April Events & Happenings on the Monterey Peninsula

Big Sur Marathon - April 26, 2026

April is one of the most vibrant months on the Monterey Peninsula, with spring blooms, major festivals, and plenty of coastal activities to enjoy. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening this month.

Monterey Peninsula Food & Wine Festival — Wrapped Up Last Weekend

The month kicked off with the Monterey Peninsula Food & Wine Festival, which took place last weekend. Guests enjoyed chef demos, local seafood, boutique wineries, and pop‑up dinners across Carmel, Monterey, and Pacific Grove. If you missed it, many participating restaurants and tasting rooms are still offering special menus and spring wine flights throughout April.

Spring Wildflowers in Full Bloom

April is peak wildflower season, and this year’s displays are especially colorful.

Top spots:

• Point Lobos

• Garland Ranch

• Fort Ord National Monument

Perfect for hikers, photographers, and anyone craving fresh air.

Art & Community Events

• Carmel Art Walk   Meet local artists, explore new exhibits, and enjoy wine tastings in Carmel’s gallery district.

Outdoor & Recreation Highlights

• Sea Otter Classic (Mid‑April)   The world’s largest cycling festival brings races, demos, and a massive outdoor expo to Laguna Seca.

• Big Sur International Marathon (Late April)   One of the most scenic and iconic races in the world, the Big Sur International Marathon takes runners along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel, passing redwoods, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Bixby Bridge. Even if you’re not running, it’s an inspiring event to watch and a major highlight of the Peninsula’s spring calendar.

• Earth Day Activities   Look for clean‑ups and eco‑events in Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel Valley throughout the month.

Wine Tasting & Spring Releases. April is a great time to sip your way through the Peninsula.

Favorites this month:

• Folktale Winery’s patio tastings

• Bernardus spring releases

• A Taste of Monterey’s oceanfront flights

Family-Friendly Fun

• Monterey Bay Aquarium spring programs

• Whale watching (gray whales still migrating)

• Pacific Grove Museum nature activities

With festivals, outdoor adventures, art events, and the lingering buzz from last weekend’s Food & Wine Festival, April is one of the best months to experience the Monterey Peninsula.