Summer has almost arrived. June brings one of our favorite annual traditions: the 6th Annual Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week - running June 5–13, with curated menus, food and wine events, and special offers across more than 30 local restaurants.
This Local Edit is your guide to the best of what June has to offer. We've done the rounding up so you don't have to — the best places to eat, drink, and spend your time this month
— Dana & Mark
THE TABLE
Party at the Plaza | Carmel Plaza at Ocean & Mission | Carmel June 5 | 3:30–6:00PM
Kick off culinary week with a celebration of delicious bites, exceptional wines, and live entertainment!
La Dolce Vita | Dolores Street between 7th & Picadilly Park | Carmel June 9 | 6–8PM
For Italians, there is the Gioie Della Tavola—the joys of the table. The Italian table is a sacred place, where food, family, and friends come together and life unfolds, casually and communally, over the universal human experience of a shared meal.
Soirée by the Sea | La Playa Hotel | Carmel June 10 | 6–8:30PM
Indulge in an unparalleled food & wine experience — an unforgettable evening of luxurious seafood from Michelin-starred chefs, craft cocktails, premier wine pours, and live entertainment, all set against the stunning coastal backdrop of the historic La Playa Hotel.
Boho Bites & Beats | Dolores Street & 6th | Carmel June 11 | 6–9PM
Step into a world of flavors — a whimsical street fair on Dolores & 6th featuring a culinary journey through global cuisines, creative cocktails, standout local wines, lively buskers, and hands-on cultural activations.
THE GALLERY
A Visual History of Art and Architecture | in Monterey Monterey Art Museum | Monterey May–August 2026
Combining two of Monterey's deepest traditions—art and architecture—this exhibition features over 30 artworks that reveal the evolution of the city's physical presence, cultural landscape, political eras, and economic health.
Summerfest 26: Into the Heart of Art II | Joaquin Turner Gallery | Carmel May 12 | 4PM
An evening with celebrated artist and historian Joaquin Turner — explore his storybook Carmel gallery, hear his story among iconic works of Monterey cypress and local masterpieces, and enjoy live music from Summerfest musicians. A one-of-a-kind night in the heart of Carmel.
THE STAGE
10th Anniversary Palenke Arts Festival | Laguna Grande Park | Seaside Every Saturday | 12PM–2PM
Palenke Arts Festival is a free multicultural celebration featuring live music, dance, student performances, local artists, food vendors, and interactive community experiences. Headlining this year is Ruby Ibarra, Filipino American rapper and spoken word artist who was winner of the 2025 NPR Tiny Desk Contest.
Summerfest 26 Concert | II Corral Wine Estate Vineyard | Salinas June 13 | 5PM
Surrounded by the heady fragrance and rustic charm of Corral Wine's Barrel Room, a Summerfest favorite, winds and strings evoke the theme of echoing prayers in music that carries you from ancient words murmured in quiet comfort to formal declarations spoken in community.
Monterey Jazz Regional All Star Combos | Folktale Winery | Carmel June 14 | 4–6PM
Monterey County's Regional All-Star jazz ensembles bring together talented students who rehearse monthly and perform across the county and beyond — from the Monterey Jazz Festival and Forest Theater in Carmel to the Vancouver Jazz Festival and Tomisato Jazz Festival in Japan.
THE WORKSHOP
Fluid Art Workshop | The Wine Experience | Monterey June 2 | 6PM
Discover the artist in you! Learn basic painting techniques in a fun, creative setting.
Sally Russell Art Workshops | 17 10th Ave | Carmel June 10 | 6–9PM
Discover the artist in you! Learn basic painting techniques and tips from artist Sally Russell in her beautiful Carmel art studio.
