Science Saturday: Earth and Sustainability + Student Research Symposium
Join us for our Earth and Sustainability themed Science Saturday!
This engaging event invites educators, families, and all ages to explore the vital connections between our planet's health and sustainable practices. Through interactive games, activities, and learning, participants will discover innovative solutions for environmental challenges and learn how to take meaningful action in their own lives.
Experience the beauty of the Central Coast while deepening your understanding of ecology and sustainability. Together, we can make a difference for our planet's future.
Illustrating Nature Opening
Join us for a free opening of our most popular annual exhibit: Illustrating Nature! In partnership with CSUMB’s Science Illustration Program, Illustrating Nature celebrates the talent and achievements of the 2025 graduating class. Graduates will be present to discuss their work and there will be a world of beauty to explore in this year’s show.
Details
Cost: Free
Registration: Not required
Doors Open: 6:30pm
What to Expect: A lovely evening enjoying the art from this year’s CSUMB Science Illustration graduates. The art will hang in the Bird Gallery and there will be light snacks and drinks by donation available while supplies last. Graduates will be present to discuss their art and participate in the celebration. We encourage anyone excited to talk to artists to come on the earlier end of the evening.
Duration: 2 hours, doors close at 8:30pm
Walk of Remembrance
This year’s Walk of Remembrance will be held on May 10 in partnership with the Quock Mui Foundation and the City of Pacific Grove. Activities will be held throughout the day, with an opening rally and the Walk beginning at 1:00pm. The trail of the Walk runs from the Museum to Hopkins Marine station, the site of where the Fishing Village once stood. Programming will happen at Hopkins until approximately 3:00pm. The loop from the Musuem to Hopkins and back runs just under 2 miles round-trip, and we encourage people who might not be able to walk that far to park a car down by Hopkins.
Details
Cost: Free
Registration: Required for certain events due to capacity (see Eventbrite in Spring 2025 for more details)
Doors Open: 10:00am, rally begins at 1:00pm
What to Expect: A learning experience from many talented speakers, educators, and storytellers and a celebration of the unique and vital history of the Fishing Village community and their impact on Monterey County in the past until the present. This event does not have an age range, and visitors of any age are welcome to join in the events or the Walk.
Duration: variable over multiple events so visitors can choose what they want to do with their day/weekend. The Walk itself is approximately 2 hours with the rally and lion dance included.
Science Saturday: Native Plant Party
Join us for a fantastic Science Saturday centered around the fascinating world of native plants!
This event will delve into the rich diversity and significant ecological importance of California's native flora. Engage in a variety of activities, from games, talks, to scavenger hunts. You will discover how these remarkable plants support local wildlife, contribute to the overall health of ecosystems, and enhance the beauty of our natural landscapes.
Master Gardeners will present a 45 minute workshop twice (11:00, 1:00) focused on gardening with CA native plants to enhance habitat and protect the environment.
iNaturalist Tidepooling
Free tidepooling adventure led by the Museum’s Education Team at Point Pinos.
Free First Friday: Illustrating Nature Artist Market
Artist market at the PG Museum as part of free First Fridays in Pacific Grove.
Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society Free Meeting
Join the Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society for their monthly meeting at the PG Museum!
History on Tap: Steinbeck, Ricketts, & the Sea of Cortez
Join us for a special evening diving into the history and incredible impacts of the work of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts as they took the Western Flyer through the Sea of Cortez.
Lizard Lecture
Join us at the PG Museum for a special lizard lecture, details coming soon!
Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society Free Meeting
Join the Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society for their monthly meeting at the PG Museum!
Master Gardener + PG Museum Panel
Rain Catchment/Waterwise Gardening class:
Thursday, August 28, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
$15 General Admission
$10 for Museum members
Science Saturday: Backyard Birds
Join us for a Backyard Birds Extravaganza at our Science Saturday at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History!
This family-friendly event invites all to explore the fascinating world of avian life through activities, educational information, and birdwatching in our Native Plant Garden. Come craft your own bird feeders, learn about local bird species, and discover the importance of avian conservation efforts in our community. Expert educators will be on hand to share insights and answer questions, making this an enriching experience for budding ornithologists and nature enthusiasts. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of our feathered friends and their vital role in the diverse ecosystems of the Central Coast.
