Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
Mark your calendars, Monterey County families — Old Fisherman’s Wharf is turning 181, and the whole community is invited to celebrate for free. The Fisherman’s Wharf Association is throwing its annual Wharf Birthday Party on Sunday, October 11, complete with live music, historic boats, birthday cake, and a few brand-new activities for kids this year.
Best of all: it’s completely free, and it’s an easy, stroller-friendly day out with sweeping views of Monterey Bay.
Where: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, 201 Washington Street, Monterey When: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Cost: Free More info: montereywharf.com or (831) 238-0777
What Kids and Families Can Do
Free Birthday Cake — A sea-life-themed cake is served at 3:30 p.m. at the Wharf Tent in front of Abalonetti Bar & Grill (while supplies last), so grab a spot early.
Face Painting (new this year!) — Zeana of Whimsical Wonders Face Painting will transform kids into superheroes, animals, and fantasy creatures from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., using skin-safe, professional paints.
Live Music — The Money Band, voted Best Band on the Monterey Peninsula, plays crowd-pleasing hits from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Historic Ships to Explore — Two beloved local vessels will be on hand:
- The Western Flyer, the boat that carried John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts on their famous 1940 Sea of Cortez expedition, will offer free docked tours from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Dock.
- The General Pershing, a historic Monterey fishing boat built in 1930 by local boatbuilder Angelo Siino, will have an info table and photo ops near the Finger Pier.
Pirate Photo Ops — Kids (and grown-ups) can dress up as pirates or sailors for photos with the pirate statues at Pirate’s Cove.
Free Wharf History Walks — Maritime historian Tim Thomas leads two free one-hour walking tours, at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., meeting in front of Harbor House Gifts.
First Responders on Site — The Monterey Police and Fire Departments will be there, including a fire truck display kids can check out.
Photo Essay Contest (new this year!) — Older kids and teens can enter the Wharf History Photo Collection Short Essay Contest: pick a photo from the History page at MontereyWharf.com and write a short essay (under 100 words) about it. One entry per person; submit to info@montereywharf.com with the subject line “Photo Essay Contest” by October 13 at midnight. Full details at MontereyWharf.com.
Community Info Table — The Alzheimer’s Association will have a table with information and giveaways for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, happening the following week (October 17) at Custom House Plaza.
Emceeing the day is local radio personality David Marzetti, aka “The Voice of Monterey,” known for hosting Monterey County’s biggest community events.
Getting There
The Wharf is a short walk from downtown Monterey via the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail, with parking available at the nearby Waterfront Parking Lot.
Why It Matters
Old Fisherman’s Wharf has been a hub of Monterey life since 1845 — long before it became known as the “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World™.” This birthday party is a chance for local families to connect with that history while enjoying a fun, free day together on the water.
For more information, visit montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.
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