California Events
Balboa Island Artwalk, 90 artists, 4 stages of music, free
Sunday, May 18, 2025
AGOURA HILLS: Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival May 18, 2025 at Paramount Ranch. Southern California's favorite tradition for 60+ years. Contests, jamming, featured performers, folk dancing, flat-foot dancing, clogging, children's activities, story tellers, hand-made crafts, workshops, food trucks (or bring your own), and exhibits. $, topangabanjofiddle.org | bluegrass
ANAHEIM: Orange County Greek Festival May 16-18, 2025. Location: St. John Greek Orth. Church, 405 N. Dale Street Anaheim, CA. ocgreekfest.com
ANGELS CAMP: Jumping Frog Jubilee & County Fair May 15-18, 2025 Ropin' Teams and Cowboy Dreams is theme 101 Frogtown Road Angels Camp, California frogtown.org
ANTIOCH: Contra Costa County Fair May 15-18, 2025. $, contracostafair.com
BALBOA ISLAND: Balboa Island Artwalk May 18, 2025, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on South Bayfront. 30th Annual Balboa Island Artwalk features more than a mile of Art & Live Music, featuring 90 artists, and 4 stages of bands and musicians. Free, balboaislandartwalk.info
BEVERLY HILLS: Beverly Hills Art Show May 17-18, 2025, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Beverly Hills Art Show at Beverly Hills Garden Park, Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Free admission, beverlyhills.org
BREA: Brea Bonanza Days Country Music Festival
May 16-18, 2025
Downtown Brea
210 W. Birch Street
Brea, CA Free, $40 approx. VIP reserved seating area close to stage, breadowntown.com
CARMEL: Carmel Art Festival May 16-18, 2025 at Devendorf Park & adjacent Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. Admission is FREE, carmelartfestivalcalifornia.com
CASTRO VALLEY: Rowell Ranch Rodeo May 16-18, 2025 with special events Pro & Celebrity Team Sorting and BBQ, at Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park and Team Roping. Bull Riding; PRCA Rodeo; Queen Contest | Chili Cook-Off | Parade | Team Penning & BBQ | Cowgirl Picnic | Team Roping | Rockin' Bull Bash | Rowell Ranch PRCA Rodeo. | Location: 9711 Dublin Canyon Blvd. rowellranchrodeo.com rodeo
CHOWCHILLA: Chowchilla-Madera County Fair "There's Magic in the Fair" May 15-18, 2025 bringing back the fun! Lots of rides, good entertainment, your favorite foods and of course the Deep Pit BBQ. Let Freedom Ring with Motor Sports Kart Racing and Barnyard Scramble, Truck & Tractor Pulls, and concert. Cupcakes, Chili, Salsa, and Miss Madera County & Little Miss Madera County Pageant and Tommyhawk Contest. Location: 1000 S. Third Street Chowchilla, CA $, chowchillafair.org
ENCINITAS: Cyclovia Encinitas May 18, 2025, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. South Coast Highway 101 is closed to traffic from D Street to J Street, giving cyclists, skateboarders and pedestrians a safe and fun way to explore downtown Encinitas. Free, encinitas.gov
FRESNO: California Bridal & Wedding Expo May 18, 2025, 1-5 p.m. at Fresno Fairgrounds. Agricultural Building Location: 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno, CA. $, fresnofair.com
IRWINDALE: The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire Saturdays and Sundays April 5-May 18, 2025, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area. Themed RENNCON Weekend April 26 & 27, 2025 draws inspiration from the sci-fi scene, anime, comics and fairy tales. General admission $40 + $12 parking, renfair.com
KING CITY: Salinas Valley Fair May 15-18, 2025. There's monkeys, a magician, pig racing, concerts, wrestling, 4H, petting zoo, junior livestock auction, carnival, midway and Location: 625 Division Street King City, CA. $12 approx., $20 parking, salinasvalleyfair.com
