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January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December


JANUARY 2008
January brings some of our nicest weather, although it does introduce the rainy season. The cool weather keeps the fog and haze away, offering up cool, yet clear blue skies in the daytime, and perfect weather for stargazing at night. Big Sur is known to astronomers as the best place in the country for observing the heavens because there is very little ambient light pollution.

Get a close up view of the California Gray whales as they make their annual southern journey from the frigid waters of the Bering and Chukchi Seas to the warm lagoons of Baja California. Each year the total population of the Gray Whales migrates twice along the coast of Big Sur. Once when going to Mexico (December-February) and once when returning to the Alaskan waters (March-May). Gray Whales are known to still have a few stragglers migrating up the coast throughout the summer months. Come see the California Gray Whale migration, easily visible from the roadside turnouts.

Female elephant seals continue to arrive on the shoreline in Southern Big Sur. Peak of births usually are the last half of the month.

Sea otter pups are born between January and March. Keep your eyes open for baby sea otters alongside their mothers. The male departs a few days after the mating and has no role in the upbringing of the pups.
January (Weekends)

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
10:00 AM to Noon
Whale Watching

(831) 667-2315 California State Parks is proud to present Ranger guided Whale Watching Presentations. Come celebrate with us the migration of the California Gray Whales off the Big Sur Coast. Meet at the vista point on Highway 1 at mile marker 37 just north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Drop in. Rangers will be available.
January (weekends)

Big Sur Historical Society
Sat & Sun. 11am - 3pm

(831) 620-0541 Molera Ranch House
The Big Sur Cultural and Natural History Center in the Molera Ranch House showcases the rich heritage and diverse natural habitats of the coast. Located within Andrew Molera State Park.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur

FEBRUARY 2008
February is pretty quiet around here. To get a good idea of what life used to be during pioneer days and if you want the beaches or forests to yourself, this is the time to come. Bring your waders and fishing pole and explore the Big Sur River. Be sure to spend some time watching the Gray Whale migration. From most any roadside turnout you can see Gray Whales on their journey to the warm lagoons of Mexico. It may take a while to train your eyes to spot them. Watch for the spouts of water spraying in the air. They begin their return journey to the feeding grounds off the coast of Alaska as early as March and continue through spring.

Sea otter pups are born between January and March. Keep your eyes open for baby sea otters alongside their mothers. The male departs a few days after the mating and has no role in the upbringing of the pups.

Elephant seal births continue. The peak of mating is around Valentine's Day. More females leave.
February
Steelhead fishing season ends (831) 649-2870 California Department of Fish & Game. The Steelhead season runs from November 16 to February 28. That's "Catch & Release," Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Fishing regulations can change from year to year, so contact the Department of Fish and Game at the telephone number above for the most accurate information.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur

MARCH 2008
Mother Gray whales and their calves swim close to shore on their return migration to the Arctic. Spring bulbs begin to blossom; willows and calla lillies bloom along the creeks and wild iris appear in the forest. The hills are emerald green.

Sea otter pups are born between January and March. Keep your eyes open for baby sea otters alongside their mothers. The male departs a few days after the mating and has no role in the upbringing of the pups.
March
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
See Gray Whales for more information about the annual whale migration. Mothers and newborn calves will be migrating close to shore as they head north to the coast of Alaska, their summer feeding grounds.
March (weekends)
Big Sur Historical Society
Sat & Sun. 11am - 3pm
(831) 620-0541 Molera Ranch House
The Big Sur Cultural and Natural History Center in the Molera Ranch House showcases the rich heritage and diverse natural habitats of the coast. Located within Andrew Molera State Park.

