The peak of summer has arrived in California, buoyed by July 4th celebrations up and down the state. Beyond Independence Day, July brings plenty of classic fairs and long-running festivals celebrating salsa, art, and cosplay—the latter thanks to the annual return of Comic-Con in San Diego. It’s also a great time for music festivals, whether you prefer country, EDM, or classical.
Here are 20-plus ways to build a summer getaway around a ready-made party.
All month: Pick Your Own Bouquet at Park Winters, Winters
Be sure to stop at the Farm at Park Winters if you’re near Yolo County this time of year. The pick-your-own-flower scene is in full swing at the estate, which also features a historic inn and dining. Explore the fields—teeming with sunflowers, dahlias, snap dragons, and blooming artichokes—and create your own bouquet for $35. Runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings through November.
All Month: Summer Nights at Filoli, Woodside
Make the most of longer evenings by experiencing this historic estate in the San Francisco Peninsula. Not only does its 16-acre garden stay open until 8 p.m. every Thursday through September, but you also have access to food trucks and the estate’s Bluebird Bar and Hummingbird Bar. Local and touring acts will play Filoli’s Summer Stage on select Wednesday and Saturday evenings too.
All month: Secret Garden Afternoon Tea Train, Napa
Take this three-hour seasonal excursion on the Napa Valley Wine Train—a collaboration with nearby Chandon Winery, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Board a vintage train festooned with flowers while you sip a welcome cocktail, Chandon’s tea-infused Garden Spritz. Then enjoy a classic afternoon tea: The menu includes finger sandwiches, scones, soup and salad, and desserts, while wine country glides by outside the train window. Add-ons include caviar paired with more Chandon. Runs on weekends through October.
All Month: Aquarium of the Pacific Turns 25, Long Beach
The Long Beach aquarium is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer with both a game and a new exhibit. The reimagined Southern California Gallery opens on July 1, featuring marine life native to the waters near Catalina Island and the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Look for the California two-spot octopus, leopard sharks, horn sharks, and the state fish, the garibaldi. Watch a new conservation film in the Great Hall and keep an eye out for the 25th anniversary icon, Sterling the Octopus (the first person to spot Sterling in an exhibit each day gets a prize).
July 1: San Diego International Beer Festival, Del Mar
Sample your way through more than 1,000 beers, meads, and ciders from around the world at this event within the San Diego County Fair. Your ticket, which includes fair admission, includes unlimited one-ounce beer tastings and a five-tab wristband for cocktail tastings.
July 1: Truckee Dirt Fondo, Truckee
Bring your bike or at least cheer on the competitors at this off-road cycling race and family festival in Tahoe National Forest near Truckee. The three routes—best traversed with gravel bikes or hard-tail mountain bikes—range from 19 to 76 miles, and all begin at the Riverview Sports Park. The post-race festival includes food trucks, live music, and beer from local makers such as Alibi Ale Works and nonalcoholic Best Day Brewing.
July 5–26: Big Little Stage Concert Series, St. Helena
Enjoy Napa Valley like a local on Wednesday nights when the Big Little Stage in St. Helena’s Lyman Park hosts a range of live acts. Check the calendar to choose from soul singers, rockers, and cover bands. Each evening also includes family-friendly games, food trucks, and of course, local wine vendors
July 8: Bigfoot Daze, Willow Creek
Usually held over Labor Day weekend, this beloved festival in Willow Creek happens during summer this year. Sponsored by the local history museum, the party salutes not just the elusive hominid but also Humboldt County’s deep logging heritage. The day includes a parade, an ice cream social, and a festival in Heritage Park. To keep looking for Sasquatch yourself, take this Bigfoot Byway Road Trip.
July 9: Petaluma Art & Garden Festival
Celebrating 20 years in 2023, this free event in the artistic Sonoma County town of Petaluma showcases more than 100 booths filled with unique, handmade items and garden decor from local makers. Tasting packages are available to sample local wine, craft beer, cider, and cocktails, and restaurants and fine food purveyors will also be in attendance. An expert will be available to answer any of your burning gardening questions, and kids are welcome to take part in hands-on craft projects and face painting.
July 13: A Very Ferry Birthday Party, San Francisco
Celebrate the 125th birthday of San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace, a treasure trove of San Francisco–made culinary delights. Browse the marketplace for themed offerings from merchants, enjoy a special birthday happy hour at Fort Point Beer Company, or dig into a free ice cream sundae at Humphry Slocombe.
