1/10/2009 - 2/28/2009: Plein Air Paintings by Vivian Cornwall & Carol Gray. The Monterey Peninsula through Artists' Eyes: Venture Gallery is celebrating its 20th year of offering fine art paintings, ceramics, jewelry and glasswork by Monterey Peninsula artists. To kick off this year of celebration, the gallery is featuring plein air watercolors and oils by award-winning artists Vivian Cornwall and Carol Gray. This is a unique opportunity to see their latest and finest work, along with work by other members of this artist-collaborative gallery Location: Off the lobby of the Portola Hotel & Spa 260 Alvarado Mall, Monterey.

1/15/2009 - 1/19/2009: Monterey Swingfest. Last year’s event had over 900 dancers with attendees from Germany, France, England, Scotland, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and all over the US and Canada. The event has Dance Workshops, Dance Contests and tons of social dancing and features past & present World & National Champions and stars from “Star Search”, “30 Seconds Of Fame,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” and the upcoming major film release “Love N Dancing” www.lovendancing.com. More info on the Monterey Swingfest can be found at www.CentralCoastSwingDance.com. Location: Monterey Hyatt Regency.

1/15/2009 - 2/15/2009: PacRep presents Disney's "High School Musical 2". Live on stage - Disney's hit sequel "High School Musical 2" will feature top performing arts students from through-out Monterey Peninsula. For more information or to purchase tickets call 831-622-0100 or visit www.pacrep.org Golden Bough box office open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-4pm. Location: The Golden Bough Theatre, Monte Verde between 8th and 9th, Carmel.

1/17/2009: Barrel Tasting and Futures Open House. The new “Barrel Tasting and Futures Open House” on January 17, 2009 will give guests the opportunity to taste aging wines in 60-gallon oak barrels and purchase a selection of Private Reserve varietals at significantly reduced “futures” pricing. Only the first 100 cases of select varietals and vintages are reserved as futures, each signed by Winemaker Bill Anderson upon release in summer 2009. The Open House will be from 11am to 4pm and cost is $10 per person; club members are complimentary. Location: Chateau Julien, 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, California 93923.

1/17/2009: Carmel Music Society presents Han Boepple, piano. Carmel Music Society presents Hans Boepple, piano at Carmel's Sunset Center. For more information call 831-625-9938 or visit www.carmelmusic.org. Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

1/18/2009: Monterey Symphony presents Jean Sibelius & Pedro Carbone. Composer Jean Sibelius captured an icy landscape in music. His First Symphony is one of his most dramatic expressions of orchestral picture-painting (Symphony No.1 in E minor, Op.39). Spanish pianist Pedro Carbone performs Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto (in A minor, Op.54), arguably one of the most popular concertos in the repertoire. Conductor Max Bragado-Darman introduces us to Beethoven’s Second Overture for his Opera Leonore (later published as Fidelio). This work contains many of the Opera’s most memorable melodies. For more information call 831-624-8511 ext #0. Or visit: www.montereysymphony.org. Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th Carmel.

1/20/2009: The National Acrobats of China. Experience the dazzling performance by the award winning National Acrobats of China. A spectacular evening of martial arts, traditional music, acrobatics and illusions for the entire family!. Location: Golden State Theater, 417 Alvarado Street, Monterey CA 93940.

1/23/2009: "Best of Doo Wop" at Sunset Center. Carmel's Sunset Center proudly presents "Doo Wop". Get ready to tap your toes and snap your fingers! Danny and the Juniors, The Crew Cuts, The Olympics and a tribute to The Drifters form a dynamic lineup of chart-topping Doo Woppers for an extraordinary evening. Favorite hits such as “At the Hop”, “Earth Angel”, “Hully Gully”, and “Under the Boardwalk” will have you dancing in your seat! For information on the event or to purchase tickets visit www.sunsetcenter.org or call 831-620-2040. Location: The Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

1/23/2009: Ridge Winemaker Dinner. Tray passed hors d’oeuvres and wine on arrival & a four course dinner created by Executive Chef Bunyan Fortune Featured Speaker: Eric Baugher, Vice President of Winemaking with Ridge Vineyards Wine tastings to include Ponzo Zinfandel, Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon, Lytton West Syrah $75 all inclusive For information and reservations please call 831-624-6476 x 488. Location: La Playa Hotel.

