Sayonara, 2019! Celebrate 2020 at THESE Monterey Bay Events!
It’s that time of the year again — the end of it! As we get caught up in the holiday storm, before we know it, another year will go down in the history books, closely followed by a new one ready to go. This year, if you’re local in the Monterey area or you’re visiting and looking for something to do, check out the following list for some recommendations for events and specials you don’t want to miss! Most of these require tickets or reservations, so don’t hesitate on any that catches your interest!
New Year’s Sleepover at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Once all of the Christmas holidays are over, there’s one last event in 2019 that we think sounds out-of-this-world awesome — a New Year's Sleepover at Monterey Bay Aquarium! That’s right, bring in 2020 in one of the best ways possible! Between a cash bar, a pajama dance party, an ice cream sundae bar, and the chance to sleep under the stars at the sea with a breakfast to cap it all off in the morning, this party sounds like one you don’t want to miss! Make sure you book while there’s still openings!
First Night Monterey
Calling all of Monterey’s artsy people! We know you’re out there, and this is your night to come out and celebrate! Every year, First Night Monterey teams up with CSUMB’s Service Learning Graphic Design classes to design the buttons and posters. Be sure to buy yours now — it’s your ticket in! Early bird prices start at $18 for ages 16 and up, $10 for ages 6-15. Children under 5 are free! Once you’re there, you can enjoy over 15 venues with more than 60 performances between 3 and midnight. Bring in 2020 with the most artistic people in the area. It’s sure to be a night you’ll never forget!
Dance the Night Away
If straight-up dancing is more your thing, we got you covered for that too — check out the Portola Plaza’s Dance the Night Away! This year’s 80’s-inspired theme is Everything Your Heart Desires! For $150 (or $130 if you’re military), you can spend the night enjoying live covers of 80’s hits, dancing, and the best part — both a buffet and an open bar! This is definitely going to be a party, and we know we can’t wait to bring in 2020 on full bellies and bottomless drinks! Please note, this event is 21 and over.
New Year’s Eve at the Sardine Factory
Those of you looking for a straight-up good dinner can look no further than the New Year’s Specials over at Sardine Factory. For $85 a person, enjoy a Prix Fixed menu with a lobster bisque, holiday salad, choice of entree, and choice of dessert. Sounds like a good deal to us for a chance to hang out in one of Cannery Row’s most iconic restaurants! The specials cover both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, so you can check it out on January 1st if you have other plans already the night before.
Carmel Valley Ranch
This year, Carmel Valley Ranch has a couple of different New Year’s options for you to choose from. You can make reservations for the kitchen and have a specially crafted New Year’s menu from Chef Wood. This menu is à la carte, and you can enjoy live guitar performances from 5-7, and a jazz band from 8-midnight. Likewise, you can check out the family-friendly DJ dance party with a progressive buffet and a 9 pm East Coast cheers. Tickets for that start at $95 for adults and $40 for children, although 5 and under comes free!
Monterey Bay Food Tours
We know, we know — when is it not a good time to hang out with us? Well, we love holidays over here at Monterey Bay Food Tours (as those of you who were with us on our Haunted Monterey Food Tour knows.) This year, start off your New Year’s right with us! If you’re planning on eating and drinking the entire day, what better way than with our Old Monterey Food Tour? We’ll make sure to get you primed for whatever evening festivity you have planned — hopefully one you’d found on this list!
Rio Grill Resolution Run
After a huge night of festivities, what better way to kick off 2020 by running off all the food and alcohol in this year’s 30th Annual Rio Grill Resolution Run? You can choose between a 5K or a 10K, and runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs on leashes are all heavily encouraged! Tickets for adults are $40, and children 12 and under are $30. Every year, the proceeds go toward a local nonprofit, and this year’s benefit goes to Coastal Kids Home Care. Our fearless leader, Casey, participated in the Monterey 5K a few months ago — perhaps we’ll see her out there for this? Guess you’ll have to check it out to see!
