Join us for a very special night with Ian Nelson, director of Western Monarch Butterflies: Protecting Our Pollinators. We’ll host an exclusive screening followed by a Q&A with Ian. It will be a fantastic night for anyone passionate about monarch butterfly conservation. Proceeds from the evening will be split between the Museum and Ian, so we can both continue our work in helping to conserve these beautiful and important animals.

Due to the popularity of this event registration is required and any seats not taken by 5:30 will be given to those on the waitlist if the talk sells out.

Details
Cost: $12 for Museum Members, $20 General
Registration: Required as space is limited
Location: At the Museum
Doors Open/Close: 5:10pm/6:00pm
Age Range: Teen and above
What to Expect: Your registration includes a special screening and Q&A with Ian where you will get the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore the world of monarch butterflies.
Accessibility: This screening will have accessible seating and closed captions will be available.
Duration: 2 hours

From January 14-31, enjoy 10% off all bird sponsorships! A perfect time to adopt and make a difference both for the Museum and for yourself or your loved one(s). Each adoption lasts one year and includes a plaque with who the bird was adopted by or for. Enter BIRD26 at checkout to receive the discount when you adopt your bird!

Staff and/or volunteer at a highly visible place overlooking Lovers Point with our event feather flag talking about what the king tides are and how they can contribute to our ecosystem.

We will be closed 1/2/2026 and back to regular business hours on 1/2.

We will be closed 12/25 and back open with regular hours on 12/26.

Join us for a day of tidepooling and sketching with Cady DeLay! All levels of experience are welcome to join the fun!

Join us for our third annual Winter Wreathmaking workshops! We have a wonderful day planned and can’t wait to see what you create. We’ll provide the supplies and materials to create the wreath of your dreams including boughs, florals, ribbons, and molds, as well as snacks and hot cider and advice from our staff. You just have to show up and enjoy! This year we’re doing things a little differently: Adults who want to accompany their kids to make a wreath but not to make one themselves do not have to pay full admission. See below for more details, and sign up for either the 10:00 or 1:00 sessions below!

Details
Cost: $15 for Museum Members, $25 General, $10 kids 6-12, $5 for parent or guardian who is not going to make a wreath.
Why $5 if I’m not making a wreath? We love to have you with us helping children or friends make their wreath, as we’re providing all supplies and food at-cost, we ask for a small donation to participate.
Registration: Required as space is limited
Location: In the Museum Classroom
Age Range: 6 & above, children younger than 6 can accompany an adult who is making their own wreath.
What to Expect: Your registration includes two hours to create your wreaths with all tools and supplies provided. You’ll also get to help yourself to homemade non-alcoholic mulled cider and holiday snacks.
Accessibility: This class is formatted to people with all abilities, and helpers can be available if needed. Hand-coordination to cut ribbon and/or greenery and mold wire will be needed but can be provided by helpers.
Duration: 2 hours

Certain California newts have enough toxicity to kill a grown human within hours. Conversely, certain California gartersnakes are up to 100x more resistant to toxins than any other snake in the world. Those snakes and newts occur in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. The reason for this could be called the ultimate toxic relationship. Learn all about this fascinating natural phenomenon during a special member brown bag! Bring your lunch and eat it if you dare as we discuss this poisonous topic, and enjoy a cookie on us while you do!

PS, we’re also hosting a food drive at the Museum! If you’d like to bring some non-perishable items to help give a little extra care to our community this season, you’ll receive both our deep appreciation and more than one free cookie!

Details
Free for PG Museum Members, $5 for Member guests. This talk is for Members and their guests only and not open to the public.
Why $5 for Guests? We love offering free events for members, and we’re always happy to see their guests, but these events do have a cost, so we ask for a nominal fee to help us cover it from non-members.
Registration: Required as space is limited
Location: In the Bird Gallery
Age Range: 10 & above
What to Expect: Your registration includes entry to the talk and a fun half hour learning about amazing ecological processes with other members and friends. You are welcome to bring your lunch to enjoy while the talk occurs.
Duration: 30-45 minutes

Shop with a purpose this holiday season!

Celebrate Museum Store Sunday with 20% off most items. Support local vendors by shopping at our museum store. Our products reflect the museum’s mission and collections, with many exclusive, carefully chosen items that connect to our programs.

Join us for a magical Science Saturday focused on the vital role of pollinators, with a special emphasis on the enchanting Monarch butterfly. Come explore the intricate relationship between these remarkable insects and the ecosystems they inhabit. Through engaging activities, attendees will learn about the life cycle of monarchs, the importance of habitat conservation, and how each of us can contribute to protecting these essential pollinators. This event promises to be both educational and inspiring, shedding light on the challenges facing monarchs and the strategies we can adopt to safeguard their future.

We also have some special events planned!

-Join us at 11am for a special bookreading
-Join us at 1pm for a mural unveiling from the talented Jess Soriano
-Enjoy the enchanting music of the 5Ms during the day!

We will be closed 11/27 and back to regular business hours on Friday, 11/28. Be sure to join us 11/29 for our special pollinator Science Saturday!

Ease into the holidays and release the stresses of the season with a special Qigong session led by Linda Anne Goulet of Gou-Chi. With a special shakuhachi flute performance and easy, guided movements, you’ll leave feeling rested and recharged.

Details
Cost: Free for Museum Members, $10 for Member Guests
Why $10 for Guests? We love offering free events for members, and we’re always happy to see their guests, but these events do have a cost, so we ask for a nominal fee to help us cover it from non-members.
Registration: Required as space is limited
Location: In the Bird Gallery
Age Range: 10 & above
What to Expect: Your registration includes an hour-long Qigong session with Linda Anne. Be sure to dress in comfortable clothes and shoes that you can move in and bring some water.
Accessibility: This class is formatted to people with all abilities, and Linda Anne tailors each move to varying levels of ability. This course can be done sitting or standing, and can movements can be large or small.
Duration: 1 hour

Join us for a special free talk about Pacific Grove’s most famous residents: monarch butterflies! Learn about their biology, get an in-depth explanation of what’s going on with this season’s population, and learn ways you can help them in Pacific Grove and beyond!

Details
Free for PG Museum Members, $5 for Member guests. This talk is for Members and their guests only and not open to the public.
Why $5 for Guests? We love offering free events for members, and we’re always happy to see their guests, but these events do have a cost, so we ask for a nominal fee to help us cover it from non-members.
Registration: Required as space is limited
Location: In the Bird Gallery
Age Range: 10 & above
What to Expect: Your registration includes entry to the talk, a cookie selection, and a fun half hour learning about monarchs with other members and friends. You are welcome to bring your lunch to enjoy while the talk occurs.
Duration: 30-45 minutes

Hidden bags of gold, murder, vigilantes, outlaw chases, and more are part of a fascinating tale that shines a light on many aspects of Monterey’s rich history. Join us for a special night with Brian Edwards and Hayley Aiello from the Monterey Public Library to learn about our local tales and histories! The Sanchez Treasure is buried somewhere still to this day... Get your tickets now before they sell out!