23 Festivals in CALIFORNIA (Exciting, Cultural, & Vibrant)
Festivals are fun; the vibrance, the culture, the music, and the spirit of community they foster are features to look forward to.
And as the saying goes, everything is bigger and better in California.
As home to several unique people, places, and events, California is only expected to host some of the best and most significant festivals in the US.
Numerous festivals abound in California to celebrate arts, music, food, communities, and people, from Coachella to Gilroy Garlic and the Los Angeles County Fair.
So, welcome to this ride through some of California’s most exciting and culturally relevant festivals and celebrations.
Please fasten your seat belts because it will be an adventurous ride!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Outdoor Activities in California.
Festivals in San Francisco, California
1. San Francisco International Film Festival (World-class Independent Films)
For fans of films worldwide, what beats attending one of the world’s most significant independent film events?
The San Francisco International Film Festival is an annual San Francisco Film Society event founded by the renowned film exhibitor and film society founder Irving Levin in 1957.
Initially called the San Francisco International Film Festival for Youth, Levin created the festival to give young people worldwide access to international films that weren’t popular in the mainstream.
As time passed, it started accommodating adult audiences, which brought about the new name.
It showcases various international and American independent films yearly, including documentaries and experimental works, for over two weeks in late April and early May.
Each year, the San Francisco International Film Festival presents several awards to the most exceptional films and filmmakers.
Address: 455 9th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
2. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (Diverse Music Genres)
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, originally Strictly Bluegrass, is for music lovers in San Francisco, and it’s free.
The founder of the festival, Warren Hellman, got inspired in 2001 to bring the event to San Francisco after attending the Telluride Bluegrass, a similar event in Colorado.
In October 2001, weeks after the 9/11 attacks, the first festival was held, and despite security concerns, over 25,000 people attended it.
Although Hellman intended to invite only bluegrass musicians, as time passed, artists from other genres began to perform at the event, adding “Hardly” to the event’s name to reflect the expanded scope.
Now, the festival features a diverse lineup of music across genres, including bluegrass, folk, and Americana.
Address: Hellman Hollow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, United States
3. San Francisco Pride Parade (LGBTQ+ Celebration)
Hello LGBTQ+ people and allies in San Francisco, this one is for you!
The San Francisco Pride Parade is a yearly event in June to celebrate LGBTQ+ people and their allies.
It began in 1970 as a march for the rights of LGBTQ+ people after the Stonewall riots in New York City in 1969.
What started as a small event then, with about 20 to 30 people in attendance, has now evolved into a significant event, with thousands marching along San Francisco’s Market Street to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and culture.
The parade usually features a diverse lineup of over 280 contingents, including Dykes on Bikes, hundreds of women on motorized bikes leading the parade, and Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.
Address: From Beale Street to 8th Street, San Francisco
Also see our article on Movie Theaters in California.
Festivals in Indio, California
1. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Global Music Phenomenon)
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the most significant music shows worldwide, and rightly so because of the unique and unforgettable experience it offers attendees.
First held in 1999 with performances by rock and alternative musicians, Coachella was supposed to be a one-time event, but due to the success of the first festival, it became a yearly event drawing people from all over the world to Indio every year.
It features multiple stages, each with a lineup of performances by artists in various genres like hip-hop, indies, and electronic.
One of the show’s highlights that many attendees look forward to is the headline performance, usually by outstanding and famous artists.
Some notable past headliners are Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Kendrick Lamar.
The festival also features art installations and sculptures that offer attendees a unique visual experience.
Address: 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201, United States
2. Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival (Celebrating Date Farming)
The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival holds annually in Indio, California, drawing thousands of people to the city.
First held in 1921 to celebrate the importance of date farming in the region, the festival is one of the oldest in California.
Before they were transplanted from Algeria in 1903, dates were an unknown commodity to the region.
However, they soon became a significant crop in the area, with some of the biggest date farms in the country located there.
The festival features several activities like the camel and ostrich races which are meant to celebrate the history and culture of a time when camel and ostriches were used for transportation and farming in the region.
Other activities attendees can enjoy at the festival includes rides, games, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, beauty pageants, talent shows, and pie-eating contests.
Address: 82-503 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201, United States
3. Stagecoach Festival (Country Music Showcase)
The Stagecoach Festival is another annual music festival in Indio and a sister event to Coachella.
It was established in 2007 following the success of Coachella to give country music artists a stage to showcase their talent since they weren’t well represented in Coachella.
