La Merienda

The community is invited to celebrate the Annual Monterey History and Art La Merienda and the City of Monterey's birthday with a very special barbecue buffet extravaganza, with entertainment by Mike Marotta, Jr. & special guests, mariachis, and folklorico dancers, and a festive "Californio" party in the historic Memory Garden on Custom House Plaza.

La Merienda (Spanish word for picnic) includes great food and entertainment, a procession, and much, much more. This not-to-be missed very special community event celebrates the founding of the City of Monterey in June 1770 when Father Junipero Serra (recently canonized as a Saint by Pope Francis) and Captain Gaspar de Portola celebrated with a picnic overlooking the Monterey Bay. 

Barbecue Buffet Extravaganza!

La Merienda features a delicious Barbecue Buffet Extravaganza. The SHAKE FAMILY Chefs and the Merienda Barbecue Committee are taking it up a notch! The barbecue committee is composed of local elected officials and well-known community members that prepare and serve the food at this event.

Community Members are invited to Host a Party Within the Party!

La Merienda can be described as a “party within a party” with uniquely decorated hosted tables. Attendees invite friends, don a costume, decorate a table, and have fun at this festive event! Or, just come for the celebration, join a table and make some new friends. Meet elected officials, military leaders, and local dignitaries at this not-to-be-missed annual event! This outstanding party attracts over 500 people each year. 

Tickets Information

Tickets will go on sale early in 2025.