Summer is the time of the year when family, friends and lovers create some of the best memories of their lives. With a host of unforgettable events from music festivals and culinary weeks to county fairs and car shows, California is the perfect place to be all summer long. Here are 14 of the best fairs and festivals in the Golden State that will make your summer one to remember.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Music, Food and Jazz in Concord (1 June – 28 September)
The popular Music & Market series has returned this summer until 28 September in Todos Santos Plaza. Jazz Around Town is Concord’s salute to its jazz legacy. This year, from 2-4 August, live jazz will be playing at The Veranda, Music & Market and the Concord Historical Society, home of the Brubeck Stage. Visitors can stay at any of the city’s nine budget-friendly hotels. Most have pools, perfect for the warm Concord weather.
Classic Car Weekend in Atascadero (18 – 19 August)
Atascadero’s beloved Cruisin’ Weekend returns this summer, kicking off with the annual Hot El Camino Cruise Nite where visitors get the chance to see over 400 local cruisers from the 50’s and 60’s. The fun continues with the 7th Annual Dancing in the Streets which has live performances, music and dancing throughout the downtown area. Food, wine and distillery vendors will be onsite for the free weekend event.
Pacific Coast Fog Fest (23 – 24 September)
Pacific Coast Fog Fest is an annual free event held over two days in September in Pacifica featuring a parade, live music, kids activities, local vendors, food and over 200 booths all located one block from the Pacific Ocean. There is an incredible range of live music to be seen across three different stages as well as a parade, which this year will follow the theme Sea Life & Mermaids.
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
San Luis Obispo Concerts in the Plaza (until 26 August)
The San Luis Obispo Concerts in the Plaza returned to Mission Plaza on 23 June for 12 weeks of free live music and local vendors in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo until 26 August. Concerts in the Plaza is the largest free concert series on the Central Coast. In addition to live music, there will be food and drink from vendors around the plaza.
Arroyo Grande’s Art in the Park and Big Ditch Market (weekly from June – September)
The City of Arroyo Grande will feature a variety of summer festivals and fairs including Art in the Park, Big Ditch Market, and a weekly Summer Concert Series. From June to September, Art in the Park celebrates local artists showcasing their unique one-of-a-kind pieces. Starting in July and into November, Big Ditch Market offers handmade items to food from 30 of the Central Coast’s best vendors.
Renaissance Festival (15 July)
On 15 July, the Central Coast Renaissance Festival returns to Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo. Step back in time and witness the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, experience the era’s legendary characters like William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake, and witness hundreds of people dressed in their finest attire.
California Mid-State Fair (19 – 30 July)
From live music to fantastic wine offerings, the California Mid-State Fair, taking place from 19-30 July in Paso Robles, has it all. When the heat gets too much, take a Winery & Cave Tour in the largest wine caves on the Central Coast. After a day of excitement, retreat to Halter Ranch’s luxurious holiday rentals.
California Wine Festival – Carlsbad (23 – 24 June) & Santa Barbara (14 – 15 July)
California Wine Festival tours this summer with a new lineup of signature oceanfront tasting opportunities, celebrating two decades of world-class wine discovery and everything that makes California the idyllic destination for wine enthusiasts. Entering its 20th event season, each festival pays homage to the vast offerings from winemaking regions across the Golden State, paired with gourmet food selections from local dining purveyors, and accompanied by live entertainment and expansive coastal views.
Gilroy Rodeo (11 – 13 August)
The Gilroy Rodeo rides back into town this summer, kicking off on Friday 11 August at the Buckin’ Bash, an abbreviated rodeo dedicated to “all things that buck.” CCPRA Rodeo performances on Saturday and Sunday also feature tie-down roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, rodeo clowns and more. This event is a community fundraiser that raises money to benefit local schools and charities.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
InterContinental San Diego’s Summer Sunset Live Music Series (every Saturday until 2 September)
Celebrate summer with the sounds of local music during InterContinental San Diego’s 2023 Summer Sunset Live Music Series every Saturday until 2 September hosted at Layover, the hotels outdoor bar and lounge. Throughout the series, guests will enjoy live music from a talented selection of local artists and unparalleled sunset views over the San Diego Bay on the rooftop lounge along with Layover’s signature cocktails.
Summer Nights and Ghost Town Alive! Return to Knott’s Berry Farm (until 4 September)
The party starts after sundown on select nights at Knott’s Summer Nights, an evening event with craft food and beverage booths, rotating bands and a Boardwalk DJ. Experience a Western adventure at Ghost Town Alive! where the citizens of Calico welcome visitors to join their story filled with bandits, cowboys, judges, robberies and a classic hoedown.
Summer of Music & Festivals in Pasadena (various dates in July, August and September)
It’s the Summer of Music & Festivals in Pasadena as Just Like Heaven and Cruel World Festivals kick off in Brookside at the Rose Bowl. See Karol G and Coldplay at the Rose Bowl Stadium, Bernadette Peters at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, The Fray with Pasadena POPS at the LA Arboretum, and outdoor summer music and movies at One Colorado. Stop by Foodieland at the Rose Bowl Stadium for a three-day food festival inspired by Taiwan’s night markets.
Midsummer Block Party in Camarillo (12 – 16 July)
The Camarillo Old Town Heritage Days Midsummer Block Party celebration, held over five days in July, is filled with fun carnival rides, food trucks and games for the entire family and is located through Camarillo Farmers Market between Elm Drive and Fir Street. Capture all the fun while staying at Bella Capri Inn & Suites to rest and recharge and do it all again the next day.
San Diego’s Hillcrest CityFest (13 August)
Taking place in the colourful and vibrant community of Hillcrest, Hillcrest CityFest will feature live bands, electronic dance music DJs, arts, crafts and food that attracts over 150,000 visitors. This is San Diego’s largest art and music festival stretching nearly half a mile in size on over nine city blocks.
