While many people observe Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial beginning of summer, one could argue that the Golden State spends the whole month of May gearing up for fun in the sun. Food, beer, and wine festivals are slated for nearly every weekend, and some only-in-California events also happen this month, including a frog-themed fair in Gold Country and a tribute to mules in the Eastern Sierra. Use one of these 30-plus events as an excuse to start your summer now.
Begins May 2: Concerts in the Park, Sacramento
This Friday concert series returns to downtown Sacramento’s Cesar Chavez Plaza, with a variety of national and local acts taking the stage each week. The series also features art, local food trucks, and a wine garden. Runs through June 27.
May 2–3: Temecula Rod Run, Temecula
Check out more than 500 classic cars—including Model A’s, T-Birds, and roadsters—in Temecula’s historic Old Town. The weekend begins with a Friday Night Cruise along Front Street, followed by an all-day Show & Shine on Saturday. Stroll Main Street to enjoy the food trucks and other local vendors.
May 2–3: Shabang Live Music & Arts Festival 2025, San Luis Obispo
An intimate 2014 concert, held on the top of Cuesta Ridge, has morphed over the years into a full-fledged weekend festival at the Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo. The lineup includes more than 40 musical acts, such as Goth Babe and Wallows, but there are also yoga sessions, a silent disco, and interactive art installations, as well as local food and beverage vendors.
Stick around through Sunday for the San Luis Obispo Sip 'n' Saunter (May 4), where your 21-and-up ticket gets you a glass and a wristband to enjoy samples from local wineries and restaurants at more than 100 downtown locations.
May 2–4: BeachLife Festival, Redondo Beach
This music-and-culinary weekend in the L.A. county beach town of Redondo Beach returns this year with headliners Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, and Alanis Morissette, along with high-profile supporting acts including The Beach Boys, Cake, Susanna Hoffs, and Jackson Browne. Check out the festival’s special experiences too, such as a VIP-level Surf Club lounge and a punk-rock Speakeasy stage.
May 3: San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew, San Diego
The famed zoo embraces its foodie side this month with this evening festival that combines elevated food and drink with meet-and-greets with the wildlife experts who help make this a world-class zoo.
Walk the zoo while noshing on small plates from local restaurants (such as Puesto) and enjoying regional wines, craft brews, spirits, and nonalcoholic refreshments; hear live music and see the resident creatures when the park is almost empty.
The zoo’s executive chef Zaz Suffy will also create and serve her Tijuana-inspired tacos gobernador (governor’s tacos)—seared shrimp tacos filled with peppers and melted jack cheese and finished with a rainbow of salsas and garnishes—paired with a passionfruit sangria. The VIP event runs from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is only for ages 21 and up.
Begins May 3: LEGO Festival, Carlsbad
For six weekends, LEGOLAND California celebrates the plastic bricks that started it all. Explore five play zones, filled with shows, music, dancing, large LEGO projects, and plenty of chances to build, whether it’s in classes with master builders, creating LEGO botanicals, or contributing to a giant LEGO mosaic. Admission to the festival is part of your regular ticket to the Carlsbad theme park. Runs through June 8.
May 3: California Honey Festival, Woodland
Yolo County and the town of Woodland produce a lot of honey, and this one-day festival promotes all of the sweet results. (It also educates visitors about the profound agricultural and ecological importance of bees.) Watch cooking demos, browse the vendors and exhibits set up downtown, and broaden your palate by tasting a variety of local honeys, created by bees pollinating different kinds of plants.
May 3: San Diego Fiesta Cinco de Mayo, San Diego
The city’s Cinco de Mayo party takes place in two festive spots: the buzzing Gaslamp Quarter and the original Spanish-speaking settlement, Old Town San Diego. The schedule includes a full day of live music, a display of colorful lowrider cars, and a stage dedicated to lucha libre wrestling.
Extend the party in San Diego by taking one of the evening Cinco de Mayo Sunset Tours (May 3–4) on San Diego Bay, hosted by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The evening sails include custom cocktails, food, and Spanish guitar music onboard the San Salvador, a replica of the Spanish galleon sailed by explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, the first European to reach America’s West Coast.
