Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf Celebrates 181 Years with a Special Free Wharf Birthday Party on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

September 2, 2026. Monterey, CA. Save the date! The Fisherman’s Wharf Association invites the community to celebrate the 181st Wharf Birthday Party at Monterey’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event with new activities this year will feature live entertainment, activities for all ages, an historic boat and beautiful scenic views of Monterey Bay.

Event Details:

What: Old Fisherman's Wharf 181st Wharf Birthday Party    

Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
 
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 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 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).
 
Wharf Walks: Maritime Historian Tim Thomas will give free Wharf Walks at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

The General Pershing historic boat will be on site from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. It will also have an information table at the California Dock to the left of Rockfish Harbor Grill (facing the restaurant) plus boat tours and photo ops. 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 501()3 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.

New this year! The Wharf History Photo Collection Short Essay Contest! Celebrate our Wharf history! Participate in the Wharf History Photo Collection Short Essay Contest by reviewing the photos on the History page on MontereyWharf.com and then select one photo and write a short essay about it under 100 words. (One contest entry only per person). Submit the essay by October 13th at Midnight to [email protected] with the subject line Photo Essay Contest. Contest details on MontereyWharf.com.

New this year! Face Painting: Enjoy Face Painting during the Wharf Birthday Party from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
Zeana of Whimsical Wonders Face Painting creates colorful, imaginative face painting for children and families using professional-quality, skin-safe paints. Her whimsical designs range from superheroes and animals to fantasy favorites, helping make every celebration a little more magical.
 
Wharf Walks: Maritime Historian Tim Thomas will offer two free one-hour Wharf Walks to attendees meeting in front of the pink Harbor House Gifts at 10:00 am and 11:30 am.

Alzheimer's Association Information Table: There will be an information table and giveaways for the upcoming "Walk to End Alzheimer's" which will be held a week later on October 17, 2026 at the adjacent Custom House Plaza and Rec Trail.
 
Monterey Police Department and Monterey Fire Department will be on site (schedule permitting), including a fire truck display.
 
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.
 
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 50 years in broadcasting.  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.” David comes from a radio background that spans over 50 years in Radio and TV. Besides his weekly M-F Afternoon show 3-6 p.m., David hosts the “ShagBag Show” every Saturday morning as well as “Sundays with Sinatra: Live from Little Napoli Restaurant" in Carmel CA. All of David’s shows are broadcast on KMBY 106.7fm/1240am.  He is highly regarded as “Monterey’s Emcee” and hosts many local functions and fundraisers including Festa Italia Festival, Santa Rosalia Queen’s Coronation Ball, La Merienda the City of Monterey’s Annual Birthday Celebration. The City of Monterey’s 4th of July on the Lawn, Old Fisherman’s Wharf’s Annual Birthday Party, The Carmel Summer Live Music Series, and the Italian Heritage Society Awards Ceremony.  David is the Winner of BEST TV & RADIO PERSONALITY in the Monterey Herald Readers Poll.  And, a 3-time winner of the PGA, Media Person of the Year Award.  Congressman Jimmy Panetta calls David “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, go to www.montereywharf.com or call 831-238-0777.