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 last thanks to the annual return of Comic-Con in San Diego. It’s also a great time for music festivals, whether you prefer country, rock, or classical.
Here are 20-plus ways to build a summer getaway around a ready-made party in Northern, Central, and Southern California.
Northern California
All month: Afternoon Tea & Chandon Train, Napa
Take this three-hour seasonal excursion through Napa Valley—a collaboration between the Napa Valley Wine Train and nearby Chandon Winery. Board a vintage train festooned with flowers while you sip a Chandon-and-tea-infused Garden Spritz, then enjoy a classic afternoon tea while wine country glides by outside the train window. Runs on weekends through Nov. 16.
July 4–6: Pikmin Bloom Mini-Walk, San Francisco
Play a free interactive game in San Francisco’s Union Square that’s inspired by Nintendo Switch’s Pikmin games. Start by either downloading the Pikmin Bloom mobile app or picking up a physical map at Union Square’s Mini-Walk pop-up tent.
Then, start looking for the seven special spots scattered around Union Square stores—like at macaron shop One 65 or the new Nintendo San Francisco store—where you can spot the plantlike Pikmin characters. Scan them to collect in-app Gold Seedlings or have your picture taken with the Pikmin Bloom AR cam. Along the way, enjoy the tulips and other flowers during Union Square’s Spring and Summer Blossoms.
All month: Pick Your Own Bouquet at Park Winters, Winters
Be sure to stop at this farm if you’re in 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 restaurant. Explore the fields—teeming with sunflowers, dahlias, snap dragons, and blooming artichokes—and create your own bouquet for $38. Runs on Saturdays and Sundays through October 12.
July 3–5: Willits Frontier Days, Willits
Extend your 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, watch a parade, and compete in the horseshoe competition while also chowing down on local barbecue.
July 3–6: High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy
Grammy winner Molly Tuttle is just one reason to attend this Plumas County festival where music is only the beginning: The packed weekend includes a family camp zone and rotating costume themes. Depending on what kind of pass you buy, you can camp at the fairgrounds, which includes some furnished glamping options too.
July 5: The World’s Largest Salmon BBQ, Fort Bragg
Feast on salmon at this annual Fort Bragg event that 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.
July 5–20: Festival Napa Valley, Napa
This two-week festival in Napa Valley combines wine tastings with classical music performed at wineries and culinary hot spots. This year’s offerings include free-admission daily concerts, exclusive dinners, and a new one-day event about the science of music and wellness. The artist lineup features Jon Batiste, Joyce DiDonato, Versailles Royal Opera, Stéphane Denève, and ballet dancer Tiler Peck.
Foodies won’t want to miss the festival’s Taste of Napa event (July 12) where guests can enjoy sips from wineries, breweries, and other craft beverage purveyors on the grounds of Meritage Resort.
All month: Summer Nights at Filoli, Woodside
Make the most of longer evenings by experiencing this historic estate in San Mateo County. Not only does its 16-acre garden stay open until 8 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday evening, but you also have access to guided sunset hikes, live music, and food trucks. Be sure to check out the garden’s new Trolls exhibit too. Runs through Sept. 19.
All Month: Evenings on the Colonnade, Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk goes all in on summer fun, with activities that complement the classic boardwalk rides and cuisine. This summer there are magicians and acrobats on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, live music on Thursdays, free movies on Fridays, and a DJ dance party on Saturday and Sunday nights. Runs through Aug. 7.
July 11–27: 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 such as a Save Mart California’s Kitchen exhibit with cooking demos and a Best of California Brewfest. This year’s musical acts include En Vogue, Ludacris, Joe Nichols, Cypress Hill, and a Taylor Swift tribute night.
July 12: Bigfoot Daze, Willow Creek
Sponsored by the local history museum, this party in Humboldt County salutes not just the elusive creature but also the area’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 Scenic Byway Road Trip.
July 12: 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 12: The Tevis Cup, Palisades Tahoe
Ride it yourself or cheer from the sidelines—this 100-mile, one-day horse endurance ride ranks among the most challenging in the world. Qualified competitors will cross through KT-22 and High Camp between Lake Tahoe and Auburn along a rugged stretch of the Western States Trail.
Spectators can watch from the base area of Palisades Tahoe, or by hiking the challenging Shirley Canyon trail to see riders at High Camp (since the hike is strenuous, consider doing that early in the day).
For lower-key exertion, check out Palisades Tahoe’s Great Bingo Revival, where a different local restaurant hosts a creative bingo night on select Thursdays through Aug. 31.
July 13: Petaluma Art & Garden Festival, Petaluma
Stroll historic downtown Petaluma to browse 100-plus exhibitors of handmade garden and home decor, artisan jewelry, and fine art, plus live music on two stages and a special kids' area. Admission is free, but you can buy tasting packages to sample the local wine, craft beer, cider, and cocktails.
July 18: Summer Concerts at Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys
This winery in the Calaveras County town includes a lovely amphitheater and its concert lineup offers several excuses to spend a weekend in the area. July concerts—where you can also enjoy the house wines and cuisine—include Alan Parsons and Brit Floyd (July 18) while August and September bring big acts such as Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 3), ZZ Top with Night Ranger and Molly Hatchett (Aug. 29), Train (Sept 12), and Ringo Starr (Sept. 21).
Begins July 18: 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 a Mozart Meets Modern night, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and Queen and Neil Diamond tribute bands. Runs through Aug. 3.