Or take the whole family to Viva la Musica at SeaWorld San Diego (May 2–18), where every day at the theme park brings Latin music and cuisine, with two stages for local live acts. Concerts are included with park admission.
May 3–4: 5th Annual World Goth Day Festival, Alameda Island
Celebrate goth culture at this two-day party at Alameda Island’s USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum. Check out the music, art, and roving “curious creatures,” then add to your own collection by browsing the fashions, jewelry, and ephemera at the Infamous Goth & Oddities Market. The event includes food trucks, full bars, and free parking.
May 4: Rufus Wainwright’s Dream Requiem, Los Angeles
Bask in the amazing acoustics of Walt Disney Concert Hall at this Los Angeles Chorale performance of a requiem composed by singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. The fusion of poetry and music—inspired by Byron's poem “Darkness” and the requiems of Verdi, Berlioz, and Britten—is narrated by Jane Fonda and features vocals from the Los Angeles Children's Chorus.
May 4: Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Ventura County
Taste your way through this Conejo Valley festival with a long stretch of chili booths plus a car show, live music, and craft beer to cleanse the palate. Tasting tickets start as low as $25, and kids can enjoy a free play zone with a bounce house and other activities.
May 8–11: Dixon May Fair and Parade, Dixon
This Solano County town celebrates its annual Dixon May Fair over a four-day weekend, but the showstopper is its May 10 parade—the oldest state-affiliated parade in California. This year’s parade through downtown Dixon marks the 148th year of the procession, with school bands, floats, horse-mounted units, and classic cars.
May 10: Heart of the Hills Blues Blast, El Dorado Hills
Catch a legendary Texas roadhouse blues act at this one-day festival in the heart of El Dorado County. The Fabulous Thunderbirds— whose latest album was nominated for two Grammys this year—will headline the festival, which also features Laurie Morvan Band and blues guitarist and singer Albert Cummings. During the day, partake in beer, wine, and cuisine from local food trucks.
May 10: Boonville Beer Festival, Boonville
“The Big Lebrewski” is the theme of this year’s Mendocino County festival held at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company. Sample beers from among 60-plus breweries and pick up a few words of Boontling—the local language that goes back to the early 1900s and is comprised of about 1,600 useful words (such as “hairymouth,” which means dog).
May 10–11: Mill Valley Music Festival, Mill Valley
Now in its fourth year, this “boutique music” festival with two stages returns to Marin County’s Mill Valley, with headliners Gary Clark, Jr., and Nile Rodgers & Chic. The festivities at the redwood-lined Friends Field feature more musical acts—including Grammy-winning Vieux Farka Touré and San Francisco brass band Mission Delirium—along with local artisans, food vendors, immersive art installations, craft brewers, and family-friendly activities.
May 10–11: Mother Lode Roundup Parade & Rodeo, Sonora
Celebrate Tuolumne County’s Gold Rush and Old West history at this combination of events, now in its 66th year. Local “roundups” in the Sonora area date back to 1850, when cowboys would get together to brand their cattle then celebrate afterward, and the first rodeo here was in 1916. These days, the weekend includes a parade, Mother Lode Round-Up Queen contest, and a rodeo with seven different events.
May 10, 21: Events at ONX Vineyards, Paso Robles
This vineyard and winery in Paso Robles offers regular opportunities to experience both the wines and fun activities—and you can even stay overnight at one of the winery’s three cottages. Celebrate Mother’s Day at its Paint in the Vineyard event with small bites, an art lesson, and a newly released rosé. On May 21, a cooking class and wine tasting at the winery’s Briarwood Cottage includes a hands-on experience creating Spanish tapas, as well as Churros with chocolate, all paired with ONX Wines.
May 10, 15–18: Paso Wine Fest, Paso Robles
Experience the acclaimed wine and agricultural scene in Paso Robles this month. First, check out the Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival (May 10) in the town’s City Park, and enjoy samples of oils, tapenades, and even olive oil ice cream. Then head to the Paso Robles Events Center for the Paso Wine Fest featuring live music, winemaker dinners, seminars, and tastings from 100-plus wineries.
