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Peter’s Travel Log
America The Beautiful.com
When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, California has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, California celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round. For a complete list - go the the Official California Tourism site -
Great food, unforgettable music, racing thrills, whales—there’s
something for everyone when it comes to California’s outstanding
lineup of annual festivals and events. Here are some favorites
worth fitting into your itinerary—or even planning a trip around on their own. Just remember: you’re not the only one who wants to go, so buy tickets ASAP as these signature events tend to sell out fast, and check for updates, since dates can shift.
SAN FRANCISCO
Rockin’ in the park
It makes sense that the 1960s home to flower children, rock concerts, and the summer of love is home to Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival, a multi-stage extravaganza in Golden Gate Park that attracts Grammy-nabbers like Phish, Arcade Fire, and Kings of Leon. INSIDER TIP Buy Outside Lands shuttle passes and ditch the car—pick-up and drop-off spots are located citywide. August; sfoutsidelands.com
3 more for music lovers in California
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. Legendary 3-day music
marathon southeast of Palm Springs. April; visit: coachella.com
Monterey Jazz Festival. Three days of smooth sounds on the Central
Coast. September; visit: montereyjazzfestival.org
California WorldFest .Bluegrass, reggae, folk, and more in the Gold
Country’s Grass Valley. July; visit: worldfest.net
LAGUNA BEACH
Art with a lively twist
At the remarkable Pageant of the Masters, famous works of art come
to life as models in costume pose against elaborate backdrops,
accompanied by a live orchestra. INSIDER TIP If you can’t snag
seats close to the front, bring binoculars to appreciate the
attention to detail. July-August (check website for exact dates);
3 more for art fans all over California
Sausalito Art Festival
Contemporary art on the edge of San Francisco Bay. September;
Hollywood Fringe Festival
Eighteen days of edgy theater, dance, and entertainment. June;
City Arts & Lectures
Fascinating talks and interviews in San Francisco. Year-round
(check website for dates); cityarts.net
STATEWIDE
Amgen on a roll
Watch the world’s top cyclists battle for the finish line in the
Amgen Tour of California, a Tour de France–style road race with
eight stages looping through California’s spectacular landscapes.
INSIDER TIP Locations for starts and finishes often include
bike-centric special events. May; visit: amgentourofcalifornia.com
3 more speedy thrills in California
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Hot times at Auto Club Speedway in
Fontana. March (see website for dates); visit: autoclubspeedway.com
Santa Anita Park. Top thoroughbred racers and special events
throughout the year. January-April; visit: santaanita.com
West Coast Invitational at Mammoth Lakes. Ace snowboarders make
their moves. In May; visit: mammothmountain.com
PALM SPRINGS
Screen gems in the desert
The ultra-hip Palm Springs International Film Festival has been
presenting international films for over two decades. Opening night
is a red-carpet event with glitterati to rival the Oscars. INSIDER
TIP Can’t make it in January? Summer’s ShortFest shows off the
cream of the short-film crop. January, 2013 go to: psfilmfest.org
3 more silver-screen standouts in California
Santa Barbara Film Festival. A showcase for indie films.
January-February; visit: biff.org for more information
Mill Valley Film Festival. Just north of San Francisco, this fête
has an indie and world focus. October; visit: mvff.com for more info.
Los Angeles Film Festival. City venues host indies, documentaries,
shorts, and music videos. June; visit: lafilmfest.com
GILROY
Aromatically unforgettable- Gilroy Garlic Festival
Vampires beware: the stinking rose has its own celebration at the
—three days of live music, celebrity chefs, and garlicky goodness. INSIDER TIP Bring breath mints. The event is in July; Visit: gilroygarlicfestival.com
3 more gourmet delights in California
California Restaurant Month. Special events and great deals
statewide. January; visitcalifornia.com/crm.com
Pebble Beach Food & Wine. Celeb chefs, wine tastings, and upscale
dining. April; visit: pebblebeachfoodandwine.com
Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine. Demos, tastings, and wine walks in
alpine splendor. September; visit: gotahoenorth.com
MENDOCINO
Fins, flukes, & fine wines
Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals are three consecutive, oceanfront
weekends jam-packed with everything cetaceous in Mendocino, Little
River, and Fort Bragg. Join naturalist-led cruises and walks to
spot migrating Pacific gray whales. Plus wine, chowder, and
microbrew tastings, art exhibits, music, and crafts. INSIDER TIP
Inquire about kayaking sea caves and whale-watching by horseback.
March; visit: mendowhale.com
3 more outdoorsy winners
Snowfest. North Lake Tahoe’s family-friendly wintry celebration.
March; for more information on Snowfest - visit: tahoesnowfestival.com
Gaggle of Gatherings. Excellent workshops and field trips highlight
the wildlife-rich wetlands and spectacular bird migrations in the
Yolo Wildlife Area. In January–May; visit: yolobasin.org
Nike U.S. Open of Surfing. Hang with the hang-ten pros in Huntington Beach. July-August; more information can be found at: usopenofsurfing.com
visitCalifornia.com
