• May 8-9: Marina International Festival of the Winds
• Monterey
• Mother's Day Weekend, At Glorya Jean state Park and Marina State Beach. 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.

• May 13-16: Salinas Valley Fair
• Salinas - King City Fairgrounds
• 831-385-3243
• Enjoy the atmosphere of an old-fashioned county fair, complete with carnival, bull-riding, craft and 4-H exhibit, music and more. Includes the Monterey Wine Competition Grand Wine Tasting.

• May 13-16: 17th Annual Carmel Art Festival
• Carmel
• 831-642-2503
• Gallery events, lectures, receptions and demonstrations at 43 art galleries in addition to a plein air painting competition.

• May 13-16: Carmel Art Festival
• Come celebrate Plein Air, art galleries and more. “Year of the Dog” contest, art exhibitions and demonstrations. All venues within walking distance and located in Carmel by the Sea village.
• More info at www.carmelartfestival.org

• May 15: Winemaker’s New Release Party
• 5:00pm - 7:00pm The Estates Vintners Collection of most sought after wines will be released this exquisite evening under the Carmel Valley stars. Winemaker Bill Anderson will be on-hand for bottle signing and vintage highlights. Evening features include: 2007 La Connivance & 2007 Black Nova III
• More info at www.chateaujulien.com

• May 16: Monster Truck Jam
• Sunday May 16th 12-5pm
• Get your Tickets early for this always sold out event. Don’t miss out on the dirt-slinging, non-stop action of the Monster Truck Jam. INFO: call 800-771-8807

• May 16-18 US Sports and Champs Cars at Laguna Seca Raceway
• Annual world class and well attended event. Bring your earplugs and experience the excitement!
• More info at www.laguna-seca.com

• May 20–22: Cooking for Solutions
• Monterey
• 831-644-7561
• Celebrity chefs gather in a two-day extravaganza dedicated to sustainable seafood, gourmet organic cuisine, and organic wines sponsored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Past events have honored renowned chefs Martin Yan and Jacques Pepin, and have included visits by Jim Dodge, Jesse Ziff Cool. mark Franz and Emily Luchetti. Other events include receptions, a tasting gala, cooking demonstrations, and farm and vineyard tours.

• May 22: Spurs & Stilettos: Centennial Gala
• 1034 N. Main St. Salinas, CA 831.775.3100, info@carodeo.com
• This truly unique black tie gala will be held in an extravagant tent in the arena at the Salinas Sports Complex. The event will feature live and silent auctions, a full dinner, hosted bar, live music and your host for the evening, our very own Rodeo Announcer, Wayne Brooks. Ticket information to be announced; for more information call 831-775-3100.