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APRIL 2008
April is springtime in the gardens of the northern hemisphere and Big Sur is no different. The hillsides come alive with California Poppies and wildflowers and the streams are still running clear and deep.
April
Point Sur Lighthouse (831) 625-4419 Beginning April, through the beginning of October, monthly Moonlight Tours are held at Point Sur Lighthouse. First lit in 1889, it has remained in continuous operation and stands 361 feet above the surf on a large volcanic rock. Saturday and Sunday morning tours are available year round. Wednesday and Thursday tours available in the summer.
April Weekends
Big Sur Historical Society
Sat & Sun. 11am - 3pm
(831) 620-0541 Molera Ranch House
The Big Sur Cultural and Natural History Center in the Molera Ranch House showcases the rich heritage and diverse natural habitats of the coast. Located within Andrew Molera State Park.
April 27
Big Sur International Marathon (831) 625-6226 Once again the Big Sur Marathon has been voted the BEST MARATHON in North America by the Ultimate Guide to Marathons. Join us in Big Sur for the most spectacular run in America. Visit their website or call for more information. Local Shuttle information.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Concerts 
MAY 2008
In May, the emerald green hillsides begin fading to the golden color of a lion's back and are covered in California Poppies, Lupine, and a variety of other wildflowers. The perfect month for a hike and a picnic. For information on hiking in the Ventana Wilderness call the Big Sur Station (831) 667-2315
The Ventana Wilderness Alliance maintains an On-Line Trail Conditions Report
of most, if not all, trails in the Ventana Wilderness Area. This is the place to check for the most current online information about trails.
Big Sur Softball is played in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and is very entertaining.

State Parks begins the annual Campfire Program Saturday, May 27, 2006.
May
Big Sur River Inn

1pm - 5pm

(831) 667-2700 Sunday afternoon music on the deck overlooking the Big Sur River:
5/4 Realtime
5/11 Kenny Stahl and Friends
5/18 Andrea's Fault
5/25 Cachagua Playboys
May
Fernwood Resort

9:00 pm - midnight

(831) 667-2422 Weekend music series
5/16 Izabella
5/17 Green Machine
5/23 CLUSTER after party DJ: Live Set
5/24 La fin du Monde, Moab, & a DJ
5/31 Ashers Satori
May 10
Henry Miller Library (831) 667-2574 Henry Miller Library
A day of music at the library featuring:
Ex Reverie, Winter Flowers, Fern Knight, Mariee Sioux, Matt Baldwin Electric Band and The Entrance Band
May 10
Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve

Open House!

