California will host a wide range of events in April 2026, offering activities across the state from cultural festivals to sporting competitions.
Several Native California Pow Wows and festivals will take place starting April 4. UC Davis is set to hold its 50th Annual Pow Wow, followed by similar events at Sierra College in Placer County and San Diego State University. The Sherman Indian School Powwow in Riverside is also scheduled for later in the month.
In Northern California, Sugar Bowl ski resort will feature The Silver Belt competition with qualifying races beginning March 30 and finals on April 4. Wine enthusiasts can participate in Taste Alexander Valley throughout the month, with complimentary tastings and special events at various wineries including Robert Young Estate Winery and Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
Redding’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park will launch “Glowing Wild,” an illuminated lantern display inspired by local flora and fauna, running select nights through June 7. Oroville’s Riverbend Park will host the Wildflower & Nature Festival on April 4, while Folsom’s American River 50-Mile Endurance Run offers multiple race distances along scenic trails.
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival will take place from April 8–15 in Morgan Hill and Gilroy, focusing on independent films by filmmakers from historically marginalized groups. San Francisco’s Spring Restaurant Week (April 10–19) gives diners prix fixe options at restaurants across the Bay Area.
Other notable Northern California events include beer festivals such as Battle of the Brews in Santa Rosa and Chico BrewFest; the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival over two weekends in San Francisco; concerts like Santa Rosa Symphony’s Celebrate America; cultural celebrations such as Kamome Festival in Crescent City; birding at Godwit Days Spring Migration Birding Festival in Arcata; rodeo action at Red Bluff Round-Up; car shows during Kool April Nites in Redding; Petaluma’s Butter & Egg Days Parade; UC Davis Picnic Day festivities; culinary explorations during Taste of the Peninsula week in San Mateo County; exclusive wine experiences at Stags Leap District’s Vineyard to Vintner festival; film screenings at San Francisco International Film Festival (April 24–May 4); Eureka’s Rhododendron Parade; cycling events like Levi’s GranFondo Cycling Event and Chico Wildflower Ride & Festival.
Central California highlights include Ojai Pixie Tangerine Month celebrating local harvests all month long, Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival (April 9–12), Ventura County Farm Day on April 11 with farm tours around Camarillo, Whalefest Monterey promoting marine conservation efforts (April 11–12), Clovis Big Hat Days street fair followed by Clovis Rodeo later in April, Santa Barbara Kite Festival on April 12, Monterey Sea Otter Classic cycling event (April 16–19), whale watching festivities during Celebration of the Whales in Oxnard on April 19.
Southern California features Stand Up, Chow Down—a new comedy and food festival—in Anaheim early in the month. PaleyFest returns to Los Angeles with TV panels from April 4–12. The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival runs over two weekends starting April 10 with headline acts Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. The following weekend sees Stagecoach country music festival take over Indio.
Lancaster hosts its annual California Poppy Festival mid-month when wildflowers are typically at their peak. Other regional attractions include Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival (April 18–19), Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC campus (April 18–19), an art exhibition featuring works collected by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz opening at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on April 18, La Jolla Concours d’Elegance showcasing rare vehicles late-April, Panda Fest Asian street food festival (April 25–26) in San Diego’s Waterfront Park.
Disneyland Resort introduces Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge character appearances beginning April 29 alongside themed after-hours events leading up to May Fourth celebrations.
These diverse offerings provide opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with California’s culture, nature, sports scene, cuisine, music festivals, family-friendly activities and more throughout the month of April.
