Pacific Grove council approves 2026–27 special events calendar; chamber says vendors are local

The Pacific Grove City Council approved the FY 2026–27 special events calendar on Jan. 20, accepting staff recommendations to classify 22 events as city-sponsored, designate seven events as full cost-recovery, authorize pets in the park for the pet parade, and permit alcohol service at two heritage-society events.

Recreation staff described the proposed calendar, which included four new applications: Walk for Epilepsy (Sept. 19 at Lovers Point), the Pacific Grove Home & Garden Show (Oct. 10 at Caledonia Park), the Austin Bantam Society 50th car show (Oct. 10 at Jewell Park), and the Monterey Bay Walk & Roll Cure to Cure ALS (Oct. 10 along the Recreation Trail). Staff noted that the Austin Bantam Society application met late-application rules and would require a planning commission amendment for an updated coastal development permit.

Staff presented cost estimates: total staffing costs to run all 29 events were approximately $176,136.54; estimated full cost-recovery staff fees were about $42,333.25 and facility/equipment fees for full cost-recovery events were about $31,530.50. Staff noted final billing will reflect actual hours used.

Caller Inga Lawrence asked for more details on the car show — a map and hours — observing the packet lacked specifics. Chamber President Christy Metzner, who was present on the line, said most vendors for the Home & Garden Show would be Pacific Grove businesses and that the organizers are flexible on the date and can move it to avoid conflicts.

Council members asked staff to consider parking, traffic and congestion when multiple events occur on the same weekend and suggested volunteer support or nonprofit concession staffing as a way to offset city staff costs. The council approved the calendar by roll call vote, 6–0–1 (mayor absent).