California Art Walks and Events List

There are many things to see and do, but one that inspires more than others is art. Cities have re-invigorated their downtown areas and blighted districts through art programs, and art walks were created as opportunities for the public, artists and friends to share. The events showcase art works and often include an entertainment element such as food, cocktails or even live musical entertainment to create sort of a living gallery presentation versus quiet, collected spaces at the most prominent California art galleries - Getty, Huntington, MOCA, SFMOMA, etc.

We've compiled a list of art walks in California, but like art, itself, the list is ever changing. With that in mind, please do call or check a referenced website to confirm before going!

California Art Walk List (all events subject to change!)

Pleasanton Art Walk

Monthly - 3rd Thursday
The Third Thursdays Merchant Arts Walk or Pleasanton Art Walk is a collaborative event bringing together local downtown merchants, arts groups and area artists. merchantarts.com

Capitola

Monthly - 1st Friday
First Friday Art Tour in Capitola Village. Visit various shops in Capitola Village for the First Friday Art Tour from 6–9 p.m. firstfridaysantacruz.com

Claremont

Monthly - 1st Friday
First Friday Artwalk is the Village's own art and music festival. On the First Friday of every month, Claremont Village showcases the talent of local artists, artisans and music. thevillageclaremont.com/vilcal.html

Los Angeles

Monthly - 2nd & Last Saturdays
Second and Last Saturday Pomona
Every month the Second and Last Saturday Art Walk brings big crowds to the streets. Over 25 galleries host exhibitions for their latest exhibits. Many shops and studios, plus restaurants involved in this event. metropomona.com/artwalk.php

San Pedro

First Thursday San Pedro ARTWalk
Nearly 40 shops participate in First Thursday San Pedro ARTWalk, downtown San Pedro's monthly event.
Art galleries, shops and restaurants are open till 9:00pm. Some restaurants hav... more
1stthursday.com

Downtown LA Art Walk
The Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk is a free event held every second Thursday afternoon and evening
in and around the Historic Core's Gallery Row neighborhood. For this one night ea... more
downtownartwalk.com

First Fridays Long Beach
The mission of First Fridays Long Beach is to promote and support local artists and musicians by
providing them with an outlet to showcase their work. Every first Friday night of t... more
firstfridayslongbeach.com

Second Saturday Art Walk Long Beach
The Second Saturday Art Walk Long Beach takes place around the streets of Ocean Blvd., Linden Ave,
First Street, Broadway and Elm. Linden Avenue is closed to traffic and transforme... more
artwalklb.com

Marin

Monthly
Second Friday Art Walk San Rafael
"Second Friday Art Walk" is an ongoing Art Walk for downtown San Rafael. Each month the galleries
and many retailers along Fourth Street will host artists and art work, featuring n... more
artworksdowntown.org

Mill Valley Art Walk
The Mill Valley Art Commission invites you to join us at one of our premier events, the First
Tuesday Art Walk. On the first Tuesday of every month, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m... more
millvalleylibrary.org

Monterey

Monthly
Salinas First Fridays Art Walk
On the first Friday of every month, from 5-8pm, the artistic pulse of Monterey County is located in
Salinas. Around 50 galleries, shops, restaurants and other organizations in a th... more
artistasunidos.org

Grass Valley
Monthly
Second Saturday Art & Wine Walk
Enjoy the sights and sounds of historic downtown Grass Valley while sampling some of the best wines
the Sierra Foothills has to offer and seeing a variety of works by talented loca... more
downtowngrassvalley.com

Laguna Beach
Monthly
Laguna Beach First Thursdays Art Walk
Join member galleries throughout Laguna Beach for Laguna Beach First Thursdays Art Walk. This
festive cultural gathering takes place on the first Thursday of every month ... more
firstthursdaysartwalk.com

Santa Ana Artwalk
Orange County's hippest new neighborhood invites you to stroll down the four blocks of the 2nd
Street Promenade from Broadway Avenue to Spurgeon Street on the First Saturday of EVE... more
santaanaartwalk.com

Huntington Beach
Pier Plaza Art Fair
The Art-A-Faire events are an arts and crafts event showcasing handmade original artwork every
Friday and select weekends throughout the year at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach. The... more
hbartafaire.com

Roseville

Monthly
Third Saturday Art Walk
During the third Saturday of every month, participating art venues keep their doors open from
6:00pm-9:00pm for visitors to enjoy an evening of fine art, music and refreshments.... more
3rdsatartwalk.com

Palm Springs
Monthly
El Paseo Artwalk 1st Friday Nov.-May
At the El Paseo Artwalk, art lovers can stroll and enjoy artist receptions, gallery hospitality, and
a festive atmosphere. Complimentary courtesy carts are available
elpaseoartwalk.com

Palm Springs VillageFest
Join thousands of visitors and locals in beautiful downtown Palm Springs for the valley's finest
event. Every Thursday evening, Downtown Palm Springs transforms into a divers
villagefest.org

