MONTEREY COUNTY — More than 250 local artists will open their studios, galleries and creative spaces to the public during the 2026 Open Studios Art Tour, taking place Sept. 12-13 and 19-20 throughout Monterey County.
Hosted by the Arts Council for Monterey County, the free, self-guided tour gives residents and visitors an opportunity to meet artists, view demonstrations, explore their creative spaces and purchase original artwork directly from participating artists.
The tour runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and includes locations stretching from the Monterey Peninsula to Marina, Salinas, Royal Oaks and King City.
Participating venues include Sol Treasures, ArtWorks @Salinas, Salinas Art Association, Urban Arts Collaborative and Venture Gallery, along with private studios and other creative spaces throughout the county.
“Open Studios is more than an art tour — it’s an invitation to connect,” said Jacquie Atchison, executive director of Arts4MC. “There is something truly special about stepping into an artist’s creative space, hearing the stories behind the work and experiencing the incredible talent that exists throughout Monterey County.”
For those unsure where to begin, the Open Studios Exhibition at the Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave. in Seaside, provides a preview of artwork by participating artists. The free exhibition is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Visitors can plan their tour using the free Art Tours Monterey County mobile app. A magazine guide featuring artist listings, maps and suggested routes also will be available at the Arts4MC office.
For more information and a complete list of participating artists and locations, visit arts4mc.org/open-studios-art-tour.
