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Recreation
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Fishing
Hang Gliding & Skydiving
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News and Events
TAKE TO THE AIR IN AUTUMN

Two wonderful airshows come to the skies over Monterey County this fall. First, the California International Airshow (September 30-October 1), at the Salinas Municipal Airport. The dazzling aerial displays include the USMC Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ demo, the Patriots Aerobatic Jet Team, Sean Tucker and the bright red Oracle biplane, and much more.

Then on October 14, the 8th Annual Marina Air Faire is a free festival at Marina Airport, showcasing vintage, experimental and ‘warbird’ aircraft.

Did you know?

The sculptural forms of the dunes around the blue crescent of the bay at Marina are thousands of years old. From the Salinas River to Monterey Harbor, the dune system extended inland as far as the Salinas Valley during the Pleistocene era. After the ice sheets melted thousands of years ago, the Pacific Ocean receded and the dunes remained. They rise as high as 100 ft. in some places and are always changing shape due to wind and weather.


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recreation

Recreation

Sports & Recreation Events
View all sports and recreation events throughout the year.

August Car Week
View events scheduled around the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

So many choices. So little time. Monterey County is a premiere destination for those who love the outdoors. Biking, hiking, walking, boating, hang-gliding and animal watching are just a few of the activities that lure visitors to Monterey and make residents thankful they live here. Whether you want to watch the whales or climb a mountain, walk the Recreation Trail or dive the depths, there can be no more spectacular place to enjoy the outdoors than Monterey County.

Get a Workout!

Need a workout while you’re visiting Monterey? Stop by the Monterey Sports Center, a city-owned state-of-the-art recreation facility in downtown Monterey. Work out in the cardio room, the near Olympic-sized swimming pool or the basketball courts. Lift weights, take an aerobics class, or speed down the waterslide. Only $6.50 a day for non-resident adults, $4.00 for kids aged 6-17. (Extra fee for aerobics and other classes.)


Sports & Recreation Events 2006  

January 1
16th Annual Rio Resolution Run
Carmel
Tel: 831-645-4777
www.riogrillsresolutionrun.com
This 6.8 mile foot race and 3-mile family fun run is set on a breathtaking cross-country course and benefits local nonprofit agencies.

February 6-12
AT&T; Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
Pebble Beach
Tel: 800-541-9091
www.attpbgolf.com
The AT&T; Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is a 72-hole PGA Tour golf championship with 180 top tour professionals and 180 star-studded celebrity amateurs (Donald Trump, Justin Timberlake and Samuel L. Jackson among them) competing head-to-head at this year’s event. Once again, shuttles are available to whisk spectators between convenient Monterey parking lots and the courses at Pebble Beach.

February 23
Amgen Tour of California
Countywide
www.amgentourofcalifornia.com
The world’s top professional cycling teams compete for the highest prize purse in North America. Stage 4 of the eight-day, 700-mile race throughout California begins at 10am from Cannery Row and travels south along scenic Highway 1 through Big Sur.

February 24-26
East of Eden Cat Show
Monterey
Tel: 831-372-7018
www.montereycountyfair.com
Just in time for John Steinbeck’s birthday: the East of Eden Cat Club holds its annual show of fabulous felines, at Monterey County Fairgrounds.

February TBA
Steinbeck Country Cat Show
King City
Tel: 408-749-0147
Just in time for John Steinbeck’s birthday: an all-breed cat show listed with The Cat Fanciers’ Association, held at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds.

March 10-12
A1 Grand Prix
Monterey
Tel: 800-327-SECA
www.laguna-seca.com
A brand-new open-wheel event comes to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in March, with the A1 Grand Prix, a 12-race series designed to bring together 25 national teams in exciting competition.

March 29-April 2
Pebble Beach Spring Horse Show
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
Level A horse show featuring hunter jumping and other classes; the Stirrup Cup Horse Show takes place on the 1st and 2nd of April.

March TBA
Carmel Kite Festival
Carmel
Tel: 831-620-2020
www.carmelcalifornia.com
Register your kite (home-made or commercially made) at noon for judging at 1:00pm, down on the silver sands of Carmel’s beach (foot of 8th Avenue). Prizes awarded in several categories and age groups.

April 5-9
Pebble Beach Spring Too Show
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
Level A horse show featuring hunter jumping and other classes; the Stirrup Cup Horse Show takes place on April 8-9.