1/30/2009: "Footloose" at Sunset Center. Carmel's Sunset Center proudly presents "Footloose". Set to the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar-nominated Top 40 score, “Footloose” is a story about a boy, a minister and a town where dancing is forbidden. This explosive musical celebrates youthful independence, exuberance and the love of dance. For information on the event or to purchase tickets visit www.sunsetcenter.org or call 831-620-2040. Location: The Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

2/6/2009: The Moscow Circus: A Russian Folk Fair. Carmel - 831-620-2048.

2/6/2009 - 2/8/2009: Gem and Bead Faire. Monterey County Fairgrounds FREE - Unusual and rare Gems & Minerals. Classes and Demomstrations.Something for everyone at gem faire! Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds.

2/7/2009: Dinner With My Valentine. Take pleasure in simplicity by creating an elegant, delicious dinner with your Valentine under the direction of a professional chef. Relax and enjoy the evening. If you have children, we will supervise them on the premises, for a small fee and make sure they have their own evening of food and fun. Location: Monterey Senior Center.

2/8/2009: 24th Annual 'Together With Love' Run and Walk. 8:15am for the children's run; 9am for the 10K and 5K. The event on a mostly flat looped course around Monterey Bay is a benefit for the Monterey Rape Crisis Center - 831 373-3955.

2/9/2009 - 2/15/2009: AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is a 72-hole PGA Tour golf championship with 180 top tour professionals and 180 star-studded celebrity amateurs competing head-to-head for the coveted title. The tournament benefits a number of local charities. Location: Pebble Beach, CA

2/9/2009 - 2/15/2009: AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is a 72-hole PGA Tour golf championship with 180 top tour professionals and 180 star-studded celebrity amateurs competing head-to-head for the coveted title. The tournament benefits a number of local charities. Location: Pebble Beach, CA

2/13/2009 - 3/8/2009: "Waiting for Lefty" at the Indoor Forest Theatre. Spring begins with Clifford Odets’ “WAITING FOR LEFTY,” from February 13 – March 8. This is a play that could have been written yesterday. Through powerful scenes of love and dissent, Odets dramatizes ordinary people banding together against disaster. Call the Theatre: 624-1531 for information. Leave your name, phone number and/or email. Director Nick Hovick will be heading SPRC this year. Location: Indoor Forest Theatre, Santa Rita & Mountain View, Carmel.

2/14/2009: River Road Wine Trail Valentine’s Passport. Twelve tasting rooms along Monterey’s River Road Wine Trail will be hosting a “Passport” event on Saturday, February 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a great opportunity for wine lovers to visit and enjoy the vintages and ambience of these artisan vintners. The wineries collectively opening their doors for the Valentine’s Passport are Paraiso, Hahn, Pessagno, Marilyn Remark, Scheid, Ventana, Chalone, Manzoni, San Saba, Blackstone, Boekenoogen, and Puma Road. At this sweetheart of all wine tastings, the member wineries will be featuring rare vintages, music, food, and celebration all things amour. As a Passport-carrying V.I.P., guests will receive a souvenir glass, a gift of sweets, entry into a grand drawing, and special discounts. The Passport “ticket price” is only $25. More info.

