News

Carmel Mission

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2015) -- Carmel-by-the-Sea may be small in comparison to many California cities, but it doesn't shrink when it comes to cultural offerings. Having just conducted another stellar Carmel Bach Festival (the 78th annual!), the village is gearing up for a fall season filled with independent films, music and theater performances, plus a special ceremony sure to capture the world's attention, all within walking distance of unique and charming inns.

Here is a closer look:

• Carmel Mission will commemorate the canonization of Father Junipero Serra, founder of the Mission in 1771, with a live big-screen viewing of the Wednesday, Sept. 23 mass from Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Pope Francis, who will conduct the mass on the first day of his widely anticipated U.S. visit, has called Father Serra "one of the founding fathers of the United States." In addition, Carmel Mission will conduct its own special mass to celebrate the canonization of Father Serra, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27.
• Carmel International Film Festival will run from Wednesday, Oct. 21 to Sunday, Oct. 25. The 2015 festival is expected to draw nearly 25,000 attendees, who will view films in venues throughout town, including Carmel's Sunset Cultural Center. Along with independent films the five-day event will feature exhibits of contemporary art, music, lectures, and more. And back by popular demand, the Filmmakers' Beach Dinner on Carmel Beach. For more information, including the schedule of films, visit carmelfilmfest.com.
• Carmel Sunset Cultural Center recently announced its new "Sunset Presents" 2015-16 lineup, which will include world sounds to wondrous stunts. Musical highlights include Michael McDonald (Sept. 23) and Jane Lynch (Sept. 26), as well as Rahis Bharti from India, who will perform with the Bollywood Masala Orchestra and the Dancers of India on Oct. 8. Artistic director Moses Pendleton unveils his latest multimedia spectacle -- MOMIX: Alchemia --on Oct. 16, while the Reduced Shakespeare Company will perform "The Complete History of Comedy" on Oct. 29. And fitting in dog-friendly Carmel, "Stunt Dog Experience" is scheduled for two shows on Nov. 7. For the complete 2015-16 Sunset Presents schedule, visit sunsetcenter.org.
• Carmel's PacRep Theatre will present "Buddy, Elvis and The Gang: A Tribute Concert" throughout August at the Golden Bough Theatre downtown. The concert celebrates the music of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, James Brown, Bob Dylan and other legends. PacRep will stage the Tony Award-winning musical "Oliver!" from Sept. 17 to Oct. 18. For more information, visit pacrep.org.

It's never been easier to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea by plane, as Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is just a 10-minute drive. Direct flights are available to and from San Francisco (SFO, United Express), Los Angeles (LAX, American Eagle/United Express), Las Vegas (LAS, Allegiant Air), Phoenix (PHX, U.S. Airways), and San Diego (SAN, Alaska Airlines). Alaska Airlines recently announced new daily non-stop service to and fromLos Angeles beginning in early November. San Jose International Airport (SJC) is an easy 75-mile drive.