MANHATTAN BEACH: Tour de Pier, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Manhattan Beach Pier. Overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean ride a stationary bike through a 50-minute session with energizing music and loads of entertainment to benefit Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research; Cancer Support Community South Bay and the Uncle Kory Foundation for Brain Cancer Research. Location: 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Registration on site: $, tourdepier.com
NEWPORT BEACH: Field of Honor May 16-26, 2025, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Castaways Park. Location: 700 Dover Drive at 16th Street Newport Beach, CA Free, exchangeclubofnewportharbor.com
OAKLAND: Greek Festival May 16-18, 2025 at Greek Orthodox Cathedral Location: 4700 Lincoln Ave. Oakland Hills, below Highway 13. $, oaklandgreekfestival.com | Greek
ORLAND: Glenn County Fair "Ribbons & Rides" May 15-18, 2025 . Alaskan Pig Races, Strung Nugget Band, Jeremy the Juggler, Destruction Derby (Sat. $ extra), along with carnival rides, concerts and livestock galore! $10 approx., glenncountyfair.org
PENN VALLEY: Penn Valley Rodeo May 17-18, 2025 at Penn Valley Rodeo Grounds. Location: 10513 Spenceville Rd., Penn Valley, CA. $, pvrodeo.com | rodeos
PLACERVILLE: Golden Road Gathering May 16-18, 2025 at El Dorado County Fairgrounds. 3 days of indie, roots, alt and more. Camping options available. Location: 100 Placerville Drive Placerville, CA $199 pass-up, approx. goldenroadgathering.com | lineup
POMONA: Los Angeles County Fair "Art Unleashed" May 2-26, 2025. Spotlight on all things creative with 2025 theme. Art Unleashed: home arts, culinary arts, visual arts, performing arts, fine arts and the art of having fun in the "Mullet Throwdown" hairstyle contest. There's still livestock, a carnival, vendors, foods and more. Open Thurs.-Sunday plus Memorial Day. Location: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA. $18.50-27.50 pre or $32 gate + parking $22.50 pre or $26 gate, lacountyfair.com
PORTERVILLE: Porterville Fair May 14-18, 2025 "It's Udderly Delightful" at the Fairgrounds. Good ol' fashion fun with animals, contests, carnival, concerts and food galore! Location: 2700 West Teapot Dome (Ave 128), Porterville, CA. $12, portervillefair.com
VENTURA: California Strawberry Festival May 17-18, 2025, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at Ventura County Fairgrounds. Location: 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001. $15 general admission, castrawberryfestival.org
Past events
Summer Concerts:
Mountain View Concerts on the Plaza
Concord Summer Concerts Series
Temecula Summer Nights Free Concert Series
Redwood City Music on the Square Summer Concert Series
San Francisco Free Summer Concerts Golden Gate Park
AVALON: 37th Annual Avalon Silent Film Showcase May 17-18, 2024 under the stars in the Catalina Museum's Ackerman Family Amphitheater, 217 Metropole Ave, Avalon on Catalina Island, CA. Featuring live musical accompaniment by renowned pianist and composer, Michael Mortilla. $25, catalinamuseum.org
BEVERLY HILLS: Friends of Robinson Garden Tour and Floral Decor Extravaganza May 18, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Annual Into the Garden benefit showcasing three private gardens as well as tours of the Virginia Robinson estate in Beverly Hills. Location: 1008 Elden Way Beverly Hills, CA $350, robinsongardens.org
BIG BEAR LAKE: Big Bear Lake Maifest May 18, 2024, 1-8 p.m. and May 25 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 26 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Maifest takes place under the majestic pines with sizzling bratwursts, homemade sauerkraut, fresh pretzels, apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce, beers, a German band, log-sawing contests, stein-holding competitions, a balloon artist, kids' activities, vendors and the chicken dance. Location: Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA. $8-16, bigbearevents.com or call 909-585-3000.
