180th Wharf Birthday Party

Event Date:
Oct 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location:

Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf Celebrates 180 Years with a Special Free Birthday Party

Sunday, October 12, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

August 6, 2025. Monterey, CA – Save the date! The Fisherman’s Wharf Association invites the community to celebrate the 180th Birthday of Monterey’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event with new activities this year will feature live entertainment, activities for all ages, and beautiful scenic views of Monterey Bay.

Event Details:

  • What: Old Fisherman's Wharf 180th Wharf Birthday Party (1845-2025)

  • Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025

  • Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 p.m.

  •  Location: Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf (GPS to 201 Washington Street, Monterey, CA)

  • More Information:  For more details, visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.

Event Activity Highlights:

  • Live Entertainment: The award-winning Money Band will perform from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  • Photo Ops with lots of lots of colorful and festive decorations.

  • Master of Ceremonies: Local award-winning radio personality David Marzetti will host the festivities.

  • Free Birthday Cake: A sealife-themed cake will be served at 3:30 p.m. at the Wharf Tent in front of Abalonetti Bar & Grill (while supplies last).

  • The Western Flyer will have an information table near Rockfish Harbor Grill and the boat will be available for free tours at the California Dock from 11 am - 2:30 pm. Attendees can step aboard the world-famous Western Flyer at the California Dock (just to the left of Rockfish Harbor Grill) at the end of the Wharf. This iconic vessel, made famous by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts during their legendary 1940 expedition to the Sea of Cortez, recently returned from retracing that historic journey. Enjoy free public tours from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm and learn more about its enduring legacy, remarkable restoration, and new life as a vessel for curiosity and learning. A must-see for history lovers, literary fans, and maritime enthusiasts alike.

  • The General Pershing historic boat will also have an information table near Rockfish Harbor Grill and will also be available for photo ops right off of the Finger Pier.Between 1901-1903, Angelo,his brothers, and father immigrated to America from Sicily with the knowledge of generations of fishing boat builders. In 1920 Angelo at the age of 32 built the Siino Boat Works on Wave Street in Monterey and began repairing and building wooden fishing boats.By 1924 he moved the Siino Boatworks next to Hovden Cannery. In 1930, Angelo Siino, already with a growing reputation as a Maestro boatbuilder, was commissioned by Neno DiMaggio (Joe DiMaggio's first cousin) to design and build the largest fishing boat he ever attempted. Angelo recruited his two brothers and his father from Pittsburg to help build the General Pershing. The General Pershing has been returned to the third generation Siinos who are restoring it to his former glory and dedicating her use as a Classroom on the Bay 501c3 to the youth of Monterey Bay teaching about her maritime history, Siino and Monterey Boat  Works history and especially the urgent need to keep our oceans clean from pollution. 

  • Meet & Greet with Monterey’s Heroes: The Monterey Police and Fire Departments will be on-site from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., showcasing a fire engine, offering giveaways, and sharing important safety tips.

  • Candy Crawl: The first 180 attendees will receive a free piece of candy at the three candy shops on the Wharf: Carousel Candies, Wharf Chocolate Factory and Candy World.

  • Photo Opportunities: Festive birthday decorations will provide the perfect backdrop as well as both the Western Flyer, General Pershing and strolling costumed characters.

  • Fun-loving characters Nemo and Dory from "Finding Nemo" will be strolling on site and doing meet and greets for fun photo ops this year.

  • Storm Troopers: Guests can enjoy fun photo ops with Star Wars Storm Troopers (to be confirmed).

  • Wharf Walks: Maritime Historian Tim Thomas will offer a free one hour Wharf Walk to attendees at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

  • Wharf Birthday Bites: Special food, merchandise, and activity discounts will be available from participating Wharf businesses.

  • There will be an information table and giveaways for the "Walk to End Alzheimers" which will be held a week later on October 18th at the adjacent Custom House Plaza and Rec Trail. 

  • Pirate Selfies: Guests can commemorate Monterey’s history by dressing as pirates or sailors and taking photos with the pirate statues at Pirate’s Cove. 

  • There will be the launch of the online presentation of photos through the years of "Old Fisherman's Wharf Through the Decades" with hundreds of fascinating historic images illustrating the history of Old Fisherman's Wharf from 1845-2025.

  • Through the end of the year, be sure to see the Bounty of the Sea exhibit at the adjacent Monterey History and Art Association Stanton Center which features outstanding historic photos and artifacts from the Italian Heritage Society and Festa Italia Monterey. (More information here).

  • Starting on November 1, 2025, there will be a special 3-month exhibit featuring a collection of 30 large framed and captioned photos that will open with additional historic photos of the Monterey Harbor area from the Chris Shake Collection entitled "On The Waterfront" at the adjacent Monterey History and Art Association Stanton Center.

About The Money Band

The Money Band has entertained audiences across California and beyond for over 15 years, performing an eclectic mix of top 40 hits spanning multiple genres, including rock, pop, country, and funk. Voted Best Band on the Monterey Peninsula by The Carmel Pine Cone, The Monterey Herald, and Monterey County Weekly, their high-energy performances continue to draw crowds of all ages. Fronted by lead vocalist and harmonica player Zoe Alexander, the band keeps the dance floor packed with hits from artists like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Bruno Mars, and more.

About David Marzetti, Master of Ceremonies

David Marzetti is a veteran radio personality with over 48 years in broadcasting. He hosts multiple shows on KMBY 1240 AM/95.9 FM, including The ShagBag Show and Sundays with Sinatra: Live from Old Fisherman’s Wharf. He is well known for emceeing major events in Monterey County, including Festa Italia, the City of Monterey’s Fourth of July Celebration, and the Wharf’s annual birthday party. A three-time PGA Media Person of the Year Award recipient and winner of the Monterey Herald’s Best TV/Radio Personality award, Marzetti is widely recognized as “The Voice of Monterey.”

About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-visit destination open year-round. Originally established in 1845 as a hub for maritime trade, it has since evolved into a vibrant attraction featuring award-winning restaurants, unique shopping, and world-class ocean activities.

Recognized as the "Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World™," the Wharf offers a variety of marine experiences, including whale-watching tours, bay cruises, and fishing excursions. Dining options range from locally sourced seafood to international cuisine, with iconic clam chowder and fresh calamari among the highlights. Visitors can also explore boutique shops, enjoy panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and observe wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, and dolphins.

Conveniently located near downtown Monterey, the Wharf is accessible via the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail, with ample parking available in the nearby Waterfront Parking Lot.

For more information, visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.