Monterey Events in January 2025: Top Things to Do

My calendar of Monterey events in January includes options all around the bay. Discover top festivals, wine tasting activities, and ideas for the entire family.

On my list, I've included the top picks from Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Cruz, Pacific Grove, and other cities around the bay.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

Dates: 1/29 - 2/2

One of the biggest events in the Monterey Bay Area this January is the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. This professional golf tournament runs from Wednesday, January 29 - Sunday, February 2.

It takes place on two Pebble Beach courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. 

It's one of the most iconic events each year and draws in famous people from around the world.

This is where you can find tickets to this event by day.

• Wednesday, January 29, TicketNetwork
• Thursday, January 30, StubHub | TicketNetwork
• Friday, January 31, StubHub | TicketNetwork
• Saturday, February 1, StubHub | TicketNetwork
• Sunday, February 2, StubHub | TicketNetwork

Monterey Swingfest

Dates: 1/15- 1/20

Location: Monterey Hyatt Regency

Lovers of swing dancing know this as one of the best festivals in the area if you want to learn swing dancing, watch some of the best, and have a wonderful time during this three-day event.

Some of the best teachers around will be giving lessons throughout the day. There are also free basic classes, open dancing times to practice, intensives, and numerous contests each day.

There are night time dancing events that are a great way to meet new people, show off your moves, and have an overall wonderful time.

If you need to stretch out your muscles, there is a yoga class given each morning to help you limber up. There is also a fun beer tasting event on Saturday.

This is an all ages Swingfest, so feel free to bring along the kids and anyone else that wants to enjoy swing dancing.

Where to Stay in Monterey and Around the Bay

Monterey: You will find the largest selection of hotels in and around Monterey. Higher end picks include the Spindrift Inn and Portola Hotel and Spa. You will also find some more budget friendly options if you move a few additional blocks away from the waterfront. Find my top picks for all budgets here.

Carmel-By-The-Sea: This seaside town is a bit smaller, but still offers plenty of accommodations. You will find some great luxury hotels as well as several quaint bed and breakfasts. Here are my top picks for Carmel-By-The-Sea.

Pacific Grove: This small community sits just to the north west of Monterey. They offer several great places to stay including a couple of great bed and breakfast and some budget-friendly options. Find my top 5 picks here.

Are you ready to book? Make sure to check out the great options below.

TripAdvisor: Compare prices, read recent guest reviews and find a wide selection of options.

VRBO: Another option is to rent an apartment, house, or a room around Monterey through VRBO.

Santa Cruz Warriors

These are the top home games this month with the Santa Cruz Warriors. They are the minor league team for the Golden State Warriors. 

All games are at the Kaiser Permanente Arena. I've included ticketing information below.

• 1/17: Mexico City Capitanes at 7 pm
• 1/20: Stockton Kings at 2 pm
• 1/24: Salt Lake City Stars at 7 pm
• 1/25: Salt Lake City Stars at 7 pm

Additional Things to Do in Monterey in January

Monterey Food Tour: Stroll through the historic streets of Monterey on this 3-hour food tour. Sample both savory and sweet treats along the way and find out more about the hot food and beverage scene here. More details an tickets here.

Whale Watching: Head out on the water this January with a whale watching tour. It's one of the best times to see whales as they migrate through the Pacific Ocean this time of year. Find whale watching tours.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: This must see attraction for all visitors to Monterey is the aquarium. Sitting on the northern end of Cannery Row, this amazing place is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals that call the bay home. 

January Events at the Golden State Theatre

Here are some of the top events at the Golden State Theatre in Monterey this January.

• 1/23: Bored Teachers Comedy Tour at 7:30 pm
• 1/31: Take It To The Limit - Eagles Tribute at 7:30 pm

Jurassic Quest

Dates: Friday, 1/24 to Sunday, 1/26

This large dinosaur fest offers fun for the entire family this January at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

It offers a variety of hand on experiences such as excavating fossils, playing with baby dinosaurs, and so much more! 

It runs from Friday from 12 pm to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. 

>> Visit Universe.com for ticketing details

Events at Folktale Winery

Dates: Several all month long

Location: Folktale Winery at 8940 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea

Folktale Winery is known for its fantastic wines, but also for the fun and exciting events that it holds during each month.

Set next to the Carmel River, Folktale is the perfect location to relax, kick back, and enjoy the beauty of the Carmel Valley.

You will love tasting the wines and listening to great music depending on which day you visit Folktale.

The musical styles range from rock and roll, to country, to rhythm and blues and pretty much anything else you can imagine.

Bands are just as varied as some are locals while others are bands that are on tour throughout the USA. Many of the shows are free for all to attend, while others include wine tasting, delicious food, and VIP service for a charge.

>> Visit their site for a schedule of upcoming events this month

More Fun Events Nearby

• San Francisco
• Napa
• Sonoma

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