Labor Day weekend usually signifies the end of the summer and the beginning of the school year for most families. It’s the final weekend where you can let your hair down with the family before things need to get serious for the school year and right before we gear up for the holidays. Monterey County is the perfect destination to spend Labor Day weekend because it’s filled with beaches, hiking trails, and delicious food.
If you want to head out to the coast this Labor Day Weekend, here are all the exciting things happening around Monterey County you can check out.
Monterey
Monterey County Fair
- Address: Monterey County Fairgrounds
From September 1 to 5th, the Monterey County Fair will return to the fairgrounds. Adults can get tickets for $10, children $5 and kids 5 and under are free. The fair will host a carnival, concerts, a circus, pig racing, magic, and more. Check out the exhibits that feature art, livestock visual arts, and more.
Monterey 25th Anniversary
On September 5, Monterey will be holding its 25th-anniversary celebration. You can enjoy a car, truck, and bike show or submit your own for judging. The event happens from 8 am to noon and features raffles, door prizes, and more.
Festa Italia
- Address: Custom House Plaza
Italian culture gets its time to shine on September 9 through 11. The three-day event at Custom House includes entertainment, raffles, bocce tournaments, a parade, and tons of Italian food. Admission is free, and the parade starts at noon at 500 Church Street.
Monterey Greek Festival
- Address: Downtown
Every Labor Day Weekend, Monterey hosts a Greek Festival downtown. Stop by to grab delicious Greek food while watching traditional dancing and music and learn about Greek culture. For those brave enough, you can step on the stage to learn a Greek dance or two for yourself. The best part, admission is free.
Salinas
Paranormal Cirque II Tour
- Address: 796 Northridge Dr
Start getting into the spooky season with the Paranormal Cirque II Tour. Vampires, ghouls, and creatures will perform amazing circus acts under a bright orange tent that will amaze the entire family. The circus is not suitable for guests under 13, and they will not be permitted into the tent. The event is held from September 1 to 5, and you can purchase tickets online.
California International Airshow
- Address: Salinas Municipal Airport
To be clear, this event is not Labor Day weekend, but worth mentioning. On September 24 and 25, the best military pilots from all over the world head into Salinas to compete and display their skills and talents are pilots. Guest will see the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Royal Air Force British, and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Besides a spectacular show, over 100 aircraft will be on the ground to explore exhibits for all to enjoy.
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Annual Sandcastle Contest
- Address: Carmel Beach
The 61st Sandcastle Contest will be held on September 17 from 8 am to noon. Everyone is welcome to enter the contest and attempt to win the Golden Shovel. Expect to see some fun forms of bribery as well (non-monetary) since judges love a little extra nudge.
Pacifica
Winters Tavern Music Festival
- Address: 1522 Francisco Blvd
For those without kids, head to Winters Tavern for a music festival. The festival starts at 6 pm on September 4 with live music all night, including bands and a DJ. Spend the evening enjoying a drink and music.
More things to do in Monterey County over Labor Day
If you want to spend Labor Day weekend in Monterey County without heading to an event, there are still great options for you can do. Here are a few of our favors.
- Walking food tour in Carmel
- Half Day Whale watching in Monterey
- Butterfly Grove in Pacifica
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
Hopefully, your Labor Day weekend is filled with end-of-summer fun your entire family will enjoy, and you spend the last few days enjoying the sand in your toes before we break out the hot cocoa.