Friday

The Monterey Conference Center has the opening for the art show Locals Looking Outside the Box from 5:30-7pm.

Wave Street Studios has an art opening from Michael Snodgrass and Christine Colon Norlander at 6pm.

La Playa Hotel shows off some spectacular food and wine pairings with the Ridge Winemaker Dinner.

Get a bit of retro with The Best of Doo Wop at the Sunset Center at 8pm.

Do some free-form dancing with DJ Theo at Chautauqua Hall, from 8-10pm.

The Hippodrome’s anniversary party is tonight! Party until the wee hours at the biggest night club between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The Pacific Repertory Theater captures the hearts of tweens everywhere with a live stage version of High School Musical 2 at the Golden Bough Theater.

Saturday

Do some good at Fort Ord Dunes by helping out with cleanup and dune restoration, starting at 10am.

It’s a foodie’s paradise at the Wine and Food Festival at the National Steinbeck Center Museum. Dress to the nines and partake of great local food and wine.

High School Musical takes over the Golden Bough Theater again!

For kids

The Monterey Public Library has Saturday Storytime and a Sunday endangered animals program called “Zoo to You.”

Kids can go on a safe trail ride on Saturday through the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center.

If none of these events tickle your fancy, there’s lots more at the Monterey County Weekly’s events calendar.

Stardom awaits! The Monterey Film Commission is looking for extras for “Carmel: The Movie.” Check out their website to learn how to apply.

Trying to get a postcard-perfect photo to take home? Read California Photo Scout’s tips on how to photograph butterflies in Pacific Grove as well as views in the town and Point Pinos Lighthouse, Point Lobos, Pebble Beach’s 17 Mile Drive

If you’ve ever wondered what Monterey County looks like from the air, take a look at these incredible photos.

Monterey’s historic San Carlos Cathedral, built in 1795, has finally reopened! An extensive restoration project has preserved and renewed the cathedral, which is the oldest architect-designed building in California.

From the old to the new: Experimental band Animal Collective is playing the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur. Tickets went on sale this morning, and sold out almost immediately. Keep an eye on the Henry Miller Library; this is undoubtedly not the last edgy, buzz-worthy band they’ll have this year.

We’re not the only ones who think a Monterey County staycation is a great idea. Ric Garrido touts the wonders of a Pebble Beach staycation on the Loyalty Traveler blog. (And if you haven’t heard about our Big Smiles, No Miles Staycation Sweepstakes yet, check it out!)