WHALEFEST MONTEREY
April 13-14, 2024 | Whalefest.org
World-renowned marine experts and a variety of local groups share whale facts, maps and opportunities to support our biggest neighbors. Enjoy music from 12 different artists/groups including the very appropriately named “Jonah and the Whalewatchers” and Nicholas Fettis and his “Orca”stra, visit a marine research vessel and more at this outdoor event. Admission is free.
JACKALOPE INDIE ARTS FAIR
Pasadena: April 27-28, 2024
Burbank: June 8-9 and December 7-8, 2024 | JackalopeArtFair.com
Explore items from more than 200 local artisans across a variety of disciplines while enjoying live music at this outdoor fair. Kids may particularly enjoy making customizable slime, getting glitter tattoos and unicorn braids, coloring a free postcard or getting a custom poem written about them. In Burbank, peruse goods from more than 170 local artisans including specially featured young artisans showing off their handmade items. Admission to this event is free at both locations.
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
Felton | May 4-5, 2024 | CaliforniaMushroomFestival.com
“Building community through fungi”: Experience this new festival focused on our local mushroom bounty. Enjoy demos, DIY booths, nature walks, live music and a kids zone.
KINETIC GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Humboldt County | May 25-27, 2024 | KineticGrandChampionship.com
For three days, pilots and crews guide kinetic sculptures in a 40-mile race across roads, sand, mud and water. These “all-terrain human-powered art vehicles” include fun details such as faces, fire cannons and other unusual features. This event has been held for more than 50 years: now it’s your turn to experience it.
CALIFORNIA EXTREME
Santa Clara | July 27-28, 2024 | CAExtreme.org
“The classic arcade game show”: Lean into your nostalgia and play hundreds of old-school games, all day with no coins needed. Options include pinball machines, arcade games, video games and many that you just can’t find much any more. Introduce the kids to your hard-to-find favorites!
THE WORLD DOG SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Pacifica | August 3, 2024 | SurfDogChampionships.com
“Hanging ten with man’s best friend”: Human and dog surfers gather to seek the best waves at Linda Mar Beach. You’re guaranteed to catch lots of fun sights. Grab some dog surfing merchandise while you’re there. The event helps raise money for good causes. Admission is free.
THE LITTLE CAR SHOW
Pacific Grove | August 14, 2024
Featuring over 100 cars from micro to mini to arcane vehicles, you’ll enjoy browsing and cheering for these cute, fun cars as much as your kids will. Browse on Lighthouse Avenue or watch them cruise down Ocean View Boulevard to Asilomar State Beach. Free admission.
NIGHTS OF THE JACK
Calabasas | September 29-October 31, 2024 | NightsoftheJack.com
“The premiere immersive Halloween experience”: Lights everywhere, pumpkins made into huge animals such as gorillas and elephants, Jack-o-Lantern trees and more. Walk their spooky trail with some hot cider.
DEATH VALLEY ‘49ERS ENCAMPMENT
Death Valley National Park | DeathValley49ers.org
Join the Death Valley ‘49ers for gold rush-style activities, from gold panning and gem mining, doll-making, and blacksmithing demonstrations. 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of this event.
INDIO INTERNATIONAL TAMALE FESTIVAL
December 7-8, 2024 | IndioTamaleFestival.com
Celebrated since the 1990s, venture to Indio in early December to enjoy thousands of tamales, carnival rides, mariachi, and plenty of music appealing to all ages. Which flavor will be your favorite? Free admission.
JESSICA THIBAULT is a communications/events professional and Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation board member. She leads the 2023 Monterey Military Babies group, is a trained Mothers and Babies Program facilitator, and is an RRCA-certified running coach.