California will host a range of events in July 2025, offering activities for residents and visitors across the state. These include traditional fairs, music festivals, art shows, and cultural celebrations.
In Northern California, Napa Valley’s Afternoon Tea & Chandon Train runs on weekends through November 16. San Francisco’s Union Square will feature the Pikmin Bloom Mini-Walk from July 4 to 6, allowing participants to interact with Nintendo-themed games. Park Winters in Yolo County continues its pick-your-own-bouquet program every weekend until October 12.
Willits Frontier Days returns July 3–5 in Mendocino County with rodeo competitions and local barbecue. The High Sierra Music Festival takes place in Quincy from July 3–6, featuring performances by artists such as Grammy winner Molly Tuttle. Fort Bragg hosts The World’s Largest Salmon BBQ on July 5 to support salmon conservation efforts.
Festival Napa Valley offers classical music and culinary events from July 5–20. Filoli in Woodside extends its Summer Nights series throughout the month with gardens open late and live entertainment. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk holds Evenings on the Colonnade through August 7 with daily themed activities.
The California State Fair is scheduled for July 11–27 in Sacramento, showcasing livestock, crafts, cooking demonstrations, and concerts by acts like En Vogue and Ludacris. Willow Creek celebrates Bigfoot Daze on July 12 with a parade and festival honoring local heritage.
San Jose’s Obon Festival on July 12 marks a Buddhist Japanese holiday with dancing and taiko performances. The Tevis Cup endurance horse ride occurs at Palisades Tahoe on the same day. Petaluma Art & Garden Festival follows on July 13 with artisan vendors and local beverages.
Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys presents summer concerts starting July 18, while Bear Valley Music Festival opens that day as well. Rivertown Revival in Petaluma happens July 18–19 celebrating river culture with music and art installations.
Lumberjack Fiesta Days take place in McCloud from July 25–27 featuring logging contests and parades. Half Moon Bay’s Farms, Fish & Flowers event is set for July 26, offering behind-the-scenes tours of farms and harbors.
Lazy Bear Week runs from July 28 to August 4 in Guerneville as an LGBTQ+ fundraiser including pool parties and hikes.
Central California highlights include MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest at Laguna Seca (July 11–13), Santa Rita Hills Lavender Festival (July 12), California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles (July 16–27) headlined by Flo Rida and Keith Urban, and Gilroy Garlic Festival (July 25–27).
In Southern California, Laguna Beach launches the Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters on July 2 alongside other arts festivals accessible via a single Passport to the Arts ticket through August 29.
Los Angeles’ Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival runs all month featuring Love’s Labour’s Lost. Carlsbad’s Omni La Costa Resort marks its Legacy Weekend from July 11–13 celebrating its anniversary with retro-themed events.
Pechanga Resort Casino debuts Whiskey and Wings Festival on July 12 supporting Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley through food pairings and auctions. Palm Springs’ Agua Caliente Cultural Museum hosts Summer Sundays for families on July 13 focusing on Native American culture.
San Diego Pride takes place from July 16–20 including a parade and festival at Balboa Park. Del Mar Racetrack begins its season on July 18; Opening Day is known for elaborate hats among attendees.
Comic-Con International returns to San Diego from July 24–27 drawing crowds downtown despite sold-out badges; related attractions remain open nearby.
Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival is scheduled for July 26 featuring races along Marine Stadium along with Chinese cultural performances. Huntington Beach hosts the Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing from July 26 to August 3—an event recognized as one of the largest action-sports festivals globally—offering free admission to surfing as well as skateboarding competitions near Huntington Beach Pier: https://www.surfcityusa.com/events/signature-events/us-open-of-surfing/.
Redondo Beach concludes the month with International Surf Festival running from July 30 to August 3 involving amateur surf contests and lifeguard fitness challenges: https://www.redondo.org/depts/recreation/festivals/surf_festival.asp
“Beyond Independence Day, there are plenty of classic fairs and long-running festivals celebrating salsa, art, cosplay—the last thanks to the annual return of Comic-Con in San Diego,” according to organizers.
