Sunset Cultural Center

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Sunset Cultural Center In the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea lies a hidden jewel: the historic Sunset Center.
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The nonprofit Sunset Cultural Center (SCC) is the Central Coast's premier performing arts organization, presenting live music and concerts, dance, theatre, comedy, and family events, as well community engagement and arts education programs. What began as a public school in 1926 has been transformed into a state-of-the-art performing arts center with an intimate 718 seats, stunning gothic architecture and incredible acoustics. Under the mantle of Sunset Presents, we bring a wide range of truly world-class performances and live events including global music, comedy, rock shows, theatre and dance. We pride ourselves on programming a lineup with diversity, sophistication and star-power. For our full schedule of events, please visit our website at www.sunsetcenter.org.

We're still feeling all the love from our Centennial Community Celebration! 🎉 What an amazing turnout and a beautiful re...
10/30/2026

We're still feeling all the love from our Centennial Community Celebration! 🎉 What an amazing turnout and a beautiful reminder of what makes Sunset Center so special. From the live performances and creative energy to the familiar faces and the new connections, it was a day we'll always remember.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to celebrate this milestone with us! To our incredible local arts organizations, community partners, resident companies, performers, families, volunteers, and supporters — you helped make this celebration truly unforgettable.

For 100 years, Sunset Center has been a place where people come together through the arts, culture, education, and shared experiences. And as we look ahead to the next century, we’re reminded that our greatest legacy is the community that brings these walls to life.

This past Sunday was the first chapter of Century of Creativity, our five-year celebration of two centennials: the school that opened in 1926, and the theater that was added in 1931. We have more centennial celebrations planned in 2027, and the people on our list will hear about them first. Make sure you're signed up to receive our emails: https://cart.sunsetcenter.org/account/create

Here’s to honoring our history, celebrating the people who make us who we are, and launching into the next 100 years of creativity, connection, and inspiration.

Thank you for being part of our story. The next chapter starts with YOU! ✨

This Sunday, we’re opening the doors to a century of stories, creativity, and unforgettable moments — and YOU’RE invited...
10/23/2026

This Sunday, we’re opening the doors to a century of stories, creativity, and unforgettable moments — and YOU’RE invited!

Join us at Sunset Center for our FREE Centennial Community Celebration, a family-friendly afternoon filled with live performances, creative activities, and a special opportunity to explore the historic building that has brought our community together for generations.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

🎭 Live performances and presentations by our community of artists
🏛️ Sunset Center story installations offering a closer look at this building's rich history
🎨 Creative activities for all ages
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly fun with something for everyone
✨ A chance to celebrate 100 years of creativity and help inspire the next century!

Whether you’ve been coming to Sunset Center for years or this is your first visit, come experience the magic, discover something new, and celebrate the place we call our home away from home.

🎉 Sunset Center's Centennial Community Celebration
🗓️ This Sunday, October 25, 1–4 pm
📍 Sunset Center, San Carlos St at 9th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea
🎟️ FREE & open to everyone!

Swipe through for a sneak peek, then gather your family and friends and make a day of it! 🎉

Here’s to 100 years of bringing our community together, and all the memories still to come. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

10/22/2026

A little mystery, a little suspense, and a classic Hollywood thriller on the big screen!

Join us at Sunset Center for a FREE screening of Midnight Lace (1960), starring Doris Day and Rex Harrison. Set in London, this suspenseful classic follows a woman who begins receiving terrifying anonymous threats — and the mystery only deepens as she struggles to uncover who's behind them.

Whether you're a longtime classic film fan or discovering this gem for the first time, it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little cinematic nostalgia with our community during the last week of October!

🍿 The best part? Admission is FREE!

📽️ Midnight Lace (1960)
⚠️ Rated PG
🎬 Wednesday, October 28, at 7:00 PM
🎟️ FREE, RSVP at: sunsetcenter.org/event/midnight-lace-1960/
📍 Sunset Center, San Carlos St at 9th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Bring a friend, settle in, and experience the suspense on the big screen. Who's ready for a classic movie night? 👀

10/21/2026

SCIENCE IS ABOUT TO GET A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN! Get ready for Super Scientific Circus, coming to Sunset Center! 🎪🔬

Where humor-infused tricks meet mind-blowing science, this high-energy show brings curiosity to life with incredible demonstrations, unexpected surprises, and plenty of “HOW DID THEY DO THAT?!” moments.

It’s the perfect chance to bring the kids, spark their imaginations, and discover that learning can be just as entertaining as it is amazing.

Make your plans to experience the wonder of Super Scientific Circus at Sunset Center!

