It’s easy to plan a classic summer vacation in California, whether that means visiting beaches, discovering national parks, or exploring theme parks. This June also offers a wealth of unique events, including California State Parks Week (June 12–16), which features special activities all over the state (in addition to the debut of a brand-new state park).
Early summer also brings its own harvest season, such as the sunflowers in bloom in Yolo County and the peach-and-berry stands along the Fresno County Fruit Trail. California’s Pride Month means plenty of parties and parades too, from Sacramento (June 8–9) to Los Angeles (June 8–22) to San Francisco (June 29–30).
Here’s a guide to an action-packed month.
May 30–June 2: Mendocino Film Festival, Mendocino
Choose from more than 60 feature-length and short film screenings as well as panel discussions at this annual Mendocino festival. This year’s selection includes the documentary The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane—about an under-the-radar San Francisco singer and activist from the 1960s—a trio of films about local kelp, and a short film starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Most screenings will be in Mendocino Village, while one festival theater is located in nearby Fort Bragg.
May 31–June 2: Monsterpalooza, Pasadena
While July’s Comic-Con in San Diego celebrates comic book heroes, this weekend at Pasadena’s convention center honors the creepiest creatures of movies, TV, and the “haunt industry.” Check out exhibits, watch makeup demos, and meet horror-film actors including Giancarlo Esposito, Doug Bradley (aka Pinhead from Hellraiser), and Megumi Odaka, of various Godzilla movies.
May 31–June 8: Carmel Culinary Week, Carmel-by-the–Sea
The Monterey County town of Carmel-by-the-Sea celebrates its rich food-and-wine scene with an extended week of specials and offerings at more than 30 participating restaurants, as well as outdoor movie nights and an organized pub crawl. Check out specific events like wine dinners and a bread-and-coffee workshop.
June 1–10: Sonoma County Pride, Sonoma County
Sonoma County kicks off its Pride festivities with a parade of colorful floats and marching bands through downtown Santa Rosa on June 1. That will be followed by the Sonoma County Pride's "Atlantis" Pool Party—the largest gay pool party in Northern California—at the Graton Resort & Casino pool on June 2. While you’re in the area, sip natural wines at Big West Wine Fest (June 1–2), hosted by the queer-run experimental farm Solarpunk Farms in Guerneville.
Come the next week for Outwatch Film Festival in Sebastopol (June 8–10), which focuses on LGBTQ+ themes and issues, and Lush (June 8), the drag queen show and dance party at The Flamingo Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa.
June 1: Opening Day for Splash-N-Dash, Snelling
Just 55 miles from Yosemite National Park, this inflatable water park inside Lake McSwain Recreation Area makes a great stop on any summer road trip through the Central Valley. Indeed, it’s the largest inflatable water park in North America, offering a 25-foot-tall slide tower, racing slides, and more than 30 obstacles, including a giant inflated alligator. Rent kayaks, eat at the café, or kick back in the adult-friendly Lazy Splash area, comprised of inflatable “lounging islands.” Stay later on Fridays and Saturdays to watch movies on the beach. The season runs through early September.
June 1: Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival, Half Moon Bay
Listen to live jazz from acts including the Marcus Shelby Quintet and Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at this one-day festival in downtown Half Moon Bay. Between sets, choose from vendors including Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese Co. and Sam's Chowder Mobile, highlighting plenty of local wine, beer, and cider.
June 1: Hangtown Motocross Classic, Rancho Cordova
This year marks the 55th year of this racing weekend in Rancho Cordova—hence the theme “I Can’t Ride 55.” Thursday and Friday at Prairie City OHV Park will feature amateur racers, then the pros will hit the track on Saturday. Choose from general admission and VIP-style tickets, some with Pro Pit Access Passes. For the most savings, book your hotel using Visit Rancho Cordova’s special offer and you get a free gift card for Lyft or local food and drink, such as J.J. Pfister Distilling Tasting Room.
June 1–2: L.A. WineFest, Long Beach
Los Angeles County has an unsung viticulture scene, and this annual event showcases some great Southern California wines—like Waters Edge Winery in Long Beach and Stella Rosa in Los Angeles—alongside bottles from elsewhere in California and around the globe. Pair the wines with food-truck cuisine at Harry Bridges Memorial Park, while strolling Long Beach’s scenic waterfront, home of the Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific.