Science Saturday: Biodiversity Blast
Join us for a Biodiversity-themed Science Saturday at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, where you can explore the rich diversity of life found along the Central Coast. Engaging activities and interactive displays will highlight the importance of biodiversity in our ecosystems, emphasizing the roles different species play in maintaining environmental balance. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with community partners in this field, participate in activities, and discover the fascinating relationships between flora and fauna. This event is designed to educate and inspire all ages to appreciate and protect the natural world around us.
Science Saturday: Spooky Science
Join us for a spine-chilling Science Saturday dedicated to exploring the spooky and creepy aspects of nature. Discover the eerie world of nocturnal creatures as we delve into the lives of bats, owls, and other mysterious animals that thrive in the darkness. Learn about the fascinating adaptations of these creatures and the myths that surround them. Engage in activities that highlight the unsettling beauty of nature, from the life cycles of creepy crawlies to the intriguing yet macabre role of scavengers in the ecosystem. Embrace the thrill of the unknown as we uncover the natural wonders that give rise to our greatest fears and inspire our most fantastical tales.
Science Saturday: Pollinators and Monarchs
Join us for a magical Science Saturday focused on the vital role of pollinators, with a special emphasis on the enchanting Monarch butterfly. Come explore the intricate relationship between these remarkable insects and the ecosystems they inhabit. Through engaging activities, attendees will learn about the life cycle of monarchs, the importance of habitat conservation, and how each of us can contribute to protecting these essential pollinators. This event promises to be both educational and inspiring, shedding light on the challenges facing monarchs and the strategies we can adopt to safeguard their future.
Science Saturday: Dinosaurs and Fossils
Get ready to roar with excitement at Science Saturday at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History!
We're diving into the dino-mazing world of dinosaurs and fossils! Enjoy from activities, games, and fossil escavation! Unravel the mysteries of fossils and discover the facts about these colossal creatures that once stomped around our planet. Whether you're a dino-dreaming paleontologist in the making or just a curious explorer, this event is packed with fun and learning for every age.
Science on Tap: Raptor Conservation
Come to the Museum for a special night of conservation discussions all about raptor birds with experts in the field! Learn about the biology of these popular birds of prey, the ways in which humans impact them, and the work that’s being done to save them. From avoiding lead bullets, healing wounded animals, captive-rearing, and population tracking, our experts have done incredible things, and they’re happy to share their stories.
As a special treat, our friends at the SPCA Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center will be bringing their ambassador hawk DD, and guests are welcome to meet her from 5:15-6:00 at our happy half-hour.
These talks often sell out so be sure to pre-register at the link below. Bonus! for Membership Month in March, members get an extra discount to this talk! Want to get special member bonuses? Join at the button below!
Some details:
Your ticket entitles you to entry to the event, participation in the happy half-hour with one drink ticket and food selection, and a seat in the lecture.
Students may come to the lecture for free with a valid student ID and pay a reduced price if they’d like to join the happy half-hour with drinks and food.
Ticket Pricing:
General: $25
Museum Member: $10 special price in the month of March!
Student: Free with valid ID
Please note, we’ll be opening our doors at 5:15 and closing them at 6:15 so as not to disturb the lecture. Arrivals after 6:15 will not be guaranteed entry or a seat.
Member Brown Bag Lunch: How Did We Get Here? Conserving Collections
Join Collections & Research Manager Nate King and some special items from the Museum collection for a half-hour discussion on collections care! Feel free to bring your lunch for this half-hour session, and be sure to reserve your spot below as space is limited!
Details
Cost: Free for PG Museum members and students
Registration: Requested (sign up above to reserve your spot!)
Doors Open: 10:00am for the Museum, the talk will be set up and ready to begin in the Bird Gallery at 12:15
What to Expect: Your ticket entitles you to entry, a seat at the talk, and the opportunity to see unique items from the collection, learn about their conservation, and have a conversation with our curator. You are welcome to bring your own snacks to enjoy during the talk.