2/14/2009: Sony Holland Valentine's Night Special. Sony Holland Valentine's Special concert at the Jazz and Blues Company in Carmel! Always a love-fest, perfect for you and yours! Reserve now! Always a sell-out! Cost $45. Concert begins at 7:30pm. Call 831-624-6432 for reservations or order tickets online: www.krmlradio.com. Location: KRML & The Jazz and Blues Company, The Eastwood Building, San Carlos between 5th & 6th, Carmel

2/15/2009 - 2/16/2009: Monterey Symphony presents Carlos Prieto & Carlos Miguel Prieto. Mexico’s most famous classical musicians, cellist Carlos Prieto, and his son, conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, will make their debuts. They will perform a Cello Concerto composed by Fredrico Ibarra especially for them. Silvestre Revueltas wrote the musical score for Fred Zinnemann’s film “Redes”. Carlos Prieto will show his great talent by leading the orchestra in Schumann’s popular Fourth Symphony (Symphony No.4 in D minor, Op.120). For more information call 831-624-8511 ext #0. Or visit: www.montereysymphony.org. Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th.

2/16/2009: Joan Baez Live In Concert. 2009 is a landmark year for Joan Baez, marking 50 years since she began her legendary residency at Boston's famed Club 47. She remains a musical force of nature whose influence is incalculable - marching on the front line of the civil rights movement with Martin Luther King Jr., singing on the first Amnesty International tour and just this year, standing alongside Nelson Mandela when the world celebrated his 90th birthday in London's Hyde Park. A stunning soprano, Joan's natural vibrato lends a taut, nervous tension to everything she sings. Her repertoire reflects a different sensibility from her peers. Although the songs may be traditional, there is an acknowledgment of the human condition. Location: Golden State Theater, 417 Alvarado Street, Monterey CA 93940.

2/21/2009: Carmel Music Society presents "Voices of London". Carmel Music Society presents Voice of London at Carmel's Sunset Center. For more information call 831-625-9938 or visit www.carmelmusic.org. Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

2/21/2009 - 2/22/2009: Monterey Wine Auction & Gala. Explore the world…in Monterey County. Over thirty first-class Monterey County wines will be showcased as you experience an exciting evening of wine tasting, international cuisine, live music from Grammy winner Louie Ortega, dancing, and an array of luxury packages that will be auctioned during the evening. Auction & Gala will feature a reverse draw, included in your ticket purchase. Two lucky guests will be whisked away to Tahiti and Bora Bora for an amazing retreat full of leisure and relaxation. Other reverse draw packages will include a Giants Baseball Excursion, San Francisco Weekend Theatre Getaway and a Spa & Pamper Day. Proceeds that are generated will be distributed to worthy causes throughout the community. Location: Jackson Family Wines.

2/21/2009 - 2/22/2009: Shark Days.Awe…fear…wonder… respect. Sharks and rays have always evoked strong feelings. Learn more about these amazing animals from the Aquarium’s experts. Location: Monterey Bay Aquarium.

2/22/2009: Big Night of Academy Awards Celebration. Big Night celebrates Hollywood's biggest night in a really big way. Dinner, wine, silent auction and live telecast of the Academy Awards on big screen. Call the Monterey County Film Commission, 831-646-0910, for event details and cost.

2/22/2009: Monterey Wine Auction & Gala. Carmel - (831) 624-6176. Take an evening stroll to discover 24 "off-the-beaten-path" art galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Start at the Center for Photographic Art at Sunset Center, then grab a map and go exploring. Free.

2/26/2009: Guitar Blues. The guitar is the foundation upon which all blues is built, and “Guitar Blues” features three of the most acclaimed blues players in America today. Join Hot Tuna’s Jorma Kaukonen, the legendary Robben Ford, and the phenomenal rising star Ruthie Foster for a very special evening of music featuring the wonderful six-stringed instrument that is the heart and soul of the genre: Guitar Blues. Location: Golden State Theater, 417 Alvarado Street, Monterey, CA 93940.

