This April, California is booming with things to do, from hitting the slopes to wildflower viewing to attending the legendary Coachella and Stagecoach festivals in the desert. Perhaps you’d like to enjoy some spring weather while catching a baseball game at one of California’s great ballparks or taste your way through a legendary outdoor culinary festival in Pebble Beach.
Here are more than 25 April events in California to help you make the most of spring.
Around the State
Beginning April 4: Native California Pow Wows and Festivals
Native California tribes host Pow Wows year-round, and April brings a lot of great opportunities to experience these festivals of dancing, singing, drumming, and feasting—typically free and open to the public.
On April 4, UC Davis hosts its 50th Annual Pow Wow on its campus quad. The next week, the Sierra College Big Time/Pow Wow in Placer County (April 11) stages a competition Pow Wow, complemented by a variety of food and craft vendors. Also on April 11, the 54th San Diego State University Pow Wow features a Kiowa gourd dance and Kumeyaay bird singing. Then, the Sherman Indian School Powwow takes place in Riverside (April 18).
Northern California
March 30–April 4: The Silver Belt, Sugar Bowl
This annual competition at Sugar Bowl ski resort started in 1940 as a high-speed giant slalom for Olympians and World Cup skiers along a rugged 1,300-foot course. Today, top athletes vie for the freeride competition finals, with Silver Belts and cash prizes on the line. The big event is April 4, but qualifying races start on March 30.
All Month: Taste Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
Explore Alexander Valley wineries this month during this special event that includes complimentary tastings, 10 percent off purchases, and meet-and-greets with growers and winemakers—including some wineries that aren’t typically open to the public. Participating wineries include Robert Young Estate Winery, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Events within the month include Winemaker Nights at The Matheson in Healdsburg and a Gen Z-friendly Wine 101 course (April 18) at Silver Oak Cellars.
Begins April 4: Glowing Wild, Redding
Experience Redding’s famous Turtle Bay Exploration Park at this after-dark, limited-time attraction. Illuminated lanterns inspired by animals and plants dot the park near the landmark Sundial Bridge. Stroll through the lights with stops at the food and drink kiosks and listen to live music. Runs on select nights through June 7.
April 4: Wildflower & Nature Festival, Oroville
Soak up the seasonal color at Oroville’s Riverbend Park, located along the Feather River in Butte County. Browse the seasonal produce, locally made crafts, and food-truck offerings, and take one of the guided kayak tours on the river.
April 4: American River 50-Mile Endurance Run, Folsom
Enjoy Gold Country scenery along the American River during this 50-mile run from Folsom to Auburn. The race starts at Folsom Point in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and passes through oak woodlands and meadows, followed by the Pioneer Express Trail, a path once used by gold prospectors.
If 50 miles sounds too daunting, you can do the 25- or 10-mile runs that follow portions of the full course.
April 8–15: Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Morgan Hill and Gilroy
Attend screenings of independent films at this festival that takes place in both Morgan Hill and Gilroy, and which showcases filmmakers from historically marginalized groups. Besides screenings of films—including narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental works—the festival will have Q&As with filmmakers, panel discussions, and networking events.
April 10–19: Spring SF Restaurant Week, San Francisco
Dine your way around the San Francisco Bay Area during this spring edition of Restaurant Week. Choose from prix fixe menus that typically range from $10–$45 for brunch or lunch and $30–$90 for three-plus courses at dinner. As of press time, participating restaurants were still TBD, but past participants have been located both in San Francisco neighborhoods such as Union Square and Chinatown as well as outlying Bay Area towns.
April 11: Battle of the Brews, Santa Rosa
The one-day festival at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa celebrates both global and California craft beers. Check out the juried competition, dubbed The Craft Cup, then cast your own vote at the main event, where craft beer fans pick their favorites among dozens of breweries.
April 11: Chico BrewFest, Chico
The Butte County town of Chico is the home of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., a pioneer in the craft-beer movement. This festival goes beyond the hometown roots, however, offering tastes of more than 40 beers from 20-plus breweries, like FiftyFifty Brewing from Truckee. Proceeds benefit a wide range of local charities.