The festival is usually a three-day event held during the last weekend of April at the same venue as the Coachella Festival.
It features a diverse lineup of country music acts of established and up-and-coming artists.
Attendees can find a range of vendors selling merchandise and other items at the festival and many dining options, including traditional California dishes.
Some notable artists have graced the Stagecoach festival, including Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson, Roger McGuinn, and Don Williams.
Address: 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201, United States
Also see our article on Fun things to do in California.
Festivals in Los Angeles, California
1. LA Food and Wine Festival (Culinary Arts Celebration)
The LA Food and Wine Festival is a culinary event that brings together all the primary food and wine enthusiasts in LA to celebrate Southern LA’s culinary arts and wine industry.
Celebrity chefs, sommeliers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and winemakers come together with other people passionate about exquisite cuisine to celebrate and promote the food and wine pairing culture.
The festival features various culinary activities and events, From cooking demonstrations to wine seminars and tasting, usually occurring across various Los Angeles locations for days.
One of the most popular events at the LA Food and Wine Festival is the Grand Tasting, where wineries and chefs display their signature wines and dishes for attendees to taste.
If you are considering attending this festival, you’re advised to go on an empty stomach!
Address: 800 W Olympic, Los Angeles, CA, United States
2. Los Angeles County Fair (Agricultural Showcase)
The Los Angeles County Fair began in 1922 to showcase the county’s agricultural sector.
It is now the fourth-largest festival in the country, with over one million attendees present every year.
Since its establishment, the fair has been a conduit between California’s farming sector and its citizens.
It offers a venue for locals to congregate and learn about one another’s cultures while participating in classic fair food, games, and entertainment.
Some of the activities the fair offers include livestock exhibitions, concerts, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, contests, etc.
There are also other events that audiences across ages can participate in.
Attending the Los Angeles County Fair is a great way to participate in Los Angeles’ popular culture.
Address: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, United States
3. LA Times Festival of Books (Literary Celebration)
This one is for the nerds and lovers of literature and arts.
LA Times Festival of Books was established in 1966 to unite readers, writers, publishers, and other literary community members to celebrate the written word and promote literacy.
The first festival on the UCLA campus featured more than 300 participants, including readers, writers, and publishers.
Since then, the festival has expanded in scope and appeal, drawing more than 150,000 guests annually.
Some events featured at the festival include author discussions (where various authors across genres discuss their works), book signings, music, and performances.
Visitors to the festival have several opportunities to buy books and have the writers autograph them.
It is an excellent opportunity to have fun doing what you love.
Address: 850 West 37th St, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
Also see our article on Family Activities in California.
Festivals in San Diego, California
1. San Diego Comic-Con International (Multi-Genre Entertainment)
An annual multi-genre entertainment and comic book event, San Diego Comic-Con International, also known as Comic-Con or SDCC, takes place in San Diego, California.
Since its initial holding in 1970, the festival has expanded to become one of the biggest and most well-attended festivals worldwide.
It draws many attendees, from ardent comic book fans to infrequent moviegoers, and has developed into a significant venue for advertising new and future entertainment endeavors.
Many big-name film companies and TV networks now use Comic-Con as a venue to premiere fresh trailers and clips and build anticipation for their upcoming releases.
If you’re into comics or movies and want a festival to connect with like-minded people, consider San Diego Comic-Con International.
Address: 111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, California, United States
2. San Diego Beer Week (Craft Beer Celebration)
Are you a beer lover in San Diego needing a festival to attend?
What better choice than a week dedicated to celebrating beer and culture and engaging in activities revolving around that?
Imagine having the chance to learn about the distinctive craft beer culture of San Diego or having access to over 500 beers from over 100 breweries.
San Diego Beer Week, an annual celebration of the booming San Diego craft beer culture, offers you all the above and more.
The San Diego Brewers Guild, a nonprofit group that advocates for San Diego’s independent craft breweries, is in charge of organizing the event.
If you attend this event, you are urged to consume alcohol safely and to move between events via public transit or ride-sharing services.
Address: 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego, CA 92106, United States
3. San Diego County Fair (Summer Carnival Extravaganza)
The San Diego County Fair is an annual event held between late May and early July at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California.
It features lots of well-liked events and activities appropriate for people across ages, from carnival rides, games, and food, to live concerts and performances by well-known musicians and comedians.
The festival also features numerous exhibits showcasing arts and crafts, agricultural displays, and more.
