April showers bring May flowers — and outdoor events! Families looking for fun activities in May should check out all or some of the following shindigs occurring around Monterey Bay this month.
Good Old Days Celebration | May 7-8
Pacific Grove will host its annual craft celebration in the downtown area. One of the largest in the country, this year’s festival will include over 60 events on five different stages, including bands, live shows, contests, games, a petting zoo, and a parade on Pine Street. Bring your wallet for the 220 merchant booths and over 35 food/drink vendors. Additional information can be found on the Pacific Grove Community Events webpage at pacificgrove.org.
27th Annual Carmel Art Festival | May 13-15
Like many events over the past few years, the Carmel Art Festival was on hiatus during 2020-21, but this year’s event at Devendorf Park should be better than ever. Watch for some of the sixty different artists creating plein air (French for “open air”) paintings all over the picturesque peninsula landscape Wednesday and Thursday before the festival. Friday evening will kick things off with a judging and award presentation, leading into a weekend of family fun including Sculpture-in-the Park, art making for kids, live music, and more. The event is free to the public, and art will be available for purchase through Sunday evening. More information can be found at carmelartfestivalcalifornia.com
Salinas Valley Fair | May 12-15
This year’s fair features all the expected exhibits, such as petting zoos, livestock competitions, carnival rides, and live music. Sample some of the best local wine around and enter the themed poster contest! Admission is free for those under 5 during the duration of the fair, and all kids 12 and under are free on opening day. More information can be found at salinasvalleyfair.com
Junior Naturalist Club: River Otters! | May 21
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History will be hosting Andrea A. Treece from the River Otter Ecology Project for an exploration of river otters from 10am-12pm. What they eat, where they live, and how they socialize will all be up for discussion paired with fun activities. The event is part of the Junior Naturalist Club, which focuses on cultivating the curiosity of kids interested in science. Open to ages 7-12, the event does require a club membership ($55 annually). Different events and excursions are offered every month, and more information can be found at www.pgmuseum.org/junior-naturalist
California Roots Music & Arts Festival | May 26-29
This annual festival returns to the Monterey Fairgrounds from May 26-28. Since June 2010, the gathering has brought numerous headlining and local acts to the stage, and has expanded from a day event to a whopping four-day extravaganza. Attendees can expect an eclectic blend of reggae-centric music throughout the weekend in a variety of specific genres. Proceeds support several different nonprofits selected by festival organizer, California Roots Presents. These include organizations like Reverb, Last Prisoner Project, Save Our Shores, and Nowell Family Foundation. Several ticket packages are available, including 4-day, 3-day and single day groupings. The event is family friendly, with free admission for children under 10 with a paid adult. Strollers and/or wagons for child transport are welcome. For tickets and additional information, visit californiarootsfestival.com
Originally from New England, Matt Desenberg is a writer living in Monterey.