folk and reggae. Wickstrom’s music is so engaging,
while at the same time so little known, he has been tagged by Music Connection Magazine to the Top 100 Unsigned Artists list. [DF]
5pm Friday, Dec. 26. The Lodge at Pebble Beach, 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. Free. pebblebeach.com.
Sit Down to a Feast
We don’t quite know what a roast beast is, only that the Whos of Whoville eat it to celebrate Christmas. It also apparently has the power to grow a Grinch’s heart by three sizes. That doesn’t sound too healthy. A crepe and a hot or cold drink sounds much better instead. The Creperie Cafe hosts a dinner and screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the 2000 version starring Jim Carrey. Pick your crepe from the cafe’s variety of options and make sure you bring a pillow for comfort. [EC]
6pm Friday, Dec. 26. The Creperie Cafe, 1123 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. $25. RSVP at (831) 901-3900.
Saturday, Dec. 27
Slough Senses
Did you know? Elkhorn Slough is one of the largest tidal estuaries in the state, spanning seven miles inland from Monterey Bay. Every fourth Saturday, you can join Renata Funke, a docent at the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, for a two-hour walking tour to learn about this incredible tidal system—a marine nursery and home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Funke has been learning about and exploring the slough for more than 30 years and invites participants to experience a habitat that is constantly changing with the tides while gaining insight into the many species that call it home. The tour covers two miles of easy-to-moderate trail. Reservations are not required; attendees can simply check in at the Reserve’s Visitor Center 10 minutes before the 2pm start time. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. [KR]
2-4pm Saturday, Dec. 27. Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Free. (831) 728-2822, elkhornslough.org.
Not So Petty
If I were to sing to you something along the lines of, “It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down, I had the radio on, I was drivin’… Little Runaway, I was flyin’,” do you think you’d be able to sing along? How about, “There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard, and I’m a bad boy ’cause I don’t even miss her…and I’m free, free fallin.’” There you go—you might even be singing now. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers need little introduction, their songs and spirit are baked into some of America’s greatest rock and folk anthems. Petty Theft, a tribute band from San Francisco, does their songs justice, sticking to the spirit of the real deal and playing their original songs in their live shows. They are on tour and coming to Monterey—so come sing your heart out. [KR]
7pm Saturday, Dec. 27. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $32-$34. (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com.
Rainbow Disco Ball
There should be a holiday between Christmas, the start of Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. One can only take so much family, right? Fortunately, the folks at Pop & Hiss must feel the same way. Before the ball drops, DJBADDJ will be there to drop some records onto the turntable. You may have seen him out before, but this time he’ll want to see you in some bell bottoms and sequins because this is a disco dance party to benefit Monterey Peninsula Pride. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to the nonprofit so when you hear Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” you’ll feel welcome and like you gave back. [SC]
7pm Saturday, Dec. 27. Pop & Hiss, 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. $10. popandhiss.net.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Last Night
Every year, downtown Monterey turns into a big playground for all ages on on Dec. 31. First Night Monterey is a big New Year’s Eve celebration for the whole family, with Kids’ Night Out festivities kicking off at 3pm. Prepare for nine hours of fun, six interactive art stations and 25 live performers playing at multiple Monterey venues, such as Golden State Theatre or the Monterey Conference Center. Attend a Twilight Procession, make your own celebratory hat and stay for the countdown-to-midnight. “We are so proud and joyful to celebrate with the community for the 33rd time,” Executive Director Ellen Martin says. “I experienced the event for the first time 22 years ago and I was amazed.” The amazement continues and this year’s theme is “We’ve Got the Beat!.” Live music includes jazz, Latin rhythms, folk, blues and rock; there are also dance performances (folklórico, hip-hop and contemporary dance). Among arts experiences, look for an opportunity to try one’s skills as a muralist. Local vendors will be on site with food to keep the community going until midnight. To see a detailed event program, look for a special insert inside this week’s issue of the Weekly or visit the event website. [AP]
3pm-midnight Wednesday, Dec. 31. Various venues in Monterey. $35; $20/youth ages 6-15; $110/family pack. (831) 373-4778, firstnightmonterey.org.
Cat Call
As the countdown to 2026 approaches, there’s a lot to be anxious, angry or fill-in-the-blank about. But there’s also a lot of cause to celebrate, both globally and hyper-locally. One cause for celebration: Paper Wing Theatre is the theater company that could and is celebrating 25 years of performance and community this year. If that’s not enough to cheer you up, their New Year’s party is themed as a black-and-white pussycat ball (benefiting SPCA Monterey County) so wear your kitty flair, tuxedo cat inspiration obviously encouraged. Expect performances by your favorite Paper Wing actors from seasons past, fabulous black-and-white fashion, a silent auction, a Champagne toast and light bites and a spirit of celebration. [SR]
7pm Wednesday, Dec. 31. Paper Wing Theatre and Supper Club, 711 Cannery Row, Suite i (upstairs), Monterey. $42. (831) 905-5684, paperwing.com.
