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What To Do This Weekend in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties

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June 13–15, 2026

Summer has officially arrived on the Monterey Bay, and this weekend is one of the fullest we’ve seen in a while. The 7th Annual Jade Festival takes over Custom House Plaza all three days, California State Parks Week brings free celebrations up and down the coast, Juneteenth festivities light up Santa Cruz, and there’s free music, community murals, wildflowers in bloom, and more. Here’s what we’re pointing families toward.

7th Annual Monterey Bay Jade Festival | Monterey
Friday, June 12 · 12–6 pm | Saturday, June 13 · 10 am–6 pm | Sunday, June 14 · 10 am–4 pm

One of the most unique festivals on the Central Coast returns to Custom House Plaza at Monterey State Historic Park for its 7th year. With 40+ vendors offering jade carvings, jewelry, sculptures, rough stones, and specimens, this is a genuinely one-of-a-kind browsing experience. The festival also features the Georg Schmerholz Jade Carving Exhibition at Monterey History & Art at Stanton Center, and on Saturday, the International Jade Summit brings together jade professionals from around the world for an all-day program.

Whether you’re a collector or just curious, it’s a beautiful setting and a free, fascinating way to spend an afternoon with the family. Plan around whichever day works — Friday runs noon to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.

See event details →

Open House & Community Resource Fair | Salinas
Friday, June 12 · 1–3 pm · Free

A great stop for families looking to connect with local resources — this free open house features service provider exhibits, raffle prizes, games, free food and refreshments, and more. The first 400 families to arrive will receive a free gift, so come early.

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Paint & Draw at the Monterey Public Library | Monterey
Friday, June 12 · 4 pm · Registration required

Library & Museums Director Brian Edwards leads this all-ages beginner art workshop — all materials are provided and you’re welcome to bring your own. Space is limited, so register ahead. Additional dates: June 12, July 6, and July 17.

See event details →

Favorite Fridays Summer Concert: Long Time (Boston Tribute)
Friday, June 12 · 6–8 pm · Free

Free live music every Friday in June — this week features Long Time, a Boston tribute band. Wine is available courtesy of Seneca Family of Agencies. Grab your crew and kick off the weekend right.

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Beatles Sing a Long | Marina
Friday, June 12 · 7 pm · Free

Head to the Marina Library for a singalong of Beatles classics — lyrics provided, free refreshments included. All ages welcome. Just bring your love of the Fab Four.

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The Lost Boys – Free Movie on the Beach | Santa Cruz
Friday, June 12 · 9 pm · Free

Free Movies on the Beach launches its summer 2026 season with this beloved cult classic on the beach in front of the Colonnade. Bring a blanket and low-back chairs — seating is first come, first served. This series runs Friday nights through August 7.

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Dads Read | Marina
Saturday, June 13 · 10 am · Free

This beloved monthly storytime in Marina features community readers and a full lineup of family activities: outdoor play, a coloring corner, Shea’s Gymnastics, the Monterey County Food Bank, and a free clothing exchange by Buy Nothing Marina. A warm, community-centered Saturday morning.

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Community Craft Day at Monterey State Historic Park | Monterey
Saturday, June 13 · 10 am–2 pm · Free

Part of California State Parks Week (June 10–14), this hands-on craft day welcomes all ages to the Memory Garden for leather stamping, candle making, and more. A lovely way to spend a Saturday morning exploring one of Monterey’s most historic spots.

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Pacific Biological Lab Tour & Open House | Cannery Row, Monterey
Saturday, June 13 · 10–11 am & 11:30 am–12:30 pm · Free

Step inside the historic lab made famous by John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row for a free tour of Pacific Biological Laboratories. Held the second Saturday of every month — no registration required, all ages welcome. Two tour times available.

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⭐ Featured Event: 27th Annual Wildflower Show | Carmel Valley
Saturday, June 13 · Free

Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley hosts its gorgeous annual wildflower show, now in its 27th year. Wander among a stunning variety of summer blooms in one of the most beautiful natural settings in Monterey County. Free admission makes this one of the easiest “yes” decisions of the weekend.

