5 free happenings

Here are three ingredients that mix well: art, walks and free. That beats patronizing art snobs, exclusive invites or sizing up one’s net worth. Just local folk mixing and mingling, browsing and carousing, nibbling and sipping the whole night through– and occasionally buying, too. After a stumble over funding and wine, Pacific Grove’s Chamber of Commerce and downtown galleries have revved into gear with the Pacific Grove Artwalk, taking place usually on Fridays, in conjunction with P.G. Art Center openings, and scored by live music. A hair out of county, the San Juan Bautista Art Walk lures Peninsula residents with its small-town scale, leisurely pace and hidden gems. Other cities in the county stage similar events occasionally, but the long-running First Friday Art Walk in Oldtown Salinas, with its legion of venues, rotating roster of artists and musicians, and flashes of surprise (cue fire dancer Celsius Maximus) serves as the local model of how an art walk can flourish. The best things in life are, truly, free. [WR]

Pacific Grove: 6-9pm (event days vary). Forest and Lighthouse Avenues. 373-3304.

San Juan Bautista: 1-7pm second Saturdays. Downtown. 425-3456, 623-465, http://www.san-juan-bautista.ca.us.

Oldtown Salinas: 5-8pm first Fridays. 100-300 blocks of Main Street. 758-0725, 758-9126, www.artistasunidos.org.

Lots and lots of horses gallop around the grounds at Pebble preened to perfection and looking to win prestige by virtue of speed, grace and execution. The events range from jumping to showmanship; the spectacle and people-watching could earn an award all by their lonesome. Sept. 9-14 is “Strides & Tides”; Oct. 2-5 is the Fall Classic; Oct. 29-Nov. 2 sees the Equestrian Championships ride into town. [NC]

Times vary; events usually start at 8am. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, Portola Road and Alva Lane, Pebble Beach. Free. 624-2756, http://www.ridepebblebeach.com.

The charismatic elementary-school cherubs of P.G. welcome the monarchs back to their burg by dressing as otters and pilgrims and jellyfish and dozens more Peninsula-appropriate creatures. When Pacific Grove makes its case as America’s Last Hometown, this parade might be the most compelling evidence. Folding chairs for a front-row sidewalk seat are recommended. [MCA]

10:30am. Pine Avenue, Grand Avenue, Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove. Free. 646-6560.

If you have ever seen anyone from Big Sur, you have probably seen a big green slab of stone hanging from a string around their neck. That’s jade, which occurs naturally in the waters off the shore of Big Sur’s South Coast. Once a year, Big Sur folks celebrate the ornamental rock with a gathering featuring live music, tasty food and lots of jade art.

Noon-6pm Friday; 10am-6pm Saturday; 10am-5pm Sunday. 60 miles south of Monterey on Highway 1, Big Sur. Free. 659-3857. http://www.rocksolidjade.com/bigsurjadefest.htm.

Standout theater company PacRep hosts a free celebration of the arts for the community. Arts and crafts stations are open to families and other would-be creative types, while local vendors showcase their work. Live entertainment is also provided. [EK]

9am-5pm Saturday-Sunday. Custom House Plaza, the northern end of Alvarado Street. Free. http://www.pacrep.org/.