(831) 667-2543 Protected by the Santa Lucia Mountains and rocky cliffs, the Big Sur coast includes the largest and most pristine coastal wildlands in central and southern California. In the center of this area, the University of California Natural Reserve System and the University of California at Santa Cruz operates the Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve. Directly adjacent to the terrestrial reserve are two state marine protected areas: the Big Creek State Marine Reserve and the Big Creek State Conservation Area, which are administered by the California Department of Fish and Game.
May 11
Henry Miller Library (831) 667-2574 Henry Miller Library
Eric Taylor in concert. Eric Taylor is a sage musician, a lyrical genius and a master of the guitar. If you're familiar with the intricate Texas singer/ songwriter jigsaw puzzle, you probably already know a lot about Taylor. If you're not familiar with Taylor by name, you've probably heard his songs performed by people such as Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett. He has created a multitude of fans and devotees that are legends themselves in the singer/songwriter realm, artists who have long considered Taylor to be a teacher and a lantern bearer whose time is long overdue.
May 11
Ventana Wildlife Society
(831) 445-9514 California Condor Viewing Tour. Join Ventana Wildlife Society for a California Condor viewing tour on the Big Sur Coast.
May 11
Friends of the River & the Ventana Wilderness Alliance San Clemente Trail
Join biologist Ed Mercurio for a scenic hike along the long-forgotten San Clemente Trail.  We’ll start out in the White Rock drainage, climb over ridge into the Black Rock drainage and along Black Rock Creek, over Ponciano Ridge and then into Pine Creek drainage. Finally we’ll ascend Skinner ridge.  Don’t miss this 12-mile hike to one of the few areas in the Ventana that has not burned in the last century.  Call (831) 755-6889 or email ed_mercurio@yahoo.com for time and meeting place. **(Not a River Hike.)
May 17
Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade
Noon - 4:00 PM
2nd Annual benefit/BBQ
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Delicious Tri-Tip, BBQ Chicken, Hollly's famous cake, Muster Games, CHP's Helicopter H70, Smokey Bear. $12 Adults, $6 kids under 12 years
May 18
Friends of the River & the Ventana Wilderness Alliance Carmel River Hike
Join hike leader Meade Fischer for a hike up the Carmel River. We'll walk over the damn and will soon find ourselves in wilderness. We'll follow the river canyon as far as Bluff Camp where we'll stop for lunch. There will be some outstanding views up the canyon at the high places along the trail. There will also be some creek crossings that will probably be easy considering the time of year. Bring good shoes, water and snacks or lunch. Approx 8 miles total with only a couple of short, steep climbs. Call (831) 763-2660 or meade@scshop.com for time and meeting place.
May 21
Henry Miller Library (831) 667-2574 Henry Miller Library
Open Mic begins for the summer season.
May 22
Henry Miller Library (831) 667-2574 Henry Miller Library
Philip DeGruy in "Happy Hour." -one of themost astounding talents to ever touch strings...
May 23
Henry Miller Library (831) 667-2574 Henry Miller Library
(((folkYEAH!))) Presents an evening of music:
Cluster and Friends
Wooden Ships
ARP
May 24, 25, 26
Book and Bake Sale
10am - 4pm Sat-Mon
Memorial Day weekend
Ripplewood Resort
Book and bake sale to benefit the Big Sur Library and Grange Hall.
May 25
Friends of the River & the Ventana Wilderness Alliance Church Creek Hike
Join Ed Mercurio as we hike from China Camp to Church Creek until we end up at Wild Cat Camp.  Beautiful scenery, black oak woodland, and a visit to the historic Church Creek rock shelters.  Strenuous hike with substantial elevation gain, approximately 13 miles.  We’ll need to arrange a car shuttle. Call (831) 755-6889 or email ed_mercurio@yahoo.com for time and meeting place.
May 26
Fernwood Resort (831) 667-2130 Sofanya's Gallery and Fernwood Resort present "Spring Blossoms" Eclectic expressions of Spring by Lorena del Camp, Darlene S. Boyd, Dan cronin, Jan Scott, David Allan, Adonna, Sofanya, and Helga Brown Scarlett.
Reception and spring party with music, food and dancing. For more information contact Sofanya at art@sofanya.com
May 31
Friends of the River & the Ventana Wilderness Alliance Arroyo Seco River and the Santa Lucia Adobe
Join us for a tour of another section of the Arroyo Seco River where we’ll hike along the Gorge and explore tributaries like Tassajara Creek. Added bonus is a tour of the forest’s oldest adobe guard station, the Santa Lucia Adobe, and lots of other interesting historic tid-bits from Hike Leader Dennis Palm. This moderate hike will be approximately 6-8 miles. For meeting place and time, please contact dennis@ventanawild.org or 805-238-3725.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur jazz festival 

JUNE 2008
The Junior Ranger Program, guided nature walks and a nightly campfire program with slide shows, singing, and nature discussions begin in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. These programs extend through Labor Day. Click Here to view the schedule.

Also of interest are the exhibits at the Nature Center (located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park) which are designed to acquaint visitors with Big Sur's plant and animal life.
Campfire Program at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
June (weekends)

Big Sur Historical Society
Sat & Sun. 11am - 3pm

(831) 620-0541 Molera Ranch House
The Big Sur Cultural and Natural History Center in the Molera Ranch House showcases the rich heritage and diverse natural habitats of the coast. Located within Andrew Molera State Park.
June
Fernwood Resort (831) 667-2422 Weekend music series
6/6 Five Eyed Hand
6/7 Dave Stein BubHub
6/13 Bob Moen Band
6/14 James Henry
6/21 The Bankhead Press
6/27 The Stanimals
6/28 Country Joe McDonald & The Stanimals
June 7
Friends of the River & the Ventana Wilderness Alliance Little Sur River hike
Join us for a strenuous out-and-back hike from the Old Coast Road to Pico Blanco Camp along the Little Sur River. We'll stroll through redwood forest, see oak woodlands ravaged by the Sudden Oak Death pathogen and hike along the yucca-studded flanks of sacred Pico Blanco.  A well-earned lunch will be enjoyed near the waterfall and swimming hole at Pico Blanco Camp. Wear sturdy boots and bring plenty of food and water as we will cover 12.4 miles this day. Contact Hike Leader Richard Popchak at rich@ventanawild.org or (831) 818-6255 for more information.
June 8
Ventana Wildlife Society
(831) 445-9514 California Condor Viewing Tour. Join Ventana Wildlife Society for a California Co ndor viewing tour on the Big Sur Coast. For more information contact Alena.
June 20
Big Sur Lodge
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(831) 647-7755
Big Sur Multi Agency Advisory Council Meeting
June 21
Big Sur Garden Tour (831) 667-1530 The Hidden Gardens Tour of Big Sur is an annual summer event that draw hundreds of visitors from Monterey County and beyond to glimpse some of the best kept secrets on the California coast. The event is also the largest fundraiser of the year for the Big Sur Arts Initiative, with proceeds supporting arts and enrichment programming for local children and families.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Blues festival 