April 6-9
Sea Otter Classic Cycling Festival
Laguna Seca, Monterey
Tel: New Telephone Number TBD
www.seaotterclassic.com
Called the Bikestock of North America, this massive cycling event features fun rides, road racing, mountain bike racing, BMX, kids’ events, and a consumer tradeshow that highlights the latest in cycling hardware, clothing and goods. Racers range from first timers to Olympic champions. All kids’ events are free. Camping is available.

April 12-16
Foundation of American Show Horse Show
Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey
Tel: 805-969-9812
Class A rated show for saddlebred horses, with classes for hackney and harness ponies and others, all at the Pattee Arena.

April 30
Big Sur International Marathon
Hwy 1, Big Sur to Carmel
Tel: 831-625-6226
www.bsim.org
This marathon, consistently named the Best Marathon in North America by The Ultimate Guide to Marathons, is set along one of the most breathtaking routes in the world. Also includes a 21-mile power walk, 5K run, 9-mile walk, 10.6-mile walk, and marathon relay. Huge sports expo on the 29th at the Monterey Conference Center.

May 3-7
The Quail Motorcycle Tour
Carmel Valley
Tel: 877-734-4628
www.quaillodge.com
Explore beautiful Monterey County from one of its most delightful and centrally located resorts, Quail Lodge.

May 5-7
U.S. Sports Car Invitational
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Tel:800-327-SECA
www.laguna-seca.com/
The Grand American Road Racing Association’s Rolex Sports Car Series stages a 250-mile race with a two-hour, 30-minute time limit. Also competing are Grand-Am Cup high-performance street stock cars.

May 5-7
Jamba Juice Wildflower Triathlons 2006
Lake San Antonio
Tel: 831-373-0678
www.tricalifornia.com
One of the premier triathlons nationally and internationally, this course will test the skills of the professional triathlete and the first-time long course competitor. Sponsored by TriCalifornia.

May 13
Paddlefest
Monterey
Tel: 800-649-5357
www.montereybaykayaks.org
The beach at Monterey’s Wharf II will be wall-to-wall kayaks during this special one-day festival. More than 100 kayaks from five manufacturers will be available for a ‘test drive,’ with mini-classes and information about kayaking and marine ecotourism, too. Proceeds benefit the research of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.

May 13-14
24 Hours of Adrenalin Cycle Race
Monterey
Tel (contact number in Canada): 905-944-9436
www.24HoursofAdrenalin.com
24 Hours of Adrenalin is the fastest growing mountain bike event series in North America. Solo riders or teams of up to ten people compete to ride as many laps as possible in a 24-hour time period.

May 14
Artichoke PAL Run
Castroville
Tel: 831-633-2465
www.artichoke-festival.org
Run between the rows of artichoke and around fields of strawberries on either the 10K or 5K run/walk contests, held in conjunction with the Castroville Artichoke Festival.

May 17-21
Pebble Beach Equestrian Challenge
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
Level A horse show, featuring hunter jumping and other classes. The Stirrup Cup Show takes place May 20-21.

May 18-21
Morgan Horse Show
Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey
Tel: 831-636-7600
The handsome and sturdy Morgan horse, so often the favorite of police departments nationwide, is the star of the Pattee Arena this weekend.

May 26-September
TeamOCEAN on Monterey Bay
Cannery Row, Moss Landing
Tel: 831-521-9512
http://montereybay.noaa.gov/educate/to/
If you’re out kayaking off Cannery Row or in Elkhorn Slough on a summer weekend (Fri-Sun, 9am-4pm), look for the distinctive red and blue kayaks of the National Marine Sanctuary’s 40 volunteers. These on-the-water educators are there to teach visitors about the marine creatures they may encounter, and how to watch them safely.

June 3-4
Agility Trials
Toro Park, Monterey
Tel: 831-422-8807
www.dmkc.org
They leap through hoops and over hurdles, gallop through tunnels and race along runways: the dogs participating in the Del Monte Kennel Club’s annual agility trials are far more fit than the average two-legged athlete!

June 4
Josephine Kernes Memorial Horse Show
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
An unrated benefit horse show, featuring hunter jumping and other classes.