If you’re planning to go, check our full write-up for everything you need to know before heading out: 27th Annual Wildflower Show at Garland Ranch Regional Park.

See event details →

Community Painting Day | Salinas
Saturday, June 13 · 10 am · Free

Lend a hand — and a paintbrush — to the new community mural going up at Ensen Community Park. This free, all-ages event is part of an ongoing series with additional painting days scheduled through July. Visit hijodelsol.arts or call 831-200-3915 for more info.

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Worldwide Knit in Public Day | Monterey
Saturday, June 13 · 12–4 pm · Free

Monterey Public Library’s Afternoon Stitch & Sip Club and the Monterey Knitting Social Club are joining forces on Colton Hall Lawn to celebrate this global celebration of fiber arts. All skill levels welcome, all fiber arts welcome — bring a project, a mat or chair, and a snack. A free, casual afternoon of community and craft.

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Santa Cruz Juneteenth | Santa Cruz
Saturday, June 13 · 12–6 pm · Free

Now in its 35th year, Santa Cruz Juneteenth is one of the most joyful community celebrations of the summer. This year’s theme is Resilience. The day kicks off with a Second Line Sidewalk Parade at noon from the BLM Mural to Laurel Park, where you’ll find live music and performances on the main stage, dance, poetry, soul food vendors, an ancestors altar, a basketball skills clinic, and an all-ages sack race. Always free.

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Asilomar Singalong | Pacific Grove
Saturday, June 13 · 3 pm

California State Parks staff lead this charming, one-of-a-kind afternoon on the Social Hall patio at Asilomar — singing the historic camp songs originally written by the YWCA women and girls who spent their summers here in the 1910s through 1930s. S’mores and drinks are included. A perfect way to wind down a full Saturday.

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State Parks Week Celebration | Watsonville
Sunday, June 14 · 10:30 am · Free

Cap off California State Parks Week with this family-friendly celebration in Watsonville that steps back into the world of the 1800s. Historical dancing, live music, kids crafts, and weaving, dyeing, and spinning demonstrations bring the Rancho era to life. Free admission.

See event details →

Art Market at the Library | Salinas
Sunday, June 14 · 11 am · Free

A free outdoor market at the Salinas library with over 20 local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities for all ages. A great way to support local makers and wrap up the weekend.

See event details →

Looking for more things to do with kids in Monterey County? Browse our full Community Calendar for events happening near you.

Salinas Valley Health Collects Diapers for Families in Need

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For the fifth year in a row, Salinas Valley Health is showing that caring for families doesn’t stop at the hospital door.

Employees and community members came together this May — Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month — for the health system’s annual Diaper Drive, collecting more than 3,100 diapers to be distributed to families across Monterey County through the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic.

It’s a need that’s bigger than many people realize. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in two U.S. families struggles to afford enough diapers to keep their baby clean, dry and healthy. That kind of financial pressure adds up fast — and for new and expecting parents already navigating sleepless nights and postpartum stress, it can take a real toll on mental health.

“Many families are faced with the difficult decision of purchasing diapers or food,” said Julie Vasher, DNP, RN, director of Women & Children’s Services at Salinas Valley Health. “We hope to alleviate the diaper-related anxiety some families experience and are humbled by the generosity of our colleagues and community.”

The diapers will reach families through the SVH Mobile Clinic, which regularly serves medically underserved communities throughout the region with free primary and preventive care, plus social support resources.

The drive was started by Salinas Valley Health nurses in 2022 — and since then, it’s helped thousands of local families while drawing attention to something pediatricians and maternal health advocates have long understood: when basic needs go unmet, everything else gets harder. Diaper access isn’t just about keeping babies comfortable — it affects infant health, parental stress levels, and families’ ability to maintain work and childcare routines.