Duration: Half an hour
Special Documentary Screening: From the Real to the Unreal
Our new temporary exhibit "From the Real to the Unreal" displays pieces from the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative. Enjoy a special documentary screening to learn more about the history of this amazing collective and make some art yourself! Space for this special evening is limited, so make sure to reserve your spot below.
Details
Cost: Free for PG Museum members, $15 for general admission
Registration: Required due to room and supply capacity (sign up above to reserve your spot!), at the door registration is possible if the event does not sell out in advance
Doors Open: 4:50pm
What to Expect: Your ticket entitles you to entry, light snacks and a non-alcoholic beverage of choice, exclusive look at extra items from the exhibit and the opportunity to discuss them with curators, an artistic activity in line with certain styles on display, and a viewing of a documentary about the West Baffin Eskimo Collective.
Duration: One hour
Member Morning Qigong
Discover the gentle yet powerful practice of Qigong, an ancient Chinese system of coordinated movements, breathing, and meditation that can help restore balance to your body and mind. Join us for a rejuvenating session where you'll learn flowing movements that can reduce stress, boost energy, and enhance your overall well being - all while being guided by Senior Trainer Linda Anne Goulet, in our serene museum setting. Whether you're new to mindful movement or a seasoned practitioner, this special members-only class offers a perfect opportunity to nurture your health and discover a practice that can easily become part of your daily wellness routine.
Details:
Doors Open: 8:50am
Location: Either the Garden or Bird Gallery, depending on weather and group size
The Museum itself will open at 10am, and after the Qigong session you are invited to explore some of our new exhibits.
Member Brown Bag Lunch: Who Ate My Fries? The Gulls of Monterey
Join us for a half-hour brown bag lunch with naturalist Natalie Johnston as she explores the world of seagulls! Natalie will do a 20 minute presentation and leave 10 minutes for questions. Feel free to bring your lunch and enjoy this special talk. Space is limited so sign up below!
Details
Cost: Free for PG Museum members and students
Registration: Requested (sign up above to reserve your spot!)
Doors Open: 10:00am for the Museum, the talk will be set up and ready to begin in the Bird Gallery at 12:15
What to Expect: Your ticket entitles you to entry, a seat at the talk, and the opportunity to learn about the unique and interesting birds we often take for granted around Monterey County. You are welcome to bring your own snacks to enjoy during the talk.
Duration: Half an hour
Sunset Bird Walk with Amanda Preece
Join us for an early evening bird walk as we explore both terrestrial and shore birds as they finish their day, and end with a beautiful beach sunset above Carmel Beach! Amanda Preece is a local ornithologist and incredible nature guide who always leads us on memorable walks, and we look forward to getting to go out and explore! There is a decent amount of stairs and grade throughout this field trip, so be prepared. Trail surfaces will be a hard-packed substrate, but will often be uneven. There is potential for poison oak on the edge of the trail as well, which we'll be mindful of. Total travel distance will be approximately 1.0 miles. There are benches located periodically along the way. There are no bathrooms at this location. Please be sure to wear appropriate walking shoes and dress accordingly.
Amanda will bring a spotting scope to share with the group, plus extra binoculars if anyone needs them. Since it will be a sunset hike, we'll also attempt to search for bats over the lagoon!
Space for this walk is limited and members get the special benefit of coming for free! Please sign up to reserve your space below:
Free First Friday: Wild Monterey Bay Book Talk and "From the Unreal to the Real" exhibit opening
Join us for a special night with the editors and storytellers of Wild Monterey Bay, a beautiful book that explores the interactions between humans and the wildlife that lives here. Authors of the book will be there to tell their amazing tales, and copies of the book will be available for sale and for signing. The talk will start at 6:15 and will include a Q&A. Visitors are welcome to join at any point during the evening and to explore the Museum while the talk is going on. There will also be a new exhibit on display, “From the Unreal to the Real” that we encourage everyone to explore before or after the talk.
Member Morning Sound Bath
Museum members and their friends are invited to start the weekend with a relaxing sound bath at the Museum with Abril Esparza. Abril Esparza is a somatic sound bath practitioner who guides others into deep relaxation and nervous system regulation through the power of sound. Focusing on somatic awareness, Abril creates immersive experiences that help release tension, restore balance, and cultivate inner connection. Through the resonance of carefully selected instruments, Abril invites participants to attune to their bodies, quiet their minds, and access a state of deep rest and renewal. All members are allowed to bring one friend, Family Memberships and above may bring two. Space is limited so be sure to sign up at the button below!
