Heritage Highlights

Shop Small Saturday At the Adobes · Saturday, Nov. 28 This year, give a gift with a story, and keep the history of Monterey alive while you do it. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is the day to shop close to home, and few gift shops are closer to Monterey’s story than ours. Stop by the Custom House Store or the Pacific House Store for gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Every purchase supports Monterey State Historic Park, including the programs that bring local grade school s

Less Than Four Weeks Away Christmas in the Adobes Friday & Saturday, Dec. 11–12 · 5–9 p.m. Historic Old Monterey · 42nd Year It starts at dusk. The first luminarias flicker along the streets of Historic Old Monterey, a door swings open, and warm light spills out of a room that was here before California was a state. Inside, the sala is dressed for the holidays. Music drifts in from the next adobe. A State Parks volunteer welcomes you the way a Monterey family would have welco

The November Dispatch News from the Adobes · November 2026 Luminarias in December, a garden lit for the season and a month for giving thanks. Returns for Its 42nd Year Christmas in the Adobes Friday & Saturday, Dec. 11–12 · 5–9 p.m. Historic Old Monterey Luminarias light the way through Historic Old Monterey. Music and holiday décor inside the adobes. Doors open above the luminarias. Long before California was a state, Monterey was its capital. The adobes along its streets se

The October Dispatch News from the Adobes · October 2026 Holiday tickets, a free afternoon in the kelp forest, and a book about the edge of California. Returns for Its 42nd Year Christmas in the Adobes Friday & Saturday, Dec. 11–12 · 5–9 p.m. Tickets on Sale Monday, Oct. 12 Luminarias light the way through Historic Old Monterey. Music and dancing inside the adobes. Tickets on sale Oct. 12 One of Monterey’s most beloved holiday traditions returns this December. For two specia

Third Annual First Theatre Fest Saturday, September 5 · 11 a.m.–4 p.m. · Free Theater, poetry, live music, local food and seven artisan makers — on the stage where California theater began. From the Association Friends of the Park On Saturday, September 5, the doors of California's First Theatre swing open for our third annual First Theatre Fest — a full day of performances, poetry, live music, local food and handmade goods, all of it free. This adobe has anchored Monterey's

Robert Louis Stevenson in the South Seas In August 1879, Robert Louis Stevenson arrived in Monterey—an experience that would become an important chapter in his life. Join us at Stevenson House as we commemorate his time in Monterey and explore the fascinating years that followed, from his travels through the South Seas to his eventual home in Samoa. Hear stories of Stevenson’s life in Samoa and discover objects, photographs, and artwork from his life and family. Afterward, mi

History is alive at Monterey State Historic Park. Here's what's happening this August. A free multimedia presentation with author and music historian John Brackett Grateful Dead “Touch of Grey” Grateful Dead “Touch of Grey” Talk at First Theatre WHEN: Wednesday, August 26 at 6 p.m. WHERE: California’s First Theatre, corner of Pacific Street and Scott Street, Monterey COST: FREE — all are welcome After two decades of being a countercultural music force, San Francisco’s the Gra

History is alive at Monterey State Historic Park. Here's what's happening this June. Join California State Parks for Asilomar Day, a special birthday celebration honoring the rich history, natural beauty, and architectural legacy of Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds! Immerse yourself in Asilomar's YWCA era by taking a ride in a vintage car or joining a beginner-friendly swing dance workshop. Learn more on a guided history or wildflower walk, and enjoy live music by

Los Exploradores de Monterey MSHPA is committed to ensuring this summer camp is possible for local children—an immersive program where California State Parks staff bring Monterey’s stories to life. With limited State funding, this experience depends on MSHPA fundraising to ensure cost is never a barrier for families. This special summer program invites day campers to step into Monterey’s rich cultural history and breathtaking natural spaces—discovering stories, places, and ex

Two of Christmas in the Adobes' most popular performing groups have new venues this year.

One of the most charming features of Christmas in the Adobes is the period attire worn by many volunteers. The clothing adds to the festive and authentic feeling of the event for volunteers and visitors alike.

Christmas in the Adobes thrives because of its partners. More than a dozen stewards of historic buildings open them to the public each year to benefit our Monterey heritage community. One of the most stalwart partners is the Monterey History and Art Association, the real pioneer of preservation in Monterey.

JUMP INTO THE 1920s – At this year’s Christmas in the Adobes, you may notice a change in the decorations and the period attire at Larkin House. Larkin House’s theme has changed to celebrating a 1920s Christmas with Alice and Harry Toulmin.