2/28/2009: "Tango First Century" at Sunset Center.The sensuality of Tango comes alive as the fourteen-artist cast performs the music, song and choreography of this mesmerizing art form. Maestro Romulo Larrea unites his dynamic septet with the dazzling voice of Veronica Larc, “the new voice of Tango.” Seductive dancers sizzle under the choreographic direction of Tony Award-winner Cecilia Saia (“Forever Tango”). For information on the event or to purchase tickets call 831-620-2040. Location: The Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

3/6/2009: Brasil, Brazil. Brasil, Brazil features internationally-renowned singers Ana Gazzola and Sonia Santos who, with their five-piece band, deliver the enthusiasm and excitement of popular Brazilian music-tinged with jazz and spiced with strong Latin and African rhythms. Tickets: $40 Gold Circle. $30 General Public. $25 Senior Citizens (55 and older), Fort Ord Alumni Association, Military with ID. $20 CSUMB Faculty, Staff, Alumni. $15 Student with ID, Young Adult (Ages 13-17). $10 CSUMB Student, Child (12 and under). Location: CSU Monterey Bay, 100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA.

3/6/2009: Mozart Society Series Borciani String Quartet Competition winner. Mozart Society Series of the Carmel Music Society presents the Borciani Quartet Competition winner at the All Saints Church. For more information call 831-625-9938 or visit www.carmelmusic.org. Location: All Saints Church, Dolores & 9th, Carmel.

3/6/2009 - 3/9/2009: Dixieland Monterey. Three days of top Dixieland and Swing at venues in downtown Monterey and along Fisherman's Wharf. Featuring top national jazz bands, local youth bands and more. Location: Downtown Monterey & Fishermans' Wharf, Monterey.

3/12/2009: "Danu" at Sunset Center. Hailing from storied County Waterform, Danu is one of the leading Irish music ensembles today. Their sell-out concerts feature a spirited mix of ancient music and contemporary Irish tunes. Danu will lift your heart and make you long for the auld sod, even if you’re not Irish! For information on the event call 831-620-2048. For information on the band visit www.danu.net. Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

3/14/2009: Carol Welsman Quartet. A sold out crowd the first time means great demand for Carol’s return. She plays a great piano and you’ll love her vocals. Cost $35. Call 831-624-6432 for reservations. For information and to buy tickets visit: www.krmlradio.com. Location: Jazz and Blues Company, Eastwood Building, San Carlos between 5th & 6th, Carmel.

3/15/2009: "A Kid's Life!" at Sunset Center. You’re invited to join five year old Zack and his loyal dog, Starsky, as they embark on a fun-filled adventure through their hometown. Packed with wholesome family entertainment and positive messages, “A Kid’s Life!” is a feel-good musical, sure to inspire and amuse audiences of all ages! For information on the event or to purchase tickets visit: www.sunsetcenter.org or call 831-620-2040. Location: The Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

3/15/2009: 20th Annual Great Taste of PG. The fabulous food and wine event, to benefit PG PRIDE and Pacific Grove schools, will showcase the area's finest restaurants and wineries along with a live and silent auction, on behalf of that Pacific Grove Unified School District, to be held in the Grand Ballroom of Inn at Spanish Bay. Hours are 4-7pm. More Info: 831-642-4943 or pgpride@pgusd.org. Location: Inn at Spanish Bay.

3/20/2009 - 3/21/2009: "1964". . . #1 Beatles Show. "1964". . . The Tribute takes their audiences on a musical journey to an era in rock history that will live in all of our hearts forever. They are hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute in the world. Choosing songs from the pre-Sgt-Pepper era, "1964" recreates an early 60s live Beatles concert, with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles, and onstage banter. Presented by Strut Productions. Location: Sunset Cultural Center, Mission Street and Eighth Avenue, Carmel by-the-Sea, CA 93921