April 11–12, 18–19: Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, San Francisco
This party boasts of being the largest cherry blossom festival in the U.S. outside of Washington, D.C. The two weekends in San Francisco’s Japantown also feature a full schedule of food, music, and bonsai exhibits.
Another nice spot for cherry blossoms this time of year is Filoli in nearby San Mateo County. The estate’s garden and orchard have weeping cherry blossom trees that are more than a century old, as well as blossoming crabapple, pear, peach, nectarine, and plum trees.
April 12: Santa Rosa Symphony’s Celebrate America, Rohnert Park
Start your observance of the America250 Celebration at this family-friendly, afternoon concert at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center. The program features American classics such as Copland’s “Hoe-Down,” Joplin’s “The Entertainer,” and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” as well as sing-alongs of “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
April 13–19: Kamome Festival, Crescent City
This annual festival celebrates the special relationship that the North Coast town of Crescent City shares with Rikuzentakata, Japan. The sister-city status goes back to 2013, when an empty boat from a Rikuzentakata high school named Kamome washed up on the shores of Crescent City and was rehabbed by local high school students.
These days, the Del Norte County town typically celebrates with a Japanese-themed restaurant week and free activities such as a guided historic tsunami walking tour and a shinrin-yoku-certified forest bathing event in Redwood National Park.
April 16–19: Godwit Days Spring Migration Birding Festival, Arcata
Come to this Humboldt County town to welcome the spring migration of the marbled godwit—just one of the many diverse bird species that traverse the Pacific Flyway. Take part in guided birding trips and workshops and find out who’s been awarded Bird of the Year.
April 17–19: Red Bluff Round-Up, Red Bluff
Watch roping and riding at one of the biggest rodeos in the nation. The weekend in Tehama County includes classic competitions, legends of professional rodeo, and the Wild Ride, the Sunday event where cowboys dress in costumes while attempting eight seconds on the back of a bucking horse.
April 17–26: Kool April Nites, Redding
Immerse yourself in car culture at this Redding event that includes an all-can-join cruise, a Big Show, and smaller “show and shine” events most other days. There are fun family activities, too, like pancake breakfasts and drive-in movies.
April 18: Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival, Petaluma
Join in as the Sonoma County town of Petaluma celebrates its rich agricultural heritage at this annual party, more than 40 years running. Besides a classic parade and food, the festivities include beer and wine gardens, kids’ zones, and cheeky competitions such as Cutest Little Chick and a cow-chip-throwing contest.
Each year, the festival also recognizes a deserving local citizen as that year’s Good Egg. This year’s theme is “America’s Birthday, Petaluma Style.”
April 18: UC Davis Picnic Day, Davis
This annual event started as an open house for a new dairy barn in 1909, but now is a big party showcasing the esteemed university in Davis. It’s great for prospective students or anyone nostalgic for their own college days, with its parade, picnicking, and quirky activities like the Doxie Derby and the Battle of the Marching Bands.
April 23–May 3: Taste of the Peninsula, San Mateo County
Explore the culinary landscape of San Mateo County at this week of special prix fixe menus at hundreds of restaurants. The first half of the festival will focus on the San Francisco Peninsula’s “bayside” restaurants while the second half on the area’s “coastside.” Throughout the event, expect lots of recently caught seafood, authentic international cuisine, and creative fusion options.
April 24–26: Stags Leap District’s Vineyard to Vintner, Napa Valley
Enjoy “backstage” access at 15 heralded wineries and vineyards in Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District during this VIP-style festival. The weekend includes small vintner-hosted dinners, vineyard walks, seminars, and many tastings including new releases and library wines. Buy a ticket for either Saturday or Sunday, or a pass that covers Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday.
April 24–May 4: San Francisco International Film Festival, San Francisco
Founded in 1957, this San Francisco event is the longest-running film fest in the nation, offering a mix of international and domestic crowd-pleasers. The lineup of films is usually announced in late March; consider buying six-packs or 10-packs of tickets for the best value.
April 25: Rhododendron Parade, Eureka
Spring is peak rhododendron season in Humboldt County, when the bright red, pink, and white blossoms stand out beautifully against a backdrop of redwood trees. Head to downtown Eureka to see a parade of classic cars, floats, horses, tractors, and bands—all festooned with rhododendron blooms and other flowers.
