May is the unofficial beginning of summer in the Golden State, whether you are taking part in Memorial Day Weekend festivities or making the most of some only-in-California events—like those featuring jumping frogs or a “wine mixer” inspired by the movie Step Brothers. Plan a getaway around these fairs and festivals :
Memorial Day Weekend Events
Listed north to south
May 23–24: McCloud Mushroom, Music, and Wine Festival, McCloud
Learn about mushroom-foraging during peak season in the Shasta Cascade town of McCloud. This annual festival features food vendors, foraging outings, and booths manned by mushroom experts.
May 23–25: 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 24) in the Mendocino County town of Willits features classic cars, motorcycles, and lowriders, as well as a big pancake breakfast.
May 21–24: 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.
May 22–24: BottleRock Napa Valley, Napa
This year’s epic festival in Napa—blending wine, local cuisine, and rock ‘n’ roll—welcomes headliners including Lorde, Foo Fighters, and Backstreet Boys. Between sets, explore the wide array of experiences—wine-tasting cabanas, art installations, and an onsite spa.
May 19–24: 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, which includes mule shows and equestrian disciplines such as English riding and chariot racing. Tour the barns, check out the vendors, and enjoy lots of fair food.
May 22–24: 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 Ice Cube, Rebelution, and Soja.
May 22–25: LA Fleet Week, Los Angeles
Celebrate our nation’s sea services at this free public event at and near 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 22–25: Strawberry Festival, Garden Grove
This year, the annual fair of rides, a parade, and vendors in Orange County will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary as well as the local berries. Come for the strawberry-themed fashion contest, a redhead competition, and the breakfast featuring the parade’s stars.
May 24: Vista Strawberry Festival, Vista
The town in North County San Diego throws its own berry festival with vendors, rides, and family activities. Nearby in Carlsbad you can also pick your own strawberries.
More Northern California Events
Begins May 1: Concerts in the Park, Sacramento
This open-air concert series returns to downtown Sacramento, featuring a variety of national and local acts each Friday. The series also features art, local food trucks, and a wine garden. Runs through June 26.
May 1–3: Rio Strada Golden State Race Series, Rancho Cordova
Bring a camp chair and a picnic lunch and watch elite-level cyclists race through a closed-circuit course in Rancho Cordova. The race, part of the Golden State Race Series, will feature men’s and women's teams competing in road races and time trials.
May 2: Boonville Beer Festival, Boonville
It’s the 28th year for this 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 comprises about 1,600 useful words (such as “hairymouth,” which means dog).
May 2–3: Rhododendron Show, Fort Bragg
It’s an especially nice time of year to stroll through For Bragg’s colorful Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. There will be more than 1,000 rhododendrons in bloom, representing 124 species, and this separate, juried show—now in its 47th year—features more than 800 entries. Admission to the show is included with your Botanical Gardens ticket.
May 7–10: Dixon May Fair and Parade, Dixon
This Solano County town holds its annual fair over a four-day weekend, but the showstopper is its parade (May 9)—the oldest state-affiliated parade in California. This year’s parade through downtown Dixon marks the 149th year of the procession, with school bands, floats, horse-mounted units, and classic cars.
May 9: Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival, Half Moon Bay
Listen to live jazz while tasting your way through dozens of California wineries, including some from the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. The afternoon festival held on Half Moon Bay’s Main Street—attendees get a wristband and a commemorative stemless wine glass—will feature original music as well as tributes to Miles Davis, Billie Holliday, and Edith Piaf.
May 9–10: Mother Lode Roundup Parade & Rodeo, Sonora
Celebrate Gold Rush and Old West history at this combination of events with deep local roots. Local “roundups” around the Tuolumne County town of Sonora date back to 1850, when cowboys would celebrate after branding their cattle; the first rodeo here was in 1916. These days, the weekend includes a parade, the Mother Lode Round-Up Queen contest, and a rodeo with seven different events.
May 13–16: Redding Rodeo, Redding
Cheer on the pros at this long-running classic rodeo in Redding featuring PRCA rodeo events, chuck wagon races, mutton bustin’, and more.
May 14–17: Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee, Angels Camp
This old-school fair, with rides, a rodeo, and livestock exhibits, embraces its Gold Country lore. 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 14–17: Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, Sonoma County
Combine great cuisine, wine, and stunning settings at this epic weekend of tastings, dinners, and concerts set in Healdsburg and other Sonoma County wineries and restaurants. The extended weekend features local growers, winemakers, and chefs (such as Stephanie Izard) at spots like The Matheson Rooftop and Montage Healdsburg. Choose from tickets ranging from individual events to VIP bundles.
May 15–17: 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 May 1 to get a special convention rate at the Rancho Cordova Holiday Inn.
May 16: Petaluma's Salute to American Graffiti, Sonoma County
Much of the 1973 George Lucas film American Graffiti was actually filmed in downtown Petaluma, and this annual car show and cruise celebrates that role with lots of small-town Americana. Start the weekend on Friday with the Kickoff Social at the Plaza North Shopping Center, then check out the hundreds of vintage cars downtown on Saturday while soaking up the retro decor and vibes from local businesses.
May 16–17: Siskiyou Scenic Bicycle Tour, Yreka
Soak up Siskiyou County scenery on this two-day ride that has been rolling since 1988. Choose from eight different routes ranging from 21 to 102 miles. All routes—some all-pavement, some gravel—start and finish at Upper Greenhorn Park in Yreka, with multiple rest stops along the way and end-of-ride meals each day. Since this isn’t a race, e-bikes are welcome too.
