The Local Edit: September 2026 On The Monterey Peninsula
September is here — and with it, that first hint of gold in the light. This month's Local Edit is all about the transition: end-of-summer harvests, cozy new menus, and the events that make fall in this corner of California worth savoring. 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
Chez Noir | 5th Ave between Dolores and San Carlos St | Carmel-by-the-Sea | Sun-Tues, Th-Sat | 5-8:30PM
An elevated, community-driven restaurant rooted in coastal California cuisine, guests will discover a modern, seafood-centric menu showcasing pristine ingredients sourced from throughout the Monterey Peninsula.
Bud's at La Playa: Dime Time | La Playa Hotel | Carmel-by-the-Sea | Open Daily | 3PM-10PM
"Dime Time" occurs once a day at the bartender's discretion and only lasts for ten minutes. (Yet another reason to tip the bartender well.) Revelers must pay with exact change, so remember to keep dimes at the ready. Because there is no better time to buy everyone a round.
La Cote Bleue | 209 Forest Ave | Pacific Grove | See hours on website
A new restaurant offering a calm, dining experience with warm lighting, curated music, and spacious seating, alongside a Mediterranean-inspired coastal menu featuring dishes like whole fish, herb-crusted cod, and fresh bucatini.
Wine House | 1 E Carmel Valley Rd | Carmel Valley | Th 3-8PM, Fri & Sat 1-8PM, Sun 12-7PM
Focusing on artisanal California wines and small craft breweries, The Wine House offers a thoughtfully curated selection of wines, beers, and seasonal small bites.
THE STAGE
Monterey Jazz Festival | 2004 Fairground Rd | Monterey | 9/25-9/27 | See schedule
Founded in 1958, the 69th Monterey Jazz Festival has been committed to celebrating America's creativity and cultural heritage by presenting legendary jazz musicians, composers, and young rising stars. This year's lineup is amazing: legendary headliners include Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Charles Lloyd, Ravi Coltrane, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
Monterey County Fair | 2004 Fairground Rd | Monterey | 9/3-9/7 | See schedule
Five days of great Fair fun returns this September 3rd–7th. Enjoy rides, concerts, rodeo, fair food and carnival fun!
Dogstar | Golden State Theatre | Monterey | 9/24 | 7PM
Before Neo and John Wick, there was Dogstar — see the alt-rock band fronted by Keanu Reeves live, in this rare performance.
The Roaring 20's Jazz Party | Historic La Mirada Adobe | Monterey | 9/19 | 7-10PM
Enjoy the lively sounds of "Hot Club" jazz in the Ballroom, curated cocktails from the secret speakeasy and Rose Garden, delectable bites in the Dining Room, and mahjong or cards in beautifully staged spaces by local designers.
THE ARENA
CA International Airshow Salinas | 30 Mortensen Avenue | Salinas | 9/26 & 9/27 | See schedule
Look to the skies for one of California's most thrilling events — the California International Airshow Salinas! This high-energy spectacle brings together world-class military and civilian aviators for jaw-dropping aerial stunts, precision flying, and heart-pounding performances.
THE WORKSHOP
Wall Altars Pottery Workshop | 785 Broadway Avenue | Seaside | 9/4 | 5:30PM-8:00PM
Create your own wall altar out of clay! Learn to use slabs of clay to make a hanging altar large enough to accommodate crystals, shells, and small candles. Students will pick a glaze and staff will glaze and fire the pieces, which will be ready for pickup a few weeks after class.
WHALE WATCHING
Whale Watching | 84 Fishermans Wharf | Monterey | See schedule
Join Monterey Bay Whale Watch for an amazing and unforgettable whale watching experience! September is an exceptional month for whale watching in Monterey Bay, offering some of the calmest weather and peak wildlife diversity of the entire year.
