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 […]

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 […]

Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival

MAY 3 - MAY 4 FELTON:  Drawing on Far West Fungi's 40 years of experience in the mushroom community, come hear from the best and brightest who have shaped the industry to host a massive two-day fungus extravanganza.

66th Annual Good Old Days Street Festival

MAY 3-4 PACIFIC GROVE:  The 66th Annual Good Old Days Street Festival is Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday, May 4th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Good Old Days Street Festival is Pacific Grove’s premier community event and is returning to downtown Pacific Grove the first weekend of May! […]

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 […]

Parkfield Bluegrass Festival

MAY 8-11 PARKFIELD:  Celebrate the 25th Annual Parkfield Bluegrass Festival On Mother’s Day Weekend An unforgettable weekend of music at the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival! Every Mother’s Day weekend, the tiny town of Parkfield on California’s Central Coast transforms into a lively hub for bluegrass fans. This historic town, home to just 18 residents, invites over […]

Mother’s Day Brunch

FELTON - Treat MOM to something memorable on her special day with a beautiful Mother's Day train ride through the towering Redwoods. Hallcrest Vineyards will be pouring their local wines for purchase.

West Cliff Drive: Mother’s Day Outdoor Market

SANTA CRUZ:  Show Mom you’re thinking of her! Head to Lighthouse Point on West Cliff Drive to find artisan goods, specialty food and music, and something for everyone! Enjoy shopping with the best views in Santa Cruz!

An Evening with James Taylor & His All-Star Band

SANTA BARBARA - You’re invited to special evening with James Taylor & His All-Star Band as they take the stage at the iconic Santa Barbara Bowl for two nights! As a recording and touring artist, James Taylor has touched people with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years, […]

Adventure with the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler At Ventura Harbor Village

MAY 14-27 VENTURA:  Ahoy, mates! Drop anchor at Ventura Harbor Village this May and climb aboard the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler, a seafaring beauty making waves along the California coast. From May 14 through Memorial Day Weekend (May 27), this iconic schooner invites landlubbers and seasoned sailors alike to experience this 83-foot ship for themselves. […]

Carmel Art Festival

MAY 16 - MAY 18 CARMEL:  This will be the 32nd anniversary of the Carmel Art Festival, held in Carmel-by-the-Sea since 1993. 60 plein air artists, a veritable list of all-star winners of the past 30 years, arrive in Carmel on May 16 and will be painting all over the Monterey Peninsula for 2 days. […]

California Strawberry Festival

MAY 17 - 18 VENTURA:  The highly-anticipated California Strawberry Festival returns in 2025. Get ready to indulge in everything strawberry including beverages, eats, and live entertainment. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable experience!

Capitola Village: VDubs in the Village

SANTA CRUZ:  The first ever VDubs in the Village is open to the public for everyone to come spend the day in Capitola Village and check out some beautiful vintage Volkswagen cars. Enjoy the Capitola surf culture and live music with some vintage Volkswagens!

21st Annual Rebozo Festival

CAMARILLO:  This unique cultural event promotes the rich heritage of our area by highlighting the colorful Mexican rebozo (shawl) as the theme. Come experience a full day of delicious food, rebozo displays, live auctions, raffles and amazing entertainment!

Downtown Santa Cruz: Spring Wine Walk

SANTA CRUZ:  Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Spring Wine Walk 2025! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast and taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Enjoy sipping while strolling through many favorite Downtown Santa Cruz shops. At Check-in, receive your glass, and a map of the pouring locations, and enjoy an […]

Parkfield Ranch Rodeo

MAY 23-25 PARKFIELD:  Experience Authentic Cowboy Culture at the Parkfield Ranch Rodeo! Every Memorial Day Weekend, the historic town of Parkfield, California—home to just 18 people—hosts the Parkfield Ranch Rodeo, a true celebration of Western traditions. Known as the Cowboy Side of California, Parkfield offers a rare chance to experience California’s rich ranching heritage. Spectators […]

Memorial Weekend with Roaring Camp Railroad

MAY 24 - MAY 26 FELTON:  This Memorial Weekend, take the Redwood Forest Steam Train up to Bear Mountain and return. Enjoy family-friendly activities in the town of Roaring Camp.

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

MAY 24 - MAY 26 SANTA BARBARA:  Madonnari, or street painters, transform the Mission plaza using pastels on pavement to create 150 vibrant and colorful, large-scale images. The Santa Barbara I Madonnari Street Painting Festival presents the rare opportunity to view artists of all ages create street paintings ranging from classical to original images. The […]

Loch Lomond: Newell Creek Flora Loch Walk

SANTA CRUZ:  This month’s nature hike at Loch Lomond Recreation Area will feature noted botanist Andy Werner, who will discuss native plant species found in the Newell Creek watershed. In addition to native plant species, park rangers will provide information on water system operations and watershed lands management.

Redwood Mountain Faire

MAY 31 - JUN 1 FELTON:  The annual Redwood Mountain Faire brings together a wide range of music styles on two stages. The Faire benefits nonprofit and service organizations and is organized by the Valley Women's Club of the San Lorenzo Valley.

32nd Annual Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival

CAMARILLO:  Join the Casa Pacifica Angels on the grounds of CSU Channel Islands at this all-inclusive festival as you sip on high-end wines and craft brews, and taste delicious treats from the finest restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and specialty shops from Santa Barbara to the Conejo Valley, all while supporting a great cause. You won’t want […]

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 […]

Carmel Bach Festival

JUN 12 - JUN 26 CARMEL:  The Carmel Bach Festival invites you to experience the joy of classical music. Enjoy exciting orchestra and chorale concerts, chamber music recitals, free pre-concert talks, open masterclasses, and more, all taking place at several Carmel, Monterey, and Pebble Beach venues. With more than 50 events to choose from, there […]

Father’s Day BBQ

FELTON - Salute DAD on Father's Day by treating him to a ride on the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train and lunch. In addition, enjoy live music at the BBQ where Humble Sea will be pouring the best local brew for sale.

California Rodeo Salinas

JUN 17 - JUN 20 SALINAS:  The California Rodeo Salinas is one of the top 10 professional rodeos in the US out of over 600 and the largest rodeo in California. With over 110 years of tradition and a little bit of something for everyone, it's an event you don't want to miss. Not only […]

Ventura County Greek Festival

JUN 20-22 VENTURA:  The Ventura County Greek Festival is one of the longest-running cultural festivals in Ventura County, attracting thousands of guests who attend to celebrate Greek culture through food, music, dance, and storytelling. Join in and practice the ancient art of having fun while immersing yourself in time-honored Greek traditions.

Bubble Bonanza

FELTON - Get ready to step on board the Circus Bubble Train. Zillions of bubbles will float through the air as you travel down the tracks through the Redwood Forest. Meet the Bubble Ubbles, Mr. Bigz Bubbles and BB Bubbles on the train. Your train ticket also includes a show in the Circus Ring at […]