August is one of the best months to explore California before summer comes to an end. Beaches are buzzing, wineries are in full swing, and communities across the state celebrate with music festivals, food fairs, cultural events, and outdoor adventures. If you are planning a California getaway this month, these events are worth adding to your calendar.
1. Laguna Art A Fair, Laguna Beach: Throughout August
Discover paintings, sculptures, photography, glass art, woodwork, and handmade crafts created by talented local artists. Visitors can also enjoy live music, artist demonstrations, and workshops throughout this month-long Laguna Beach tradition.
2. World Dog Surfing Championship, Pacifica: August 1
Some of California’s most talented four-legged surfers hit the waves at Linda Mar Beach during this fun annual competition. Watch dogs of all sizes compete and browse pet-friendly vendors by the Pacific Ocean.
3. Stuck in Lodi Classic Car Show, Lodi: August 1
Downtown Lodi will be filled with more than 300 classic cars during this popular annual event. Walk historic streets, meet car enthusiasts, enjoy local food vendors, shop for unique merchandise, and admire beautifully restored vintage vehicles throughout the day.
4. The Tevis Cup, Palisades Tahoe: August 1
One of the world’s toughest horse endurance rides takes competitors across 100 miles of rugged Sierra Nevada trails. Spectators can watch portions of the race near Palisades Tahoe and experience this legendary California sporting tradition.
5. Summer Harvest Days at Apple Hill, Placerville: August 2–3
Apple Hill celebrates summer with berry picking, flower fields, homemade pies, fresh fruit slushies, live music, and family activities. Several local farms participate including Harris Family Farm. All Apple Hill farms will have a red Apple Hill logo so be on the lookout for that.
6. Art in the Gardens, Fort Bragg: August 1–2
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens becomes an outdoor art gallery featuring paintings, jewelry, photography, woodworking, and local crafts. Wander through blooming gardens while enjoying live music, food vendors, wine, and beautiful coastal scenery.
7. Summer Series at Presidio Tunnel Tops, San Francisco: August 1 & 16
Presidio Tunnel Tops hosts free family events throughout the summer. August features a celebration of Latin culture followed by the Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival, bringing music, performances, and community gatherings to this waterfront park.
8. Hollister Concert Series, Hollister: August 1 & 22
Spend an evening at Guerra Cellars Winery listening to tribute bands while enjoying local wine, craft beer, food trucks, and beautiful vineyard views. August 1 will feature Spazmatics & The Neverland Band and August 22 will feature Bruno Mars & Pink Tributes.
9. Music in the Vineyards, Napa: August 2–23
Enjoy classical chamber music performed at beautiful Napa Valley wineries throughout August. Some concerts include wine tastings, special dinners, and opportunities to meet the musicians while surrounded by some of California’s most scenic vineyards.
10. Old Spanish Fiesta Days, Santa Barbara: August 5–9
Santa Barbara celebrates its Spanish and Mexican heritage with colorful parades, rodeos, flamenco dancing, cultural performances, local markets, and authentic food. This historic festival has been one of the city’s biggest traditions for more than 100 years.
11. Downieville Classic, Downieville: August 6–9
Mountain biking takes center stage during this exciting weekend in California’s Lost Sierra. Watch elite riders compete, explore vendor booths, enjoy live entertainment, and experience one of America’s toughest downhill mountain bike races.
12. Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival, San Francisco: August 7–9
Golden Gate Park hosts one of California’s biggest music festivals featuring world-famous artists, local restaurants, wine, beer, cocktails, and impressive art installations.
13. San Jose Jazz SummerFest, San Jose: August 7–9
This long-running festival showcases everything from traditional jazz to Latin, blues, funk, and soul. Performances take place across multiple stages in downtown San Jose, creating an exciting weekend filled with outstanding live music.
14. Monterey Car Week & Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Monterey & Pebble Beach: August 7–16
Car enthusiasts travel from around the world to admire luxury automobiles, rare classics, exciting auctions, and exclusive exhibitions. You’ll enjoy seeing some of the world’s most impressive vehicles in a beautiful coastal setting.
15. Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club Contest, Oceanside: August 7–9
Watch professional and amateur surfers compete using classic longboards during this popular Southern California surfing competition. While visiting, stop by the California Surf Museum to learn more about the state’s rich surfing history.
16. Splash House Music Festival, Greater Palm Springs: August 7–9 & 14–16
Palm Springs turns into one big pool party during Splash House. Enjoy live DJs, electronic music, rooftop events, and after-parties across several resort hotels while soaking up the sunny desert atmosphere all weekend long.
17. Benicia Peddlers Fair, Benicia: August 8
Browse antiques, collectibles, vintage furniture, artwork, jewellery, and rare treasures during this beloved street fair. Historic downtown Benicia welcomes vendors from across the country, making it one of Northern California’s best antique shopping events.
18. Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest, Palisades Tahoe: August 8
Spend the afternoon sampling craft beer while listening to live jazz and funk performances in the scenic Palisades Tahoe Village. Local breweries, mountain views, and family-friendly activities make this a popular summer festival.
19. San Diego Brew Festival, San Diego: August 8
Taste beers from more than 70 breweries while enjoying food trucks and live entertainment at Liberty Station. This popular festival is one of the best places to experience San Diego’s world-famous craft beer scene.