May 14–17: Redding Rodeo, Redding
Redding hosts this long-running classic rodeo, featuring PRCA rodeo events, chuck wagon races, mutton bustin’, and more. Be sure to come the first night for the Steak Feed and Dance, a cowboy-style barbecue feast.
Opens May 15: Nintendo San Francisco, San Francisco
Head to San Francisco’s Union Square for the grand opening of the second official Nintendo store in the U.S. Browse the gaming consoles and accessories as well as the Nintendo-universe merch such as clothing, accessories, home goods, and exclusive items. Keep in mind that reservations are required for the opening day fun.
May 15–18: Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee, Angels Camp
This old-school fair of rides, a rodeo, and livestock exhibits embraces its Gold Country roots. It dates back to 1893, was inspired by Mark Twain’s short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” and still includes its namesake competition of leaping amphibians.
May 15–18: Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, Sonoma County
Combine great cuisine, wine, and stunning settings at this epic weekend of tastings, dinners, and concerts in Healdsburg and other Sonoma County wineries and restaurants. The extended weekend features local growers, winemakers, and chefs at spots such as The Matheson Rooftop, Chalk Hill Estate, and Montage Healdsburg. Guest chefs include Guy Fieri, Stephanie Izard, Antonia Lofaso, and Maneet Chauhan. Choose from tickets that range from individual events to bundled VIP packages.
May 15–18: Joshua Tree Music Festival, Joshua Tree
The global and eclectic music theme feels right at home at this camping-friendly, twice-a-year festival just outside the desert national park. Intriguing acts this spring include Oakland-based Brontez Purnell, Salinas band Qiensave, and techno-accordianist Graysokker. The fall version happens in October.
May 15–18: L.A. County Yarn Crawl, Los Angeles
Knitters, this is your weekend. The annual festival stitches together a dozen specialty yarn shops and women-owned small businesses located in every corner of Los Angeles County. Visit and browse as many stores as you can, getting your festival “passport” stamped and picking up free knit and crochet patterns along the way. At the end, you could win one of the prize gift baskets.
Begins May 16: Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration, Anaheim
In the summer of 1955, Walt Disney first opened the gates at the Anaheim theme park that became known as both a cultural icon and the Happiest Place on Earth. At this months-long celebration, there will be lots of special decor, limited-time merch and cuisine, and even an official song (“Celebrate Happy,” performed by the Jonas Brothers).
Some rides will have additions—like It’s a Small World and Toy Story Midway Mania—and there will be unique nighttime spectaculars, parades, and shows, including a return of the favorite Paint the Night Parade.
Don’t miss new shows including Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast in Disneyland Park and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! in Disney California Adventure Park. Make the most of the festivities with the special ticket and hotel deals, that include admission as low as $100 a day through much of the spring and summer.
May 16–18: California Mermaid Convention, Rancho Cordova
Sacramento County has been a hotbed for mermaid cosplay for years, thanks in part to the mermaid-themed Dive Bar in the capital city. Choose from a variety of free or separate-ticket events at this weekend festival that takes place in both Rancho Cordova and Sacramento: Events typically include an underwater photography seminar, the mermaid promenade in Old Sacramento, and an all-ages-welcome Bubble Ball.
The convention hall at Hagan Community Park offers plenty of mermaid costumes and merch. Book your stay by April 24 to get a special convention rate at the Hilton Homewood Suites in Rancho Cordova.
May 17: Tequila & Taco Music Festival, San Jose
Sip margaritas and top-shelf tequilas, paired with gourmet tacos, at this festival held at San Jose’s Hellyer Park. Browse the food vendors and shopping kiosks while listening to live music; beer fans will find plenty of local craft brews to try too.
May 17: Surf Shop Day, various locations
California’s surf shops have long been an integral part of the Golden State’s surfing scene, offering gear as well as fashion, knowledgeable staffers, and cool local history. Support these small businesses by shopping and soaking up their good energy. Get some ideas for where to start at these classic California surf shops.
May 17: Luther Burbank Rose Parade, Santa Rosa
Rose parades aren’t just for New Year’s Day. This annual parade in Santa Rosa features marching bands, community groups, and rose petal–adorned floats. After the 10 a.m. parade along 4th St., stick around for the live music, kids games, and local food and drink.