“Every diaper donated represents support for a local family,” said Allen Radner, MD, President and CEO of Salinas Valley Health. “I am grateful to our Perinatal Team, employees and community members who continue to make this effort such a meaningful success.”

Salinas Valley Health is a Baby-Friendly designated hospital, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting mothers, infants and families through every stage of the parenting journey.

27th Annual Wildflower Show at Garland Ranch Regional Park

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June 13–14 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free Admission Garland Park Visitor Center, 700 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley

If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly outing this weekend, head to Garland Ranch Regional Park for the 27th Annual Summer Wildflower Show — a beloved Carmel Valley tradition that turns two days each June into a living celebration of local nature.Held at the Garland Park Visitor Center, the show features a stunning display of wildflowers collected from the park’s nearly 50 miles of trails, as well as blooms from Frog Pond Preserve, Marina Dunes Preserve, and Palo Corona Regional Park. Every year, a dedicated team of volunteers — ranging from serious botanists to folks who simply love a good wildflower — scouts the trails, identifies the blooms, and arranges them for the public to enjoy. It’s the kind of event that reminds you just how spectacular our corner of the Central Coast can be.The show got its start 27 years ago when MPRPD volunteer Gordon Williams attended a California Native Plant Society wildflower show and came home inspired. He and fellow volunteer Mary Saylor set up a small display at the Garland Visitor Center — and the response was so enthusiastic that they never stopped. This year, in addition to the wildflower display, you’ll find an educational gardening booth hosted by the Monterey Bay Master Gardeners and a Garland Ranch history timeline booth staffed by MPRPD — great for curious kids and adults alike.Schedule of ActivitiesBoth days, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM:

  • Wildflower Display (MPRPD volunteers)Gardening Information Booth (Monterey Bay Master Gardeners)Garland Ranch Regional Park History Booth (MPRPD staff and volunteers)
    • Sunday, June 14 only, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM:
  • Native Plant Information Booth (California Native Plant Society)
    • Admission is free and the event is open to all ages. It’s a wonderful chance to slow down, get outside, and discover the wildflowers blooming right in our own backyard.

    Garland Ranch Regional Park is located at 700 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. For more information, visit the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District website.

    Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens in Monterey County

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    School’s out — but the free meals don’t have to stop.

    If your family could use a helping hand with lunches over summer break, you’re not alone. Several programs across Monterey County are serving free meals to kids and teens this summer through federal and local initiatives. No income verification, no registration required at most sites — just show up.

    Here’s what’s available in our area for Summer 2026.

    Lunch at the Library

    One of the easiest options for Monterey County families: Monterey County Free Libraries is once again offering free grab-and-go lunches at most of its branches as part of the Summer Reading Club. Any young person 18 and under can stop by during lunch service hours and pick up a meal — no questions asked.

    Since the program runs alongside the Summer Reading Club (June 1–July 31), it’s a great way to combine a free lunch with books, performances, and activities all in one trip.

    Hours and locations vary by branch. Check www.eMCFL.org for your nearest branch and current lunch service times.

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County

    The Boys & Girls Clubs are running one of the longest free meal programs in the county this summer, serving both breakfast and lunch from June 8 through July 31 at two open sites:

    • Boys & Girls Club Seaside Unit — 1332 La Salle Ave., Seaside | 831-394-5171 x315
    • Harden Youth Development Center — 85 Maryal Dr., Salinas | 831-757-4412 x365

    Both are open to the community — no membership or enrollment needed.

    Alisal Union School District (Salinas)

    Five Salinas schools are opening their cafeterias to the community this summer through the federal Seamless Summer Feeding Option, serving breakfast and lunch from June 8–July 10:

    • Cesar E. Chavez Elementary — 1225 Towt St.
    • Fremont Elementary — 1255 E. Market St.
    • John E. Steinbeck Elementary — 1714 Burlington Dr.
    • Oscar F. Loya Elementary — 1505 Cougar Dr.
    • Spreckels Elementary — 4th St. & Hatton Ave., Spreckels

    For hours and details, call Irene Vargas at 831-753-5776.