July 18–19: Rivertown Revival, Petaluma
With the theme of "Greatest Slough on Earth,” this annual festival celebrates the Petaluma River culture with eclectic spirit. Expect diverse “hootenanny”-style musical acts, interactive art installations, local food and drink vendors (like the local Lagunitas Brewing Company), family-friendly activities, and the festival’s legendary (and legal) $5 weddings.
July 25–27: 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 26: Farms, Fish, & Flowers, Half Moon Bay
Farm country meets fresh seafood at this annual event in Half Moon Bay. Get a behind-the-scenes look at spots around the town that are not always open to the public—from historic sites to farms to a working harbor.
Participants will be announced July 1, but typically include Pillar Point Harbor, where you can buy fresh fish from the docks, and Blue House Farm, which grows certified organic produce and cut flowers (and offers u-pick strawberries this time of year).
July 28–Aug. 4: Lazy Bear Week, Guerneville
Summer’s LGBTQ+ pride parties continue at this annual event and fundraiser in Sonoma County’s Guerneville. Festivities typically include pool parties, hikes, and miniature golf paired with wine tastings. Book online to get your bear tag—a donation receipt that grants you free admission to the activities.
If you don’t want to camp, consider nearby hotels such as The R3 Hotel, which has been gay-owned and operated for nearly 40 years.
Central California
July 11–13: MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest, Salinas
Monterey County’s Laguna Seca Recreation Area hosts this event where 190 mph superbikes speed down the track’s “Corkscrew”—which drops almost six stories in just 450 feet of track. To experience the 11-turn, 2.2-mile course yourself, join one of the Twilight Cycling Nights, which happen on select nights during the year.
July 12: Santa Rita Hills Lavender Festival, Lompoc
July is prime season for lavender, and this Lompoc farm in Santa Barbara County hosts a fabulously aromatic festival. Browse the pop-ups of local artisans, learn to make a wreath and partake of the food vendors offering lunch, baked goods, and lots of lavender lemonade. Free admission.
July 16–27: 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 Flo Rida, David Lee Roth, and Keith Urban.
July 25–27: Gilroy Garlic Festival, Gilroy
The garlicky lovefest returns to Gilroy this year for the first time since 2019. Held on the lawn outside theme park Gilroy Gardens, the festival will feature a Gourmet Alley of vendors, live music, cooking demos, and plenty of the event’s signature garlic ice cream.
Note: As of press time, admission tickets were sold out, but more tickets may become available. Meanwhile, Gilroy Gardens is a year-round hotbed of garlic and agriculture-themed charm, including this summer’s Cherry Jubliee festival.
Southern California
Begins July 2: 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 2, while the Pageant of the Masters begins July 5.
To streamline your visit, pick up the 2025 Passport to the Arts: 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 Aug. 29.
All Month: Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival, Los Angeles
This free annual festival brings its modern interpretations of the Bard and his contemporaries to Los Angeles’ epic city park; this year’s featured plays are Love’s Labour’s Lost (Wednesdays through Sundays in July) and then Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, beginning August 6. Runs through Aug. 31.
July 11–13: Legacy Weekend: A Celebration of Taste and Time, Carlsbad
The Carlsbad resort Omni La Costa turns 60 this year and is celebrating with a weekend of retro fun. Activities include a pool party with throwback tunes from the 1970s and ’80s, an outdoor “TV night” with classic shows from the ’60s, a casino night, and gourmet spins on TV dinners curated by acclaimed chefs Emily Brubaker, Lee Frank, Torrece "T" Gregoire, Zain Ismail, and more. Book a stay with the resort’s specials that start at 15 percent off two nights.
July 12: Pechanga’s Whiskey and Wings Festival, Temecula
Temecula is a hotbed for great wine, but this inaugural festival at the Pechanga Resort Casino makes the most of the area’s serious foodie credentials too. Pechanga chefs will create their best flavor-forward wings—savory, sweet, and spicy—and pair them with all-American cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and whiskey sour.
The event, which benefits Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, will also feature a silent auction of vacation packages, golf excursions, jewelry, and more. Stay over at Pechanga with one of these solid deals.
July 13: Summer Sundays at Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, Palm Springs
Bring the family for hands-on activities at this downtown Palm Springs museum that focuses primarily on the art and history of the Agua Caliente Band of Indians. Come between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to play popular games from Agua Caliente and Cahuilla culture. While you’re there, check out the museum’s Oasis Trail and the permanent gallery highlighting the deep history of the Agua Caliente band.
July 16–20: San Diego Pride, San Diego
San Diego always throws its LGBTQ+ party in July, and this year’s Pride includes a mix of events, including a parade (July 19), and then a two-day festival (July 19–20) in Balboa Park.
July 18: Del Mar Racetrack Opening Day, Del Mar
Come watch the ponies race at this track near the beach in Del Mar. The annual 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 wine festival on Aug. 2 and a Tacos and Tequila festival on Aug. 9. Runs through Sept. 7.
July 24–27: 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 26: Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, Long Beach
This competition of traditional Chinese 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 dance, acrobats, and martial arts performances.
July 26–Aug. 3: Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach
This Huntington Beach event qualifies as the largest action-sports festival in the world. Indeed, it includes not just surfing, but also skateboarding and BMX competitions. Huntington Beach Pier is the nerve center of the event festivities, also featuring concerts and family-friendly activities typically including surf clinics, sustainability panels, art installations, and public skate and BMX sessions. Best of all, admission is free.
July 30–Aug. 3: International Surf Festival, Redondo Beach
Embrace surfing’s high season in this Los Angeles County town that hosts an amateur surfing competition, a pier-to-pier swim, and paddleboard races. Don’t miss the swim races and fitness contests for area lifeguards.