Science Saturday: Fabulous Fungi
Join us for our Free Science Saturday event, where we will explore the fabulous world of Fungi and Mushrooms. Learn about native mushrooms and fungi local to the central coast and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. This engaging day will feature collection displays, insightful facts, and activities for the whole family.
Exploration Station: Fungi and Mushrooms
February Theme: Fungi and Mushrooms
Discover the fascinating world of fungi and mushrooms at this month’s Exploration Stations! This interactive space invites visitors of all ages to delve into the diverse and often overlooked kingdom of fungi.
Observe displays that showcase the variety of shapes, colors, and sizes of fungi found along the Central Coast. Create crafts, play games, and create fungi themed Valentine’s cards. Whether you’re curious or a nature enthusiast, explore the relationships, life cycles, and unique characteristics that make fungi essential to our environment.
Exploration Station is an interactive learning space for guests of all ages to engage in hands-on exploration and discovery. Here at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, education comes alive, and children of all ages are encouraged to chase their curiosities and explore their interests. Children and their families, teachers, and other caregivers are all welcome to enjoy this special space. The majority of our activities are designed for children Pre-School through 8th grade, but we encourage people of all ages to explore our exhibits and experience the fun of learning.
Date Night with the Monterey Symphony
Begin a special date night with someone you love by visiting the Museum for tango music from a talented duo with the Monterey Symphony! Sit and listen or dance, you choose how you want to spend this magical hour!
Please note this is an 18+ event and student ids are for college-aged students and above.
LiMPETS RIM Teacher Workshop
Calling all teachers! Join us for a day learning about how to teach Rocky Intertidal Monitoring with our LiMPETS team! Training is required for teachers to participate in these trips, and teachers need to re-train every five years. It’s a fun day with good people tidepooling in beautiful areas, and while we ask for a small deposit, it’s fully refunded when you join us! Sign up below!
Exploration Station: Fungi and Mushrooms
February Theme: Fungi and Mushrooms
Discover the fascinating world of fungi and mushrooms at this month’s Exploration Stations! This interactive space invites visitors of all ages to delve into the diverse and often overlooked kingdom of fungi.
Observe displays that showcase the variety of shapes, colors, and sizes of fungi found along the Central Coast. Create crafts, play games, and create fungi themed Valentine’s cards. Whether you’re curious or a nature enthusiast, explore the relationships, life cycles, and unique characteristics that make fungi essential to our environment.
Exploration Station is an interactive learning space for guests of all ages to engage in hands-on exploration and discovery. Here at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, education comes alive, and children of all ages are encouraged to chase their curiosities and explore their interests. Children and their families, teachers, and other caregivers are all welcome to enjoy this special space. The majority of our activities are designed for children Pre-School through 8th grade, but we encourage people of all ages to explore our exhibits and experience the fun of learning.
Science on Tap: Fungus Among Us
Join us for a special night featuring fungus with local mycologists and mushroom experts! Fungi and mushrooms are still shrouded in mystery, and it often seems that the more we learn the more questions we have. Neither straight plants or animals, living in colonies and completely alone, able to provide delicious snacks, a psychedelic trip, or painful death, mushrooms are vital and confounding. This Science on Tap will shed some light on fabulous fungi with a special emphasis on our local species. It should be a very fun night with a happy half-hour sponsored by Hops & Fog Brewery between 5:30 and 6 and lectures starting at 6pm. We hope to see you there!
Some details:
Your ticket entitles you to entry to the event, participation in the happy half-hour with one drink ticket and food selection, and a seat in the lecture.
Students may come to the lecture for free with a valid student ID and pay a reduced price if they’d like to join the happy half-hour with drinks and food.
Ticket Pricing:
General: $25
Museum Member: $15
Student: Free with valid ID
Please note, we’ll be opening our doors at 5:15 and closing them at 6:15 so as not to disturb the lecture. Arrivals after 6:15 will not be guaranteed entry or a seat.