As the roar of classic cars fades following Monterey’s annual automotive spectacle, the Peninsula shifts gears to celebrate the local arts scene with the return of the Sand City West End Celebration. This weekend, the eclectic two-day event will transform Sand City’s business district into a lively hub of music, art, and community—a cherished tradition that began over 20 years ago as a modest open studio tour.
Today, the festival has blossomed into a full-scale arts extravaganza featuring three stages of live music, a bustling street art fair, and more than 150 artists, crafters, and vendors. “It’s a Sand City event, a gift to the community,” says producer Steve Vagnini, who oversees the lineup of over 30 bands and coordinates the festival logistics. The event, which runs Saturday and Sunday, is designed to celebrate local talent and bring residents together after the high-profile Concours d’Elegance week.
Highlights include performances by headliners such as blues guitarist Coco Montoya, Americana artist Joe Craven & the Sometimes, and Latin Jazz Collective, along with an array of local favorites spanning genres from rock to bluegrass. Festival-goers can also explore interactive art installations, shop for unique handmade items, and indulge in a variety of food and beverage options.
For local band River Voices, this year’s festival serves as a special milestone. The group, led by singer-songwriters Jaqui Hope and Linda Arceo, will debut their new EP, Heart On Her Sleeve, during a Sunday set on the Independent Stage. “It’s all original music, and it’s about telling stories,” says Arceo, whose collaboration with Hope has brought a fresh energy to their songwriting and performance.
The West End Celebration is a rare moment for the Monterey Peninsula to reconnect with its roots and embrace the local arts scene in an intimate, community-centered setting—before the area’s next wave of visitors arrives for the county fair. “It’s really a local community event,” says Vagnini. “It’s a chance to gather, celebrate, and remember what makes this place special.”
With free admission and convenient services like a trolley shuttle and bike valet, the Sand City West End Celebration remains a vibrant showcase of the Peninsula’s creative spirit.
Source: Monterey Herald
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