3/22 - 3/23/2009: Monterey Symphony presents Asier Polo & Lorenz Nasturica. Two great concert artists share the stage for one fantastic concerto – Brahms double (Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, Op.102)! Spanish cellist Asier Polo returns with violinist Lorenz Nasturica, concertmaster of the Munich Philharmonic. Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony (Symphony 6 in B minor, Op.74 “Pathetique”) will make you stand up and cheer for the Russian master. Max Bragado-Darman will be conducting. Monterey Symphony will also present the winner of the 2009 Max Bragado-Darman Overture Competition. For more information call 831-624-8511 ext #0. Or visit: www.montereysymphony.org. Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

3/28/2009: "Nat King Cole: Long Live the King" at Sunset Center. Caressing each song with heart-breaking depth, Allan Harris delivers a repertoire of beloved jazz standards made famous by Nat King Cole. With a rich velvety voice and a dynamic stage manner, he projects the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Frank Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat King Cole. For more information on the event call 831-620-2048 or visit www.sunsetcenter.org. Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

3/28/2009: 4th Annual Mud Run. We invite you to come get "down and dirty" at the 4th annual Mud Run on the last Saturday in March. The challenging but fun course includes hills, water, obstacles, drill sergeants, and yes, plenty of mud. The Mud Run is a Big Sur Marathon event sponsored by the U.S. Army Garrison-Presidio of Monterey and California State University Monterey Bay. The Mud Run is an approximate five mile out and back course beginning and ending at Freeman Stadium on the CSUMB campus. The course is partially on the road and partially on trails and includes hills, water, obstacles, five foot walls and several mud pits. You will get wet and you will get muddy. Showers will be provided at the finish area so be sure to bring towels and a change of clothing. Location: Freeman Stadium on the CSUMB campus.

4/2/2009 - 4/19/2009: PacRep presents "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf". PacRep presents one of the most famous plays of all time at Carmel's Golden Bough Theatre. For more information or to purchase tickets call 831-622-0100 or visit www.pacrep.org Golden Bough box office open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-4pm on Monte Verde between 8th & 9th in Carmel. Location: Golden Bough Theatre, Monte Verde between 8th & 9th, Carmel.

4/3/2009: Mozart Society Series presents Triple Helix, strings & Paul Hersh, piano. Mozart Society Series of the Carmel Music Society presents Triple Helix & Paul Hersh, piano at the All Saints Church. For more information call 831-625-9938 or visit www.carmelmusic.org. Location: All Saints Church, Dolores & 9th, Carmel

4/3/2009 - 4/5/2009: Next Generation Jazz Festival. The Monterey Jazz Festival turns the spotlight on the young up-and-coming musicians who will form the vanguard jazz music in the coming decades with a newly expanded event augmented by fresh performances and activities. 831-373-3366. Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey

4/4/2009 - 4/5/2009: 52nd Annual Good Old Days Celebration. Pacific Grove tradition!! Includes the County’s largest arts and crafts show, with over 225 art and food vendors in downtown Pacific Grove, a parade down Pine Avenue; live entertainment on five stages; California Police Motorcycle Competition; old-fashioned games and contests and lots of family fun. Free admission. naturalists, to observe spring migratory and nesting birds. Location: Downtown Pacific Grove.

4/6/2009: Secret Lives of Seahorses. Explore the unusual lives of these fascinating fishes when the Aquarium’s newest special exhibition opens with over a dozen different seahorse species and their relatives. Learn why their habitats are in danger and what you can do to help. Location: Monterey Bay Aquarium.

4/9/2009: Lula Washington Dance Theatre. "Hard-hitting, high-flying, clearly inspirational, imaginative dance and theater" proclaim the reviews of this drama/dance troupe. "A beautiful blend of African and modern dance movement. One of the most culturally and politically conscious dance companies in California." Tickets: $40 Gold Circle. $30 General Public. $25 Senior Citizens (55 and older), Fort Ord Alumni Association, Military with ID. $20 CSUMB Faculty, Staff, Alumni. $15 Student with ID, Young Adult (Ages 13-17). $10 CSUMB Student, Child (12 and under). Location: CSU Monterey Bay, 100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA.

