June 26–28, 2026
This weekend has a little bit of everything — a Pride parade rolling through downtown Monterey, sea glass and sunshine, Italian street food in Salinas, campfires in Santa Cruz, and a rare chance to howl at owls in Carmel Valley after dark. Whether you’re filling a Friday evening or mapping out the whole weekend, here’s what we’re pointing families toward.
Summer Wellness Fair | Marina Friday, June 26 · 10 am – 2 pm
If you’ve been meaning to find out what community resources are available to your family this summer, this is a low-key, friendly way to do it. The Summer Wellness Fair at Shelter Cove brings together local organizations alongside snacks, games, and prize drawings — making it easy to connect and learn without it feeling like a chore.
Come with questions, come with kids, or just come to see what’s out there. Events like this one are a reminder of just how much support exists in our community when you know where to look. Call 831-800-7530 ext. 461 for more information.
Old Fashioned Campfires | Santa Cruz Friday, June 26 · 5:30 – 8:00 pm · Free
Pack a picnic dinner, a blanket, and some tortilla toppings — because Friday evening is calling for campfire songs and skits under the trees. This free event is one of the most genuinely charming things happening in the area this summer: a program of live music, communal tortilla making, campfire stories, and good old-fashioned togetherness for families of all ages.
The evening splits into two halves — dinner and live music from 5:30 to 6:45, followed by songs, skits, and stories around the fire until 8. It’s the kind of evening kids talk about for weeks. (It runs again July 24 and August 21, too.)
Favorite Fridays Summer Concert | Monterey Friday, June 26 · 6:00 – 8:00 pm · Free
This week marks the final installment of the Favorite Fridays free concert series at Del Monte Shopping Center, and it’s a lovely way to close out a June evening. The series has been running through the month with tribute performances ranging from classic rock to Latin hits, plus wine served by Seneca Family of Agencies.
Bring the family for a casual outdoor evening — great music, no cover, and no excuse needed. Check the event listing for this week’s performer.
⭐ Featured Event: Monterey Peninsula LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Celebration | Downtown Monterey Saturday, June 27 · 11 am – 3 pm
The annual Pride parade is back on Alvarado Street, and it’s one of the most joyful, all-ages events Monterey hosts all year. The parade kicks off at 11 am at Polk Street, winds down Alvarado, and ends at Custom House Plaza — where an all-ages celebration continues through the afternoon.
Whether you’ve marched in this parade for years or you’re bringing your kids for the first time, it’s a wonderful opportunity to show up, cheer loudly, and celebrate community in the heart of downtown. The energy is always warm, welcoming, and genuinely festive.
21st International Sea Glass Festival | Monterey Saturday & Sunday, June 27–28 · 10 am – 5 pm
Two full days of sea glass at the Hyatt Regency Monterey — this beloved annual festival brings together talented artists and jewelers, knowledgeable speakers, and a Sea Glass Contest that draws enthusiasts from around the world. Even if your family is new to the world of sea glass, it’s a surprisingly compelling event: there’s real artistry on display, and the coastal connection runs deep.
Kids who love beachcombing and anything sparkly will be enchanted. And if you’ve been collecting sea glass in jars and wondering what to do with it, you may leave with a few new ideas.
Community Painting Day | Salinas Saturday, June 27 · 10 am – 1 pm
Here’s a chance to literally leave your mark on your community. Ensen Community Park in Salinas is getting a brand-new mural, and families are invited to pick up a brush and be part of it. No experience required — just enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute something lasting to a neighborhood park.
This is one of several painting sessions happening over the coming weeks, so if Saturday doesn’t work, check the event listing for additional dates. Call 831-200-3915 for more information.
5th Annual Salinas Festa Italia | Old Town Salinas Saturday, June 27 · 11:30 am – 5:30 pm
The 200 block of Main Street in Old Town Salinas transforms into an Italian street festival this Saturday, with national entertainment, authentic food, family activities, vendors, and the kind of festive atmosphere that’s hard not to get swept up in. The Festa Italia has been growing every year, and this fifth edition looks to be the best yet.
Come hungry, come curious, and stay for the music. Buon divertimento!
Open Studio and Backyard Bazaar | Monterey Saturday, June 27 · 10 am – 4 pm
If you find yourself near Monterey Bay on Saturday, this one is worth a detour. A group of artists and collectors have gathered at Stefanie Ashby Art on Casanova Avenue for a backyard bazaar featuring original artwork, crafts, unique finds, and beautiful garden surroundings. The vibe is relaxed and creative — exactly the kind of impromptu discovery a good Saturday afternoon is made of.
Night Hikes in Carmel Valley Saturday, June 27 · 7:30 – 8:30 pm
As the sun sets over Palo Corona, this guided night hike invites families to quietly explore the woodlands and meadows in search of owls, bats, and other nocturnal wildlife. It’s the kind of experience that feels genuinely magical — hushed voices, rustling leaves, and the occasional hoot in the dark.
Best suited for older kids who can stay still and listen, this is a memorable way to cap a full Saturday. Check the website for the exact start time, which follows sunset.
Read-In Event | Santa Cruz Sunday, June 28 · 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Part of the Bookshop Santa Cruz Summer Reading Program, this Sunday afternoon Read-In invites kids to bring their summer books, settle in at the bookshop, and read alongside other young readers — with cookies and prizes to sweeten the deal. Kids are challenged to read six books by September, and this is a lovely midpoint celebration for those working their way through the list.
It’s a cozy, low-key, bookish Sunday afternoon — and a reminder that reading is even better when you do it together.
Looking for more things to do with kids in Monterey County? Browse our full Events Calendar for events happening near you.
Leave a Reply