Ano Nuevo State Park: Guided Elephant Seal Viewing Area

DEC 15, 2024 - MAR 31, 2025 SANTA CRUZ:  Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour guided trail! Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Bring water. Food, umbrellas, and strollers are not permitted inside the preserve.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf 180th Anniversary & Ode to Calamari Contest

JAN 1 - OCT 31 MONTEREY:  Old Fisherman’s Wharf is pleased to announce a special milestone: its 180th anniversary and will celebrate with a variety of special promotions and events throughout 2025. For starters, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is commemorating the Wharf's 180 years of fishing, delivering, and cooking fresh calamari in a variety of delicious […]

Roaring Camp Railroads: Rain Forest Weekends

JAN 4-MAR 30 SANTA CRUZ:  Learn about California's own Coastal Redwood Forest, aboard a 100-year-old steam train. Along the journey, you will get to hear fascinating information about the coastal redwoods and their ecosystems from docent specialists.

“The Living Ocean”

FEB 12 - APR 1 OXNARD: The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is hosting a special exhibition titled “The Living Ocean,” presented by the Pastel Society of the Gold Coast (PSGC).   An opening reception will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the museum, located at 3900 Bluefin Circle, […]

10th Annual “March Is Mermaid Month” In Ventura Harbor Village

MAR 1-31 VENTURA:  Make a splash this March as Ventura Harbor Village celebrates the 10th Annual “March Is Mermaid Month,” an enchanting seaside festival brimming with oceanic magic, mermaid encounters, and coastal fun for all ages Throughout the month of March 2025, visitors can immerse themselves in a whimsical, water-inspired world featuring live entertainment, ocean-themed […]

Grammy Award-winning Trumpeter Chris Botti

SAN LUIS OBISPO - Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti has been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades. He’s collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Steven Tyler, […]

Steamer Lane: Santa Cruz Paddlefest

MAR 28-30 SANTA CRUZ:  The star event at the Santa Cruz Paddlefest (SCPF) is held at the world-famous Steamer Lane surf break found along West Cliff Drive in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Paddle surfers have flocked to Santa Cruz from around the globe for over 33 years to surf, compete, and connect with […]

Camarillo Wedding Expo

MAR 29-30 CAMARILLO:  Say “I do” to your dream wedding venue at the Camarillo Wedding Expo! Tour 8 unique, outdoor locations both in and around Camarillo and walk the site, speak with vendors, eat, drink, and be married!

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Fun Run

SANTA CRUZ:  Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Run a 1k or a 5k, on this flat course and then enjoy what the boardwalk has to offer, including rides, games,

Annieglass: Hot Popping Bottles with Annie

SANTA CRUZ:  Make your own set of four tumblers or vases out of wine bottles or a glass vase! Annie will teach you how to “hot pop” the tops off of wine bottles, sand the edges, and create a beautiful set of recycled pieces.

Grand Wine Tasting

SANTA CRUZ:  Dive deep into the Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains and discover more than 40 wineries – all in one location – at the 2025 Grand Wine Tasting! Explore the stunning grounds and breathtaking views of The Mountain Winery while you sip award-winning wines, and bid on more than 50 exciting silent auction […]

Solvang Brick & Builds

APR 5-6 SOLVANG:  Inspired by LEGO®, the iconic Danish building block brand, Solvang Brick & Builds is a fun-filled weekend celebrating all things BRICK in the charming Danish village of Solvang, California, "The Danish Capital of America". The first-ever event weekend filled with brick-building fun. Solvang Brick & Builds, with an event line-up set for […]

Downtown Santa Cruz: Oaxacan Festival

SANTA CRUZ:  The Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is an authentic cultural festival with food, music, dance, music, and crafts presented each spring by Senderos. This local festival is like the traditional fiestas celebrated each summer in Oaxaca, Mexico. Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word that means “a commitment of sharing and cooperation.” Guelaguetza is a celebration that […]

Recurring

Free Admission Day – Santa Paula Art Museum

SANTA PAULA - Admission to the Santa Paula Art Museum is free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month. Enjoy the Museum’s current exhibitions for free from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fun fact: Santa Paula is home to three museums, all of which offer free admission on the first Sunday of every […]

Poppy Jasper International Film Festival

APR 9 - 16 MORGAN HILL/SAN MARTIN/GILROY/HOLLISTER/SAN JUAN BAUTISTA:  Film Festival events include: Filmmaker Competitions; Young Filmmaker Program, 40 & Up Filmmaking Workshop, and more!

Sea Otter Classic

APR 10 - APR 13 SALINAS:  A four-day "Celebration of Cycling," Sea Otter Classic is regarded as the largest and most comprehensive gathering of cycling enthusiasts in the world. Part recreational biking, part competitive event, part festival, part expo and 100 percent fun. This action-packed cycling extravaganza features amateur and pro cycling events as well as […]

Model Trains with Roaring Camp Railroad

APR 12 - APR 13 FELTON: Adults and kids alike will enjoy viewing California Central Coast on 30's large scale model railroad display. Watch model trains chugging through the Redwoods, around railroad bends and over the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Boardwalk with the miniature scale of the Central Coast spread out before them. During […]

15th Annual Whalefest

APR 12-13 MONTEREY:  This free family friendly event will be held at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza - Monterey State Historic Park. It includes fun and educational activities for all ages, musicians, and dozens of interactive marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous local and national organizations.