April 25: Levi's GranFondo Cycling Event, Windsor
Ride through wine country at this Sonoma County event launched by Levi Leipheimer, the former pro cyclist and three-time Amgen Tour of California winner. The seven route options range from 8 to 138 miles and feature a variety of terrains, from flat wine country routes to a super-challenging ride on par with the toughest stretches of the Tour de France.
April 25: California Duck Days Festival, Davis
This annual event is a great excuse to check out the impressive, 25-square-mile Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, home to almost 200 species of birds. Explore the exhibits, attend a birding tour, meet adorable ducklings, and learn duck calls.
April 26: Opening Day on the Bay, San Francisco
Head to The Presidio to witness 100-plus decorated boats gliding by in this annual tradition that goes back to 1917. The all-boats-welcome parade—organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association—starts off the shore of Crissy Field in the Presidio, and traverses the city's waterfront to the Fort Mason building. This year's theme is "Myths & Legends," which celebrates the folklore of maritime history.
April 25–26: Chico Wildflower Ride & Festival, Chico
See this year’s bloom while riding through Butte County: This annual cycling event offers routes ranging from 12 to 100 miles.
Central California
All month: Ojai Pixie Tangerine Month, Ojai
April is peak harvest season for pixies—the small, super-sweet tangerine produced by 40 growers in the Ventura County town of Ojai. Pick up the fresh fruit at local stores such as Friend’s Ranch Packing House and Rainbow Bridge Natural Foods Market, or enjoy pixie-infused cuisine, spa treatments, and merch at participating businesses around town. The month brings deals at hotels too, including the Ojai Valley Inn.
April 9–12: Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Pebble Beach
This acclaimed culinary event in Pebble Beach features themed lunches, dinners, tasting tours, seminars, and even a VIP golf tournament. The lineup of talent and makers includes 135 chefs and 150 wineries as well as mixologists and sommeliers. This year’s culinary headliners include Antonia Lofaso and Oliver Ridgeway. Book tickets for individual events or get a package that bundles in several experiences.
April 11: Ventura County Farm Day, Camarillo
Explore the bounty of Ventura County through a variety of farm tours and other ag-themed activities in or around Camarillo. Check out the map of participating farms which typically include tractor rides at Prancer’s Farm in Oxnard or olive oil tasting at Ojai Olive Oil.
You can also take a self-guided walking tour of agricultural-themed murals in the Heritage Valley community of Santa Paula.
April 11–12: Whalefest Monterey, Monterey
Celebrate Earth Day early at this weekend event dedicated to helping protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and held at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey. There will be interactive exhibits, live music, and research and rescue boat tours, as well as appearances by “Dee” the inflatable humpback whale. Admission is free.
April 11–12, 22–26: Clovis Big Hat Days & Clovis Rodeo, Clovis
Each spring, the Fresno County town of Clovis embraces its cowboy heritage, starting with a longtime street fair in Old Town Clovis known as Big Hat Days (April 11–12). Enjoy the food and craft vendors, a beer garden, and live music (wearing a 10-gallon hat is optional). From April 22–26, take part in the classic Clovis Rodeo, which includes a lineup of bull riding, roping events, and concerts.
April 12: Santa Barbara Kite Festival, Santa Barbara
April is National Kite Month, and the Central Coast city of Santa Barbara offers a particularly lovely setting for this one-day celebration—a giant meadow at Santa Barbara City College. Activities include the traditional children’s kite-tail chase and contests for Most Beautiful Kite, Funniest Kite, and Most Unflyable Kite.
April 16–19: Monterey Sea Otter Classic, Monterey
This Central Coast cycling event is considered the kick-off of the North American cycling season, attracting more than 10,000 athletes—including pros as well as national, world, and Olympic champions. Watch athletes compete in mountain bike, cross country, dual slalom, road, and cyclocross events, and join in the fun during non-competitive recreational events for all ages.
April 19: Celebration of the Whales, Oxnard
Salute the migrating whales along the Santa Barbara Channel—named a Whale Heritage Area—at this event at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Check out the family-friendly activities, chalk art, and a children’s fun zone, as well as the Channel Islands Maritime Museum and the “Gray Whale Migration Trail” that runs through Harbor View Park.
