Carmel-by-the-Sea events calendar: 2026 dates from the city
The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea publishes a running list of community events—from the Great Sandcastle Contest to Homecrafters’ Marketplace. Below are the 2026 dates on the city’s Events page as of Nov 5, 2026. All city events and dates are subject to change; verify on ci.carmel.ca.us before you plan travel or a home search trip.
The short version: As of Nov 5, 2026, the city’s 2026 Events list covers September through December: Farmers’ Market Third Thursdays (Sep 17, Oct 15), the 63rd Great Carmel Sandcastle Contest on Saturday, September 19 (theme “It Never Gets Old: Carmel at 110”), Meet the Makers on October 10, the 11th Annual Pumpkin Roll on October 24, Halloween Parade on October 30, the City’s 110th Birthday Celebration on October 31 (11 AM – 2 PM in Devendorf Park per the event page), Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, the 55th Homecrafters’ Marketplace on November 21 (9 AM – 3 PM at Sunset Center’s north lot), and the Annual Holiday Celebration on December 4. Earlier 2026 months were not listed on that hub when checked—use the city’s calendar for updates. Car Week and Pebble Beach resort events are separate; see related guides.
Sandcastle Contest
63rd annual; city theme for Carmel at 110.
110th Birthday
Devendorf Park celebration.
Homecrafters’ Marketplace
55th year; 9 AM – 3 PM.
City disclaimer
Always re-check ci.carmel.ca.us.
September and October on the city list
From the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Events page.
Thursday, September 17
Farmers’ Market Third Thursday.
Saturday, September 19
63rd Great Carmel Sandcastle Contest — theme “It Never Gets Old: Carmel at 110”.
Saturday, September 26
Car Week 2026 Listening Session (city-hosted).
Saturday, October 10
Meet the Makers.
Thursday, October 15
Farmers’ Market Third Thursday.
Saturday, October 24
11th Annual Pumpkin Roll.
Friday, October 30
Halloween Parade.
Saturday, October 31
City’s 110th Birthday Celebration. The dedicated event page lists 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM in Devendorf Park, with music, free hot dogs while supplies last, face painting and a picnic-blanket welcome—free and open to the public.
November and December
Wednesday, November 11
Annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
Saturday, November 21
55th Homecrafters’ Marketplace, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunset Center north lot (Monte Verde between Ocean and Seventh). The city describes multiple craft shows within walking distance; free and open to the public.
Friday, December 4
Annual Holiday Celebration.
Gaps in the hub
When checked Nov 5, 2026, the city’s 2026 Events overview listed September–December only. For January–August 2026 or 2027 additions, use the city’s calendar grid and event posts as they publish.
Car Week, golf and Pebble Beach
Not city-produced, but they shape Peninsula weekends.
Car Week
Usually mid-August. Road closures and lodging pressure hit Carmel-by-the-Sea hard. See Pebble Beach Concours / Car Week and Car Week event home rentals.
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Winter golf crowds. See AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2027.
Other Pebble Beach events
Resort and tournament calendar: Pebble Beach events.
US Open 2027
Why event timing matters for buyers
Weekend reality
Sandcastle, Homecrafters and holiday weekends fill Ocean Avenue. If you are house-hunting, schedule showings early or mid-week.
Second homes
Owners who plan to be in town for specific events should match neighborhood walkability to the calendar. See buying in Carmel-by-the-Sea and second homes in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Living downtown
Devendorf Park and Ocean Avenue hosts mean energy—and noise—on peak Saturdays. I help buyers decide if that is a feature or a bug.
Timing a visit—or a move?
I help buyers plan Peninsula trips around the events that matter to them, and choose streets that match how they want those weekends to feel.
Start with a 30-minute call.
Buying in Carmel-by-the-SeaCarmel-by-the-Sea homesThings to do with kids
Coming for an event weekend?
Call or text 831-747-0310, or book a 30-minute call.
Before you rely on this
- Dates and descriptions are from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Events page and linked event posts (Homecrafters’ Marketplace, Halloween & City Birthday), fetched Nov 5, 2026. The city states all events and dates are subject to change.
- This page does not invent January–August 2026 city events that were not listed on the hub when checked.
- Car Week and Pebble Beach resort events are third-party calendars summarized only by cross-link.
Carmel-by-the-Sea events: quick questions
When is the Carmel sandcastle contest in 2026?
Saturday, September 19, 2026, per the city’s 2026 Events list (63rd Great Carmel Sandcastle Contest).
When is Homecrafters’ Marketplace 2026?
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunset Center north lot, per the city.
When is Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 110th birthday celebration?
Saturday, October 31, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM in Devendorf Park, per the city’s event page.
Where do I confirm dates?
ci.carmel.ca.us/events — the city notes dates are subject to change.
Is Car Week on the city events list?
The city listed a Car Week 2026 Listening Session on September 26, 2026. The main Monterey Car Week / Concours week is a separate regional calendar, usually in August.
Do events affect home shopping?
Yes. Peak Saturdays mean harder parking and busier showings. Mid-week visits are often easier.
Updated November 2026 · Facts checked Nov 5, 2026 against the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Events pages
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