The Best of Fall in Monterey County 2026

The fall season is here, and Monterey takes on an autumn feel, with beautiful changes in scenery along the coast and the calendar to fill with celebrations, events, family-friendly activities, and unique local traditions. If you’re looking for things to do in Monterey, or planning a fall getaway, we’ve rounded up eleven events worth adding to your itinerary.

Oktoberfest at Peter B’s

September 19 – October 4 (Closed on Wednesdays)

Oktoberfest brings German-inspired fun to downtown Monterey, with traditional foods and exclusive handcrafted beer from the Peter B’s brewing team. For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the festivities, guests who wear their lederhosen receive an additional 15% off food.

Some of the special menu items include Festbier (our Oktoberfest Lager), Corralito’s Smokey Beef Sausage & Bavarian Pretzel, Grilled Bratwurst, and Chicken Schnitzel. 

Meet the Makers Art & Wine Walk

October 10 | 4-7 p.m.

Spend the evening strolling through the streets of Carmel during the 7th Annual Meet the Makers Art & Wine Walk. Starting at Devendorf Park, this event takes you through downtown Carmel to artist-owned galleries, where you can meet the artists and explore their work. Guests will also have the chance to taste Monterey County wines and sample local culinary creations. With art, wine, food, and music throughout the evening, this event makes for a great Monterey date idea and an overall relaxing experience.

Image courtesy of Carmel Visitor Center

Point Sur Lighthouse Halloween Tours

October 24 & 31 | 5:15 p.m.

Looking for one of the more unique things to do in Monterey during the fall? Take a drive down the scenic Highway 1 to Point Sur Lighthouse, where coastal beauty, history, and paranormal activity come together.

The Point Sur Lighthouse was built in 1889 and has a long history of shipwrecks and isolated lighthouse keepers. During the Halloween season, guests have the special opportunity to explore the lighthouse after dark, while learning about paranormal stories and recordings and gaining access to areas not typically shown on tours. Be sure to visit the tour website to purchase tickets and confirm the schedule. 

California Seaweed Festival

October 24 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Another way to dive into the coastal fall festivities is to attend the 7th annual California Seaweed Festival. Taking place just outside the Portola Hotel & Spa on Old Custom House Plaza, the festival celebrates a day of science, art, food, culture, and seaweed, of course.

This is a free festival that brings together researchers, chefs, artists, and visitors from all different backgrounds for talks, demonstrations, tastings, and other hands-on activities, making this one of the best family activities in Monterey during the fall. With Monterey’s incredible marine ecosystem and the important role it plays in the region, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about kelp forests and seaweed and their impact on the coast. 

Image courtesy of California Seaweed Festival

Carmel City Halloween Parade

October 30 | 4:30 p.m.

Halloween gets a festive twist in Carmel, as the combination of Halloween and the city’s birthday creates an energetic and enjoyable annual parade. This is a free event open to the public, where attendees are encouraged to put on their costumes and enjoy an evening of trick-or-treating in Devendorf Park as the parade makes its way down Ocean Avenue, making it another great activity for families in Monterey. 

Back-to-Back Spooktacular at Peter B’s

October 30-31 | 4-10 p.m.

The Halloween weekend continues right here at the Portola Hotel & Spa with the annual Back-to-Back Spooktacular at Peter B’s. Celebrate Halloween with food, drink specials, live music from Ryan Sesma, and the annual Franks and Steins celebration on October 31.

Guests who wear their Halloween costumes to Peter B’s for the celebration will receive a $5 food voucher to use that evening. After a day of exploring Monterey Halloween events and attractions, Peter B’s is a convenient place to keep the celebration going with a festive atmosphere and special handcrafted beers. 

Halloween on the Wharf

October 31 | 4-7 p.m.

Located just a few steps from the Portola Hotel & Spa, spend Halloween by the bay for the 8th annual Halloween on the Wharf. This free, family-friendly event invites guests to come dressed in costume and enjoy trick-or-treating on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, which will be decorated for Halloween. The event also features photo opportunities, a costume contest, and cash prizes. 

Big Sur Food & Wine Festival

November 5-7

Continue your fall adventures with a trip to Big Sur for the 10th annual Big Sur Food & Wine Festival. This festival brings together chefs, winemakers, culinary artists, and food and wine lovers for a weekend of enjoying the flavors of the coast. Events during the weekend can range from tastings to dinners and other special gatherings. The combination of the incredible foods of the coast and the stunning scenery of Big Sur creates a memorable event in Monterey County.

Thanksgiving at Portola Hotel & Spa

Thanksgiving Buffet

November 26 | 1-8 p.m.

Join us with family and friends at the Portola Hotel & Spa for an annual Thanksgiving buffet in the De Anza Ballroom. The buffet will feature an assortment of traditional Thanksgiving dishes and an array of fall-inspired desserts. Attendees can also enjoy live music from pianist David Conley to add to the festive atmosphere. Reservations are required, so be sure to visit our website to save your seat. 

Thanksgiving at Jacks Monterey

November 26 | 3-9 p.m.

For a more intimate Thanksgiving dinner, Jacks Monterey offers an incredible three-course Thanksgiving meal. Guests can choose from starters such as Holiday Greens Salad or Lobster Bisque, followed by entrées including Diestel Turkey and Slow Roasted Prime Rib. Pair your dinner with a selection of wines and end the evening with dessert, including Pumpkin Pie and Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée. 

Thanksgiving at Peter B’s

November 26 | 12-8 p.m.

If a casual Thanksgiving is more your style, head over to Peter B’s to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving plate featuring Turkey and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Balsamic Glaze and Toasted Almonds, Traditional Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, and a slice of Pumpkin Pie.

Football will also be shown on all 25 HDTVs in addition to the variety of craft beers offered. Seating is first come, first served, with reservations and to-go orders available. Peter B’s offers a different way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Monterey. 

Experience Fall in Monterey

Located in downtown Monterey, Portola Hotel & Spa puts you close to many of the top Monterey attractions and fall activities. To book your stay, visit our website, or call us at (888) 222-5851.