Southern California
April 3–4: Stand Up, Chow Down, Anaheim
Extend your April Fool’s Day observance in Anaheim with this debut festival that is part culinary and part comedy, held at venues around the Anaheim Packing District. The schedule includes separate-ticket comedy shows at various small venues as well as chef’s table dinners and tastings.
Some events include food while others just include easy access to the food hall options at the Anaheim Packing House. The full lineup is still in the works, but one headliner is Adam Ray (known for his Netflix special and roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Barbie).
April 4–12: PaleyFest, Los Angeles
TV nerds will love this sneak peek–style event featuring special episodes and meet-and-greets with TV stars and creators. This year’s event at the Dolby Theatre will feature star-studded panels celebrating Pluribus, Shrinking, Nobody Wants This, and a reunion of stars from Charlie’s Angels. Buy your tickets à la carte for each event: seats start at about $80, including fees.
April 10–19: Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Indio
While this epic music festival is technically sold out, don’t give up hope: You can still get on the waitlist for either weekend. Either way, you can always enjoy the region-wide party in the desert. Headliners on both weekends are Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, with supporting acts including The XX, The Strokes, and Iggy Pop.
Check out these hacks for making the most of Coachella, with or without a pass.
April 17–19: California Poppy Festival, Lancaster
See the state flower at its peak this month at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in the Los Angeles County town of Lancaster, then celebrate at the nearby AV Fair and Events Center. Activities include rides, live music, a beer garden, and live animal exhibits.
April 18–19: Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, Santa Clarita
Scoot your boots at this Western music festival in Santa Clarita, the L.A. County town that’s rich with both cowboy history and movie-location history. Check the schedule of more than 15 live acts of country, folk, and bluegrass music; at the festival, browse the Western fashion vendors and check out the Pioneer Corner’s lessons on wool-spinning, candle-making, and leather-stamping.
April 18–19: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Los Angeles
This two-day event on the University of Southern California campus features book sales, readings, signings, chats with authors, and musical performances. Check out the author lineup, which always features some literary stars.
Begins April 18: Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, San Diego
See more than 130 works of art from the personal collection of two notable San Diego residents—Alicia Keys and hip-hop producer Kasseem Dean (aka Swizz Beatz)—at this exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego.
Set against a soundtrack by Marvin Gaye, the exhibit at the La Jolla museum features 37 Black American and diasporic artists from around the world including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kwame Brathwaite, and Esther Mahlangu. Be sure to check out the debut of a large-scale piece by multi-media artist Mickalene Thomas. Runs through August 9.
April 24–26: La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, La Jolla
Ogle 150 rare and restored vehicles—including horseless carriages, European marques, and American classics—displayed on grassy oceanfront lawns at this event in La Jolla. The weekend also features live music and the free event Porsches & Power on Prospect—a lineup of 75 Porsches parked along La Jolla’s Prospect St.
April 24–26: Stagecoach Festival, Indio
After the rock fans have dispersed from Coachella, the Empire Polo Club in Indio welcomes country music fans for this three-day extravaganza. Headliners include Cody Johnson, Launey Wilson, and Post Malone, supported by genre-crossers such as Journey, Counting Crows, and Hootie & the Blowfish.
April 25–26: Panda Fest, San Diego
Taste Your way through this traveling Asian street food festival that includes this one stop in the Golden State. More than 80 vendors will set up at San Diego’s Waterfront Park with dishes from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. Between bites, browse the artisan crafts and watch cultural performances while kids can play in the panda bounce house.
April 29: New Arrivals at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland, Anaheim
May the Fourth arrives early at Disneyland Resort this year and lasts well beyond the day itself. Starting April 28, Disneyland Park will also host four Disneyland Star Wars Nites—separate ticket, after-hours events that include character sightings, themed menus, light saber lessons, and a Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade, an all-are-welcome cosplay parade along Main Street USA. Runs on select evenings through May 6.
On April 29, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will start introducing some of the original characters—such as Luke, Leia, and Darth Vader—to the area, as well as the familiar soundtrack by John Williams.