Begins May 17: In a Landscape Concerts, various cities
This month offers the chance to check out a unique touring series celebrating its 10th year: In a Landscape concerts feature pianist Hunter Noack playing a 1912 Steinway concert grand in a park or green space while audience members wear wireless headphones and explore. The organization partners with national and state parks, land trusts, conservancies, Native American reservations, and schools to share these concerts.
There will be nine dates in California this month, including Bellosguardo in Santa Barbara, Filoli in San Mateo County, and Jack London State Historical Park in Sonoma County.
May 17–18: California Strawberry Festival, Ventura
See—and taste—why Ventura is one of the top strawberry producers in the country. Sample your way through 40 vendors at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, ranging from a build-your-own-strawberry shortcake bar to deep-fried strawberries to strawberry beer. In between bites and sips, listen to live music and take part in activities such as strawberry relays, tart tosses, and an obstacle course.
Want more? Head to Garden Grove over Memorial Day weekend for its Strawberry Festival (May 23–26) or to San Diego County for the Vista Strawberry Festival (May 25).
May 17–18: Art, Wine, & Music Festival, Pleasant Hill
Stroll the downtown of the East Bay’s Pleasant Hill and browse the art and artisan vendors at this annual festival. The family-friendly event also features a Kids Zone and live music, as well as a beer garden and a VIP wine tent.
May 18: Bay to Breakers, San Francisco
This quirky 12K race first started in 1912, and still follows a hilly path from the Embarcadero (the Bay) to Ocean Beach (the Breakers) in San Francisco. The challenges are balanced with the fun distractions of costumed participants—often linked up with bungee cords as “centipedes”—and lots of live music at stops along the way.
May 20–25: Mule Days, Bishop
Mules have a long history in California, from transporting precious metals during the Gold Rush to hauling borax from Death Valley. Celebrate them at this longtime festival in Bishop that includes mule shows along with equestrian disciplines such as English riding and chariot racing. Tour the barns, check out the vendors, and enjoy lots of fair food.
May 21–26: LA Fleet Week, Los Angeles
Celebrate our nation’s sea services at this free public event at the Port of Los Angeles during an extended Memorial Day weekend. Take a tour of an active-duty ship, watch aircraft flyovers, and listen to live music, including military band performances. Don’t miss the Galley Wars, a culinary competition among Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Army teams.
May 21–26: Strawberry Music Festival, Grass Valley
This annual festival in Grass Valley is more about music than berries: Many fans come and car-camp (a site is included with admission) and bring their own musical instruments for all-are-welcome camp jams. Get inspired by listening to Grammy winner Molly Tuttle talk about the Grass Valley music scene on the California Now Podcast.
Begins May 22: WeHo Pride, West Hollywood
West Hollywood kicks off its pride season a little before June, in part because it likes to celebrate for a full 40 days. The festivities begin on Harvey Milk Day (May 22) and runs through June 30 with events such as the WeHo Pride Weekend Parade, the Dyke March, the WeHo Pride Arts Festival, and more.
May 22: Wine Dinner with Stolpman Winery, Santa Monica
Enjoy an incredible ocean view dinner at hotel Shutters on the Beach, whose 1 Pico Restaurant is hosting a dinner oenophiles will love: The chef-driven four-course menu will be paired with five wines from Stolpman Vineyards. The Los Olivos winery’s co-owners will be on hand to talk about the vineyard’s unique terroir and their commitment to organic and biodynamic practices.
May 23–25: California Roots Music & Arts Festival, Monterey
Groove at this large reggae festival in Monterey, hosted by a mom-and-pop team of promoters who have also created a green-certified event that utilizes composting, reusable cups, and recycling. Headliners this year include T-Pain, Rebelution, and Slightly Stoopid.
May 24–25: McCloud Mushroom Festival, McCloud
Learn about mushroom-foraging during peak season in Siskiyou County. This annual festival features food vendors, foraging outings, and booths manned by mushroom experts.
