july
4 Fourth of July Celebration Ring in Independence Day with a parade in downtown Monterey, barbecue and live music at the historic Colton Hall and fireworks over the bay after dark. Monterey. 646-3427.
7 Scottish Games and Celtic Festival Through July 8. Fortieth annual event includes a wide variety of games, as well as crafts, music and culture in honor of all things Celtic. Toro Park, Hwy 68 between Monterey and Salinas. 333-0116.
8 Summer Jamboree A special day of celebrating estate-grown wines and local cuisine. Chateau Julien, Carmel Valley. 624-2600.
13 Cowboy Poetry Reading Sponsored by the California Rodeo, this event includes an open mike session. Sherwood Hall, Salinas. 758-3758.
14 Carmel Bach Festival Through Aug. 4. Carmel Mission Basilica, Sunset Center, All Saints Church, and the Church in the Forest. 624-2046.
14 Raspberry Revelry Raspberry treats, farm tours, live music and more. Earthbound Farm, Carmel Valley. 625-6219.
17 Pebble Beach Equestrian Festival and Classics The Equine Festival runs through July 22. Riders from North and South America compete in world-class hunter-jumper Classic I and Classic II, July 24-20 and July 31-Aug. 5, respectively. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, Pebble Beach. 624-2756.
19 California Rodeo Through July 22. One of the Salinas Valley´s most anticipated annual events, the Rodeo showcases some of the world´s best cowboys and cowgirls. Salinas Sports Complex, Salinas. 1-800-771-8807.
20 Red Bull US Grand Prix Through July 22. Includes the MotoGP World Championship and AMA Superbike Championship. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Hwy 68 between Monterey and Salinas. 1-800-327-SECA.
21 West Coast Poetry Slam Through July 22. Slam teams from as far as Vancouver and San Diego gather to compete in this two-day festival at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur. 667-2574.
21 Rock and Art Festival Catch nearly 30 unsigned bands at this festival, which also includes fire dancers, a bellydancing workshop, and a glass blowing exhibit. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey. 899-1007.
25 Feast of Lanterns Festival Through July 29. Light up the days and nights with a smorgasbord of family activities, culminating in a grand fireworks display. Pacific Grove. 649-8737.
27 Gilroy Garlic Festival Through July 29. Enjoy live entertainment, arts, crafts, and, of course, plenty of garlic-themed food. City of Gilroy. (408) 842-1625.