Aside from the regular attractions, special events and days are featured at the fair, like Kids’ Day, Military Appreciation Day, and Taste of the Fair.
Visitors can also participate in events and contests, such as cattle exhibitions, baking competitions, and gardening competitions.
Attending this festival will be a great addition to your to-do list for summer.
Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, United States
Also see our article on Christmas in California.
Festivals in Sacramento, California
1. Farm-to-Fork Festival (Celebrating Local Agriculture)
The agricultural sector is one of the most vital industries in a region: it provides food and raw materials for manufacturing and helps in environmental sustainability.
So, it makes sense that many festivals unite people from different regions to celebrate farmers and their contributions to running the world.
An example of such a festival is the Farm-to-Fork Festival.
The festival features several activities and events that aim to celebrate Sacramento’s cultural heritage, and it usually holds in September.
You can have a great time sampling several local delicacies and shop for fresh produce, meat, cheese, etc.
The festival offers attendees several engaging activities like cooking demonstrations, farm tours, and educational workshops on the best farming practices.
Address: 3rd Street to 7th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
2. Sacramento International Film Festival (Independent Cinema Showcase)
Are you a lover of the film arts in need of the perfect film festival with a range of fun activities and opportunities to connect with other film rats like you?
If you’re already in Sacramento, congratulations because your search has ended.
As for those not in Sacramento, you should start preparing for a trip there next March because the ideal film festival awaits you there.
The Sacramento International Film Festival screens a diverse range of American and international independent films, including documentaries, animated films, short films, and feature-length films.
It was established to showcase independent cinema and give established and up-and-coming independent filmmakers a platform to air their works.
The festival usually spans several days of panel discussions, workshops, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and other industry professionals, and film screenings.
Address: 1500 West El Camino Ave. #362, Sacramento, CA 95833, United States
3. California State Fair (Multi-Industry Celebration)
Every year since 1854, between late July and early August, one of the oldest and most significant fairs in the US takes place in Sacramento, California.
Yes, you guessed right; the said event is the California State Fair!
It is a carnival that celebrates the various industries, cultures, and technologies that make up California and is highly recommended.
You can connect with your favorite celebrities and stars at this festival while engaging in fun activities like games, live music performances, arts and crafts, cooking competitions, and farm exhibitions.
The fair lasts for 17 days, meaning you can experience this premium fun more than once.
Aside from the fair, the organizers also hold several events and exhibit all year round for those interested.
Trust that you won’t regret attending this festival.
Address: 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815, United States
Also see our article on Indoor Activities in California.
Festivals in Monterey, California
1. Monterey Jazz Festival (Legendary Jazz Performances)
In 1958, the jazz entrepreneur, Jimmy Lyons, launched the Monterey Jazz Festival, the first to be conducted continuously in the United States.
The festival lasts three days and features performances by some of the world’s most well-known jazz musicians and up-and-coming performers.
Some notable jazz artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane have performed at the festival over the years, along with more recent jazz performers like Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spalding, and Kamasi Washington.
Attendees can also engage in other fun and educational activities like panel discussions and seminars, all to promote an awareness of jazz music and culture.
If you’re a fan of jazz music or music generally, you should attend the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Address: 2004 Fairground Road Monterey, CA 93940, United States
2. Monterey Wine Festival (Carnival-Style Wine Celebration)
How does a carnival-style wine festival sound to you?
If it sounds like something you’d like, you should check out this festival because it is just that.
For over 45 years, the Monterey Wine Festival has celebrated the city’s wine industry with various events, from wine tasting to games and live entertainment.
Held every June, the festival draws thousands of attendees from the country and internationally.
Aside from wine tasting and other fun events, the festival also offers attendees educational seminars and workshops on wine production and artistry.
As a dedicated humanitarian organization, the festival also features a local auction that benefits charity works.
So, if you want to discover new wines, learn more about wines, or network with local winemakers and enthusiasts, you should try the Monterey Wine Festival out.
Address: One, Conference Center, Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
3. Monterey Bay Greek Festival (Greek Cultural Experience)
Are you looking for a culturally significant festival that couples as a weekend family getaway for you and yours?
If yes, this festival is for you.
The Monterey Bay Greek Festival offers a family-friendly family getaway/festival featuring Greek foods and drinks, live Greek music and dance performances, and shopping.
From gyros to souvlaki to moussaka and baklava, attendees can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine prepared by locals and other Greek products like original Greek olive oil.