May 23–25: BottleRock Napa Valley, Napa
This year’s Napa Valley festival—blending wine, local cuisine, and rock ‘n’ roll— welcomes headliners Green Day, Sublime, Justin Timberlake, and Noah Kahan. Between sets, explore the wide array of experiences—wine-tasting cabanas, art installations, and an onsite spa.
May 24–26: Kinetic Grand Championship, Eureka
This extraordinary 50-mile race features utterly unique contenders: handmade, people-powered vehicles that are works of art as much as they are feats of engineering. Each day starts in a different North Coast locale—Arcata, Eureka, and Ferndale—and crosses over land, water, sand, and mud around scenic Humboldt County.
The North Coast offers more chances to see eye-popping vehicles over Memorial Day weekend, too. The Willits Car & Bike Show (May 25) in the Mendocino County town of Willits features classic cars, motorcycles, and low-riders, as well as a big pancake breakfast.
May 25: Glorious Junk Days, Clovis
Expand your idea of vintage and antique at this bazaar in Old Town Clovis, the Fresno County town that’s known for its wealth of antique shops. At this twice-a-year event (the next one is in October) more than 150 dealers along Pollasky Ave. offer antiques and vintage items as well as architectural salvage, “rusty junk,” painted furniture, DIY projects, and more.
May 30–May 31: Hangtown Motocross Classic, Rancho Cordova
This year marks the 56th year of this racing weekend in Rancho Cordova. 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. Check out the hotel deal that takes 20 percent off your stay in Folsom, or peruse Visit Rancho Cordova’s hotel selection.
May 30–June 1: Forest Moon Festival, Humboldt
Extend your observance of May the Fourth at this celebration of one major cameo player in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The Redwood coast, which spans both Humboldt and Del Norte counties, was a filming location for the “forest moon” of Endor in the Star Wars film.
Hear from Lucasfilm-approved costumers on panel discussions, take a rebel training course, or participate in a scavenger hunt with prizes. Learn more lore at the Redwood Coast Museum of Cinema, which has a Forest Moon exhibit. Cosplay, of course, is encouraged.
May 30–June 1: Firestone Walker Beerfest, Paso Robles
The acclaimed Central Coast brewery hosts this long weekend that includes a brewery block party (May 30), an all-day Beer Fest (May 31), and an open-air festival and brunch (June 1). The beers on tap aren’t just from Firestone, either: The dozens of participating breweries from around the U.S. include Sonoma County’s Russian River Brewing Co. and Beachwood Brewing from Long Beach.
May 30–June 7: Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Dive into Carmel-by-the-Sea’s foodie scene during this week of events and special menus. Consider the Italian-themed dinner at La Dolce Vita on Dolores Street, the Culinary Showdown at the Carmel Farmers’ Market, or hands-on events such as a pizza-making workshop. Or, sip your way through the special Pub Crawl-by-the-Sea, where four different bars have their own food-and-drink pairings.
May 30–June 8: Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, Greater Palm Springs
Dine your way around Greater Palm Springs during this sweet time of year before summer begins. The lineup of restaurants offering special menus includes Kestrel by Richard Blais, La Quinta Brewing Co., and Juniper Table at the Kimpton Rowan in downtown Palm Springs.
Opens May 31: Asian American Heritage Park, Isleton
Explore this new park in Sacramento County that salutes the Japanese and Chinese immigrants who came to this part of California in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Take in the exhibits that detail their triumphs and struggles, then sit and reflect in the Kansho-do (which translates from Japanese to “bell temple”), a meditation space that nods to the nearby Buddhist temple that was removed during the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
The opening day event, which begins at 11 a.m., includes entertainment by Sacramento Takiko-Don and the Capitol Chinese Orchestra, as well as refreshments and museum tours.
May 31–June 2: Pismo Beach Classic Car Show, Pismo Beach
Ogle hundreds of classic cars in Pismo Beach at this annual event where cars get judged for features such as attention to detail, interior, engine compartment, and undercarriage. On Saturday, 200 cars will parade through the beach town’s streets and the whole weekend includes live music, local cuisine, and a beer garden. Proceeds benefit organizations such as Folds of Honor, Ronald McDonald House, and the Pismo Beach K-9 Unit.