Carmel’s Signature Festivals & Annual Events

Carmel’s Signature Festivals & Annual Events

  • Bambace Peterson Team
  • 10/28/25

The 2026 Social Calendar

Carmel's Signature Festivals & Annual Events

 

Carmel has a rhythm to its year, shaped by a lineup of signature events highlighting everything the town is known for. From the world-famous Car Week to the intimate Bach Festival, these gatherings create more than just a calendar of events. They define the peak seasons of the Monterey Peninsula.

The "Host, Don't Rent" Strategy

Smart buyers use Carmel's peak event weeks to offset carrying costs. Owning a home here means you control the calendar.

Concours d'Elegance
$25k - $50k

Est. Weekly Rental Income

Premium estates command premium rents during Car Week. Cover your property taxes in 7 days.

Bach Festival
High Demand

Walk-to-Town Cottages

Musicians and patrons seek month-long rentals in the Golden Rectangle near Sunset Center.

Discuss Investment Potential →

The Great Sandcastle Contest – 63rd Annual (September 2026)

The Great Sandcastle Contest has been a staple on Carmel Beach for decades. Participants range from professional sculptors to amateur teams, creating temporary landmarks until the ocean reclaims them.

Real Estate Note: This event highlights the "Scenic Road" lifestyle. View homes with direct beach access here.

The Taste of Carmel – 38th Annual (October 2026)

The Taste of Carmel combines regional food and wine into an immersive evening event. Typically hosted at the Carmel Mission Basilica, it creates a refined atmosphere that pairs well with silent auctions and live music.

Monterey Car Week (August 2026)

The single most significant week on the Peninsula. From the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to the Quail Motorsports Gathering, the world's wealth descends on Carmel. For homeowners, this is the "Golden Week" where rental demand outstrips supply by 10:1. Owning a gated estate with ample parking during this week is one of the most strategic assets in the region.

Real Estate Note: Properties with gated driveways in Pebble Beach command the highest premiums. Search Gated Estates.

Carmel International Film Festival (October 2026)

The Carmel International Film Festival brings independent filmmakers and industry professionals together for screenings, panels, and receptions. Screenings are held in venues across Carmel, including the Sunset Center.

Carmel Art Festival (May 15–17, 2026)

The Carmel Art Festival highlights plein-air painting. For several days, easels line the streets as artists create works on site. This gathering reaffirms Carmel’s long-standing reputation as an artists’ colony.

Carmel Bach Festival (July 11–25, 2026)

The Carmel Bach Festival is the town’s longest-running cultural celebration. Spanning two weeks, the festival presents concerts at the Sunset Center and Carmel Mission Basilica.

Real Estate Note: Patrons of the arts prize the "Golden Rectangle" for its walkability to the Sunset Center. Search Walkable Cottages.

Own the Calendar

Don't scramble for hotel bookings during Car Week. Secure your legacy home now and enjoy front-row access to Carmel's best moments.

Start Your Search with Bambace Peterson

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