More of a beer lover? Come back to town on June 15, when the Los Angeles Independent Beer Festival showcases more than 60 L.A.-based craft brewers. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs for the event at Long Beach’s ShoreLine Aquatic Park, also neighboring the Queen Mary, and pair your beer with cuisine from a dozen food trucks.
June 1–2: Outloud Music Festival, West Hollywood
Enjoy West Hollywood’s pride festivities at this two-day music festival that features Kylie Minogue, Janelle Monáe, Noah Cyrus, and Trixie Mattel. Choose from a variety of passes, from one-day admission to full-weekend passes. While you’re in town, check out the WeHo Pride Arts Festival, which will run through June 30.
June 1–2: Bay Area Book Festival, Berkeley
This international book festival is known for focusing on social justice, a diverse array of writers, and plenty of award winners: This year’s speaker list includes Joan Baez and Naomi Klein. Admission is free to most events, including Saturday’s Family Day, with book stalls and kid-friendly activities at Berkeley’s public library.
June 1–2: Open House Weekend in Paradise, Paradise
The Butte County town of Paradise has come a long way since it was devastated by a 2018 wildfire. This weekend is both for would-be homebuyers—to see new homes in Paradise and neighboring Magalia that have been constructed as part of the rebuild—and also to enjoy what makes this town special for locals and visitors alike: Enjoy the party in the park, featuring live music and a Kids’ Zone, or hike and kayak at Paradise Lake.
June 1–9: San Mateo County Fair, San Mateo
Admire the huge floral creations, livestock, a dragon exhibit, and all the classic activities at this San Francisco Peninsula fair that has been running for nearly a century. Plan your trip around events such as Pacific Islands Day (June 1), Honoring Our Veterans (June 6), and Dia de la Feria (June 9), and check out the fair’s Domini Hoskins Black History Museum.
June 2: Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off, Tustin
This Orange County town south of Anaheim boasts of having the world’s largest one-day chili cook-off. The annual festivities play out on the streets of Tustin’s Old Town with live bands, a family fun zone, beer and wine gardens, and the chili-fueled showdown, often with about 50 teams in contention.
June 5–6: New Media Film Festival, Los Angeles
Catch short films by up-and-coming directors at this innovative Los Angeles festival that first launched in 2009. The festival shows films in 25 categories, with judges hailing from places like Marvel, HBO, and the BBC. Screenings will be held at the Look Dine-In Cinema in Glendale.
June 7: Juneteenth SYV, Santa Ynez
Toast Juneteenth early at this Mardi Gras–themed masquerade ball and art show held at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum in Santa Ynez. The evening features New Orleans–style live music, aerial performances, a Creole menu, and an open bar. While you’re there, soak up the ambience at the museum, a treasure trove of historical artifacts from Native California, rancho, and pioneer eras, including an impressive collection of horse-drawn carriages. Note: The party is just for ages 21 and up.
June 8: Menagerie Oddities Market, Ione
This one-day market and fair is held at Preston Castle, a possibly haunted former school in Amador County. Browse the 50 artisans and purveyors—think quirky jewelry, antiques, and even scientific specimens—then enjoy the entertainment that includes circus acts, tarot card readings, and carnival games.
Come to Amador County’s fairgrounds later in the month for the Berry Sweet Summer Festival (June 22), featuring more than 150 summer-fruit vendors as well as a dessert competition, a shortcake-eating contest, and a wine-and-beer garden.
June 8: Beerfest—The Good One, Santa Rosa
Come for tastings of sour beers, “hop bombs,” and barrel-aged brews at this 21+ event on the lawn of Sonoma County’s Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. While some beer festivals are family affairs with kids’ activities and other diversions, this event with more than 40 breweries and cideries offers a variety of food trucks but is otherwise geared toward adult beer nerds who just want to talk beer.
