October at MSHPA: Christmas in the Adobes, Art & Algae + More
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 special evenings, twenty historic buildings throughout Historic Old Monterey open their doors, with luminarias lighting the paths and holiday décor, music and refreshments welcoming guests inside.
Choose Friday, Saturday or a Two-Night Gold Pass — perfect for those who want more time to explore the historic buildings at their own pace. It’s only $45—a real bargain.
Tickets go on sale at mshpa.org on October 12.
Early Bird · Through Nov. 1
$25 at the Custom House Store
Early Bird tickets are available in person at the Custom House Store. In-person sales begin when the store opens on Wednesday, October 14. MSHPA members receive special member pricing when purchasing at the store.
Volunteer at the Adobes
Have you ever dreamed of being an 1840s señorita receiving guests in your sala? Be a State Parks volunteer for a night! Contact Aaron Gilmartin at Aaron.gilmartin@parks.ca.gov.
Free October Program
Art & Algae
Josie Iselin
Signed copies after the talk
Join us for a fascinating afternoon with photographer, author and designer Josie Iselin.
In “Art & Algae: An Artist’s Journey Into the Science of Seaweed and the Drama of the Kelp Forest,” Iselin will share the imagery and science behind her newest book, The Mysterious World of the Bull Kelp Forest, while exploring the challenges facing California’s kelp forests and the restoration work underway today.
The program is free and open to all. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, and Iselin will sign books following the presentation.
When
Sunday, Oct. 25 · 3 p.m.
Where
California’s First Theatre
Pacific and Scott streets, Monterey
Admission
Free · open to all
October Book of the Month
The Edge
California’s coastline has never held still. Bluffs give way, beaches shift, and communities along the water keep adapting to a shoreline with a story all its own.
The Edge: The Pressured Past and Precarious Future of California’s Coast by Kim Steinhardt and Gary Griggs explores the natural and cultural history of the coast and the challenges ahead — rising seas, erosion, development, fisheries and wildlife.
Pick up your copy at either MSHPA gift shop—at the Custom House or Pacific House.
The grizzly bear
The sea otter
New Arrivals at the Stores
Shop Local. Support History.
Four embroidered California-inspired caps: the grizzly bear, California quail, sea otter and orca.
Looking for a uniquely Monterey gift? Every purchase at the Custom House Store or Pacific House Store helps support Monterey State Historic Park — including educational programs that bring local grade school students into the historic buildings where California’s early story unfolded.
Custom House Store
Wed–Sun · 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Pacific House Store
Tue–Sun · 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Since 1975
Become a Member
Since 1975, the Monterey State Historic Park Association has worked alongside the park to help keep its historic adobes open, its stories told and its educational programs available to the community.
Membership helps make that work possible — and joining is easier than ever. Membership payments can now be made through Square at the Custom House Store.
Member Tip
Join before purchasing your Christmas in the Adobes tickets and take advantage of member pricing in the store.
Help Keep Monterey’s History Alive
Whether you become a member, shop at our stores, attend a program or join us for Christmas in the Adobes, your participation helps support the preservation and educational work of the Monterey State Historic Park Association.
Thank you for helping us share Monterey’s history with the next generation.
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