House Party
Victoria Rawlins is a Los Angeles native, so the music and nightlife scene is second nature to her. The DJ and producer got her start at punk rock dive bars in Hollywood that grew into throwing major parties across Southern California. Rawlins will be in Monterey for a more intimate, but just as impressive, party. Compact Disco rings in 2026 with a DJ lineup headlined by Rawlins, along with She Lost Control, Loloh and Ed.E. In the midst of thumping house anthems throughout the night will be giveaways and a countdown to the new year. [EC]
8pm Wednesday, Dec. 31. Compact Disco, 420 Tyler St., Monterey. $30/advance, $40/door. bit.ly/CompactDiscoNYE2026.
Piano Woman
Award-winning pianist and composer Tammy Hall has worked with some of the best vocalists and instrumentalists over her 40-year career—Etta Jones, Loretta Devine, Marcus Shelby, Regina Carter, Laurie Anderson, Mads Tolling, to name just a few. She’s traveled the world playing her fusion of jazz, gospel and classical music but chose Seaside as her homebase in 2021, which is lucky for us. This supremely talented musician is playing an intimate New Year’s Eve concert with Kent Bryson on drums and Kevin Goldberg playing contrabass to welcome 2026. The performance includes special requests with bubbles and chocolate for all. [PM]
8-10pm Wednesday, Dec. 31. Wendi Kirby Music, 550 Hartnell St., Monterey. $55. info@wendikirbymusic.com, wendikirbymusic.com.
The British are Coming
For lovers of all things British rock circa 1950s to 1970s this New Year’s Eve party is for you—40 hits from the days of the “British Invasion,” an homage to groups and solo performers like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, Herman’s Hermits, Elton John and many more, re-created by favorite Pacific Repertory Theatre performers. The show comes with an open bar, a dessert buffet at intermission and Champagne at midnight. So get into something good, grab a ticket to ride and head downtown where we think you’ll find some satisfaction in this celebratory concert. (If you miss the party, you can still make the British Invasion Tribute Show—it runs Jan. 1-4 and Jan. 8-11.) [PM]
8:30pm Wednesday, Dec. 31. Founder’s Theatre at Golden Bough Playhouse, Monte Verde between 8th and 9th, Carmel. $131. (831) 204-9821, pacrep.org.
New Year’s Extravaganza
Turn the clock back and step into the ’20s of another century—the jazz age. Enjoy an extravaganza at Deja Blue to welcome the new year. Grab your pearls, fedoras and bow ties and experience the Roaring ’20s—minus the Prohibition and segregation. But not everything was bad. The 1920s had a booming economy, were the golden age for sports and saw the expansion of women’s rights. Make a toast on how far the U.S. has progressed and the new resolutions it has to push for a century later. The celebration includes live music performed by Joint Chiefs Band, a buffet and midnight toast. General and VIP admissions available. Period fashion is encouraged. [CJ]
9pm-2am Wednesday, Dec. 31. Deja Blue, 500 Broadway Ave., Seaside. $72-$162. (831) 324-0044, dejabluelive.com.
Live Twice
Do you have the suave confidence of Sean Connery or Roger Moore? Do you have the…whatever George Lazenby had? Or the beauty and grace of Daniela Bianchi or Ursula Andress? Yes, you guessed it. Shearwater Tavern in the Carmel Mission Inn is throwing a Bond-themed ball to usher in the new year in style. That means dress to impress (there is a contest) and sip your martinis (it’s an open bar) with an eye on the crowd. There are cocktails, bites and live music. If you use a rideshare, ask for an Aston Martin. If you have an Aston Martin, bring a designated driver. This is a 21 and up party. [DF]
10pm-1am Wednesday, Dec. 31. Shearwater Tavern, 3665 Rio Road, Carmel. $135-$160; $55/non-alcohol. (831) 624-1841, shearwatertavern.com.
Party Like it’s 2026
Some of Big Sur’s redwood trees have been through New Year’s Eve roughly 2,000 times. That means they have been around, quietly soaking up the damp winter evenings of Dec. 31, before the Common Era even started. How’s that for company on this New Year’s Eve? Don’t worry, there’s lots more energetic and modern flair inside at Fernwood Resort (but the magnificent trees along the Big Sur River are right outside if you want to commune with nature). DJ Hanif Wondir delivers the beats, you deliver the good vibes and dance moves on this joyful, intimate dancefloor. [SR]