June 19-24
95th California State Amateur Golf Championship
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-4653
www.pebblebeach.com
Top 120 amateurs compete on 36 holes on the famous Pebble Beach golf courses.

July 6-9
55th Pebble Beach Dressage Show
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
One of the Central Coast’s most important and popular horse shows, on the showgrounds of Pebble Beach Equestrian Center.

July 13
MCVGA Golf Tournament
Blackhorse Golf Course
Tel: 831-375-9400
www.montereywines.org
Experience fore like never before, with a day of competition, fun and fine wines. Tickets are $160 per player – call for information and reservations.

July 15-16
AKC All Breed Dog Show
CSUMB, Seaside
Tel: 831-333-9032
www.dmkc.org
Back-to-back all-breed dog shows and obedience trials. Attended by exhibitors with about 100+ dogs registered with the American Kennel Club.

July 18-23
Pebble Beach Equine Festivals
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
Fun-filled and light-hearted getaway for those who love horses.

July 20-23
California Rodeo Salinas
Salinas
Tel: 800-771-8807 or 831-775-3100
www.carodeo.com
The California Rodeo Salinas promises edge-of-your-seat thrills for the entire family. Top pro competition in steer wrestling, bull riding, calf roping, bareback bronco riding, and barrel racing. Enjoy parades, night shows and great food.

July 21-23
2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Tel: 800-327-SECA
www.laguna-seca.com
One of the most anticipated events in motorsports after the 2005 event drew a record attendance of 153,653. American Nicky Hayden will defend his 2005 win against Valentino Rossi, Colin Edwards and the rest of the MotoGP World Championship field, who will no longer be strangers to the challenging 11-turn, 2.238-mile racetrack.

July 25-30
Pebble Beach Equestrian Classic I
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
The Equestrian Classics host competitors from all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico for two weeks of spectacular show jumping highlighted by special events, wine tasting and family fun.

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August 1-6
Pebble Beach Equestrian Classic II
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
The Equestrian Classics host competitors from all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico for two weeks of spectacular show jumping highlighted by special events, wine tasting and family fun.

August 5-6
Annual Scottish Games and Celtic Festival
Toro Park, Monterey-Salinas Hwy
Tel: 831-647-6311
www.montereyscotgames.com
A festival celebrating Scottish and Irish traditions and culture. Features include a Celtic concert, clan booths, flights of birds-of-prey, food, entertainment, and competitions in dancing, bagpipe bands and traditional athletics, including the caber toss and hammer throws.

August 14-16
The Quail Rally
Carmel
Tel: 877-734-4628
www.quaillodge.com
The Rally has been a tradition since 1988, featuring pre-1974 auto entries, back road drives, food, fun and more.

August 15-16
Automobilia Monterey
Seaside
Tel: 831-659-5335
www.automobiliamonterey.com
Auto enthusiasts and collectors of memorabilia won’t want to miss this exposition and sale of original vintage posters, photos, rallye plates, badges, hood ornaments, art and much more.

August 16-20
Blackhawk Collection Exposition of Classic Cars
Pebble Beach
Tel: 925-736-3444
www.pebblebeach.com
Rare and collectible automobiles of all vintages, on display before the auction on August 20.

August 17
Carmel Vintage Car Parade and Display
Carmel
Tel: 831-626-1255
www.carmelcalifornia.com
Parade, car display and luncheon. Parade and car display is held on Ocean Avenue, luncheon in Devendorf Park.

August 17-19
Russo & Steele “Monterey Sports & Muscle”
Monterey
Tel: 602-252-2697
www.russoandsteele.com
With 150 of the finest European sports cars, hot rods, customs and muscle cars on the block, literally, Russo & Steele’s preview days and auction nights are guaranteed to spark the passion of the ardent automotive collector.

August 18
The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering
Carmel Valley
Tel: 877-734-4628
www.quaillodge.com
Now in its fourth year, ‘The Quail’ is an international gathering featuring classic cuisine, fine wine, and 130 vintage autos and motorcyles from across the United States and Europe. Limited tickets available; 10am-4pm.

August 18
Concorso Italiano
Seaside
Tel: 425-742-0632
www.concorso.com
An all-day celebration of Italian style – from fashion to food, motorcycles and boats – at Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course. The centerpiece: 1000 glamorous Italian cars and 400 more exotics, accompanied by automotive celebrities.

