Festivals and Events

May

Steinbeck Festival. This biannual three-day festival celebrates the life and works of author and Salinas native John Steinbeck, whose Pulitzer and Nobel prize–winning novels were often set in the areas of Monterey County he knew and loved so well. Films, tours, talks, and visual- and performing-arts activities take place in both Monterey and Salinas. 1 Main St., Salinas, California, 93901. 831/775–4721; www.steinbeck.org.

July

California Salinas Rodeo. More than a century old, this rodeo is the largest in California and one of the best professional rodeos in the country. Hundreds of top-ranked wranglers compete for prizes in events that include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, and bull riding. 1034 N. Main St., Salinas, California, 93906. 831/775–3100; www.carodeo.com.