BREA: Brea Bonanza Days Country Music Festival
May 17-19, 2024
Downtown Brea
210 W. Birch Street
Brea, CA Free, $35 VIP reserved seating area close to stage, breadowntown.com
CARMEL: Carmel Art Festival May 17-19, 2024. Location: Devendorf Park & adjacent Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. Admission is FREE. carmelartfestivalcalifornia.com
CASTRO VALLEY: Rowell Ranch Rodeo May 17-19, 2024 with special events Pro & Celebrity Team Sorting and BBQ, at Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park and Team Roping. Bull Riding; PRCA Rodeo; Queen Contest | Chili Cook-Off | Parade | Team Penning & BBQ | Cowgirl Picnic | Team Roping | Rockin' Bull Bash | Rowell Ranch PRCA Rodeo. | Location: 9711 Dublin Canyon Blvd. rowellranchrodeo.com rodeo
CHICO: K-9 Classic 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at DeGarmo Park. Bring your furry four-legged friends to the 3rd Annual K-9 Classic! Enter your pup into the Mutt Strut and show off their skills. Pets (and their humans) are encouraged to wear costumes. Stay for the food, games, K-9 demonstrations, and much more! Location: 3428 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95973 chicorec.gov
COLUMBIA: Diggins Tent Town 1852, May 16-19, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. near Main parking lot, Diggins Tent Town. Over 150 volunteers help recreate the Gold Rush era featuring the life of a miner, merchants, actors/actresses, and more, sponsored by Friends of Columbia State Historic Park. $10, $2 ages 5-12 years, friendsofcolumbiashp.com
EL CERRITO: Tea Party May 18, 2024, 1-3 p.m. Bring your own tea cup, afternoon tea party attire strongly encouraged! Location: El Cerrito Community Center - Main Hall, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito, CA. Tickets: $10, el-cerrito.org
EL MONTE: Water Safety Day Concert with Blue Breeze Band, May 18, 2024, 6-9 p.m. Poolside. at El Monte Aquatics Center. Location: 11001 Mildred St., El Monte, CA. bluebreezeband.com
FOUNTAIN VALLEY: Crawfish Festival May 17-19, 2024 at Mile Square Park Sports Park. $ crawfishfestival.com
FRAZIER PARK: Pine Mountain Club Lilac Festival May 18-19, 2024 Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday Parade at 11 a.m. Los Padres National Forest Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce 16200 Mill Potrero Hwy Frazier Park, CA Free Admission & Parking! pmclilacfestival.com
FREEPORT: Walk on the Wildside May 18, 2024, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Outdoor Festival at the Bufferlands. Free admission, sacsewer.com/event/walk-on-the-wildside
FULLERTON: Evil Dead The Musical April 5-May 18, 2024, Fridays-Sundays at The Maverick Theater. There's a cabin in the woods where five college students accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them into demons in a fun, entertaining musical for ages 21+. Location: 110 E. Walnut, Fullerton, CA. $20-55, mavericktheater.com or (714) 526-7070.
GLENDORA: Culture Fest May 18, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Glendora Ave. south of Foothill Blvd. Celebrate the traditions, food and performances from around the world. Free, cityofglendora.org
GRASS VALLEY: Armed Forces Day & Fly-In at the Airport 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Nevada County Airport. Over 100 aircraft will be on display. Military flyovers scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a CAL FIRE open house, food trucks, drinks, music, and more! Location: 13083 John Bauer Ave., Grass Valley, CA. Parking and a free shuttle for the event are located at 12548 Loma Rics Dr., Grass Valley Free, nevadacountyca.gov
GRIDLEY: Red Suspenders Day May 18, 2024, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Pancake breakfast, Parade & Street faire, Car show, Vendors, Food Trucks, Live music, Fireman games. have your picture taken with Princesses, your favorite Hero, Kids Scavenger hunt...Unjustice Court is May 17, 2024 Free admission, gridleyareachamber.org
HEALDSBURG: Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience May 16-19, 2024. Celebrate the Makers to support the rich local agricultural culture of Sonoma County, including farmers and farmworkers, as well as Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. $, healdsburgwineandfood.com | wine