    Greenfield Union Elementary School District

    Two schools in Greenfield are offering breakfast and lunch from June 10–July 10:

    • Arroyo Seco Academy — 1226 Apple Ave.
    • Vista Verde Middle School — 1199 Elm Ave.

    Contact: Christophe Haefele, 831-674-5586 x3539

    Soledad Unified School District

    Three community sites in Soledad are serving free lunch from June 16–July 17:

    • Camphora Apartments — 32101 McCoy Rd.
    • CHISPA – Jardines de Soledad — 501 Andalucia Dr.
    • CHISPA – Soledad Town Homes — 438 Benito St.

    Contact: Gabriel Ruelas, 831-665-3866

    What You Need to Know

    Who qualifies? Any child or teen 18 and under. Most sites listed above are “open” sites — no enrollment, registration, or income verification required.

    Find a site near you: The California Department of Education maintains a searchable, regularly updated list of all summer meal sites statewide at cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/sn/summersites26.asp. You can also text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 914-342-7744 to find nearby sites.

    Always call ahead to confirm current hours, as schedules may change during the summer.

    For the full schedule or any updates, visit MPUSD Summer Meals or call 831-392-3903.

    Summer Birthdays & Half-Birthdays

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    Ah, the joy and struggle of the summer birthday. Everyone seems to be on vacation or at a family reunion. No classic cupcakes at school. Ice cream threatening to melt too fast depending on the whims of the weather.

    Carole McFaddan previously sent out invitations six weeks in advance for a birthday party right after school gets out; however, she hasn’t done a party in three years because she now lets her nine-year-old son choose a party or experience. “Some things that have helped my son understand that maybe planning a birthday party isn’t something we want to do this year is discuss the timing, what else is on our calendar, what we might really want to do and if that’s in the family budget–we talk about budget age-appropriately with him. The dream party might mean only a few friends but a park or beach pizza party could mean everyone. Grandpa lives pretty close to a ‘magical’ place where we might be able to spend party money on more experiences.”

    For June birthdays, early celebrations are popular. Lisa Newton says, “We’ve been fortunate to have gracious teachers that allowed us to celebrate with a treat in class one month early, before school gets out.” Sara Pryer, mother of two, adds, “We are lucky that both our daycare, Diana’s House, and Robert Down Elementary School celebrate birthdays early. Then we usually go out of town on vacation.”

    I asked my holiday-adjacent-summer-birthday toddler who she wanted at a party and texted in April to see who’d be free in order to manage her expectations. For a late July birthday, Libby Hanson, mom of a rising seven-year-old, says, “A trip to Gilroy Gardens on the actual birthday is something we’ve done a handful of times.” She adds that on weekdays there are fewer crowds. “Most years we have a themed outdoor party at our house, like bubbles and bounce house, firefighters, or pizza and popsicles. We tend to spread out the celebration using the Monterey Bay Parent birthday club offers. Last year we went to the Monterey Zoo and the Kona Ice truck was there. We also saw a play using the free child’s admission to the ARIEL Theatrical and visited Allegro Pizzeria.”

    A community event can also be a good celebration. Del Monte Center hosts Favorite Fridays concerts in June from 6 to 8 pm, such as a June 19 Santana tribute. Consider attending Laguna Seca’s July 10 through 12 MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest or the July 16 to 19 California Rodeo Salinas for freestyle bullfights and country music. August birthdays could attend Car Week between August 7 and 16, perhaps the kickoff event, Porsche Monterey Classic, the Little Car Show, or the Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show—all free.

    Half birthdays are a great option around relocations or for kiddos with holiday birthdays. “From a military perspective, we did a half birthday to be able to celebrate with the friends we’ve made here,” shared Elizabeth Kasturas.

    However you celebrate, here’s to making it a special occasion.

