The 2019 La Merienda is sold out. Please call (831) 372-2311 to be added to the Waiting List. La Merienda celebrates the City of Monterey's 249th birthday with a very special BARBECUE BUFFET EXTRAVAGANZA, a five-star culinary experience created by the OLD FISHERMAN’S GROTTO CHEFS and the VIP Merienda Barbecue Committee, with entertainment by Mike Marotta, Jr. & special guests, mariachis, folklorico dancers, and a festive "Californio" party in the historic Memory Garden on Custom House Plaza on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Monterey's 248th birthday celebration "La Merienda", the City's oldest and very significant annual event, will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019, from 11:15 am to 3 pm in the Memory Garden on Custom House Plaza. For the past 88 years, the Monterey History & Art Association has hosted this community fiesta to commemorate the founding of the City of Monterey when in 1770 Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola celebrated with a picnic overlooking the Monterey Bay. The OLD FISHERMAN'S GROTTO CHEFS and the VIP Merienda Barbeque Committee will once again create La Merienda's BBQ BUFFET EXTRAVAGANZA, a five-star culinary experience that includes Certified Angus Beef New York Steak, BBQ chicken breast, mild Italian sausage, salmon, sautéed shrimp scamp, Paella and more delicious accompaniments and a few culinary surprises. This mouthwatering feast will be followed by the La Merienda traditional dessert, a beautiful multi-layered birthday cake decorated with roses, from Layers Bakery, cut ceremoniously with the historic sword of Colonel Fitch. La Merienda also features Master of Ceremonies David Marzetti and outstanding entertainment by local legend and accordion player extraordinaire Mike Marotta Jr. and his special guests, mariachis and folkorico dancers. Gallant dons, donas and senoritas in 18th century costumes will be the order of the day at this festive "Californio" party. Community Members are invited to Host a Party Within the Party! La Merienda can be described as a “party within a party” with uniquely decorated hosted tables. Attendees invite friends, don a costume, decorate a table, and have fun at this festive event! Local companies are encouraged to purchase a table for their staff or special customers. Or, just come for the celebration, join a table and make some new friends. Meet elected officials, military leaders, and local dignitaries at this not-to-be-missed annual event! This outstanding party attracts over 500 people each year. Monterey History & Art Association (MHAA) has hosted this party for the last 88 years and all proceeds go towards supporting Monterey's history and arts programs, Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library, Sloat Landing, Casa Serrano, Doud House and Garden, Dali 17, and La Merienda. Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 11:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Memory Garden, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940  (Enter La Merienda at the Memory Garden Gate near the entrance to Peter B’s.) Parking: With the purchase of a ticket, FREE PARKING will be available in the City of Monterey’s WEST GARAGE parking lot on Franklin Street behind the Wells Fargo Bank. Your free parking pass will be given to you upon check in at the Memory Garden Gate as you enterLa Merienda. Additional paid parking is available in the Waterfront parking lot adjacent to Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf or in the parking lot on Scott Street above Pacific Street. Tickets: If you are purchasing member tickets, please be sure your Monterey History & Art Association membership is current. Purchase tickets here or print the reservation form, fill it out, and mail with payment to Monterey History and Art/Merienda, P.O. Box 1415, Monterey, CA 93942.