August 18
Bonham & Butterfield Auction
Carmel Valley
Tel: 877-734-4628
www.quaillodge.com
One of the great auction houses presents vintage and classic cars, fine jewelry and much more, at Quail Lodge.

August 18-19
Monterey Sports Car Auction
Monterey
www.rmauctions.com
Tel: 800-211-4371
One of the world’s largest sports car auctions, featuring 180 classic sports and race cars. Viewing available over three days, held at the Portola Plaza Hotel and Monterey Conference Center.

August 18-20
33rd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey
Tel: 800-327-SECA
www.laguna-seca.com
The Monterey Historics brings out the best of racing’s past from rare pre-war racers adorned with nameplates like Bugatti and Alfa-Romeo to 70s and 80s cars from Lola and McLaren.

August 19
Khaki’s Ferrari Event
Carmel
Tel: 831-624-8886
www.thebarnyard.com
Imagine seeing dozens and dozens of gorgeous Italian Ferraris in all their flame-red glory, assembled in one place: The Barnyard shopping village in Carmel…

August 20
Concours d’Elegance
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-622-1700
www.pebblebeachconcours.net
This spectacular event exhibits some of the most unusual prewar and postwar marques along with the latest in concept car designs, all in the beautiful setting of Pebble Beach.

August 20
Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction
Pebble Beach
Tel: 310-899-1960
www.pebblebeach.com
World-class auction of rare and valuable automobiles, held on the grounds of Pebble Beach Resorts.

August 30-September 3
The First Tee Open
Pebble Beach

www.thefirstteeopen.com
This tournament on the Champions Tour (formerly Senior PGA) brings together golf legends and junior golfers on two of the Monterey Peninsula’s top courses, Pebble Beach and Del Monte.

September 8-10
Cherry’s Jubilee
Monterey
Tel: 831-759-1836
www.svmh.com
Over 1000 classic cars from 1972 and older on display. Join the fun or sit back and watch the “show ‘n shine” cruises down Cannery Row, Pacific Grove or Monterey, manufacturer’s midway, and great food and entertainment.

September 13-17
Strides and Tides Horse Show
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
Casual, fun-filled equestrian event before the championships later in the fall. Level A horse show featuring hunter jumping and horses from all over California.

September 30-October 1
California International Airshow
Salinas
Tel: 831-754-1983
www.salinasairshow.com
Prepare to be dazzled by fantastic flying exhibitions by high-flying jets and helicopters, aerobatics, skydiving, and much more.

October 14
Marina Air Faire
Marina
Tel: 831-582-0102
www.marina-airfaire.com
Vintage planes, including rare, still-flying warbirds like Stearmans, descend on Marina’s airport; they’re joined by local hot-rod and vintage car clubs, plus food, fun and entertainment.

October 20-22
Monterey Sports Car Championships
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Tel: 800-327-SECA
www.laguna-seca.com
Saturday afternoon-into-evening four-hour race featuring the season finale for the prestigious American Le Mans Series. The series features Le Mans prototypes and GT cars, many of which compete and win in the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. The weekend schedule will include IMSA’s Porsche GT3 series and the Star Mazda series.

October 21
26th Annual Big Sur River Run
Big Sur
Tel: 831-624-4112
www.bigsurriverrun.org
10K foot race and 5K walk amongst the redwoods and along the Big Sur River to benefit local charities.

October 29
Big Sur Half Marathon and 5K Run
Monterey
Tel: 831-625-6226
www.bigsurhalfmarathon.org
Two fun-filled events for runners at all levels. The Big Sur Half Marathon begins and ends in downtown Monterey, taking in Cannery Row and Pacific Grove along the way. The “Run Forrest Run 5K” is sponsored by Bubba Gump’s restaurant, complete with entertainment along the course.

November 1-5
Pebble Beach Equestrian Championships
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2786
www.ridepebblebeach.com
Grand finale to the horse show season in Pebble Beach.

November 14-19
Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-625-8575
www.pebblebeach.com
Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Enjoy the world famous golf links on Monterey Peninsula: Del Monte Golf Course, Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.

December 7
Brighten The Harbor
Monterey
Tel: 831-657-0855
www.mpyc.org
Boats decorated with Christmas lights parade from the Coast Guard Pier to Lover’s Point and back. A judging of boats will follow at the Yacht Club.