Monica Garske headshot

Monica Garske

Senior Content Strategist

Monica is based in San Diego, California. She was previously a senior digital media producer and podcast host at NBC 7 San Diego + The Scene, and has been in the news biz since 2005. She loves hiking, the beach, and family days with her husband and two kids.

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Events
Know before you go: Coastal Carolina Fair
The Coastal Carolina Fair returns to Exchange Park with concerts, food, exhibits, and rides — use this guide to prepare for your visit.
October 28, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
763 Meeting Street Antique Mall
Small Business
Happy Hauling: flea markets, trade, vintage, and resale shops in Columbia
Here’s the deal — the flea market and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Soda City
October 15, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.
Small Business
SJtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 14, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
H25-GG-DE-Hero-Purple.png
Small Business
SDtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 14, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
H25-GG-DE-Hero-Purple.png
Small Business
SACtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 14, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
boulevard drive in swap and shop.jpeg
Live
Happy Hauling: swap meets, co-ops, vintage, and resale shops in Kansas City
Here’s the deal — the swap meet and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the KC metro.
October 13, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
369262792_674183508077887_8975611123212877980_n.jpg
Culture
Happy Hauling: thrift stores, vintage sellers, and consignment shops in Seattle
Here’s the deal — the thrift and vintage shopping scene in Seattle has great finds. These are your must-see stops for a perfect haul.
October 13, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
The counter and display glass display case at Walton's Fancy and Staple in Austin; there are pastries inside the case and you can see the menu behind the counter detailing the dishes. The building's signature red brick wall can be seen behind the counter, and the restaurant's logo is scrolled across the window to the right.
Food
Restaurants owned by celebrities in Austin
Sandra Bullock, is that you?
October 2, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Two kids running on the flight deck of the USS Midway with their arms stretched out like they're flying; aircraft are parked in the background.
Tourism and Hospitality
20 Ways to Enjoy Kids Free San Diego in October 2025
More than 60 local museums + attractions will offer free admission for kids age 12 and under from Wednesday, Oct. 1 to Friday, Oct. 31.
September 24, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SACtoday_aftershock_crowd
Festivals
A guide to the 2025 Aftershock Festival in Sacramento
Are you ready to rock?
September 24, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Balboa Park
Play
15+ of the top free things to do in San Diego
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
September 19, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SACtoday_sac_sports
Play
Brush up on your knowledge of every Sacramento sports team
From the Kings to the River Cats, we’re sharing all details of Sacramento’s professional sports teams.
September 18, 2025
 · 
Jordan Radach
Five team logos of the Quakes, San Jose Giants, Sharks, Barracuda, and Bay Area Panthers on top of a blue, cartoon San Jose skyline.
Play
Your guide to sports teams in San Jose
From the Sharks to the Quakes, we’re sharing all details of San Jose’s pro sports teams.
September 17, 2025
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
Feeding San Diego volunteers
Play
45+ volunteer opportunities in San Diego
This list of volunteer opportunities in America’s Finest City includes everything from helping the hungry to cleaning up local beaches.
September 10, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD The Joan opens Liberty Station
Arts
Curtains, up: Performing arts center ‘The Joan’ opens at Liberty Station
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center will serve as Cygnet Theatre’s new home.
September 10, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
JapaneseFriendshipGarden2
Play
10+ of the top free things to do in San Jose
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Jose, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
pexels-steve-8347375 (1)
Play
10+ of the top free things to do in Sacramento
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Sacramento, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A big, pink jellyfish sculpture at the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport
Work
All you need to know about the San Diego International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego skyline from Shelter Island
Events
Save the Dates: 25+ big events coming to San Diego in 2025
Whew, 2025 is shaping up to be an eventful year in America’s Finest City.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
San Jose Skyline
Live
Save the Dates: Big events coming to San Jose in 2025
We love a game plan — here are some big events and festivals to look forward to this year in the great 408.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Morning Glory San Diego
Play
Where to plan your next brunch date in San Diego
Don’t just pick a spot with pancakes and eggs — pick the spot that’s perfect for your gathering with this guide that includes menu recommendations, brunch categories, and beyond.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A plate of breakfast tacos topped with eggs and veggies sits on a brown wood table on the patio of The Mimosa House restaurant in Sacramento. Next to the plate, there are two pink-hued mimosas; across the table, there's another breakfast dish resembling a benedict.
Play
Time for brunch: Our favorite spots for a mid-morning meal in Sacramento
Don’t just pick a spot with pancakes and eggs — pick the spot that’s perfect for your gathering with this guide that includes menu recommendations, brunch categories, and beyond.
August 7, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Live music at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista
Play
Sound On: Live music venues in San Diego
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
August 6, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD City Tacos lunch deals CG
Live
Where to find lunch for $15 or less in San Diego
Lunch near San Diego shouldn’t break the bank. From salads to sandwiches, we’ve got the best lunch spots that everyone can agree on.
July 30, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A shell-shaped concert stage glows in deep purple lights during a show in San Diego, California.
Play
Music to your ears: More than 50 upcoming concerts in San Diego
Benson Boone? Check. Ice Cube? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
July 29, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Seaport Village San Diego
Food
Where to eat and shop at Seaport Village in San Diego
Here’s a taste of what’s new at the landmark dining and shopping hub.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego Comic-Con International SD Convention Center
Play
Preview: What to expect at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025
America’s Finest City is always super, but on this long weekend every July, the scene in downtown SD is extra incredible — catch these highlights.
July 18, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Musician Jason Bonham performs on the stage at The Mountain Winery surrounded by a big audience.
Play
Make some noise: 40 concerts coming to San Jose
Kali Uchis. Check. Dave Matthews Band. Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
July 17, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
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Play
Let’s hear it for these 30+ concerts coming to Sacramento
Jonas Brothers? Check. John Legend? Check. Tate McRae? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
July 17, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Papa Roach's Jacoby Shaddix on stage at Aftershock Festival 2022
Play
Save the Dates: Big events coming to Sacramento in 2025
Whew, it’s going to be a busy, eventful year in the City of Trees.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
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