Monterey Fairgrounds

Jazz and Cotton Candy

Description

This fairground isn't only worth checking out for its funnel cakes; there are many fun and entertaining events held here throughout the year, from the West Coast Motorcycle Festival to (of course) the Monterey County Fair. The grounds are spread over 22 acres and include eight buildings, two outdoor concert venues, and a horse arena. So, there's plenty of space to host various events at the same time. Among the most popular events held here is the Monterey Jazz Festival, which is the longest running jazz festival in the world. Drawing thousands of people to the area each year, this festival treats their ears to such current jazz stars as Cassandra Wilson, Herbie Hancock, and Derek Trucks--not to mention past icons like Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie.