Carmel-by-the-Sea Turns 110
There is something especially fitting about a town as charming and distinctive as Carmel-by-the-Sea celebrating its birthday on Halloween. This year, the village reaches a remarkable milestone - 110 years since its incorporation on October 31, 1916. And what better way to celebrate than with an afternoon of live music, community festivities, and a little Halloween spirit? On Saturday, October 31, 2026, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea invites residents and visitors to gather in the heart of the village for its 110th Birthday Bash, a free community celebration honoring more than a century of Carmel history, creativity, and small-town charm.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Devendorf Park, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Admission: Free and open to the public
Located in the heart of downtown Carmel, Devendorf Park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon of birthday festivities. Here's what to look forward to:
Live music: Dance to The Hovering Breadcat Band, with music sponsored by Sunset Center.
Free hot dogs: Enjoy complimentary hot dogs while supplies last.
Face painting: A fun activity for younger guests and families.
Additional surprises: The City promises more festive touches throughout the afternoon.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair, find a spot in the park and enjoy the celebration. With Halloween falling on the same day, costumes are a natural addition to the festivities.
How Carmel Became a City
Carmel-by-the-Sea's birthday is no ordinary anniversary. The village officially incorporated as a city on October 31, 1916, making Halloween its birthday from the very beginning. Its incorporation followed a period of growth that helped transform the area from a quiet retreat into a recognized destination for artists, writers, and creative thinkers. The timing of the incorporation has given Carmel a rather unusual birthday tradition. While most cities celebrate with summer festivals or civic ceremonies, Carmel gets to combine its anniversary with one of the most festive days of the year. This year's celebration marks 110 years of that tradition and the community that has helped shape the village.
From Artists' Retreat to One of California's Most Recognizable Coastal Villages
Long before Carmel became known for its boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and picturesque cottages, it was gaining a reputation as a haven for artists and writers. The San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906 brought an influx of creative residents to the Monterey Peninsula. Drawn by the natural beauty, coastal setting and quieter way of life, writers, poets, and artists began making Carmel their home. Some of the notable names associated with early Carmel include Jack London, George Sterling, Mary Austin, and Robinson Jeffers. Their influence helped establish a creative spirit that remains part of the village's identity today. Art, literature, theater and architecture became important parts of the community, and Carmel developed a character unlike many other California coastal towns. One example is the historic Forest Theater, established in 1910 by Carmel's early artistic community. It remains an important part of the village's cultural heritage and is recognized as one of California's oldest outdoor theaters.
Fun Facts About Carmel-by-the-Sea You May Not Know
Carmel has always done things a little differently. Beyond its beautiful coastline (Carmel Beach is famously welcoming to dogs, allowing them to run and play off-leash on the white sand) and storybook architecture (Cottage of Sweets is one of the town’s most photographed spots), the village has some fascinating traditions and quirks. When Carmel incorporated in 1916, approximately 450 people called the one-square-mile village home. Today, it remains a small community of around 3,000 full-time residents. For generations, Carmel resisted many features associated with conventional city development including chain restaurants, house numbers, streetlights, parking meters and traditional suburban sidewalks. Its compact downtown, pedestrian-friendly passageways, and distinctive architecture reflect a longstanding commitment to preserving its character.
In the 1920s, builder Hugh Comstock began designing whimsical cottages with rounded doors, curved rooflines, and distinctive chimneys. Inspired by the English countryside, these homes helped create the fairytale appearance that Carmel is known for today. Approximately 21 of his original cottages still stand.
There have been several unusual ordinances associated with Carmel-by-the-Sea over the years. One such ordinance dates back to 1963. A permit is required to wear shoes with heels higher than two inches and a base smaller than one square inch. The rule was created to help protect the city from liability associated with uneven pavement and tree roots. It has since become one of Carmel's most entertaining local legends. The city once banned selling or eating ice cream cones on public streets, a rule that was famously overturned in 1986 by then-mayor Clint Eastwood.
There are more than 40 courtyards and passageways tucked throughout downtown Carmel. Many are easy to miss if you're simply walking along Ocean Avenue, and exploring them is one of the best ways to discover the village's shops, galleries and hidden corners.
A Celebration of the Community That Makes Carmel Special
Carmel-by-the-Sea has spent 110 years preserving something increasingly rare - a strong sense of place. Its artistic roots, distinctive architecture, walkable village center and beautiful coastal setting and beaches have helped make it one of the most recognizable communities on the Monterey Peninsula. Whether you've called Carmel home for decades or are visiting for the first time, and this year’s Birthday Bash is a wonderful opportunity to experience the community spirit that makes this village so special. So bring a picnic blanket, enjoy some live music, grab a hot dog and celebrate 110 years of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Happy birthday Carmel!
