California Events
Huntington Beach Events
include a calendar of beach-oriented parades, festivals, concerts and celebrations that are primarily free to attend, and are seldom rained out thanks to the semi-desert climate where the average rainfall doesn't generally exceed 12 inches in a year. See events for more California cities
The top Beach Events include 4th of July and US Open of Surfing.
The year-round activity that you'll see each Tuesday is called Surf City Nights. It is a street fair with a Farmer's Market, food vendors, live entertainment and arts, crafts and clothes sold. In addition, the city also features a Farmer's Market at the beach each Friday.
Surf City Splash January 1, Noon
To launch the year on Jan. 1 (New Year's Day) there's a Huntington Beach Polar Plunge. Participants pay a fee and get a certificate for running into the cold Pacific Ocean near the Huntington Beach Pier. It is lots of fun and certainly a refreshing way to celebrate the new year.
Super Bowl Sunday Marathon
On Super Bowl Sunday in February the city hosts an annual marathon, Huntington Beach Surf City Marathon. The streets are closed and participants (around 20,000) go along the oceanfront course inland to Central Park, then back to the beach again to finish the race near downtown Huntington Beach. Shorter runs are available such as the Huntington Beach Marathon 5k Run and a two day Huntington Beach Marathon Expo provides vendor sales of running gear for athletes.
In March you'll enjoy the Beachcruiser Woodie Meet, and Kite Connection's Kite Festival.
March or April includes the Easter Bunny Egg Hunt in Central Park sponsored by the Kiwanis. Thousands of children and parents show up to run and pick up candy.
Mother's Day Weekend Art Festival Sunset Beach
In May the Duck-a-thon, and Sunset Beach Mother's Day Weekend Art Festival are two popular hits you won't want to miss.
June includes lots of surfing competitions.
4th of July Parade - Largest Parade west of Mississippi starts at 10 a.m. at Main & Pacific Coast Highway, Goes up Main St. 2 hours long. Fireworks at city beach at 9 p.m.
July is the big Independence Day Festival, Celebration and Parade. The largest west of the Mississippi is held on July 4, and fireworks are launched from the Huntington Beach Pier at 9 p.m. at night.
US Open of Surfing Beach Games Festival - Last week in July - First week in August (goes 9 days)
In August the beach is the epicenter of action with huge attendance on warm sunny days. The festival is a parade of people coming to enjoy the warm sand, sunshine, surfing shops, foods and fun.
September - October Huntington Beach Air Show
things relax back into a slower pace after a loud boom & applause at the Civil War Encampment at Central Park on Labor Day Weekend.
October 31
October brings the Halloween on Main Street event on October 31. There are several trick-or-treat celebrations at Seacliff Shopping Center, Bella Terra mall and downtown HB, which has the petting zoo, bounce houses and street closure.
First weekend in December
December includes the Light of Love Parade fundraiser for the Youth Shelter, and a Tree Lighting ceremony in Downtown Huntington Beach. There's also an annual fundraiser, Cruise of Lights where visitors can hop aboard a yacht and take a tour of the lighted waterways of Huntington Harbour during Christmas.
For more calendar events, see Huntington Beach Events calendar.
Huntington Beach Festivals and Events
Kite Party at Huntington Beach Pier
Surf City Marathon Super Bowl Sunday
Huntington Beach Marathon 5k 1Mile Run
Huntington Beach Marathon Expo
Think there's nothing to do? Huntington Beach exemplifies the fantastic festivals and events lining the California coast each and every year. Explore the world. Enjoy the sea. Beach travel is the way to go -- especially when visiting Huntington Beach!