California will host a variety of events throughout August 2025, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities across the state. The lineup includes music festivals, cultural celebrations, food and wine tastings, car shows, and unique gatherings for pet lovers.
In Northern California, Guerneville will hold Lazy Bear Week from July 28 to August 4, continuing LGBTQ+ pride celebrations with pool parties and fundraisers. Mammoth Lakes will feature the Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza from July 31 to August 3, with performances by artists such as The Robert Cray Band and Steve Earle alongside more than 60 craft breweries.
Napa’s Music in the Vineyards runs August 1–24, presenting chamber music concerts at various wineries. Pacifica will host the World Dog Surfing Championship on August 2 at Linda Mar Beach, where dogs compete for the “Golden Surfie Medal.” Lodi’s Stuck in Lodi Classic Car Show also takes place on August 2, showcasing hundreds of classic cars downtown.
Placerville’s Apple Hill area celebrates Summer Harvest Days on August 2–3 with berry picking and family activities. San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music and Arts Fest returns to Golden Gate Park from August 8–10 with acts including Doja Cat and Vampire Weekend. The same weekend features San Jose Jazz Summerfest with headliners like Common and Mavis Staples.
Other notable events include Benicia Peddlers Fair (August 9), Silver Oak Wine Dinner at Everline Resort & Spa (August 9), Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol (August 9–10), Pistahan Parade & Festival in San Francisco (August 9–10), Fisherman’s Wharf Free Summer Concerts Series (August 9, 23), Vallejo August Summer Nights Music Series (August 15, 22, 29), Barbera Festival in Folsom (August 16), Salmon Festival in Klamath (August 16), Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest in Palisades Tahoe (August 16), Butte County Fair in Gridley (August 21–24), Oakland Chinatown StreetFest (August 23–24), Sunset Toast to Sonoma Valley’s 200th Harvest (August 27), and Vine to Wine at Santana Row Plaza in San Jose (August 31).
Central California events include Old Spanish Fiesta Days in Santa Barbara through August 3, Monterey Car Week and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance from August 8–17 featuring auto shows and memorabilia displays, Surf ’n’ Suds Craft Beer & Music Fest in Carpinteria on August 9, and Cruisin’ Weekend in Atascadero on August 15–16.
Southern California hosts several major happenings: Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing continues through August 3 at Huntington Beach; Laguna Art-A-Fair runs all month; International Surf Festival is held July 30–Aug. 3 at Redondo Beach; Tour de Big Bear cycling event takes place Aug. 1–3 near Big Bear Lake; CatCon brings feline fans together Aug. 2–3 at Pasadena Convention Center; HARD Summer music festival happens Aug. 2–3 near SoFi Stadium; Splash House Music Festival runs over two weekends in Greater Palm Springs; Lemon Festival is set for Aug. 16 in Chula Vista; Celebrating the Music of John Williams occurs Aug. 22–24 at Hollywood Bowl; Halloween Time begins Aug. 22 at Disneyland Resort Anaheim; Dana Point Classic Car Show is scheduled for Aug. 24.
These events reflect California’s diverse culture and offer opportunities for entertainment throughout the state during late summer.
