Thursday, October 15; 2:30p-3:30p
Ikebana Demonstration w/ Historic Garden League & Ikebana International
On Thursday, October 15th from 2:30p-3:30p, the Monterey Chapter of Ikebana International will provide a very special demonstration to Historic Garden League members and friends. Nancy Bryson, instructor in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana will create three beautiful arrangements. Mary Callagy will open with a short video and narrate the demonstration.
We need an approximate headcount for this FREE event. If you plan to attend to attend this special event, please confirm with Megan Gowans at ranmeg@comcast.net prior to October 14th.
Hosted by Historic Garden League.
FREE
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Saturday, October 17; 10am-11:30am
Seasons through the Garden with Nature Journal
Enjoy a creative, restorative morning in nature. Come stroll through the Cooper-Molera Gardens to find what sparks wonder with this season’s flowers and plants. On Saturday, October 17, 10am-11:30am, you’ll creatively capture your experience in a journal with guidance from naturalist and artist Melinda Nakagawa.
Nature journaling helps you to slow down, notice more, use playful easy ways to sketch, and deepen your enjoyment and connection to this beautiful place. A nature journal sketching kit will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite supplies.
Registration
All supplies provided. Capacity is limited.
$15 - REGISTER
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Tuesday, October 20; 4pm-7pm
Monterey Bohemian Artisan Market with DJ Kenny Summit
Don't miss the final Monterey Bohemian Artisan Market of the year at Cooper-Molera Adobe!
Tuesday, October 20, 4-7p ~ Historic Gardens & Museum
Come by for an evening of local artists, food, free museum tours, and music by DJ Kenny Summit.
~Vendors~
- Aki Fresh Mex
- Amarla Handmade
- Ancestral Essence
- Chieftess Monterey Bay
- Happy Nest Jewelry
- Hudson James
- Jilly Muth Pfifferling Art
- KCM Studio Ink
- La Pizza Piccolo 831
- Lily and Lavender Co.
- Remedios Antiguos
Save-the-date and join us!
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Saturday, October 24; 12pm-2pm
Flower Arranging with Katarina Ruiz of Solstice Florals
Katarina Ruiz of Solstice Florals is back for another incredible flower workshop hosted inside the beautiful Cooper-Molera Adobe!
The special October Flower event will be centered around honoring our ancestors & loved ones who have passed. Participants are encouraged to bring photo(s) of their loved ones and make arrangement in their honor.
Handmade obsidian clay vases crafted by the one and only, Kurt Oviedo. Kurt’s clay masterpieces are alive with spirit y energía!
Take your gorgeous arrangement and vase home and place it on your altar!
Tickets: $130 (single); $220 (double)
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Thursday, October 29; 6pm-9pm
Hacienda Presents Line Dancing at Cooper-Molera Adobe
Y’ALL READY TO DANCE?! Join us for a spooky night of LINE DANCING with @dancing_with_nanci
Come out, grab your friends, put on your boots, and dance the night away!
Thursday, October 29th, 6pm-9pm
Drinks and Food to purchase separately by Alta Bakery + Cafe. We’ll see y’all on the dance floor!
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Saturday, November 7; 2pm-3pm
Skylight Talks: Murder, Marriage & Making a Life in a Changing California
A marriage. A murder. A political feud. A disputed land claim.
Join us for the next Skylight Talk, exploring the lives of Anita Cooper and Herman Wohler and the dramatic events surrounding them in 19th-century California.
From Monterey's transformation after statehood to land disputes, and family connections, their story reveals a fascinating chapter in California history.
FREE
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Upcoming Events & Programs:
12/11 & 12/12 - Christmas in the Adobes (in partnership with Monterey State Historic Park Association)
12/15 - Old Town Monterey Navidad (in partnership with Old Monterey Business Association)
Hidden Stewards: Documentation Photography of the Cooper-Molera Restoration by Marcia F. DeVoe
Now Open | July 9–September 13, 2026 ~ Extended to Sunday, November 22, 2026
Step behind the scenes of one of Monterey’s most significant preservation projects with Hidden Stewards: Documentation Photography of the Cooper-Molera Restoration by Marcia F. DeVoe.
Guest curated by Artist/Preparator Megan Goodwin, this new exhibition showcases the remarkable photographs of Marcia F. DeVoe, whose volunteer work documented the restoration of Cooper-Molera Adobe, led by California State Parks, from 1976–1985. Through her lens, discover the archaeology, architecture, and the often-overlooked people—especially the women—whose dedication helped preserve this National Trust Historic Site for future generations.
The exhibition is included with general museum admission and is on view July 9 through September 13, 2026. Museum open Thursdays-Sundays, 10:00am-2:00pm.
Exhibition is kindly supported by the Marcia F. DeVoe Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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Images courtesy of California State Parks, 2026.
Weekly Wellness Programs
Mondays at 10:00am with Liana Olson, Senior Trainer with the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Class location: garden level or indoor Skylight Room (weather-permitting). Drop in for one-class or pay for a 6-session class series.
Tai Chi for Beginners was designed by Dr. Lam and his team of tai chi experts. Starting on July 27, Liana Olson will offer the Yang Style 24 Forms. The Yang Style 24 Forms is the most popular Tai Chi set practiced around the world today. If you have seen groups practicing Tai Chi in parks over the years, they were probably practicing the 24 Forms. It was created in 1956 when 4 well known tai chi experts were permitted to condense the 108 Classical Yang Style Form to 24 Forms.
This program is learner-friendly and will progress steadily as participants gain strength with warm-ups, tai chi principles, fundamentals and foundational movements. Repetition of footwork and forms makes this set easy to learn, and it can be practiced by almost anyone. This program fosters enjoyment and better health and harmony through the power of chi. It is both a safe and satisfying program. To learn more, watch the video, Anyone Can Learn Tai Chi, here.
What to Prepare:
-Please wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes and dress in layers.
-Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign class waiver and sign-in.
Fees:
$10 (drop-in fee) or $48 for a 6-session class pass. Pay instructor directly.
Note: On Hold due to Family Emergency.
Join us for Qigong in the Cooper Gardens! Tuesdays at 11:00am with Michelle Polkabla of Ocean Body Works will offer an hour-long Qigong session.
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice “that combined gentle movements, breath-work, and meditation to cultivate balance, harmony, and vitality in the body, mind, and soul…”.
$15 per class. Pay instructor directly.
No experience necessary. All physical levels are welcome. Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. Entrance is through Munras Avenue or Polk Street gates.
Street parking or metered lots available.
Venue Rental
To inquire about renting our Historic House Museum or Garden Spaces, please contact our main line at:
831-259-4513, email: KLee-Garcia@savingplaces.org or complete Event Inquiry Form here.
