Lets Cowboy Up, and get to some poetry. The folk-art of Cowboy poetry and music is coming back to Monterey for this 11th annual event. Artists from around the country gather in Monterey so share their passion, and the history that fuels it.

Ever wonder what Christmas was like in Old Monterey? Then Christmas in the Adobes is for you. And tickets go on sale October 15. For twonights only – December 10 & 12 – twenty of Monterey’s historic buildings will be lit by candlelight as part of the 24th annual Christmas in the Adobes celebration. This is the only time of the year that many of these nineteenth century buildings are open to the public and open in the evening.

The much anticipated Holiday tradition, Miniatures returns to the Monterey Museum of Art. To celebrate, Hotel Pacific has put together a ‘Mini-Me’ package; a deluxe suite with fireplace, two admissions to the Museum, two raffle tickets for the auction, continental breakfast buffet, and hardcover catalogue.

Come join us for 25 feet of brightly lit, Christmas cheer! It’s the 15th annual Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting, on November 27th.

Barry Caine recently reviewed the Spindrift Inn and was more inspired than he could have possibly anticipated. The Inn’s romantic atmosphere persuaded him to ask his girlfriend to marry him… and she said yes.

On Saturday, November 14 join in on a Thanksgiving celebration. Toss pumpkins, jump on the hayride and search for veggies in the treasure hunt. For directions and more info, please visit www.thefarm-salinasvalley.com

Make your reservations now for the 52nd annual Monterey Jazz Festival, September 18-30. This three day jazzathon celebrates the best in jazz, with legendary artists Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Stanley Clarke, Wynton Marsalis, Susan Tedeschi, Pete Seeger and hundreds more. More than 500 artists appear on nine stages spread throughout the Festival’s 20 acres of magnificent grounds.

There is now yet another compelling reason to visit Made in Monterey at the Monterey Museum of Art-Pacific Street. Besides the beauty of the sweeping 50th Anniversary exhibition and engaging new family gallery activities, locals and visitors alike can try their hand at a contest titled Where Oh Where in Monterey? Monterey’s glorious landscape and romantic architecture has sparked the creativity of generations of artists. While many of these historic scenes are immediately recognizable, others have changed over the decades.

Participants can put their sleuthing skills to the test by correctly identifying nine different locations selected from works in the exhibition. Entry forms that correctly identify all locations depicted will be entered into a drawing to win a one-night stay at one of the luxurious Inns of Monterey.

No, it’s not the latest reality show, but ‘Cooking for Solutions’ – a celebration of great food, chefs and wines to celebrate the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 25th year! Join Alton Brown, Thomas Keller and renowned chefs from across the country, May 15-16, as they share their passion for fine food and earth-friendly living during this two-day celebration. You’ll discover how to make healthy choices that are tasty and protect the soil, water and ocean wildlife.

The Big Sur International Marathon on April 26 is a spectacular road race set along one of the most breath-taking courses in the world. But this isn’t just one giant run – it’s several, from the traditional marathon to milers and relays.