Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf Celebrates 181 Years with a Special Free Wharf Birthday Party

Sunday, October 11, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Save the date! The Fisherman’s Wharf Association invites the community to celebrate the 181^st  Wharf Birthday Party of Monterey’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, October 11, 2026, 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 181st Wharf Birthday Party    
• Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026

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 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).

• A special highlight of the Wharf Birthday Party on Sunday, October 11, 2026, will be the opportunity to visit the historic Western Flyer. Best known for carrying author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts on their legendary 1940 Sea of Cortez expedition, this iconic vessel now serves as a platform for education and research. The Western Flyer will be docked at the California Dock (just to the left of Rockfish Harbor Grill), where visitors can enjoy free public docked tours from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and visit an information table nearby to learn about its fascinating history, restoration, and educational mission. For more information, visit www.westernflyer.org.

• The General Pershing historic boat will also have an information table near the Glsss Bottom Boat Trips office at the Finger Pier t the Wharf  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. 

• New! 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. 

• New! 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.
• 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 Alzheimer's" which will be held a week later on October 17, 2026 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. 

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. 

ALSO...

Explore Old Fisherman’s Wharf Historic 450 Photos Online and Share Your Memories or What Inspires You in New Short Essay Contest Celebrating the 181st Anniversary Wharf Birthday Party on October 11th

“Old Fisherman’s Wharf Through the Decades: 1845–2025” Virtual Photo Collection. New Contest Invites Public to Explore Monterey Waterfront History

July 13, 2026, Monterey, CA — What memories or inspiration can one historic photograph bring to life? In honor of the 181st anniversary of Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the 181st Wharf Birthday Party which will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026,  Fisherman’s Wharf Association invites the public to explore 180 years of Monterey waterfront history through its collection of 450 historic photos online.

The virtual collection, “Old Fisherman’s Wharf Through the Decades: 1845–2025,” can be viewed on the History page at MontereyWharf.com. The History tab is located on the upper left.

For the new 181st Anniversary Wharf Birthday History Short Essay Contest, participants should select one historic photograph by number and title and write a short essay of 100 words or less. They can share a personal or family memory connected to the image or describe what interests, inspires or fascinates them about the photograph and its place in Wharf history.

Since the collection was released last year, many viewers have shared wonderful stories about their families’ connections to specific photographs, as well as their fascination with images depicting the people, businesses and changing waterfront over the decades.

“We hope people will take some time to explore these very special historic photos and choose an image that truly speaks to them,” said Wendy Brickman, President of the Fisherman’s Wharf Association. “Whether a photo brings back a personal or family memory or simply inspires, fascinates or sparks your curiosity, we would love to hear what it means to you. Every person may see something different in these remarkable images, and that is part of what makes sharing our history so meaningful.”

Essays should be emailed with the selected photo number and title to [email protected] no later than Sunday, October 11, 2026, the date of the Wharf Birthday Party. Entrants should put “Wharf Birthday History Essay Contest” in the email subject line.

Three winners, selected via a drawing, will receive Wharf Dollar certificates that may be used at any participating Old Fisherman’s Wharf merchant. First Place will receive $100 in Wharf Dollars, Second Place will receive $50 and Third Place will receive $25. Winners will be announced by Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

For 181 years, Old Fisherman’s Wharf has played an important role in Monterey’s maritime, fishing, commercial and tourism history. Through the online historic photo collection and the 181st Anniversary Wharf Birthday History Short Essay Contest, Fisherman’s Wharf Association hopes to preserve and celebrate the memories, stories and new perspectives inspired by this iconic Monterey landmark.

For more contest and Wharf Birthday Party details, visit the Wharf Birthday Party Event page at MontereyWharf.com.

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