JULY 2008
The Junior Ranger Program, guided nature walks and a nightly campfire program with slide shows, singing, and nature discussions begin in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. These programs extend through Labor Day.

Ventana Wildlife Society has a full schedule of events called Natural Science Discovery Camp for ages 8-11 and 12-17. Please visit their website for more information on this great youth program.

Also of interest are the exhibits at the Nature Center which are designed to acquaint visitors with Big Sur's plant and animal life. Located next to Andrew Molera State Park and the Ventana Wildlife Society. At this same location is the new Big Sur Cultural and Natural History Center, located in the "Ranch House."

Campfire Program at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park supplies entertainment for the whole family.
July - ongoing
Henry Miller Library (831) 667-2574 Henry Miller Library
Ongoing music and local entertainment.
July
Fernwood Resort (831) 667-2422 Weekend music series
7/5 Drone Hooligan
7/11 Poetry Slam, The Abajo Band
7/12&13 Scholar's Word
7/19 Sheepdog on the Set
July 13
Ventana Wildlife Society (831) 445-9514 California Condor Viewing Tour. Join Ventana Wildlife Society for a California Co ndor viewing tour on the Big Sur Coast. For more information contact Alena.
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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Ventana Wildlife Society

AUGUST 2008
August is a good month for family activities, tubing down the Big Sur River, exploring tide pools along the Big Sur beaches, having a barbecue in one of Big Sur's State Parks. Simply a beautiful time of year to be here. In the winter Big Sur is blessed with the Gray Whale migration. Summer brings us the largest mammals on earth, the Blue Whales. In addition the Humpback Whales , and Orcas are in town. Enjoy these giants from the roadside turnouts. Remember to bring your binoculars.

Campfire Program at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Dates and times of these events are deemed to be accurate but check out the event you're interested in attending with the venue.
August 10
Ventana Wildlife Society
(831) 445-9514 California Condor Viewing Tour. Join Ventana Wildlife Society for a California Co ndor viewing tour on the Big Sur Coast. For more information contact Alena.                                                
August
Fernwood Resort (831) 667-2422 Weekend music series
8/1,2 Lady Dottie and the Diamonds
8/8 Dark Town Rounders
8/15 Jim Lewin Band

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Ventana Wildlife Society

SEPTEMBER 2008

September winds down the tourist season in Big Sur yet the weather is still some of the best of the year. Summer and Fall bring us the largest mammals on earth, the Blue Whales. In addition, the Humpback Whales and Orcas are swimming in our coastal waters at this time of the year. Soon to be replaced by the spectacular annual migration of the Gray Whales whose total population swims by our coastline twice every year. Once when going to the lagoons of Mexico to birth and breed, and once when returning to the Alaskan waters to feed for the summer. Enjoy these amazing adaptations to life on the blue, watery planet conveniently from the roadside turnouts. Bring binoculars. Some of the best theater in town!
Dates and times of these events are deemed to be accurate but check out the event you're interested in attending with the venue.
September ~
Ventana Wildlife Society (831) 455-9514 or info@ventanaws.org
The Ventana Wildlife Society is located in Andrew Molera State Park. Naturalists are available Tuesday - Saturday during the summer months to describe the Big Sur Ornithology Lab's songbird banding and monitoring program and the California Condor Reintroduction Program.
September 6
Audi Best Buddies Challenge The Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle, a five-star charity ride on September 6 in support of people with intellectual disabilities.
September 26
Big Sur Lodge
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(831) 647-7755
Big Sur Multi Agency Advisory Council Meeting

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Blues Festival

OCTOBER 2008
October brings Indian summer days with bright blue skies. The forest comes alive with color as leaves of deciduous trees turn golden. Monarch butterflies return to their annual wintering grounds and can be seen by the hundreds at Andrew Molera State Park and throughout Big Sur.
October
EnviroSports (415) 868-1829 16th Annual Big Sur Trail Marathon, half marathon and 8 mile run at Andrew Molera State Park. Enviro-Sports is a club specializing in unique environmental outings and environmental education, and supports trail maintenance and habitat restoration in the various parks in which we run to preserve wilderness and parklands.
October 10-12
17th Annual Big Sur Jade Festival

Pacific Valley School
FREE!

