July 26–27 at Monterey JACL Hall
Monterey’s deep connection to abalone—rooted in Indigenous tradition, enriched by immigrant contributions, and central to local culinary lore—will be honored this summer at the inaugural Monterey Abalone Festival: All Things Abalone. This unique two-day celebration will take place Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the Monterey Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Hall, with additional programming at nearby locations.
The festival will feature expert speakers, documentary films, live performances, cultural demonstrations, historical walking tours, and even abalone races. The weekend will also mark the debut of the Roy Hattori Memorial Award, recognizing contributions to the preservation and celebration of abalone heritage.
A Cultural and Historical Celebration
Monterey’s abalone legacy reaches back centuries to the Rumsen Ohlone people, who were the first to dive these waters for abalone. The shells were not only used for tools, jewelry, and decoration but were also highly prized for trade.
In the mid-1800s, Chinese families joined what became known as the “abalone rush,” followed by Japanese divers in the 1890s who built Monterey’s commercial abalone industry. By 1916, more than 600,000 pounds of red abalone were landed at the Wharf. By 1929, Monterey Bay was responsible for 75% of California’s abalone revenue.
This rich history is also reflected in the area’s culinary roots. In 1908, German-American chef “Pop” Ernest Doelter transformed abalone into a gourmet delicacy by introducing the abalone steak. Today, restaurants on Old Fisherman’s Wharf—like Abalonetti’s, Rockfish Harbor Grill, and Domenico’s—still honor that legacy with abalone dishes.
Festival Highlights
Saturday, July 26 kicks off with Monterey Taiko Drummers at 9:30 a.m., followed by talks and films exploring abalone’s cultural and commercial importance. Attendees can enjoy a walking tour at lunchtime and will be led by the Monterey Lion Dance Troupe to Del Monte Beach for a ceremonial Abalone Dance performed by the Rumsen Ohlone Community at 2:30 p.m.
In the evening, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., a special session on the endangered White Abalone will include panel discussions, expert presentations, and film premieres. Speakers include historian Sandy Lydon, filmmaker Geoffery Dunn, author and former fisherman Steve Rebuck, and representatives from the White Abalone Project.
Sunday, July 27 features more films and presentations, including talks by cultural bearer Linda Yamane and author Geoffery Dunn, culminating in the presentation of the Roy Hattori Memorial Award and a virtual exchange with historians from Tateyama, Japan.
Special Guests and Presenters
- Tim Thomas, Cultural Historian
- Linda Yamane, Rumsen Ohlone Culture Bearer
- Sandy Lydon, Historian
- Art Seavey, Monterey Abalone Farm
- Geoffery Dunn, Author and Filmmaker
- Leslie Leaney, Historic Diving League
- Steve Rebuck, Former Abalone Fisherman
- Guests from the White Abalone Project and international presenters from Japan
Honoring the Monterey JACL Hall
The festival coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Monterey JACL Hall, originally built in 1926 by the Japanese community with funds earned through abalone diving. Today, the hall continues to serve as a cultural touchstone and gathering space, making it a fitting venue for this celebration of heritage and resilience.
Details at a Glance
Dates: Saturday, July 26 & Sunday, July 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (evening session Saturday: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
Location: Monterey JACL Hall, 424 Adams St., Monterey, CA
More Info: www.jaclmonterey.org
Contact: Tim Thomas | timsardine@yahoo.com | 831-521-3304
Whether you come for the history, the music, the food, or the chance to learn about the endangered white abalone, this festival promises something for everyone. Join Monterey in honoring the rich cultural tapestry shaped by generations of abalone divers, artisans, and community stewards.
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