ART ABOUNDS

In a county known for its high-quality art, here are some ways to see it for free, snacks included.

Monterey Museum of Art

559 Pacific St., Monterey | 372-7591

Every third Thursday of the month, from 5 to 7pm, the Monterey Museum of Art open its doors and allows arts enthusiasts to wander around the gallery’s exhibits without paying the $5 entrance fee. In addition, there always are free appetizers, and most times free music.

Salinas First Fridays Art Walk

Oldtown Salinas | 758-9126

Take in art and listen to live music at a variety of locations during Salinas First Friday Art Walks, 5 to 8pm the first Friday of each month.

Pacific Grove Art Walk

Downtown Pacific Grove |373-3304

Visit 12 art galleries while enjoying refreshments and live music in downtown Pacific Grove. The next P.G. Art Walk is Friday, May 30.

LIVE MUSIC

Luckily, a cover charge at most small to mid-sized local venues is the exception rather than the rule around most of Monterey County. Here are some free local music picks for each night of the week.

Monday

Ol’ Factory Café, 1725 Contra Costa St., Sand City | 394-7336

Local jazz band Along Came Betty recently started performing at 7pm.

Tuesday

Planet Ultra Lounge, 2110 N. Fremont St., Monterey | 373-1449

Anthony Lane has begun playing Italian music with accordion player Mike Marotta at 5:30pm.

Wednesday

Sly McFly’s, 700 Cannery Row #A, Monterey | 649-8050

Magic 64 AM DJ and local musician Lee Durley hosts an R&B jam session at 8:30pm.

Thursday

Cypress Inn, Lincoln and 7th St., Carmel | 624-3871

Jazz pianist Dick Whittington plays solo at 7pm.

Friday

Salinas’ Casa Sorrento, 393 Salinas St., Salinas | 757-2720

The restaurant hosts shows by local acts, including Vintage and the Chicano All Stars at 7pm.

Saturday

Bullwacker’s, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey | 373-1449

Take in local bands from country outfit the Island Hoppers to classic rockers Cheeky Spanks on the outside patio at 8:30pm.

Sunday

Doc Rickett’s Lab, 180 E. Franklin St., Monterey | 649-4241

Local metal and hard rock bands, including Retribution and Counter Clockwise, at 9pm.