July 1: The World’s Largest Salmon BBQ, Fort Bragg
Feast on salmon at this annual Fort Bragg event that also includes live music and local beer from North Coast Brewing Co. All proceeds go toward an initiative to improve salmon populations in the region, especially in the streams that flow into the Noyo River. Summer is also the perfect time to go on a nearby Skunk Train excursion through the redwoods, or to take a spin on its railbikes along the Noyo.
July 1–9: Rainbow Blue Festival, Camino
Take advantage of a rare u-pick opportunity for blueberries in the Apple Hill area. Picking sessions at Rainbow Camino Ridge will be on weekends only, and reservations are required.
Through July 4: Willits Frontier Days, Mendocino County
Celebrate the July 4th holiday at this classic California rodeo in Mendocino County, an event that began in the 1920s as a fundraiser for a local hospital. Today, you can cheer for the CCPRA professional rodeo and junior rodeo stars, then dine on barbecue.
Through July 24: “Revive” at Vibiana, Los Angeles
Enjoy a unique dinner theater experience at Vibiana, a former cathedral that’s been turned into an event space in downtown Los Angeles. Pair dinner from partner restaurant Redbird with a performance by San Francisco–based circus Vau de Vire Society, with its large cast of circus performers, musicians, and dancers. Choose from twice-daily shows Thursday–Sunday.
July 3–15: Jazz in the Pines, Idyllwild
Enjoy jazz and explore the delightful mountain town of Idyllwild at this annual summer festival sponsored by Idyllwild Arts, the acclaimed creative collective that dates back to the 1940s. Headliners include Grammy winner John Daversa, Sherry Williams, Yve Evans, and Rose Colella.
July 4–9: Volleyball Nations League, Anaheim
The world’s premier indoor volleyball tournament brings together eight nations for 16 matches at the Anaheim Convention Center. Come see the world’s top men's players—including many Southern California locals—featuring past Olympians as well as 2024 Paris Olympic hopefuls.
Begins July 5: Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival, Los Angeles
This free annual festival brings its modern interpretations of the Bard to Los Angeles’ fabulous city park. The first half of the summer will feature Julius Caesar, followed by A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Runs through Sept. 3.
Begins July 5: Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach
Experience this beloved Orange County event featuring both traditional art exhibits and tableaux vivants—live recreations of famous works of art. The exhibits of the Festival of Arts begin July 5, while the human-powered Pageant of the Masters begins July 7.
To streamline your visit, pick up the 2023 Passport to the Arts: For $29, you’ll get onetime free admission to the Festival of Arts, Laguna Art-A-Fair, and Sawdust Art Festival, plus onetime free parking. Runs through Sept. 1.
July 6–9: U.S. Women’s Open, Pebble Beach
See the world’s top women’s golfers compete at the Pebble Beach Golf Links—the first time that the Monterey Countycourse has hosted the tournament. This year’s contenders include Nelly Korda, currently No. 1 in the world, and past champs Paula Creamer and Cristie Kerr.
July 7–10: Season Begins at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Salinas
The racetrack at Monterey County’s Laguna Seca Recreation Area begins its 2023 season with the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest (July 7–9) followed by the AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey (July 14–16). To experience the 11-turn, 2.2-mile course yourself, join one of the Twilight Cycling Nights, including one on July 19.
July 8–9: San Jose Obon Festival, San Jose
The Silicon Valley hub has one of the few Japantowns left in the nation, and during this weekend it celebrates a Buddhist Japanese holiday similar to the Day of the Dead. The joyful remembrance includes dancers, game booths, food booths, and taiko performances.
July 8–16: San Diego Pride, San Diego
San Diego always throws its LGBTQ+ party in July, and this year’s Pride includes a mix of events, starting with a She Fest in Hillcrest (July 8), a 5K run and parade (July 15), and then a two-day festival (July 15–16) in Balboa Park.
July 8–23: Festival Napa Valley, Napa
This two-week wine-and-music festival combines timeless music with tastings and wine country cuisine. The lineup includes Carrie Underwood, Mateo Boccelli, and dancers displaced by the war in Ukraine. The Napa Valley venues include The CIA at Copia, Castello di Amorosa, and Charles Krug.