⚛️ Super Scientific Circus
🗓️ Friday, November 6, 2026, 4:30 pm
🎟️ Tickets at: sunsetcenter.org/event/super-scientific-circus
📍 Sunset Center, San Carlos St at 9th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Tag someone who loves a little science, a little circus, and a LOT of fun! 👇

10/18/2026

Before there was Sunset Center, there was Sunset School — a place where local children came to learn, play, and make memories that would last a lifetime.

Some were more memorable than others... like the time Mike Raggett's pet tarantula, Oscar, escaped on the Sunset School campus and caused chaos. Hear Mike tell this story in his own words. ✨

For 100 years, people have walked these halls, each of them with a story to tell. In one week, we're welcoming everyone back to Sunset Center for an afternoon to celebrate a century of stories — and to write the next one together.

🎉 Sunset Center's Centennial Community Celebration
📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1–4 pm
📍 Sunset Center, San Carlos St at 9th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea

➡ Send this to a friend with a Sunset Center story. Then come tell it at the Centennial Community Celebration!

For generations, Sunset Center has been a place where young minds are inspired, creativity takes root, and the next gene...
10/15/2026

For generations, Sunset Center has been a place where young minds are inspired, creativity takes root, and the next generation discovers the power of the arts.

From the children who once walked these halls and grew up to be creative members of our community, to the young artists, performers and families here at Sunset Center today, one thing remains the same: the future of our community begins with the experiences we create for our children.

As we celebrate 100 years of creativity, we’re inviting families to be part of the next chapter at our Centennial Celebration! 🎉

Bring the whole family for an afternoon filled with creativity, fun, and community, featuring:

🎧 DJ Paul Wylde spinning vinyl on the plaza
🎨 Live painter Valentine creating a piece in real time
🌈 Face painting for all ages
🍿 Snacks and treats to enjoy along the way
🎭 Performances and experiences celebrating the arts

🎉 Sunset Center's Centennial Community Celebration
🗓️ Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1–4 pm
🎟️ Free and open to all!
📍 Sunset Center, San Carlos St at 9th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Food and drink options include free cookies thanks to the Kindness Cookie Project, plus Beehive Cheese, Marich Chocolate, and popcorn. Hot dogs and snacks will be available for purchase, along with espresso and iced tea from Bean Brigade.

Come make memories, celebrate our shared history, and help inspire the next 100 years of creativity. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!



More info about historic photo:
Scene from the Carmel Bach Festival: three brass musicians perform outside of Sunset School as a young girl, Gesa Gustafson, listens nearby.

Every season at Sunset Center is brought to life with the support of our generous season sponsors. Their commitment help...
10/15/2026

Every season at Sunset Center is brought to life with the support of our generous season sponsors. Their commitment helps us continue bringing extraordinary performances, world-class artists, and unforgettable cultural experiences to the Monterey Peninsula.

Today, we’re proud to recognize Noland Hamerly Etienne & Hoss - Attorneys at Law, for supporting Sunset Center as a season sponsor! Their investment in the arts helps keep our community connected through the power of live performance. ✨

We’re grateful to work alongside local businesses and community leaders who believe in the importance of the arts and the lasting impact they have on our community.

Want your business to be part of the magic? Become a Sunset Center season sponsor and put your support behind a thriving arts community while connecting your brand with the audiences who make it all possible.

📩 Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to our team to learn how your business can get involved. ➡️ [email protected]

Together, we make extraordinary experiences possible.

10/14/2026

🚨 LOW TICKET ALERT 🚨

We’re thrilled to have bestselling author and master humorist David Sedaris coming to Sunset Center!

Known for his razor-sharp observations, brilliant satire, and hilariously honest take on everyday life, Sedaris has captivated readers and audiences around the world. Now, you can experience his unmistakable humor live, right here in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Come for the laughs, stay for the stories, and leave with plenty to talk about.

🎤 An Evening with David Sedaris
🗓️ Friday, November 13, 2026, 7:00 pm
🎟️ Tickets: sunsetcenter.org/event/an-evening-with-david-sedaris/
📍 Sunset Center, San Carlos St at 9th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Don’t wait! Secure your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable evening with David Sedaris.



More about David Sedaris:

Bestselling author and humorist David Sedaris is a master of satire and one of his generation's most observant writers.

Beloved for his personal essays and short stories, David Sedaris is the author of New York Times bestsellers Barrel Fever, Holidays on Ice, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, Calypso, and Happy-Go-Lucky, as well as two volumes of diaries, children's books, half-a-dozen plays cowritten with his sister Amy Sedaris, and numerous contributions to The New Yorker. His new book of essays, The Land and Its People, was released in May of this year.

Address

San Carlos St At 9th Avenue
Carmel, CA
93921

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 4pm
Tuesday 12pm - 4pm
Wednesday 12pm - 4pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+18316202048

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