June 8: San Diego Brew Festival, San Diego
Immerse yourself in San Diego’s craft beer scene during this afternoon festival at Liberty Station’s NTC Park. Admission grants you unlimited tastes from more than 70 breweries while you enjoy live music and browse the food trucks. Participating San Diego breweries include Quantum Brewing, Mike Hess Brewing, and Societe Brewing Co.
Later in the month, the San Diego Beer Weekend (June 21-23), hosted by the San Diego Brewers Guild, will showcase “sip-local” events at various San Diego breweries, beer bars, and shops.
June 8–9: Downtown Burbank Arts Festival, Burbank
Burbank may be best known as the place to attend tapings of TV shows, but this weekend offers a classic street fair with art, jewelry, fashions, and home decor. The free, dog-friendly event on San Fernando Blvd. is also a nice excuse to explore this bustling downtown, lined with restaurants and vivid murals.
June 8–9: Fishin' For $50K Trout Tournament, Big Bear Lake
Spring and early summer are prime time for rainbow trout at Big Bear Lake, and this tournament adds another layer of incentive: Thirty of the trout are tagged for prizes, with five of them worth $10,000 each. Adults need a California fishing license to compete, but kids 16 and under won’t need one.
June 8–9: Artichoke Festival, Monterey
“Where Fun Blossoms” is the theme of this year’s annual artichoke party in Monterey County. Watch chef demos, take field tours, and taste myriad uses of the local edible thistle flower—grilled, fried, and even in cupcakes. This year’s festivities include a “Thistle Be Funny” comedy night and a Prince tribute band. Enter the artichoke-eating contest or cleanse your palate between snacks by taking part in the fun run or the wine-tasting event.
Open June 12: Dos Rios State Park, San Joaquin Valley
The newest California State Park will open during California State Parks Week (June 12–16)—a 1,600-acre stretch of recovered floodplains along the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers. Located eight miles west of Modesto, Dos Rios State Park will offer hiking trails and picnic tables, as well as restored habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, including the previously endangered Aleutian Cackling Goose.
June 14–16: Santa Rosa Country Summer, Sonoma County
First launched in 2014, this country music festival at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds has a Southern-fried spirit: This year’s lineup features Old Dominion, Little Big Town, and Jordan Davis. Choose from a variety of passes and consider booking an onsite RV camping spot.
Love showtunes? Nearby in the Sonoma Valley, the Transcendence Theatre Company kicks off its Broadway in Sonoma summer season of pop- and showtune-fueled shows on June 16. Bring your picnic blanket to the shows at Jack London State Historic Park and purchase food and local wine from onsite vendors.
June 15: Mile High 100, Lake Almanor
Pedal around the Shasta Cascade’s Lake Almanor during this annual ride that isn’t so much a race, but rather offers varying levels of challenge combined with Plumas County scenery. Choose from the 100-mile “Century” ride, the 68-mile “Metric,” or the more leisurely “Half Metric” (33 miles), which stays completely by the lake.
June 15–16: Isleton Crawdad Festival, Isleton
Get your fill of crawfish, BBQ, and local beer at this festival that celebrate Isleton’s connection to Cajun culture. This town along the Sacramento River Delta is the sister city of Beaux Bridge, La., which is known as the Crawfish Capital of the World. The weekend also includes live bands, a carnival, and a car show.
June 15–23: Healdsburg Jazz Festival
Who says Sonoma County’s Healdsburg is just about food and wine? Now in its third decade, this jazz fest will be headlined by acts such as Joshua Redman, Ambrose Akinmusire and 2023 Best New Artist Grammy winner Samara Joy. Performances are held at various locations around town, including Bacchus Landing and the pub Elephant in the Room.
June 16–18: Big Blue Adventures Half Marathon & 8-Miler, Palisades Tahoe
Choose from two distances in this race that starts in the Village at Palisades Tahoe and features a mainly paved trail through the valley and along the Truckee River. While pausing at refreshment stations along the route, keep an eye out for local bald eagles, mule deer, and trout.
June 18–24: Palm Springs International ShortFest, Palm Springs
Watch short films and panel discussions at Greater Palm Springs’ acclaimed festival, held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Top films win either cash prizes or five qualification spots for next year’s Academy Awards. You can buy passes to see the screenings at the festival or try a virtual ShortFest@Home pass in July.