4/15/2009: "Ballet Preljocaj Les 4 Saisons" at Sunset Cente. Under the imaginative direction of choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, 12 multinational dancers create an ethereal world set to Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”. Hypnotically beautiful and playful, the whimsically consumed dancers inhabit a magical space created by sculpture Fabrice Hyber. Experience this rare engagement with Europe’s premiere contemporary choreographer. For information on the event or to purchase tickets visit www.sunsetcenter.org or call 831-620-2040. Location: The Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

4/16/2009 - 4/19/2009: 2nd Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Event. 35 celebrity chefs and 200 wineries will be in attendance at this four-day event at various Pebble Beach Resorts. Choose from numerous lunches and dinners prepared by the world's top chefs, each paired with legendary wines. Countless cooking demonstrations, cult wine tastings, and one of the most exclusive rare-wine auctions in the country. At the Grand Tasting Tent Saturday and Sunday, a showcasing of wines from 200 top producers and samplings from the celebrity chefs. 3 Premier Packages available: starting at $995 - $4750. Individual purchases "A la Carte" without a package available as well. For more info or to purchase tickets visit www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com or call 866-907-3663. Location: Throughout Pebble Beach.

4/16/2009 - 4/19/2009: Sea Otter Classic Cycling Festival. Called the Bikestock of North America, this massive cycling event features fun rides, road racing, mountain bike racing, BMX racing, kids events, and a consumer tradeshow that highlights the latest in cycling hardware, clothing and good. Racers range from first timers to Olympic champions. All kids' events are free. Camping is available. Location: Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey.

4/17/2009: "Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular" at Sunset Center. It is not only the world’s longest touring laser show, but the longest touring theater show in history. Pink Floyd’s music pours out at 10,000 watts of concert-quality sound as lasers, animated forms and neon figures explode throughout Sunset Center. Fans from nine to ninety will flock to experience the classic rock music of Pink Floyd with incredible visual images. Get ready for a totally different dimension. For more information on the event call 831-620-2048 or visit: www.sunsetcenter.org. For information on Paramount's show visit: www.laserspectacular.com. Location: The Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

4/1/2009 - 4/19/2009: Wildflower Show. The first wildflower show in the state with more than 600 species, varieties and lesser taxae of local flora on exhibit at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Location: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.

4/18/2009: St. Mary’s-By-The-Sea Annual Fall Book Sale. St. Mary’s-by-the Sea Episcopal Church’s at Edward’s Hall will be the site of a great book sale. Hundreds of great books: History, Art, Cookbooks, Finance, Spiritual, Political, Mysteries, Gardening, Gardening, Children’s Books and more…Hardcover, paperbacks, some brand new! Plus videos, DVD, CDs, records and cassettes. Fill a bag for $4.00 sale at 9:00pm. For more information call: 831-373-4441. Location: St. Mary’s-by-the Sea Episcopal Church at Edward’s Hall.

4/1/2009 - 4/20/2009: Monterey Symphony presents Giampaolo Bisanti & Alexander Sitkovetsky. Italian conductor Giampaolo Bisanti returns with young violin virtuoso Alexander Sitkovetsky providing all the razzle-dazzle Paganini put into his First Concerto (in D major, Op.6). American composer Michael Daugherty’s “Strut” sparkles with an entertaining freshness. Pianist/composer Martucci orchestrated his own piano pieces providing a glittering display of emotions (Novelleta, Tempo di Gavotta, Giga, Notturno). Wolf-Ferrari’s comic opera overture “Susanna’s Secret” (“Overture to II segretto di Susanna”) raises the curtain and Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio italien Op.45” will send you home whistling that great melody. For more information call 831-624-8511 ext #0. Or visit: www.montereysymphony.org. Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel, CA.