Quail Hollow Ranch: Full Moon Hike

SANTA CRUZ:  Head to Quail Hollow Ranch for a quiet exploration under the moonlight. On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though you may try to hike without them), and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and […]

West Cliff: Spring Fling Outdoor Market

SANTA CRUZ:  Just in time for Spring Break, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it overlooks […]

2025 Celebration of the Whales Festival

Channel Islands Harbor is thrilled to host the 26th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival, set to take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The Celebration of the Whales Festival has become a fun Harbor tradition, with plenty of activities scheduled throughout the day. This year’s event will feature […]

26th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival

OXNARD - Get ready for a fun filled day by the sea at the 26th Annual Celebration of the Whales. Held at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, this beloved tradition boasts exciting activities for all ages. Activities will be held along the Gray Whale Migration Trail that connects the Maritime Museum to the Farmer’s Market. […]

Downtown Santa Cruz: Earth Day Celebrations

SANTA CRUZ:  Earth Day 2025 will be held at beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz on Cooper St, Pacific Ave, and Abbott Square. Local businesses and organizations will gather for a day of fun and environmentally focused activities and education. There will be live music, face painting, a photo booth, lots of food options from Abbott Square […]

Annieglass: Earrings Workshop

SANTA CRUZ:  Enjoy a jewelry workshop with local artisan Lisa Schaffer Doggett. In this workshop you will learn to create a pair of gorgeous Sterling Silver or 14k Gold Fill earrings with Herkimer Diamonds. Lisa will teach you basic wire wrapping techniques, which include making hook and eye clasps, and an earring wire with basic […]

Party for the Planet!

ATASCADERO:  "Party for the Planet" is an Earth Day celebration filled with conservation learning and fun throughout the Charles Paddock Zoo! This annual celebration is a fun way for children of all ages to experience interactive adventures, hands-on activities, exhibits by sustainability-conscious businesses, plus a variety of educational demonstrations.

Ventura Earth Day Celebration

VENTURA:  Celebrate sustainability and earth day, seaside in downtown Ventura. This annual earth day celebration is filled with cultural performances, live music, and games for all ages. Learn more about sustainability practices with community exhibits, an electric vehicle showcase, sustainably sourced foods, vendors and more.

Harbor Is Hopping – Seaside Bunny Meet & Greet At Ventura Harbor Village

APR 20 VENTURA: Hop on over to Ventura Harbor Village for a delightful springtime celebration! Harbor Is Hopping Seaside Bunny Meet & Greet, set for April 20, 2025 from 11 AM to 4 PM, brings festive fun for the whole family with: • Meet & Greet with the Seaside Bunny – Snap adorable springtime photos […]

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival

APR 26 - APR 27 SANTA BARBARA:  Explore two days dedicated to stepping into climate leadership. Join in on conversations with climate leaders, get into the groove with musical performances and art contests, build community and connect with eco-minded exhibitors, and learn how to lean into climate action. This festival is the longest-running and most […]

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Basket Weaving Workshop

SANTA CRUZ:  During this program, you will be introduced to a craft used by indigenous peoples around the world: coiled basketry. CA basketry is some of the most ornate in the world, and this opportunity will pique your interest in learning more about, and supporting traditional arts. This 2-hour workshop will teach you how to […]

Pleasure Point: Annual Logjam Longboard Competition

SANTA CRUZ:  Logjam! annually attracts over 100 competitors ranging in age from 7 to 60+, from all over California. Contestants bring their cherished vintage “logs,” pre-1970 longboards weighing 20 lbs. or more. They are surfed without a leash; truly a show of classic longboarding!

Big Sur International Marathon

BIG SUR - The Big Sur Marathon is 26.2 miles of the most beautiful coastline in the world - and, for runners, the most challenging. The athletes who participate in the Big Sur International Marathon may draw inspiration from the spectacular views, but it takes major discipline to conquer the hills of Highway One on the […]

Aut2Run for Autism

CAMARILLO:  Run and support the Autism Society of Ventura County at Cal State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) on April 27! 100% of the proceeds from Aut2Run go directly towards fulfilling ASVC’s mission of improving the lives of all affected by Autism.

Surfer’s Path Half Marathon

SANTA CRUZ:  The Surfers Path Half Marathon consists of a 13.1 mile run from Santa Cruz to Capitola and back. The event starts at the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels east along the coast. The route takes runners past the Santa Cruz Harbor, Moran Lake and Pleasure Point as it makes its way […]

Watsonville Plaza: Earth Day Celebrations

WATSONVILLE:  This event is family-friendly and free of charge. Participate in games and activities relating to climate action and climate solutions. Learn about local resources and efforts to become more resilient to climate change. Be inspired to take part in our local efforts while you are in Watsonville and back at home!

9th Annual Tamale Festival Weekend

MAY 2 - 3 ATASCADERO:  The event weekend kicks off on May 2, 2025, in Downtown Atascadero, with early tamale shopping and a taste of what's in store at the main event on Saturday, May 3, 2025! Get ready for everything you've come to expect from this annual event favorite: over 25 Tamale Vendors offering a variety of […]