Sacramento

Monthly
Second Saturday Sacramento
Every month, art galleries in the Sacramento area keep their doors open late and invite the public
to participate in the Second Saturday Art Walk. Visitors can grab a bite to eat. Sidewalk Sales and outdoor vending is allowed during Second Saturday Art Walk events without additional permits provided that the items sold/displayed, are the same items normally sold or displayed inside an adjacent fixed business location. A six foot pedestrian pathway must be maintained at all times.
2ndsaturdaysacramento.com

San Juan Bautista
San Juan Bautista Gallery Walk
You will be greeted by artists
and enjoy refreshments, music and affordable art in the "City of History."
san-juan-bautista.ca.us

San Diego

Monthly
Thursdays on the Coast
This event showcases artwork throughout Carlsbad Village and also presents live music entertainment.
"Thursdays on the Coast" is a monthly event that always falls on the last Thurs... more
shopcarlsbadvillage.org

Santa Barbara

Monthly
Santa Barbara Art Walk
First Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of
each month, participating galleries and art-related venues offer free access to ... more
downtownsb.org

OCEANSIDE
First Friday Art Walk
oceansideartwalk.org

Ventura
Monthly
Every month Ventura's fine art
venues come alive. This collection of fine art spaces aims to create an art experience
redbrickart.com

Davis
Monthly
Davis Second Friday ArtAbout
Second Friday ArtAbout is an evening of open galleries and artists' receptions each month on second
Fridays at art locales throughout Davis. All events are free and open to the pub... more
davisdowntown.com

Oxnard
Monthly

Oxnard Art Beat 5th & B Streets
A monthly showcase of art, music, dancing & dining in Downtown Oxnard.
Starting at 5pm, and going to closing time, Art Beat presents interactive cultural and entertainment experiences within a self-guided walking tour throughout Downtown every second Saturday of the month. oxnardartbeat.org

SALINAS - First Fridays Art Walk Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy an evening in Oldtown with art, music and attractions!
The Art Walk is presented by Artistas Unidos-Artists United and operates the first Friday of every month from 5pm-8pm--rain or shine.
Pick up a map to preview all attractions at any location in Oldtown Salinas. Call (831) 758-9126. artistasunidos.org

UKIAH - First Friday Art Walk N 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Enjoy local art through strolling from gallery to gallery in Downtown Ukiah. Ukiah is the home for so many creative and inspiring artists. You will find a wide variety of art; from photography to hand woven baskets, to ceramics and sculptures... art that you have to see it to believe. For more information about Art Walk Ukiah - First Fridays contact Art Center Ukiah ukiahmainstreetprogram.org

UPLAND - Location: Corner of 'A' Street and 3rd Avenue Over 20 different types of art will be on display for show and sale. ci.upland.ca.us

SPECIAL EVENTS:
FULLERTON - First Friday, 6 p.m. Downtown Fullerton fullertonartwalk.com
LAGUNA BEACH - http://firstthursdaysartwalk.com 1st Thursday
LONG BEACH - .artwalkonthebay.org 2nd Saturday East Village Arts District Downtown Long Beach Linden Ave. at Broadway, 4-10 p.m.
LOS ANGELES - Downtown L.A. Art Walk 2nd Thursday downtownartwalk.org Noon - 10 p.m.

OAKLAND - Saturday Strolls, every Saturday 1-5p.m. oaklandartmurmur.org
RIVERSIDE - 1st Thursday of every month, 6 - 9 p.m. riversideca.gov

The Riverside Arts Walk is a free monthly community event that celebrates the diversity of arts and culture in Riverside and the Inland Empire. Visit over 22 downtown locations, including museums, galleries and studios, presenting an eclectic mix of visual and performing arts. And either before or after, enjoy the many entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences that downtown Riverside has to offer.

SACRAMENTO 2nd Saturday Midtown & Downtown

The Second Saturday Sacramento Art Walk each month Between 6pm to 9pm


San Anselmo - Every Third Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Mill Valley - First Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.



Davis - Second Friday of each month from approx. 7PM to 9PM

Placer Valley - Third Saturday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Winters - First Saturday before the Sacramento and Davis events


ANNUAL
LIVERMORE - Artwalk Livermore artwalklivermore.org
LOS ANGELES - Brewery Artwalk
Spring 2012 " March 31 & April 1
11am - 6pm
2100 N Main St, LA, CA 90031 Artbreweryartwalk.com
SAN DIEGO - Mission Federal ArtWalk Little Italy, San Diego
April 28 & 29, 2012 11 AM - 6PM FREE Admission missionfederalartwalk.org
SAN DIEGO - Art Walk on the Bay September 22 & 23, 2012 10 AM - 5 PM Hilton San Diego Bayfront Park artwalkonthebay.org