4/26/2009: "Cirque Le Masque" at Sunset Center. Skill. Artistry. Strength. Grace. Cirque Le Masque offers a sophisticated, European-style circus performance, complete with awesome special effects and death-defying feats. Treat everyone you know to Cirque Le Masque’s perfect blend of theatrical imagination and creative entertainment. For information about the event call 831-620-2048 or visit: www.sunsetcenter.org. Or visit: www.cirquelemasque.com. Location: The Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel, CA.

4/26/2009: Big Sur International Marathon. This 26.2 mile footrace is run along California's scenic Highway One from Big Sur to Carmel. Additional events include the 21, 10.6 and 9-Milers and a 5K race. A two-day Health & Fitness Expo takes place at the Monterey Conference Center Friday and Saturday before the race, plus a JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K race on Saturday. Location: Big Sur to Carmel, CA.

4/26/2009: Dia del Nino. Celebrate children and families with a craft room, live music, prize drawings and Latin American musical performances throughout the Aquarium. Children 12 and under will be admitted free all day. Location: Monterey Bay Aquarium.

5/2/2009 - 5/3/2009: ROTA Psychic Fair. For over 26 years Rota Productions has been bringing you the best of Body, Mind, Spirit events. Don't miss this one! 831-644-9098. Location: Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey.

5/7/2009: Instituto Mazatlan Bellas Artes de Sacramento "Corazon de Mexico". Featuring colorful dances and live mariachi, The Ballet Folklorico IMBA tours internationally setting standards in Mexican folkdance and music. Tickets: $40 Gold Circle. $30 General Public. $25 Senior Citizens (55 and older), Fort Ord Alumni Association, Military with ID. $20 CSUMB Faculty, Staff, Alumni. $15 Student with ID, Young Adult (Ages 13-17). $10 CSUMB Student, Child (12 and under). Location: CSU Monterey Bay, 100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA

5/9/2009 - 5/10/2009: Tenth Annual Marina International Festival of the Winds. Mother's Day Weekend, 10AM - 5:30PM Saturday and 11AM - 5:00PM Sunday - Kite flying, hang gliding, live music and entertainment, food vendors and booths, kite making workshops, giant inflatable air park, wind-related kids crafts, science and technology tent, demonstrations and more. Admission is free. Location: Glorya Jean Tate Park and Marina State Beach, Marina, CA.

5/14/2009 - 5/17/2009: 16th Annual Carmel Art Festival. Gallery events, lectures, receptions and demonstrations at 43 art galleries in addition to a plein air painting competition. Outdoor art show at Devendorf Park featuring bronze, glass, stone, marble and acrylic sculptures. 831-642-2503. Location: Carmel, CA.

5/15/2009 - 5/16/2009: Cooking for Solutions. Thomas Keller, Alton Brown, and celebrity chefs from around the country gather for a celebration of sustainable seafood. Events include the signature gala, food and wine adventures, cooking demonstrations and more. On Saturday, all Aquarium visitors enjoy the Sustainable Seafood Information Fair featuring special food events and book signings. Location: Monterey Bay Aquarium.

5/16/2009 - 5/17/2009: Castroville Artichoke Festival. Sample the many unique flavors of the artichoke in an atmosphere of fun, tasteful treats, musical entertainment, and arts and crafts. Costs are $6/adults and $3/children. Location: Castroville.

5/17/2009: "The Tweaksters! Fabulous Feats of Physical Fun" at Sunset Center. Enter the wacky world of Regan Patno and Julia Snyder, two talented performing artists whose innovative mix of acrobatic dance and artistic juggling blends pure athletic creativity with odd objects (think ping-pong balls and flowerpots!). the result is rhythmic, crazy-cool performance designed to tweak and delight everyone. It’s fresh, funny, and enormously entertaining. For more information on the event call 831-620-2048 or visit: www.sunsetcenter.org or www.tweaksters.com. Location: The Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

5/22/2009 - 6/27/2009: PacRep presents David Mamets comedy of manners "Boston Marriage" at Carmel's Circle Theatre. For more information or to purchase tickets call 831-622-0100 or visit www.pacrep.org Golden Bough box office open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-4pm on Monte Verde between 8th & 9th in Carmel. Location: Circle Theatre, Casanova St between 8th & 9th, Carmel.

