8 min readJun 15, 2026

Best Summer Festivals and Concerts in California

California in the summer has a rhythm of its own. The mornings start with coastal fog rolling over the Pacific, afternoons turn into sun-soaked road trip weather, and nights feel like one long festival waiting to happen. Summer 2026 is shaping up to be especially packed, with events stretching from San Diego up through Sonoma County and into the Bay Area.

From beachside art shows in Laguna Beach to massive music stages in San Francisco, food festivals in wine country, and pop culture gatherings in San Diego, California continues to be one of the strongest destinations in the U.S. for summer travel. Whether you are planning a family getaway, a friend group road trip, or a full festival-hopping itinerary, this guide breaks down the biggest events worth building your summer around.

Why Summer Is the Best Time for Group Travel in California

There’s a reason group trips to California peak in summer. School breaks, flexible vacation schedules, and a dense calendar of events make it one of the easiest times to coordinate travel with friends or family.

California also offers something for every type of traveler. Art lovers can spend weekends at gallery festivals and outdoor exhibitions. Music fans have access to some of the largest music festivals California hosts all year. Food and wine enthusiasts can move between coastal tasting events and Sonoma vineyards. Families can mix theme parks with seasonal fairs and beach activities. Pop culture fans can plan entire trips around conventions and fan experiences.

What makes it even better is the geography. You can start a weekend in San Francisco, drive down the coast, stop in Monterey, continue through Santa Barbara, and end in Los Angeles or San Diego. Each region feels like a completely different travel experience, which is why group travel works so well here. One destination is never really enough.

June California Festivals 2026 for Arts, Culture, and Group Trips

West Coast Craft Fair in San Francisco

June kicks off summer with creative energy in San Francisco. One standout is the West Coast Craft Fair at Fort Mason Center on June 13–14. It’s a free event that brings together artists, designers, and makers from across the West Coast. Visitors can explore handmade jewelry, ceramics, home décor, clothing, prints, and small-batch food vendors. It’s less of a rushed festival and more of a relaxed browsing experience, which makes it ideal for groups who want a slower-paced start to summer travel.

July California Festivals 2026, Concerts, and Family Events

July is where California truly feels like festival season is in full swing. Nearly every weekend offers a major event somewhere in the state.

Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters – Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach becomes an open-air art destination during the summer. The Festival of Arts runs from July 7 to September 4 and features hundreds of artists showcasing paintings, sculptures, photography, and jewelry. The highlight is the Pageant of the Masters, a performance where real people recreate famous artworks live on stage. With lighting, narration, and music, it feels like stepping inside a painting. It’s one of the most unique cultural experiences in California summer travel.

Bear Valley Music Festival

For something completely different, the Bear Valley Music Festiva l runs July 17 to August 2 in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Set between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, it offers orchestral concerts, Broadway-style performances, tribute shows, and chamber music in a cool alpine setting. It’s a refreshing contrast to coastal festivals.

California State Fair Concerts in Sacramento

The 2026 California State Fair Carnival runs from July 17 through August 2 at Cal Expo in Sacramento and features the Butler Magical Midway with rides and attractions for all ages. Visitors can purchase a Carnival Wristband Voucher for $44, which is valid for one day of unlimited rides, must be redeemed at the Carnival Kiosk before 10:00 p.m., and remains valid until 11:00 p.m. on the day of use.

Some rides are excluded, and all height and safety restrictions apply. Carnival hours are Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.. It is important to note that California State Fair admission is not included with the wristband and must be purchased separately. In addition to the carnival, fairgoers can enjoy live entertainment, California State Fair concerts, food vendors, agricultural exhibits, competitions, family attractions, and special events throughout the 17-day summer celebration, making it one of Northern California’s biggest seasonal attractions.

Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival

Down in San Diego County, the Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival takes place July 18. It’s a beach-centered celebration featuring sandcastle competitions, sand sculptures, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. It has a laid-back coastal energy where the ocean is part of the stage. For families, it’s one of the easiest summer events to enjoy without heavy planning or ticket stress.

San Diego Comic-Con 2026

Few events generate as much excitement as San Diego Comic-Con, and Comic-Con 2026 is expected to be one of the biggest pop culture gatherings in the country. Taking place July 23–26, 2026, with Preview Night on July 22, at the San Diego Convention Center, the event attracts fans from around the world for comics, movies, television, gaming, cosplay, exclusive previews, celebrity panels, artists, creators, and one of the largest exhibit halls in the industry. Because demand is extremely high, securing Comic-Con 2026 tickets requires advance planning through Comic-Con's official Member ID registration system. San Diego Comic-Con tickets regularly sell out during badge sales, making early registration essential for anyone planning a group trip. For 2026, adult badge prices are $85 per day for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, while Sunday badges cost $64.

Preview Night badges are $64, but they are not sold separately and can only be purchased by attendees who buy badges for all four main convention days. Junior, senior, and eligible U.S. military attendees receive discounted rates of $43 for Thursday through Saturday and $32 for Sunday and Preview Night. All purchases are also subject to a $15 handling fee per member. For groups attending together, booking badges, hotels, and transportation as early as possible is highly recommended, as accommodations near the convention center often fill up months in advance.

August Music Festivals California, Food Events, and Theme Park Fun

August keeps the momentum going with major festivals, food experiences, and early seasonal events.