(831) 659-3857 Each year the Jade Festival brings musicians, artists, crafts people, and rockhounds together in an annual fundraiser for the South Coast Community Land Trust. Held at Pacific Valley School. Friday's hours are from 12-6, Sat. and Sun. from 10-6
45 vendors of jade, gems, wood & stone. Food court, raffle, and live music.
Held at Pacific Valley School. 35 miles south of Big Sur center and 35 miles north of Hearst Castle.
FREE! Call for more information. Vender Information:
(831) 402-1143
e-mail:
surjade@hotmail.com
October
Big Sur River Run
28th Anniversary
(831) 624-4112 "The most beautiful 10k in the world!" Held annually in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. All flat, black-top road loop alongside the Big Sur River through redwood and oak groves. The 10k Run and 5k Walk benefit the Big Sur Health Center and the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade.
October 31
Nepenthe (831) 667-2345 Halloween Bal Masque. Every year Nepenthe sponsors a benefit for the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade. If you missed the Halloween Bal Masque at Nepenthe last year, have a look-see at all the beautiful costumes. Photos supplied by Central Coast Magazine. Click Here Now!

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Blues Festival

NOVEMBER 2008
November begins the Steelhead Salmon fishing season and the very early, most ambitious Gray Whales begin their migration to the lagoons of Mexico. Twice every year the total Gray Whale population migrates past the Big Sur coastline. Spectacular viewing is available from nearly any roadside turnout. Bring your binoculars and get up close and personal.
Elephant Seals begin coming on shore to mate in Southern Big Sur.
November
Big Sur Half Marathon (831) 625-6226 Big Sur Half-Marathon
November
28th Annual Big Sur Harvest & Craft Fair at the Big Sur Grange Hall
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(831) 667-2557 27th Annual Big Sur Harvest & Craft Fair. Thanksgiving Weekend. This is a true Big Sur style craft fair, there is nothing like it. It is not of the high fluting snob caliber and it is not a lousy country funky freaking, crummy & boring craft show…. It is a unique collection of Artists of Big Sur and their friends from the outlying areas who craft or practice their arts the year around… The show starts off with a kick the night before with everyone bringing a potluck and sharing a meal together, which gives to this show (gathering) a family feeling. Some think this is a throw back to the sixties, but if you were alive in the sixties you’ll know it wasn’t this good.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Blues Festival

DECEMBER 2008
Take a break from the holiday bustle. Off season rates make early December an economical way to experience the quiet beauty of Big Sur. The clear December skies make the night time star gazing spectacular and the day time sight seeing down the coast is equally amazing. Big Sur is known to astronomers as the best place in the country for viewing the heavens because there is so little "light pollution."

During the daytime hours one can while away the time watching the spectacular sites of the Gray Whale migration as they make their way to the lagoons of Mexico to have their babies. Overhead one can view the equally spectacular site of the California Condor in flight. The Ventana Wildlife Society will be further adding to the growing population of California Condors who are now living in Big Sur. Learn more about the California Condor Reintroduction program by visiting our Condor information page. Elephant Seals come on shore to give birth, mate, and molt in southern Big Sur.

December
STEELHEAD SEASON (831) 649-2870 The Steelhead season runs from December – March, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and the opening and closing days. The Big Sur River west of Highway 1, all of Limekiln Creek, and the portions of all other Big Sur Coast streams west of Highway 1 in Monterey Co., from Granite Creek south to Salmon Creek, shall be closed to all fishing when the department determines that the flow at the USGS gauging station on the Big Sur river is less than 40 cfs (call 831-649-2886 for flow info). Only barbless hooks may be used. Bag limit 0 (zero). Catch and release only.
December 12
Big Sur Lodge
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(831) 647-7755
Big Sur Multi Agency Advisory Council Meeting

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