HEALDSBURG: Perfume Rose Harvest Mar 18, 2024, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Russian River Rose Company. Perfume Rose Harvest (First 3 weeks of May) Visit California's only Perfume Rose Fields- Immerse yourself in the scent of hundreds of specially selected roses from Bulgaria, France and Persia. $10 Per Person By Appointment only. Location: 1685 Magnolia Drive, Healdsburg, CA. Call (707) 433-7455 for reservations, russian-river-rose.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH: AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) 2024 Pro Series Huntington Beach Open May 17-19, 2024 at Huntington Beach Pier. General Admission is FREE, avp.com
KING CITY: Salinas Valley Fair "Golden Hills and Fair Time Thrills" May 16-19, 2024. There's monkeys, a magician, pig racing, concerts, wrestling, 4H, petting zoo, junior livestock auction, carnival, midway and Location: 625 Division Street King City, CA. $12, $20 parking, salinasvalleyfair.com
KINGSBURG: Swedish Festival May 16-18, 2024. Downtown Draper Street Chamber of Commerce kingsburgchamber.com Free
LA JOLLA: Secret Garden Tour May 18, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stroll behind the garden gates of some of La Jolla's loveliest, secluded gardens, normally concealed from view by strategic growth of mature trees, vines or foliage. The Tour aims to feature a variety of garden styles. 780 Prospect San Diego, CA $55-65, lajollahistory.org
LA MIRADA: Buccaneer Bay Preview Day May 15, 2024, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for season pass holders. Pool opens to public May 25, 2024. cityoflamirada.org
LINDEN: Linden Cherry Festival May 18, 2024. Celebrate the local cherry harvest with food, live entertainment, vendors and activities. lindenchamber.net
LIVINGSTON: Splash of Color Run 5K Fun Run/Walk. Six color stops on the route and the event is kicked off with a color blast party at Memorial Park! $20-30, runsignup.com or facebook.com/ livingstoncarecreation/
LONG BEACH: Long Beach Pride Festival May 18-19, 2024 includes ticketed, two-day festival with non-stop entertainment, and free Sunday morning parade.
LOS ANGELES: Bug Fair May 18-19, 2024, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The Jungle Nymph Walking Stick is the featured insect, among crawly creatures you can interact with, along with giant bee puppets; insect-focused cooking demos and view A Real Bug’s Life by National Geographic. Location: 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA. $18 general admission, nhm.org/bugfair
LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles County Yarn Crawl May 17-19, 2024. Welcoming new crafters and seasoned veterans to browse yarn shops and exploring the fiber arts all while creating friendships, inspiring creativity, projects, and memories. Location: yarn shops throughout L.A., layarncrawl.org
MALIBU: Malibu International Film Festival May 18, 2024 showcases the best in American and international cinema. The Festival schedule includes free outdoor screenings, parties, receptions and other special events. malibufilmfestival.org filmfreeway.com/malibu Malibu Film Festival
MARYSVILLE: Dinner in the Orchard, 5:30 p.m. at Johl Orchards. Evening of family-style farm-fresh cuisine, unique wines, hand crafted signature cocktails & live music. Location: 11151 CA-70, Marysville, CA 95901. $, mysoroptimist.org/dinner-in-the-orchard
MONROVIA: Monrovia Days May 16-19, 2024. Concert in Library Park celebrating Monrovia's Birthday with Pie Eating Contest, game booths and activities in the park for the entire family. Location: Monrovia Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA. Cost: Free. cityofmonrovia.org
MILLBRAE: Millbrae Arts & Crafts Show May 17-18, 2024 at Millbrae Recreation Center. Hours: May 17, 6-9 p.m. & May 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: 477 Lincoln Cir., Millbrae, CA. Free admission, ci.millbrae.ca.us
PENN VALLEY: Penn Valley Rodeo May 17-18, 2024 at Penn Valley Rodeo Grounds. Location: 10513 Spenceville Rd., Penn Valley, CA. $, pvrodeo.com | rodeos
PETALUMA: American Graffiti Fest May 16-18, 2024 americangraffiti.net