Begins June 19: Solvang Music in the Park, Solvang
Feel like a local in Solvang during this Wednesday night music series set in Solvang Park. While the Central Coast town has a rich Danish heritage, the musical acts can vary from jazz to funk to cowboy rock. Bring a picnic blanket or chair and pick up food, wine, or beer from downtown Solvang, where bars and tasting rooms typically serve closed containers of alcoholic beverages that are allowed in the park. Runs on select dates through Aug. 28.
June 20–30: Conejo Valley Days, Thousand Oaks
This classic fair in L.A. County’s Thousand Oaks started in the 1940s as a “community circus” and has grown over the years to include carnival rides, games, live music, and lots of fair cuisine. Local musical acts include the 805 Social Club and Ventura punk band Double Wide.
June 20–23: Sonoma-Marin Fair, Petaluma
This annual event at Petaluma’s Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds celebrates both classic livestock and local makers of wine, cheese, and chocolate. This year’s festivities—with the theme “Cow-a-Bunga”—will include a World's Ugliest Dog contest, sheep dog trials, live stage performances, and classic rides.
June 20–23: Woodies on the Wharf, Santa Cruz
Enjoy a unique car show and soak up Santa Cruz’s historic surf culture at this display of more than 200 “woodies,” mostly pre-1950s cars that featured wood-paneled bodies. Stroll past the cars along the Santa Cruz Wharf, stopping to enjoy the shops, restaurants, and ocean views.
June 21: Make Music Day, various cities
Fourteen cities around the Golden State are participating in this global event for the summer solstice, joining more than 1,000 cities around the world. Towns such as San Francisco, Auburn, Fresno, and San Jose are hosting their own events, which include drum circles, small concerts, and make-your-own-instrument workshops. In Big Bear Lake, for instance, a dozen-plus businesses along Village Drive and Pine Knot Ave. will host more than 30 buskers.
June 21–23: Summer Solstice Parade & Festival, Santa Barbara
The Central Coast city enjoys its own version of the midnight sun at this beloved festival with a Mardi Gras vibe. Take part in the live music, food, wine, and kids’ activities in Alameda Park during the whole weekend, and see the colorful parade down Santa Barbara St. on June 22.
June 21–23: Old Santa Ynez Days, Santa Ynez
Watch a massive line dance in the streets, see authentic stagecoaches, and wear your best cowboy fashions to celebrate this 19th-century Central Coast town that has an Old West spirit and great wine. The event also features music, carriage rides, and Indian fry bread tacos.
June 22: Taste of Sonoma, Sonoma
Chat with winemakers and sip your way through a series of Grand Tasting AVA Tents at this one-day event produced by Sonoma County Vintners. Your general admission ticket includes the Grand Tasting—with its focus on limited production, reserve, and award-winning wines—as well as complimentary food truck cuisine, a beer garden, and themed lounges. Upgrade to a VIP ticket for earlier entry and access to the VIP Club Reserve.
June 22–23: Watermelon Festival, Lakeview Terrace
Nothing says summer quite like watermelon and this weekend festival at Hansen Dam Recreation Area in Los Angeles County. Your admission includes access to all-you-can-eat watermelon as well as creative dishes such as watermelon ice cream, watermelon-accented fish tacos, and (of course) deep-fried watermelon. The beer tent, meanwhile, features brews and a Jack Daniel’s Watermelon Punch.
June 22–30: Lavender Blue Harvest Days, Placerville
A certain red fruit abounds during autumn in the Apple Hill area of El Dorado County, but during summer it’s all about lavender, berries, and cherries. On the last two weekends of June, come see how local farms and wineries offer their own takes on this season, with lavender-infused drinks or creative berry treats. Or try your hand at lavender wreath-making at Bluestone Meadow Farm.
June 29–30: Pier 360 Beach Festival, Santa Monica
Embrace summer in Santa Monica at this event that is part contest, part beach party. From the Santa Monica Pier, watch competitors in paddleboard races, ocean swimming, beach volleyball, sandcastle-building, and lifeguarding challenges. On the sidelines, enjoy hula dancers, a beer garden, or the pop-up roller rink on the pier deck.
