www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 21-27, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 31 Send ideas to calendar@montereycountynow.com HOT PICKS a joke if you’ve got a good one. This comedy scene is as local as it gets: In honor of the 831, the show starts right on time at 8:31pm, and fear not, they’ll be back with a follow-up on 8/31 (Sunday, Aug. 31). “That’s our theme,” Cohen says. “Salinas-style humor.” [SR] 8pm (doors), 8:31pm showtime Saturday, Aug. 23. XL Public House, 127 Main St., Salinas. $10. homegrownhumorbyhumans@ gmail.com, ticketleap.com. Sunday, Aug. 24 SMALL TOWN, BIG TIME When an event is well-attended, some might say the entire town showed up, an old adage that speaks to the crowds of people. But when Aromas throws its annual party, that saying is essentially a factual observation. Aromas Day is the biggest event of the year in the tiny town, a celebration of (you guessed it) Aromas and its people. Start the day with a breakfast at the Aromas Grange and then head out to the main drag of Aromas, where nonprofits set up booths and treasure hunters will be sure to find something among the many garage sales. Kids activities, live music, a car show and more round out the fun. [EC] 9am-4pm Sunday, Aug. 24. Carpenteria Road, Aromas. Free. aromasday.org. INTO THE GRAY As a poet should be, Kelly Gray is enigmatic. All we know about her is that she lives among redwoods, “nine miles and seven fence posts away from the ocean,” as she likes to say. Otherwise, all we have of her are her beautiful words. Gray has four volumes of poetry published, the most recent one titled Dilapitatia, 2025. When she is not writing, Gray is teaching in public schools. Pack a lunch, lay out a blanket on the lawn and enjoy a reading from an acclaimed poet. [AP] Noon-2pm Sunday, Aug. 24. Henry Miller Memorial Library, 48603 Highway 1, Big Sur. Free. 667-2574, henrymiller.org. Tuesday, Aug. 26 COMPASSIONATE FASHION Sure Project Runway has high fashion combined with drama, but how about combining style with philanthropy for the greater good? The Fashion & Compassion event by the Hospice Giving Foundation features chic outfits by Debra C of Carmel worn by some high-powered women of Monterey County. Featured runway models include former county supervisor Mary Adams, District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni and Superior Court Judge Carrie Panetta. Other models include singer-songwriter Julie Capili, artist Sarah Grandcolas and attorney Jennifer Rosenthal. Enjoy lunch, drinks and exciting raffle prizes, all while supporting the foundation’s mission to provide compassionate and dignified end-of-life care. [PM] 11am-2pm Tuesday, Aug. 26. Monterey Peninsula Country Club, 3000 Club Road, Pebble Beach. $175; sold out. 333-9023, hospicegiving.org. Hot Picks by Sloan Campi, Erik Chalhoub, Dave Faries, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Popęda, Katie Rodriguez, Sara Rubin and David Schmalz. Homegrown Humor by Humans (HHH) celebrates its first-year anniversary with a show at XL Public House in Salinas. This community of local comedians and influencers is spearheaded by The Jayster, aka Jay Cohen (far left). www.folktalewinery.com
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