PALMDALE: High Desert Beer and Wine Festival May 18, 2024, 6-10 p.m. at Palmdale Amphitheater. An epic evening of brews, vino and righteous tunes. Location: 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale, CA. $53, palmdaleamphitheater.com
PASADENA: Just Like Heaven May 18, 2024, 12 p.m. at The Rose Bowl. Indie rock and electro dance back together for one Location: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA $189-up, rosebowlstadium.com
PASO ROBLES: Wine Festival May 16-19, 2024 Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival includes 70+ wineries, Winemaker Dinners, Reserve Events and Winemaker Seminars. Grand Tasting at Paso Robles Event Center May 18, 2024 ($165-250), 12-4:30 p.m. Other events $, pasowine.com | wine
PETALUMA: American Graffiti Fest May 16-18, 2024 americangraffiti.net
POLLOCK PINES: Mountain Vibe Music Festival May 16-19, 2024. Location: Robbs Resort, 14216 Ice House Road, Pollock Pines, CA. $, mountainvibemusic.com | lineup
REDDING: Redding Rodeo May 15-18, 2024. Redding Rodeo Grounds - Arena Redding CA $15-up, reddingrodeo.com | rodeo
REDWOOD CITY: Strictly Sail Pacific May 16-19, 2024 at Westpoint Harbor. This is billed as the West Coast's largest "All Sailboats" show! Location: 101 Westpoint Harbor Drive, Redwood City, CA. $15, pacificboatshow.com | boats
SACRAMENTO: Country in the Park May 17-18, 2024 at Cal Expo's Miller Light Grandstand. Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA. $85 + $ parking, calexpostatefair.com
SAN CARLOS: San Carlos Hometown Days Festival and Parade, May 17-19, 2024 sancarloshometowndays.com
SAN CLEMENTE: San Clemente Garden Club Garden Tour May 18, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Self-guided tour of several gardens in San Clemente. $35, sanclementegardenclub.com
SANTA BARBARA: Picnic in the Theatre Garden 2-4 p.m. at Ganna Walska Lotusland. Insectary Garden is in bloom and Brian Kinsella performs tunes. Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy live music in the Theatre Garden. Location: Cold Springs Road near Sycamore Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA. $90, $25 age 3-17 years, lotusland.org
SANTA BARBARA: Chocolate De Vine May 18, 2024, 4-7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. Sample delicious appetizers, desserts and California wines, marvel at the judged competition of chocolate creations by talented chefs and bid on items at the live auction to benefit Standing Together to End Sexual Assault. STESA offers a 24-hour hotline, crisis and long-term counseling, self-defense programs, and sexual assault prevention education programs regardless of ability to pay. Location: 1535 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Cost: $100 pre-purchased from the website, $125 at the door, chocolatedevine.org
SOLANA BEACH: Fiesta del Sol music festival May 18-19, 2024 at Fletcher Cove Beach Park. Location: 111 S Sierra Ave Solana Beach, CA. Free, fiestadelsol.net
TEMECULA: Balloon & Wine Festival May 17-19, 2024 at Lake Skinner County Park. Headliners Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stone Temple Pilots and George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Winchester, CA $80-up, tvbwf.com
THOUSAND OAKS: McCrea Ranch Cowboy Cookout and Ranch Tour May 18, 2024, 4-8 p.m. Location: 4500 N. Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA. $100, crpd.org/reg
TORRANCE: Armed Forces Day Festival May 17-19, 2024 back full force. Friday you can see a free military band concert and military displays. You must get tickets for the free concert. torranceca.gov
VENTURA: California Strawberry Festival May 18-19, 2024, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 W. Harbor Blvd. Ventura, CA 93001 $15 general admission, castrawberryfestival.org
WEED: Weed Steampunk May 18-19, 2024 Costume Contest, Gadget & Invention Competition, Live Music, Food, Beer for sale and Vendors. facebook.com/ weedchamberofcommerce
WOODLAND: Back to the Street Car Show 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Downtown Woodland. Free admission event includes 350 classics lining downtown as guests stroll, savor the foods available for purchase and soak up the entertainment. Free to see, woodlandstreetcruisers.com
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.