Summer Fest
Culture, food and fun on the Montery Peninsula
Megan Williams, Staff Reporter
mewilliams@csumb.edu
MPC Spring Concert
May 26, Monterey Peninsula College
Monterey Penninsula College’s Jazz Improv and Big Band present the culmination of their semester’s work at this free concert. Both bands promise a variety of musical performances from jazz classics to big band fare.
Spirit West Coast
July 1 – 3, Laguna Seca
Bands like Dreampilots, Barlowgirl, Kutless, Hawk Nelson, the Newsboys and dozens more will play spiritual music ranging in style from alternative rock to pop to electronic to hip hop and more. Admission prices run from $52 for a day pass to $125 for all three days of the festival and can be purchased online at spiritwestcoast.com.
Feast of Lanterns
July 22 – 25, Pacific Grove
Dancing, food, art and fireworks and a lantern parade to the beach are all parts of this local cultural event.
Red Bull US Grand Prix
July 23 – 25, Laguna Seca
Nationally renowned motorcycle racers compete as this event returns for it’s seventh year. Tickets start at $30 and are available online at mazdaraceway.com
Lovers Point Art & Food Festival
August 8, Lovers Point
Local visual artists present their work and create new art during this festival. Live paintings, music and street food are also available to be enjoyed at ocean-overlooking Lover’s Point Park.
BLUE Ocean Film Festival
August 25 – 30, Monterey Bay Aquarium
BLUE presents a collection of films and documentaries about our oceans. Films from both local and international filmmakers and researchers will be presented, as well as talks from the filmmakers themselves. Festival day passes cost $45 and can be purchased online at blueoceanfilmfestival.org or at 700 Cannery Row Unit GG.
Monterey County Fair
September 1 – 6, Monterey Fair Grounds
This year’s fair theme is “The Fair is in the Air.” The carnival atmosphere brings to town entertainment, rides, vendors, and of course, more deep-fried, on-a-stick, candy-dipped, novelty fair food than you can shake a stick at. Animal husbandry competitions, art and craft shows and much more are all a part of this classic summertime event. The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and Survivor will both be performing at this year’s fair.
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