20. Gravenstein Apple Fair, Sebastopol: August 8–9
Celebrate Sonoma County’s famous Gravenstein apples with fresh-baked pies, cider, local food, artisan vendors, children’s activities, and live music. It’s one of the first opportunities each year to enjoy California’s apple harvest season.
21. Pistahan Parade & Festival, San Francisco: August 8–9
Celebrate Filipino culture at this free festival in Yerba Buena Gardens. Watch colorful parades, enjoy traditional performances, browse local artisan booths, and sample delicious Filipino cuisine during one of the largest Filipino festivals in America.
22. Pier Party at the Wharf, San Francisco: August 8 & 22
Enjoy free waterfront concerts at Fisherman’s Wharf while taking in beautiful bay views. Bring friends, grab fresh seafood from nearby restaurants, sip a refreshing drink, and dance along to live performances by local musicians.
23. Film Series: On Route 66, Pasadena: August 1, 8, 15 & 22
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 by watching classic films at the Norton Simon Museum. Each screening explores the famous highway’s lasting influence on American travel, culture, and cinema throughout the decades.
24. Vallejo August Summer Nights Music Series, Vallejo: Thursdays in August
Every Thursday evening, downtown Vallejo comes alive with free outdoor concerts, food vendors, shopping, and entertainment. Experience the city’s welcoming community while enjoying warm summer nights.
25. Lemon Festival, Chula Vista: August 15
Celebrate Chula Vista’s citrus history with fresh lemonade, cooking competitions, costume contests, live music, family activities, and local food vendors. It’s a fun community festival that honors the city’s once thriving lemon industry.
26. Surf ‘n’ Suds Craft Beer & Music Fest, Carpinteria: August 15
Enjoy unlimited tastings from dozens of California breweries, wineries, and beverage makers while relaxing beside the beach. Live music, food trucks, and ocean views make this one of the Central Coast’s favorite summer festivals.
27. Salmon Festival, Klamath: August 15
Celebrate California’s salmon season with a community parade, fun run, cultural performances, and a traditional salmon feast on Yurok tribal lands. Many visitors also extend their trip by fishing along the nearby Klamath River.
28. Summer Friday at Justin Tasting Room, Paso Robles: August 21
Spend a relaxing Friday afternoon tasting seasonal wines paired with light bites in downtown Paso Robles. Visitors can also meet members of the winemaking team and learn more about the region’s award-winning wines.
29. Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim: Begins August 21
Halloween arrives early at Disneyland Resort with festive decorations, themed rides, pumpkin displays, seasonal treats, and the popular Oogie Boogie Bash
30. Cruisin’ Weekend, Atascadero: August 21–22
Step back in time as hundreds of classic cars cruise through downtown Atascadero before gathering for a large weekend car show. Live music, food trucks, and dancing add to the nostalgic atmosphere throughout the celebration.
31. Super Girl Surf Festival, Oceanside: August 21–23
Watch many of the world’s best female surfers compete along the Southern California coast. The free festival also features live concerts, fitness classes, shopping, esports competitions, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
32. Oakland Chinatown StreetFest, Oakland: August 22–23
Celebrate the rich history of Oakland’s Chinatown with cultural performances, traditional music, authentic cuisine, artisan vendors, and family activities. This popular festival spans several city blocks. Last year, there were 60k+ visitors and 90+ vendors.
33. National Park Week, Statewide: August 22–30
Celebrate California’s incredible national parks during National Park Week. Admission is free on August 25, while families can also enjoy Junior Ranger activities, guided programs, and special events held across the state’s nine national parks.
34. Dana Point Classic Car Show, Dana Point: August 23
Classic cars line the streets of Dana Point’s Lantern District during this free community event. Browse beautifully restored hot rods, muscle cars, and vintage vehicles while enjoying live music, food vendors, and coastal views.
35. International PAL Boxing Championships, Oxnard: August 24–29
Watch talented amateur boxers from around the world compete during this international tournament in Oxnard. The week-long event highlights rising athletes and continues the city’s proud reputation as one of California’s top boxing communities.
36. Ramona Rodeo, Ramona: August 27–29
Experience California’s cowboy heritage with exciting rodeo competitions, barrel racing, roping events, western shopping, local food, and evening dances. The Ramona Rodeo has been a favorite tradition for generations of visitors and locals.
37. Butte County Fair, Gridley: August 27–30
Enjoy classic fair fun with carnival rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, crafts, competitions, and plenty of fair food. This long-running event is a great family-friendly getaway in Northern California during the final week of August.
38. Barbera Festival, Folsom: August 29
Sample Barbera wines from California and Italy while enjoying gourmet food, live music, and beautiful Gold Country surroundings. It’s one of the state’s best wine festivals for discovering this bold and flavorful red grape.
39. Shell Beach Food & Wine, Pismo Beach: August 29
Taste wines, craft beer, spirits, and gourmet dishes from local chefs while overlooking California’s beautiful Central Coast. Live music and ocean views make this food and wine festival an unforgettable summer experience.
40. Daisy Chain Fields Festival, Irvine: August 29
Founded by Olivia Rodrigo, this new music festival celebrates women in music with an all-female lineup, art installations, local vendors, and special guests. Proceeds support nonprofit organizations that empower women and girls.