    Rethinking Birthdays: Putting the Focus on Your Child

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    Birthday parties are traditionally imagined as big, high-energy celebrations. Crowds of kids, lots of noise, structured games, and a packed schedule. For some children, that is exactly what they want. But for many kids (and adults!), those kinds of parties can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, or simply not that enjoyable.

    START WITH YOUR CHILD, NOT THE TRADITION

    Instead of starting with a party template, start with your individual child. Think about what genuinely feels good to them. Some children enjoy being the center of attention, while others prefer quieter, more low-key moments. Some thrive in busy, social environments, while others feel most comfortable in smaller, more familiar groups. You might also notice the kinds of activities your child naturally gravitates toward in their everyday play and opt to carry those into their celebrations.

    Some kids genuinely love the excitement of a big group, and that is okay! Others feel happiest with one or two close friends, or even a special day spent with immediate family, and that is okay too! All of these preferences are valid and worth honoring on your child’s special day.

    SMALL CELEBRATIONS CAN FEEL BIG

    A smaller gathering can still feel incredibly special, often even more so than a large party. For many children, having fewer people and a more relaxed structure creates space to actually enjoy the moment rather than manage the overwhelm and sensory aspects of a busy event.

    This might look like a picnic at Lovers Point Park with a few friends, a morning at Carmel Beach followed by cupcakes, or a backyard celebration centered around an activity like water play or building projects.

    With fewer people and a more flexible structure, kids often have more space to relax, connect, and enjoy themselves in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

    EXPERIENCE-BASED BIRTHDAYS

    For some children, the best gift is not a party at all, but an experience that feels meaningful and enjoyable for them. Around Monterey Bay, there are many simple, flexible options that can be shaped around a child’s individual interests and pace.

    This might include exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium at a relaxed pace on a weekday, riding bikes along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, or spending extended time at Dennis the Menace Playground for a play-focused outing. For children who enjoy nature and movement, a walk or scavenger hunt at Garland Ranch Regional Park can also be a meaningful way to celebrate.

    These kinds of birthdays can include a friend or be kept as a family day. Either way, the focus shifts away from managing a large group and toward shared experiences that feel connected and enjoyable.

    FOLLOW THEIR INTERESTS

    A meaningful birthday often reflects what a child already loves in their everyday life. Instead of planning elaborate themes or trying to build something from scratch, it can be helpful to center the day around their natural interests, preferred activities, and overall pace.

    For some children, that might be a favorite activity like crafting, building, or exploring nature. For others, it might be a current interest in animals, ocean life, cooking, vehicles, or something else that has captured their attention. If your child has a strong interest, like fire trucks for example, a simple and memorable idea might be visiting a local fire station and bringing along birthday donuts to share with firefighters.

    All interests deserve to be celebrated, no matter how “untraditional” they may initially seem. In my time as an occupational therapist, I have seen how powerful it can be when children are given space to enjoy and explore what truly excites them. That might look like a deep interest in elevators, maps, weather patterns, dinosaurs, numbers, Minecraft, Pokémon, classic horror films, spinning objects, emergency vehicles, or even specific movies or detailed facts and trivia.

    There are so many ways to support and celebrate these interests, especially on a child’s birthday. When we follow what naturally engages them, we often create experiences that feel more meaningful, more regulating, and more joyful for the child at the center of it all.

    PERMISSION TO KEEP IT SIMPLE

    There can be a lot of pressure to “do more” when it comes to birthdays—more decorations, more activities, more entertainment. However, kids often remember something much simpler. They remember feeling comfortable, feeling connected, and having time to play in a way that feels good to them. Children are also very attuned to the stress levels of the adults around them, so a rushed effort to clean the house or set up an elaborate backyard party can sometimes feel stressful for everyone involved.

    At the end of the day, a successful birthday is not about how closely it matches a Pinterest board or a current party trend. It is about whether your child felt happy, comfortable, and celebrated. Sometimes that looks like a big party. Sometimes it looks like cupcakes at the beach, a walk in the park, or a special day doing something they love. All of those count.

    Parenting OC