May 16–17: 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, live music, wine tasting, and a beer garden.
May 16–17: California Honey Festival, Woodland
Yolo County and the town of Woodland produce a lot of honey, and this two-day festival spotlights the sweet results while also educating visitors about the profound agricultural and ecological importance of bees. Watch cooking demos, browse the vendors and exhibits in downtown Woodland, then broaden your palate by tasting a variety of local honeys, created by bees pollinating different kinds of plants.
May 17: Bay to Breakers, San Francisco
This quirky 12K race began 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 28–31: 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.
More Central California Events
May 3: San Luis Obispo Sip 'n' Saunter, San Luis Obispo
Experience the best of San Luis Obispo County AVA and beyond at this 21-and-up event: Your ticket gets you a glass and a wristband to enjoy samples from local wineries and restaurants at more than 100 downtown locations.
May 9, 15–17: Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival and Paso Wine Fest, Paso Robles
Experience the acclaimed wine and agricultural scene in Paso Robles this month. First, check out the Olive and Lavender Festival (May 9) 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 16–17: California Strawberry Festival, Ventura
See—and taste—why Ventura is one of the top strawberry producers in the country at this annual festival where you can sample your way through 40 vendors at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Enjoy the build-your-own strawberry shortcake bar, deep-fried strawberries, and strawberry beer. In between bites and sips, listen to live music and take part in relay races, an obstacle course, and the Berry Baby Fashion Parade.
May 29–31: Firestone Walker Beerfest, Paso Robles
The acclaimed brewery hosts this long weekend that includes a brewery block party (May 29), an all-day Beer Fest (May 30), and an open-air festival and brunch (May 31). The beers on tap aren’t just from Firestone, either: The dozens of participating breweries from around the U.S. include the Golden State’s Russian River Brewing Co. and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
May 29–31: 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.
More Southern California Events
May 1–5: 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 (May 1, 2, 5) and the original Spanish-speaking settlement, Old Town San Diego (May 2–3). Expect mariachis and beer gardens in the Gaslamp, while the schedule in Old Town 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 the whole family to Viva la Musica at SeaWorld San Diego (May 1–17), 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 1–2: 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 1–3: BeachLife Festival, Redondo Beach
This music-and-culinary weekend in the L.A. county beach town of Redondo Beach returns this year with headliners Duran Duran, The Offspring, and James Taylor, along with high-profile supporting acts including Sheryl Crow, My Morning Jacket, and Sugar Ray. Check out the festival’s special experiences, such as a VIP-level Surf Club lounge, the Jack Daniel’s karaoke bar, and a punk-rock Speakeasy stage.
May 2: San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew, San Diego
The famed zoo embraces its foodie side this month with this 21-and-up evening 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 and enjoying regional wines, craft brews, spirits, and nonalcoholic refreshments; hear live music and see the resident creatures when the park is almost empty.
May 3: 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 $34, and kids can enjoy a free play zone with a bounce house and other activities.
May 7: Taste of Cardiff, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Taste your way through this small beach community in North San Diego County: Your tickets grant you samples from 20-plus restaurants and “sip stops”—featuring North County makers of beer, wine, hard kombucha, and spirits—while enjoying music from local live bands. While you’re there, say hello to the “Cardiff Kook,” the beloved (and often costumed) surfer statue near the beach.
May 14–17: 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 Bay-Area based Ruby Ibarra and L.A.’s Turkish psychedelic band Olum. The fall version happens in October.
May 16–17: Surfscape, Huntington Beach
Immerse yourself in surf gear and surf culture alike at this free-admission expo in the town nicknamed Surf City USA. Demo surfboards and wetsuits, browse lots of surf-inspired fashion, and buy food and drink to enjoy in the picnic area. The event takes place in the Huntington Beach City Parking Lot, across from the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. Register online to secure your spot for gear and board demos or sign up in person at the event.
May 29–30: 11th Annual Catalina Wine Mixer, Catalina
The 2008 comedy Step Brothers featured “The Catalina Wine Mixer” as a wacky plot point—not because it was an actual event. Thanks to the movie (starring Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and Adam Scott), the Catalina Wine Mixer became a real event, now 11 years running on Catalina Island.
Come for the 21-and-up weekend of wine tastings, food, live music, and—of course—an Avalon Theatre screening of the movie that started it all. Check out Catalina’s hotel deals page to book a package that includes a place to stay plus your ferry ride from the mainland.
May 29–June 7: Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Make the most of the spring shoulder season in the desert by enjoying specials and limited time menus at restaurants across Greater Palm Springs. Participants include several hotel- and casino-based restaurants and notable spots such as Lulu in downtown Palm Springs and Peaks, located at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
More Events Around the State
May 16: Surf Shop Day, various locations
Surf shops have long been an integral part of the Golden State’s surfing scene, offering gear, fashion, knowledgeable staffers, and cool local history. Support these small businesses by shopping and soaking up their good energy—and start at these classic California surf shops.
Begins May 18: In a Landscape Concerts, Various Cities
Experience a unique touring series that has been running for more than 10 years: Pianist Hunter Noack plays a 1912 Steinway concert grand in a park or green space while audience members wear wireless headphones and wanders through nature. The organization partners with national and state parks, land trusts, conservancies, Native American reservations, and schools to share these concerts.
There will be eight dates in California this month, including some in San Mateo County and Mendocino.