Thursday, July 2 OPEN THE DOORS Tribute bands are big business these days, with just about every major band and artist from decades past represented by musicians dedicated to bringing beloved hits to life. Add to the long list of successful tribute bands The Ultimate Doors, considered one of the most authentic Doors tribute bands in the nation. This band commits to the premise, using period-correct instruments and vintage gear to create a sound faithful to the originals. Fans of The Ultimate Doors say it’s the closest thing to experiencing Jim Morrison and his iconic band as you can get today. [PM] 8pm Thursday, July 2. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $38-$61. (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com. Friday, July 3 THIRD PLACE What’s red and white and goes boom? Yes, a stick of dynamite. But Red, White & Boom is also a pool party at the Carmel Mission Inn to welcome the Fourth of July with a bang. There is pizza in the afternoon, barbecue and the Shearwater Tavern menu—all for purchase—along with games and a lineup of live music that goes on into the night. Oh, and to give the party a real splash, the pool is open to all, BYOT (that’s bring your own towel). As a bonus, all this fun takes place a day early, so you can party again on the fourth. That’s dy-no-mite! [DF] 1-10pm Friday, July 3. Carmel Mission Inn, 3665 Rio Road, Carmel. Free to attend. (831) 624-1841, carmelmissioninn. com. Friday, July 3-Sunday, July 5 CLASSIC COLLAB With faculty members that are masters of composition and virtuosos of their given instruments, whether it’s violin, cello, clarinet or piano, those who made the cut to participate in the 2026 Emerging Composer Intensive at Hidden Valley Music Seminars are poised to sharpen their skills. Although the intensive part is meant to hone the musical abilities of the participants, the public 24 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 2-8, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com JORGE TORRES Lupita’s Bakery welcomed a new mural on its wall, unveiled on Monday, June 29. This colorful sunset landscape was designed by Marina-based artist Jorge Torres; it highlights the history of the bakery and its roots both in Seaside and in Oaxaca. Torres is a painter, muralist, photographer and the founder of Better Days Sign Co., which specializes in custom murals, hand-painted signage, storefront artwork and illustration. The mural’s themes are migration, entrepreneurship and family. See it at 1048 Broadway Ave., Seaside. [AP] 2-8 JULY HOT PICKS To see more local events, and add your own, visit montereycountynow.com/events DANIEL DREIFUSS VALERIE GUARDIOLA VISUALS VALERIE GUARDIOLA Mixed media Monterey-based artist and selfproclaimed “life-long daughter of the West Coast” Valerie Guardiola is showing her collages at ArtWorks @Salinas, in a show titled Sometimes I’m Glad I Exist. The pieces explore the complexity of feminine experience. The exhibit also includes works by guest artist Stacey Gregory and a special exhibit from participating artists of the upcoming Open Studios Art Tour in September. Celebrate at an opening reception during First Friday, starting at 5pm on July 3. The gallery is located at 262 S. Main St., Salinas and is on display through Sept. 24. [AP] There’s nothing like a good Fourth of July parade. This year, there will be two in Monterey County—one in downtown King City, the other in downtown Monterey (shown above, on Alvarado Street). SHELDON CHANG / OLDMONTEREY.ORG A watermelon-eating contest is an important summer activity. Try your luck and quench your thirst in Pacific Grove or in Seaside for Fourth of July. COURTESY OF PACIFIC GROVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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