May 4 - June 9
Evening Breezes
Monterey
Tel: 831.647.6886
www.montereybayaquarium.org
Enjoy a relaxing Friday or Saturday evening aboard a beautiful, eco-friendly 65-foot sailboat Derek M Baylis as Monterey Bay Aquarium staff serves up Monterey County wines and light refreshments as well as fascinating stories about the natural and cultural history of the Monterey.

May-September
Historic Garden Tours
Monterey
Tel: 831-647-6204
www.parks.ca.gov
Take a fascinating tour of Monterey's best-kept secret. Learn about plant lore, identification, and uses. Tours begin in the Cooper-Molera Adobe courtyard and then proceed to the Stevenson House and (if time) Larkin House gardens. Tuesdays at 1pm.

May 4
Latin Jazz at the Aquarium
Monterey
Tel: 831-648-4800
www.montereybayaquarium.org
The Aquarium has moved the date of its popular Jazz at the Aquarium event in honor of Mexican Heritage Month, and also added some spice with a Latin jazz theme. Pete Escovedo will headline one of the hottest events of the year. This year’s event promises to be a hot ticket, so be sure to get yours early! $50 member/$65 general public.

May 4
Oldtown Artwalk
Salinas
Tel: 831-758-9126
www.artistasunidos.org
Amble around Oldtown Salinas and discover the very lively art world of Monterey's county seat. Forty venues (open 5-8pm) present art, live music, snacks, book-signings and more.

May 4-6
Wildflower Triathlon 2007
Monterey County - Lake San Antonio
Tel: 831-373-0678
www.tricalifornia.com
The Wildflower Long Course Triathlon is one of the premier triathlons nationally and internationally. The 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run is one of the most challenging courses anywhere. Beach Hill, Nasty Grade, Polar Heart Rate Hill and the back country trail run will test the skills of the professional, elite, age group triathlete and the first time long course competitor.

May 5
"Ping • Pong" Magazine Launch Party
Big Sur
Tel: 831-667-2574
www.henrymiller.org
West Coast Launch Party for the first issue of "Ping•Pong" - the Henry Miller Library Literary Magazine. Readings, Food, Wine and Frivolity! Come dressed as your favorite author/artist or work of art.

May 5
Mamaspalooza
Del Monte Shopping Center
1-888-I-Shop-DM
www.delmontecenter.com
On the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, all mamas are invited to the third annual “Mamaspalooza” event designed to showcase different resources for mamas of all ages and stages. Sponsored by Stroller Strides and Celebrate Mama. 1am to 4pm.

May 5
12th Annual SPCA Wag N' Walk
Monterey - Shoreline Park (Recreation Trail)
Tel: 831-373-2631 Ext. 203
www.spcamc.org
jsmiley@spcamc.org.
Help end pet homelessness today! The SPCA of Monterey County will sponsor the 12th Annual Wag n’ Walk is a fun people and pets walk-a-thon that provides a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, take a walk on the beautiful and scenic Monterey Bay recreational trail, and enjoy a fun-filled morning; including a complimentary continental breakfast, entertainment, light lunch, great incentive prizes and contests. These festivities will help raise money and awareness to end the tragedy of pet homelessness.

May 5-6
The Monterey Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Fair
Monterey - Fair Grounds
Tel: 831-394-6678
www.avantienterprises.com
Saturday and Sunday, May 5th and 6th, Come One, Come All to a family fun weekend. Bring your family to the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The Monterey Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Fair holds something special for all to enjoy. You will find many special treasures to choose from. We will have Arts and Crafts Booths, Great Food and Family Fun. FREE!

May 5-6
SpringFest Arts and Crafts Faire
Monterey - Custom House Plaza
Tel: 831-622-0700
Original hand-made arts and crafts exhibition and sale all artists will be present. Come to see the artistic talent on display while also enjoying food, drink and family entertainment.

May 6
Jeffers Tor House Garden Party
Carmel
Tel: 831-624-1813
www.torhouse.org
Annual Garden Party offers afternoon tea, silent auction and gifts for sale. Live music serenades artists painting in the gardens. Photography allowed this day only.

