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Monterey Events in March 2024: Festivals, Nightlife, and More Things to Do
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: March 2, 2024
Top Monterey events in March 2024 include concerts and festivals. You will find top things to do around the Monterey Bay including Carmel-by-the-Sea, Salinas, and Santa Cruz.
My top picks include the Jazz Bash by the Bay, and Santa Cruz Warriors games. You will also find some fun nightlife ideas as well as top ideas for your entire family.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Jazz Bash by the Bay
Dates: 3/1 - 3/3
Location: Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center
This annual Monterey event celebrates jazz, swing, blues, ragtime, and other musical genres. This year's event, now in its 44th year, will feature more than 20 bands performing in several intimate settings all around Monterey, with over 100 musicians in total!
This "Jazz Bash by the Bay", as it is known, brings in performers from all over the USA and will give you many opportunities to see the best of the best. If you are interested in learning more about the history of jazz, then you will want to check out the "Road Scholars" program which is a great way to get educated on this wonderful style of music.
This event is held at both the Monterey Conference Center and the Portola Hotel and Spa, which allow for an easy walk in between the 8 dance venues and 6 dance floors. So, make sure to bring your dancing shoes and get ready to tap your toes all day and night long! For those that love great music, great dancing, and great educational talks, this is going to be one of the best of the Monterey events in March.
>> Visit their site for more details
Cioppino & Vino Fundraiser
Date: 3/3
Location: Paso Robles Event Center
For food and wine lovers, this is a can't miss of the Monterey events in March. This annual fundraiser is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Monterey and features fantastic food prepared by multiple renowned local chefs. You will enjoy farm fresh salads, garlic bread, wine, delicious Cioppino and wonderful desserts.
Once you get your fill of food and wine, make sure to check out the silent and live auctions, raffles, and live music.
This event also funds local and international projects so not only will you be having a great time, and enjoying delicious food and drink, but you will be helping the less fortunate around the world.
The event runs from 1 to 4 pm.
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Dates: 3/1 - 3/3
Check out this year's Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz. See documentary films with stories about skiing, being on its highest peak, and so much more.
The event starts at 7 pm and tickets have been on sale since Monday, December 11th, 2023.
>> Visit their site for tickets and more details
Golden State Theatre
Check out the top Monterey events in March at the Golden State Theatre.
Best Places to Stay in the Monterey Bay Area
Monterey: You will find the largest selection of hotels in and around Monterey. Higher end picks include the Spindrift Inn and Portola Hotel and Spa. You will also find some more budget friendly options if you move a few additional blocks away from the waterfront. Find my top picks for all budgets here.
Carmel-By-The-Sea: This seaside town is a bit smaller, but still offers plenty of accommodations. You will find some great luxury hotels as well as several quaint bed and breakfasts. Here are my top picks for Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Pacific Grove: This small community sits just to the north west of Monterey. They offer several great places to stay including a couple of great bed and breakfast and some budget-friendly options. Find my top 5 picks here.
Are you ready to book? Make sure to check out the great options below.
TripAdvisor: Compare prices, read recent guest reviews and find a wide selection of options.
VRBO: Another option is to rent an apartment, house, or a room around Monterey through VRBO.
Relais & Chateaux Gourmet Fest (no event in 2024)
Date: No event in 2024
Location: Monterey County Fair & Event Center: 2004 Fairground Road
Price: Range from $125 - $595
The Relais & Chateaux GourmetFest is one of the best food and wine festivals in the area each year.
The festival begins with a welcome party on Thursday night with food from numerous Michelin starred chefs from around the world sharing their best. Many of the top wineries from around the world bring rare and hard wine for you to enjoy.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are full of incredible events including wine tastings, food demonstrations and expos, chocolate and truffle tastings, music and games, and other special events that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
There are also off-site tours and lunches for those that want to explore gorgeous Carmel-By-The-Sea where this event is being held.
Santa Cruz Warriors
The Santa Cruz Warriors are in town this March. This is where you can see some of the up-and-coming players who might make it onto the Golden State Warriors' team before anyone else. Here is a schedule of their home games. Click the links for ticketing information.
Shows at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz
The best nightlife in Santa Cruz is at the Catalyst. Click the links for ticketing details for their March shows.
Santa Cruz Beer March (not currently scheduled)
Date: No event currently scheduled
Location: Downtown Santa Cruz at 1130 Pacific Avenue
Time: 1 pm to 5 pm
Price: Early bird tickets: $30, Day of tickets: $35
Get ready to march to your own drummer, or beer, at this fun and entertaining event loaded with great bars and breweries in Santa Cruz. This beer march includes a complimentary glass and passport card so you can keep track of every location you visit throughout the day.
Food is not included in the price of the ticket, however many of bars and breweries will have food available to purchase. This event is only for people age 21 and over and there will be an I.D. check when you arrive to the event.
>> More details and ticketing information on their site
Santa Cruz Mountains Grand Wine Tasting
Date: 3/24
Location: The Mountain Winery in Santa Cruz
Time: 12:30 pm to 4 pm
Price: $25 - $160 per person
Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Celebration Days is the perfect time to enjoy some of the best wines from this area. The event features special wine tasting experiences at the Mountain Winery in Santa Cruz.
It's a great time to learn more about the local wines of the region, participate in their silent auction, and grab a bite to eat. The VIP tasting starts at 12:30 pm and the general admission tasting starts at 1 pm.
It's one of my favorite Monterey events in March each year.
>> Find out more about the passport and this special celebration day
More Fun Events Nearby
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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