July 13: Gilroy Garlic Festival Concert, San Martin
This year’s version of the garlicky lovefest will spread out over a few events in the Gilroy area. During July, bring your picnic blanket to hear Nashville singer-songwriters perform on the grounds of Clos LaChance Vineyards, and enjoy the house wines and an array of garlic-enhanced foods for purchase. Coming in August: A farm-to-table dinner set in a cherry orchard.
July 14–15: California Wine Festival, Santa Barbara
Taste some of the best Central Coast wines at this two-day event in Santa Barbara. Friday highlights rare and reserve wines, while Saturday is a big beachside tasting with hundreds of California wines, regional craft beers, and local chefs on hand. You’ll also get a chance to vote for your favorite tri-tip, the delicious foundation of Santa Maria–style barbecue.
July 14–30: California State Fair, Sacramento
While this classic fair boasts plenty of blue-ribbon livestock and crafts, it also showcases a wide range of Golden State delights: a food festival, a California’s Kitchen with cooking demos, and a Best of California Brewfest. This year’s musical acts include Boyz II Men, LeAnn Rimes, and Kool & the Gang.
July 19–30: California Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles
This much-loved fair dates back to 1946 and is held in the San Luis Obispo County town of Paso Robles. Along with the rides, exhibits, and fair food, this year’s headliners include Tim McGraw, Pitbull, and Styx.
July 20–23: Comic-Con International, San Diego
The cultural touchstone returns to downtown San Diego with panels, cosplay, and star sightings. Badges are currently sold out, but anyone can soak up the energy downtown or visit the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park. Or, broaden your love of geek culture by taking this Comic Book and Science Fiction Tour of California.
July 21: Del Mar Racetrack Opening Day, Del Mar
Come watch the ponies race at this track near the beach in Del Mar. Opening Day offers serious people-watching thanks to the many women donning fabulous hats, but the whole season offers a variety of events, including a beerfest. Runs through Sept. 10.
Begins July 21: Bear Valley Music Festival, Bear Valley
This decades-old music festival, located halfway between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: You’ll hear classical performances by the Bear Valley Orchestra as well as plenty of pop and rock. This year features chestnuts such as Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, Aaron Copland’s Rodeo, and The English Beat. Runs through Aug. 6.
July 22: Farms, Fish, & Flowers, Half Moon Bay
Farm country meets fresh seafood in the San Francisco Peninsula and this annual event lets you explore both. Get a behind-the-scenes look at spots around the town of Half Moon Bay that are not always open to the public—from historic sites to farms to a working harbor. Participants include Blue House Farm, which grows certified organic produce and cut flowers (and offers u-pick strawberries this time of year) and Pillar Point Harbor, where you can buy fresh fish from the docks.
July 27–29: Summer of Awe Light Installation, San Francisco
Watch an otherworldly light show over the course of three evenings in San Francisco, emanating from the top of the Fairmont San Francisco in Nob Hill.
As part of the City of Awe project, this installation known as Window will send a 720-foot rainbow of lights from the top of the grande dame hotel onto the stained-glass windows of neighboring Grace Cathedral. On Friday evening, Grace Cathedral’s artists-in-residence Bobby McFerrin and MOTION will perform inside the church. For a close-up look, stay at the Fairmont through its Room with Vroom package, which includes valet parking.
July 28–30: Lumberjack Fiesta Days, McCloud
For more than 75 years, both lumberjacks and aspiring lumberjacks have tested their skills during this weekend in the Shasta Cascade. Compete in logging events (including a Lil’ Logger contest) or go head-to-head by way of horseshoes, watermelon-eating, or dancing. The Siskiyou County event also includes a parade on Saturday.
July 29: Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, Long Beach
Combine a thrilling sport with a culture festival: This competition of dragon boats at Long Beach’s Marine Stadium is one of the largest in California. Watch teams row the long, colorfully decorated canoes, then check out the Chinese traditional dance, acrobats, and martial arts performances.
July 29–30: Oxnard Salsa Festival, Oxnard
The two-day party in Ventura County was first celebrated in 1993 to honor Oxnard’s cultural and agricultural roots. Today the festival celebrates the many forms of salsa in historic downtown Oxnard: live bands, dance lessons, and plenty of chances to taste salsas and hot sauces.