May 6
38th Annual Carmel Valley Flower and Art Show
Carmel Valley
Tel: 831-236-6481
www.cvgardenclub.org
cvga@comcast.net
The Carmel Valley Garden Association is hosting the 38th annual Flower and Art Show. The show and all activities are open to the public and FREE. The show also features a huge Plant Sale, Silent Auction, Local Art Vendors, BBQ, "Field Of Flowers" By Local Artists, Cooking Flower And Art Demonstrations and a Children's Garden Activities And Art Show. You do not have to be a club member to enter YOUR beautiful plants or to create an arrangement. And admission is FREE. For more information, including how to enter your arrangement or cut flowers, and directions, visit the web site or call the number above.

May 9
STORYTYME
Monterey - Monterey Live
Tel: 303-442-0530
www.storytymeband.com
phil@storytymeband.com
Storytyme, a band comprised of three brothers from Boulder, Colorado with their unique, high energy sound inspired by rock bands from the 70's will be performing at Monterey Live in Old Downtown Monterey. Please see: www.storytymeband.com for more info.

May 10-13
8th Annual Parkfield Bluegrass Festival
South Monterey County - Parkfield
Tel: 805-937-5895
www.parkfieldbluegrass.com
Appropriately, this Deep South (County) hamlet puts on a great bluegrass festival every spring, just as the wildflower season busts loose. Camping available on site.

May 11 - 27
Pirates of Penzance
Monterey - MPUSD
Tel: 831-646-4213
www.mpfaculty.net
Frederic was, as a child, apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted, orphaned pirates by his nurse who, being hard of hearing, had mistaken her master's instructions to apprentice the boy to a pilot. Frederic, upon completing his 21st year, rejoices that he has fulfilled his indentures and is now free to return to respectable society. But, it turns out that he was born on February 29 – a leap year.

May 12
4th Annual Habitat Plant Sale
Carmel Valley - Carmel Middle School
Tel: 831-601-5927
Featuring a wide selection of central coast natives and student-grown organic veggie starts. Come shop for Mother's Day to the tunes of the "Cachagua Playboys" and explore our gardens. Plant Sale is from 9am to 12noon at Habitat.

May 12
Naval Postgraduate School International Day
Monterey
Tel: 831-656-2136
www.intlcomm.org
internationaldayinfo@nps.edu
The Naval Postgraduate School's International Committee will host our annual International Day at La Mesa Elementary School (Leahy Road, Monterey, CA) on Saturday, May 12th, from noon to 4 p.m. Representatives from over 20 countries will share their culture, music, food and dance in a family-friendly atmosphere. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

May 12
Spring Winemaker Dinner
Carmel Valley - Chateau Julien
Tel: 831-624-2600
www.chateaujulien.com
Taste through barrels samplings and spring new releases with winemakers Bill & Marta, paired with the finest of local fare. Newly budding vines and flowering gardens accentuate the beauty of spring this evening at the Estate. Guests will dine alfresco in the Wine Estate’s Conservatory. Barrel Tasting: 7:00pm, Dinner 8:00pm.

May 12
Beethoven
Monterey - Golden State Theatre
Tel: 831-333-1283
www.ensemblemonterey.org
For its season finale, the Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra combines with the much acclaimed vocal ensemble, Cantiamo, to present one of Beethoven’s monumental masterpieces, the Mass in C.

May 12
5th Annual Paddlefest
Monterey
Tel: 800-649-5357
www.montereybaykayaks.com
The beach at Monterey's Wharf II will be wall-to-wall kayaks during this special one-day festival. More than 100 kayaks from five manufacturers will be available for a 'test drive,' with mini-classes and information about kayaking and marine eco-tourism, too. Proceeds benefit the research of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.

May 12-13
8th Annual Marina International Festival of the Winds
Marina
www.marinafestival.com
Kite Flying,Hang Gliding, Live Music and Entertainment, Food and Vendor Booths, Kite Making Workshops, Giant Inflatable Air Park, Wind-Related Kids Crafts, Science and Technology Tent, Crime Stoppers Free Children's Fingerprinting, A.J. Robinson Free Medical Screening, Volunteer Firefighter's Pancake Breakfast, Demonstrations & More! Admission is free.

May 13
Mother's Day Special: Science Under Sail
Tel: 831-648-4800
www.montereybayaquarium.org
On Mother's Day, moms are welcomed aboard more than ever on the Derek M Baylis. The boat will set sail from Fisherman's Wharf, taking a fortunate few on the cruise around the Monterey Bay. Don't miss this chance to see breathtaking views, have a turn at the helm of a 65-foot sailboat, and even help aquarium naturalists research one of the world's great habitats - the Monterey Bay. Who would've ever thought that science could be so exciting? And, all is free for a mom with one paying passenger.

