136 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2024-2025 Arts & Culture Carmel Music Society Approaching 100 years and over 500 shows, this esteemed music society founded in 1927 by Dene Denny and Hazel Watrous brings highpowered artistry to the Monterey Peninsula at acoustically resonant venues like Sunset Center. (831) 625-9938, carmelmusic.org Chamber Music Monterey Bay CMMB has been bringing world-class musicians to perform masterworks, lesser-known gems and new compositions in Monterey County since 1966, primarily at the Sunset Center in Carmel. (831) 625-2212, chambermusicmontereybay.org Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra Since 1992, this nonprofit consortium of local professional musicians has performed classical standards, lesser-known works and contemporary compositions to make classical relevant and accessible to wider Central Coast audiences. Venues include various locations throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. (831) 333-1283, ensemblemonterey.org Fernwood Resort Performances are hosted outdoors or indoors at this versatile venue that is also a resort, campground, restaurant and bar. The annual Hipnic music festival sells out well in advance every year. 47200 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2422, fernwoodbigsur.com. Folktale Winery Could anything be better than a winery with a stage that brings in everything from national touring acts to top stand-up comedy competitions? Thought not. Sip, listen and enjoy. 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. (831) 293-7500, folktalewinery.com Fox Theater This remodeled theater in the heart of Oldtown Salinas is host to a variety of popular live music shows, comedy and events, merging popular culture and historic charm. 241 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 758-8459, foxtheatersalinas.com Golden State Theatre This lavishly restored revival theater hosts live music—from big names to local band showcases—comedians, film festivals, musicals and speakers. This is a local destination for national touring acts. It’s an Old Monterey crown jewel. 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com Henry Miller Memorial Library A small wood-frame house serves as an independent nonprofit with a large collection of photographs, memorabilia and books related to the life and work of Henry Miller. Its idyllic lawn plays host to an extraordinary amount of hip lectures, poetry, films, workshops and music. 48603 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 6672574, henrymiller.org Hidden Valley Music Seminars This training center for young musicians draws top artist-teachers to administer master classes. Each class culminates with a public concert featuring the next generation of virtuoso players. Hidden Valley also stages dance performances and other ensembles. 104 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 6593115, hiddenvalleymusic.org Lighthouse Cinema and Event Center What could be better than a longstanding cinema on the main drag? A reputation for the best popcorn in P.G., for one. Reopened in 2023 after brief downtime, management has added premieres, student film festivals, meet and greets and other events to the lineup. 525 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 6410747, lighthousecinema4events.com Maya Cinemas It’s a multiplex, but it’s is a convenient location bringing first-run films to downtown. 153 Main St., Salinas. (831) 757-6292, mayacinemas. com Monterey Conference Center It’s the region’s biggest conference venue, yes, but it’s also a stage for live music, lectures, expos and other events. And a recent remodel brings the look and feel of the building into the modern era. 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (831) 646-3770, montereyconferencecenter.com National Steinbeck Center Neals Erikson Golden State Theatre
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