The shopping doesn’t end at food and drinks because you can find vendors of handcrafted goods and other merchandise that portray Greek culture and heritage, like pottery, sculptures, etc.
So head on to this festival if you want to experience the beauty of Greek culture without leaving California.
Address: Monterey Greek Festival, 4 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA, United States
Also see our article on Weekend Getaways in California.
Festivals in Napa, California
1. Napa Valley Film Festival (Film and Culinary Fusion)
The Napa Valley Film Festival is a film festival that takes place annually in the Napa Valley region of California.
It features independent films, animations, documentaries, and short films.
Founded in 2011 by film producers and Napa residents Brenda and Marc Lhormer, the Napa Valley Film Festival offers attendees a variety of activities like film screenings, panel discussions, wine tastings, and cooking generation.
As a festival equally dedicated to food and drinks as much as it is to film and film-related events, it partners up with local food vendors and wineries to provide food and drinks to attendees during film screenings and other events.
So, if you’re a film nerd that likes to have fun and you’re looking for a film event that can combine film and fun without comprising any, this festival is for you.
Address: 952 School ST, #390. Napa, CA 94559, United States
2. BottleRock Napa Valley (Diverse Music and Food)
The BottleRock Napa Valley is one of the biggest and most liked music festivals, and rightly so because of its unique features.
First, many people like it because of the diverse artist lineup that cuts across several genres, from hip-hop to rock to R&B and country.
Some notable artists that have performed on the BottleRock stage include Imagine Dragons, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, and Stevie Nicks.
Also, it is well-liked by California locals and visitors because of the diverse range of food and dining options available at the venue for attendees to enjoy.
Another feature that draws thousands of crowds to the festival yearly is its commitment to sustainability.
The festival has eco-friendly initiatives and recycling programs like reusable cups and partnerships with local sustainability organizations throughout the event.
Address: 575 3rd St, Napa, CA 94559, United States
3. Napa Truffle Festival (Celebrating Gourmet Truffles)
Since the ancient Greek and Roman periods, truffles have been a highly sought-after ingredient in gourmet cuisine for their medicinal and culinary benefits.
They are notoriously hard to cultivate because they require specific growing conditions, making them very rare and expensive.
This prized mushroom plant is full of flavors that can give the food they are prepared with a heavenly vibe and can also be used to treat various ailments.
So, it makes sense that the Napa Truffle Festival is dedicated to celebrating this rare and unique plant.
Truffle experts, chefs, and food enthusiasts worldwide come together at Napa Valley every January to showcase the unique flavors and aromas that can be prepared with this mushroom.
The festival also features the truffle orchard trip, where visitors can participate in a guided truffle hunt and learn about the cultivation of truffles.
Address: 1314 Mckinstry St, Napa, CA, United States
Also see our article on Cheap Weekend Getaways in California.
Festivals in Santa Cruz, California
1. Santa Cruz County History Fair (Rich Local History Celebration)
Santa Cruz County History Fair is an annual celebration of Santa Cruz County’s rich history sponsored by the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) and other regional historical groups.
The fair offers attendees various forms of entertainment, hands-on activities for all ages, live music, historical reenactments, food, and exhibits.
There are also learning opportunities where local historians, authors, and professionals give talks, exhibits, and demonstrations on the county’s varied past.
Aside from entertainment and learning, the festival features a marketplace where regional artists and crafters can sell their original creations.
And if you have kids, don’t fret because there are children-focused events and activities that your kids can enjoy too.
This is a great place to enjoy a premium mix of learning and fun for the whole family!
Address: Felton Community Hall 6191 Highway 9 Felton, CA 95018, United States
2. Earth Day Santa Cruz (Environmental Education)
Earth Day Santa Cruz is a yearly celebration and awareness-building event for sustainability and environmental issues affecting Santa Cruz, California.
The event, run by local volunteers and environment organizations, takes place in April, close to Earth Day.
From workshops and seminars, the activities at this festival relate mainly to environmental education, conservation, and sustainability.
Waste reduction, sustainable agriculture, and environmental justice are among the subjects of interest.
Participants can learn everything from bicycle commuting and eco-friendly apparel to solar energy and green building materials.
Earth Day Santa Cruz also allows local businesses to display eco-friendly goods with the Green Expo program.
Attending this festival will be a terrific opportunity to learn about environmental issues and how to make environmentally sustainable decisions in your daily life.
Address: 137 Dakota Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Attractions, Date Ideas, and National Parks in California.
Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Festivals in Texas and Florida.