May 15-20
Pebble Beach Equestrian Challenge
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
Level A horse show, featuring hunter jumping and other classes. Rated “A” by the American Horse Show Association, this show is perfect for setting up for the next round of preparedness in the quest for equestrian excellence as trainers, riders and horses move closer to the excitement of the big summer shows!

May 17-20
Annual Carmel Art Festival
Carmel
Tel: 831-642-2503
www.carmelartfestival.org
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, marbles and acrylic sculpture.

May 17-20
Salinas Valley Fair
King City
Tel: 831-385-3243
www.salinasvalleyfair.com
Enjoy the atmosphere of an old-fashioned county fair, complete with carnival, bull-riding, craft and 4-H exhibits, music and more. Includes the Monterey Wine Competition Grand Wine Tasting on May 18.

May 18-19
Cooking for Solutions
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Tel: 831-644-7561
www.montereybayaquarium.org
Honored chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Border Grill/ Santa Monica and Los Angeles, California/ Las Vegas, Nevada) and 40 of North America’s greatest chefs will share their passion for fine cuisine and environmentally sustainable living. Reservation and ticket sales begin January 8. Call 831-647-6886 or 866-963-9644 for tickets.

May 18 - 20
U.S. Sports Car Invitational
Laguna Seca - Mazda Raceway
Tel: 800-327-SECA
www.laguna-seca.com
The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, featuring wheel-to-wheel and fender-bending action of more than 50 Daytona Prototypes and GT sports cars. Watch established stars like Scott Pruett, Jorg Bergmeister, Christian Fittipaldi and up-and-comers like 18-year-old Colin Braun battle for the win. If that isn't enough, the Grand-Am KONI Challenge series is a proving ground for nearly 60 production based sportscars.

May 19-20
Castroville Artichoke Festival
Castroville
Tel: 831-633-2465
www.artichoke-festival.org
Sample the many unique flavors of the artichoke in an atmosphere of fun, tasteful treats, musical entertainment, arts and crafts. Costs are $6/adults and $3/children.

May 19
Cooper-Molera Historic Garden Sale
Monterey
Tel: 831-372-6410
www.monterey.org/historicmonterey
Enjoy the 19th century ambiance in two acres of an adobe "secret garden" in downtown Monterey. This is the only time (9am-1pm) during the year to purchase grown cuttings and seed taken from the Cooper-Molera historic garden. Composting demonstrations will be shown. Proceeds support the garden. Refreshments will be served.

May 18 - 19
Cooking for Solutions
www.montereybayaquarium.org
Notable chefs gather in a three-day extravaganza dedicated to sustainable seafood. This year's event honors Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo in Chicago, and includes chefs from San Francisco, Vancouver, Mexico City, South Carolina and more.

May 26-28
26th Civil War Battles & Encampment
Santa Cruz County - Felton
Tel: 831-335-4484
www.roaringcamp.com
Visit encampments of Union and Confederate solders and see battles at one of the longest-running Civil War reenactments in the West.

May 27-Ongoing
Grapevine Express
Carmel Valley
Tel: 888-678-2871
www.mst.org
The Grapevine Express connects downtown Monterey with the wineries, restaurants and shopping opportunities of Carmel Valley, including a convenient stop at Chateau Julien Wine Estate. The $4.50 all-day pass allows flexible travel aboard the 17-seat Grapevine Express Fridays through Sundays between 10am and 10pm.

May 28-Labor Day
Sunday Tours at the Steinbeck House
Salinas
Tel: 831-424-2735
www.steinbeck.org/SHouse2.html
Explore the boyhood home of author John Steinbeck with two-hour guided tours. Sundays between May 29 and Sept. 4, cost $4 for adults, $2 for children (5-15), $3 for seniors and students.

May TBA
8th Annual Zin-Q Celebration
Carmel Valley
Tel: 831-659-8100
www.joullian.com
Celebrate Carmel Valley's only Zinfandel, that rich robust red wine so perfect with Joullian Vineyard's fiesta barbecue. Vineyard and cellar tours, wine tastings, and a chance to contribute to the Food Bank for Monterey County.