Events & What’s On in California – A Guide to Famous Festivals, Fairs & Attractions in California

California, the “Golden State,” is known for its vibrant cultural scene, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history. Throughout its diverse counties, California offers a variety of events, festivals, and fairs that highlight everything from world-class music and film to local food, wine, and agricultural traditions. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key events in California’s main counties and the attractions that draw millions of visitors each year.

1. Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County, home to Hollywood, is a hub of entertainment and culture. From film festivals to major music events, there’s always something happening.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Indio)

Held in April, Coachella is one of the world’s most famous music festivals, attracting top artists and tens of thousands of fans.

Los Angeles Film Festival (Los Angeles)

Showcasing independent and international films, this festival celebrates cinema in the heart of Hollywood.

Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game (Pasadena)

Every New Year’s Day, Pasadena hosts this iconic parade, followed by a thrilling college football game.

LA County Fair (Pomona)

A massive fair held every September, featuring carnival rides, concerts, food, and agricultural displays.

2. Orange County

Known for its beaches and theme parks, Orange County also hosts numerous events throughout the year.

OC Fair (Costa Mesa)

One of California’s largest county fairs, the OC Fair, held in the summer, offers amusement rides, live performances, and delicious food.

Newport Beach Film Festival (Newport Beach)

This annual event in April brings together the best of international and independent films.

Sawdust Art Festival (Laguna Beach)

A showcase of local artists, the Sawdust Art Festival features live art demonstrations, exhibitions, and handcrafted goods.

3. San Diego County

With its perfect weather and coastal beauty, San Diego is a hotspot for outdoor festivals and fairs.

San Diego Comic-Con International (San Diego)

The largest pop culture convention in the world, Comic-Con attracts fans of comics, movies, TV, and gaming every July.

KAABOO Del Mar (Del Mar)

A multi-day music, comedy, and arts festival, KAABOO draws top acts and plenty of attendees.

San Diego County Fair (Del Mar)

Held in June and July, this is one of the largest county fairs in the state, with rides, games, and a variety of food.

4. San Francisco County

As a city rich in cultural diversity and innovation, San Francisco offers a range of world-class events.

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (Golden Gate Park)

This August festival combines live music, gourmet food, and art installations in one of the city’s most iconic locations.

San Francisco International Film Festival (San Francisco)

One of the longest-running film festivals in the Americas, this event draws filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

Chinese New Year Parade (San Francisco)

Held in Chinatown, this is one of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside of Asia, complete with floats, lion dancers, and fireworks.

5. Monterey County

Monterey County is known for its coastal beauty and world-renowned festivals.

Monterey Jazz Festival (Monterey)

One of the longest-running jazz festivals in the world, this September event showcases legendary and up-and-coming jazz artists.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (Pebble Beach)

A prestigious car show that attracts auto enthusiasts from around the globe, held in August.

California Roots Music & Arts Festival (Monterey)

A May festival celebrating reggae, roots music, and sustainability.

6. Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara is a picturesque coastal area known for its wine and cultural festivals.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival (Santa Barbara)

Every January, this event celebrates cinema with a mix of indie and international films.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta (Santa Barbara)

A celebration of Spanish heritage, this August festival features parades, dancing, and delicious food.

Santa Barbara Vintners Festival (Santa Barbara)

Held in April, this festival highlights the region’s thriving wine scene with tastings, vineyard tours, and winemaker dinners.

7. Napa County

Napa Valley is synonymous with wine, and its events reflect this heritage.

Napa Valley Film Festival (Napa)

Every November, this festival celebrates cinema and pairs it with the region’s finest wines.

BottleRock Napa Valley (Napa)

A premier music festival in May featuring top artists, gourmet food, and wine pairings.

Napa Valley Harvest Celebration (Napa)

A fall event that showcases the wine harvest season with tastings, tours, and live music.

8. Sonoma County

Sonoma, another world-renowned wine region, offers a variety of events focused on wine, food, and agriculture.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair (Santa Rosa)

This October fair features wine tastings, grape stomping, and agricultural exhibitions.

Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience (Healdsburg)

Held in May, this event combines the best of local wines, culinary arts, and sustainable agriculture.

Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival (Guerneville)

A September event featuring live jazz and blues along the scenic Russian River.

9. Sacramento County

As the state capital, Sacramento offers events focused on agriculture, history, and the arts.

California State Fair (Sacramento)

Held in July, this massive fair celebrates California’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, food, and entertainment.

Farm-to-Fork Festival (Sacramento)

A September festival that celebrates Sacramento’s rich agricultural history, offering tastings from local farms and restaurants.

Sacramento Music Festival (Sacramento)

This event, held every May, features live performances ranging from jazz to blues to rock.

10. Fresno County

Fresno, located in California’s agricultural heartland, offers events that reflect its farming roots.

Big Fresno Fair (Fresno)

One of the largest agricultural fairs in the state, held in October, with carnival rides, livestock, and local food.

Rogue Festival (Fresno)

An independent arts festival featuring theater, music, and dance performances, held every March.

Fresno Greek Fest (Fresno)

A celebration of Greek culture and cuisine held in September, complete with traditional dancing and delicious food.

California’s counties offer an incredible array of festivals and events that reflect the state’s diversity, creativity, and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to world-famous music festivals, charming county fairs, or celebrations of food and wine, California has something to offer every season and in every region. Be sure to explore these events to fully experience the vibrant culture that makes California so unique.