5/23/2009: Garden & Vineyard Tour. Enjoy the bounty of spring with Director of Landscape Mark Koehler as he leads a group through the blooming landscape of Bernardus Lodge. The over 100 varieties of roses, Russian sage, cherry plum trees and butterfly bushes planted throughout the property will be filling the air with scents of spring. Then, take a leisurely walk through the award winning chardonnay & pinot noir vineyard on property. Wine Director Mark Jensen will discuss the history of Bernardus Winery and new release Bernardus wines while strolling with the group through Ingrid’s Vineyard. Location: Bernardus Lodge, 415 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924.

5/31/2009 - 6/1/2009: Monterey Symphony presents Max Bragado-Darman The Season concludes as Max Bragado leads the orchestra in Gustav Holst’s “The Planets”. Composed to depict the astrological characteristics of each known planet, this musical suite for large orchestra never ceases to thrill audiences. Ralph Vaughan-William’s tribute to Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice became the choral masterpiece, “Serenade to Music”. The program opens with one of the most beloved melodies of all time, Faure’s “Pavanne, Op.50”. For more information call 831-624-8511 ext #0. Or visit: www.montereysymphony.org. Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel.

5/7, 514, 521/2009: "My California" in Music & Stories, Salinas - (831) 775-4721. A fun and creative day awaits at the National Steinbeck Center, with music and stories inspired by the "My California" juried art exhibit on display in the museum's special gallery. Free admission for residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.

5/17/2009-21/2009: Pebble Beach Equestrian Challenge, Pebble Beach - (831) 624-2756. Level A horse show, featuring hunter jumping and other classes. The Stirrup Cup Show takes place May 20-21.

6/6/2009: 2009 Monterey Beer Festival – “A Tribute to Beer”. On Saturday, June 6th, 2009, from 12:30 to 5pm, come to the Monterey Fairgrounds for the greatest assortment of Beer ever assembled on the Central Coast. Sample varied styles of Ales & Lagers from over fifty breweries with hundreds of beers to taste. On hand will be the best of beer from around the world including America, Belgium, Germany, England, Japan, France, Australia, Italy, etc. Pre sale tickets may also be purchased at ticket locations for $30 beginning April 1st, ’09 and on Thursday, June 4 at 5pm. Our food vendors; USA Brats, Thaiwaiian Noodles, Culinary Center of Monterey, Grandma's BBQ & 3POP Kettle Korn so the food choices will be a perfect match with the wonderful assortment of beer. Only people certifiably over the age of 21 will be admitted—no exceptions. However, if you have a small child, under age 12, who you’d like to bring along, feel free, there’s no charge. No animals or pets allowed. Location: Monterey Fairgrounds.

6/6/2009: 6th Annual Cannery Row Block Party. Come on down to Cannery Row and enjoy a day of seaside entertainment and family fun! Children will be delighted by a magician, balloon artists, live animal shows and musicians. The Main Stage will be destination fun with nonstop musical entertainment. Don't miss this annual celebration! Entrance is FREE! Location: Cannery Row, Monterey.

6/6/2009 - 6/7/2009: World Ocean Day Celebration. About 70% of our planet is covered by ocean. The Aquarium invites visitors to join in for an international ocean awareness day. Come celebrate this amazing ecosystem and discover your role in assuring we have healthy oceans in the future. Location: Monterey Bay Aquarium.

6/26/2009 - 6/28/2009: Monterey Bay Blues Festival. Location: Monterey Fairgrounds, 394-2652.

6/28/2009 - 7/6/2009: Monterey County Celtic Week, 372-2020 & 633-4444.