Discover free festivals, family activities, storytelling, music, and more across Monterey County this month.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy spring festivals, get creative in the garden, or celebrate Mother’s Day with style, there’s something for everyone in our roundup of the best family events in Monterey County this May. Here are top picks that will entertain kids and adults alike! Click on the title for additional information for each event.
66th Annual Good Old Days Street Festival
May 3–4, 9:00 am–6:00 pm | Downtown Pacific Grove
One of the biggest family-friendly events in Monterey County! This beloved street fair features dozens of arts and crafts vendors, food booths, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. A can’t-miss spring tradition for locals and visitors.
Ready & Resilient: Emergency Preparedness in Monterey
May 3, 1:00–3:00 pm | Monterey Sports Center
Learn how to stay safe in emergencies with interactive displays including fire trucks, patrol cars, and face painting. Free giveaways and family-friendly activities make this a valuable and fun outing.
Kids Firefighter Challenge
May 4 | Downtown Pacific Grove
Let your kids channel their inner firefighter in this fun obstacle course experience. Includes a fire-hose demo and bounce house. Open to ages 3–17 and part of the Good Old Days weekend.
Dads Read in Marina
May 10, 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Vince DiMaggio Park, Marina
A heartwarming monthly event encouraging dads to read with their kids. Includes storytime, free clothes exchange, outdoor play, crafts, and local resources.
Carmel Art Walk
May 10, 4:00–7:00 pm | Carmel-by-the-Sea
Enjoy a stroll through artist-owned galleries and meet local creators during this charming, family-friendly monthly art walk. Follow the blue lanterns through downtown Carmel.
Rustique Wines Mother’s Day Party
May 11, 12:00–4:00 pm | Rustique Wines, Salinas
Celebrate the moms in your life with live music, wine, food, shopping, and floral delights in a scenic setting. A perfect Mother’s Day experience for families.
Helena the Storyteller: Fairies and Folklore of Ireland
May 16, 10:15–11:00 am | Monterey Public Library
This high-energy storytelling show brings Irish tales to life with songs, games, and imagination. Especially perfect for children ages 2–5.
No Backyard? No Problem! Grow a Garden Anywhere
May 17, 10:00 am–1:00 pm | Salinas
This hands-on event provides everything you need to start your own portable garden—plus garden activities for kids. Registration required and space is limited!
Seaside Community Resource Fair
May 17, 12:00–3:00 pm | Laguna Grande Park, Seaside
Access a variety of free local services and enjoy family-friendly entertainment, food, and giveaways during this important community gathering.
Boardwalk Drone Show
May 17, 8:45 pm | Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Watch the night sky come alive with the Boardwalk’s first-ever drone light show! A spectacular end to a full day of fun.
Kuumbwa 50th Anniversary Festival
May 18, 1:00–5:00 pm | San Lorenzo Park, Santa Cruz
Celebrate five decades of jazz with this free outdoor music festival featuring performances from five dynamic musical acts in a festive park setting.
Summer Swim Kick-Off
May 24, 1:00–3:00 pm | Pattullo Swim Center, Seaside
Kick off summer with a splash! Free swim, games, and fun for the whole family. A great way to welcome sunny days ahead.
Looking for more ways to enjoy spring? Visit our full events calendar for everything happening in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties!
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