Outside Lands San Francisco

One of the most anticipated music festivals California hosts each year, Outside Lands San Francisco returns to Golden Gate Park from August 7–9, 2026. If you're wondering where is Outside Lands, the festival takes place in the western section of Golden Gate Park and transforms the iconic urban park into a three-day celebration of music, food, wine, beer, art, and Bay Area culture. Beyond the main stages, attendees can explore Wine Lands, Beer Lands, Cocktail Magic, art installations, premium lounges, and curated food experiences from some of Northern California's best restaurants.

The OSL lineup regularly attracts major international artists, making it one of the premier CA music festivals 2026. Ticket demand has been exceptionally strong, with many pass types already sold out and operating through official waitlists. For 2026, 3-Day GA passes ranged from $509 to $599, while single-day GA tickets started at $269 all-in. 3-Day GA+ passes ranged from $779 to $899, offering expedited entry and access to a dedicated lounge. 3-Day VIP passes ranged from $1,249 to $1,599, including premium viewing areas and exclusive hospitality spaces. For the ultimate experience, Golden Gate Club passes start at $5,299 for three days or $2,369 for a single day, with premium food, drinks, concierge service, and front-of-stage access included. Festival-goers can also purchase shuttle transportation, with 3-Day Shuttle Passes starting at $84 and single-day shuttle passes starting at $37.75. Because GA, GA+, and VIP passes frequently sell out months in advance, joining the official waitlist is often the best option for late planners, especially those coordinating group travel.

Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sonoma County

The Gravenstein Apple Fair returns to Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol on August 8–9, 2026, celebrating Sonoma County’s agricultural heritage with live music, local food, cider, wine, artisan vendors, family activities, and plenty of apple-inspired treats. This beloved summer festival is a great choice for families, food lovers, and travelers looking for a more relaxed countryside experience compared to larger city festivals. Visitors can enjoy fresh Gravenstein apples, farm experiences, children's activities, local producer showcases, tasting areas, and regional entertainment throughout the weekend.

General admission tickets start at $23 for adults (ages 13+) and $10 for children ages 6–12, while children 5 and under are admitted free. Families can also purchase a Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children) for $55 when purchased in advance. For visitors seeking a premium experience, the Artisan Tasting Grove Package costs $75 for adults and includes general admission plus access to tastings from more than 30 local food and beverage producers. The top-tier VIP Lounge Package starts at $175 for adults and includes general admission, exclusive seating areas, food and beverage offerings, and additional festival amenities. The fair runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., making it an ideal day trip for anyone exploring Sonoma County during the summer festival season.

Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort

For families looking to add a little Halloween magic to their summer vacation, Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim is one of Southern California's most popular seasonal events. Held on select nights in August, September, and October, the separately ticketed after-hours party features immersive treat trails, Disney characters in special costumes, themed entertainment, unique photo opportunities, and access to select attractions with generally shorter wait times. Because the event begins in August, it works perfectly for travelers who want to combine a summer Disneyland trip with early Halloween festivities. While Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are sold separately from regular park admission, visitors planning additional Disneyland days should budget for theme park tickets as well.

Standard 1-Day Disneyland Resort tickets start at approximately $104 for lower-demand dates and can reach $224 on peak dates, depending on the ticket tier selected. Multi-day tickets offer better value, with 2-Day 1-Park Per Day tickets starting at $335, 3-Day tickets at $425, 4-Day tickets at $480, and 5-Day tickets at $520 for adults. Guests who want to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on the same day can upgrade to Park Hopper tickets, which start at $435 for two days and increase based on the number of days purchased. Because both Disneyland tickets and Oogie Boogie Bash event tickets can sell out well in advance, especially for weekend and Halloween-season dates, early planning is highly recommended for families and larger travel groups.

How to Plan California Festival Travel the Right Way

Choosing the right festival is only half the experience. The real difference comes from planning how you get there and how you move between destinations. Large festivals often involve long days, heavy traffic, and limited parking. That’s why many groups prefer using passenger van rental options or sprinter van rental services instead of coordinating multiple cars. A 12 passenger van rental or 15 passenger van rental can simplify travel, keep everyone together, and make luggage management easier. For groups searching online for passenger vans for rent near me, availability can vary during peak summer weekends, so booking early is always a smart move. Comfort, timing, and flexibility often matter just as much as the event itself.

California’s summer 2026 festival lineup offers something for every type of traveler, from coastal art shows and mountain concerts to massive music festivals and theme park events. The real magic happens when you combine the right destinations with smart planning and a travel setup that keeps the group comfortable and connected. Whether it’s wine country weekends, San Francisco music festivals, or San Diego pop culture events, the best trips are the ones that feel effortless once you arrive. Companies like TourVanGo help make that possible with luxury sprinter van rentals, professional drivers, and door-to-door group transportation for festivals, concerts, wine tours, and theme park adventures across California.

Where to Celebrate California Wine Month in 2026

September is California Wine Month, which basically means the state spends 30 days reminding everyone that grapes can have very successful careers. California Wine Month runs September 1–30, with wine events happening across several regions. Among the season's California fall festivals, LAWineFest returns to Burbank September 12–13, bringing wineries together for a big weekend of tasting. If you're driving, off-site parking is $16 and includes a complimentary shuttle.

That same weekend, Two Harbors Wine Fest takes place September 12 on Catalina Island. Just remember that Catalina adds an extra planning step: unless someone in your group owns a yacht and has been suspiciously quiet about it, you'll need to arrange boat transportation separately. For anyone planning group travel in California, that extra connection is worth sorting out before everyone starts making their own transportation plans.

The Lodi Grape Festival 2026 follows September 17–20, with official-lot parking available for $12. Then come Alexander Valley Wine Week from September 21–27 and the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival from September 24–27. Together, they make September a strong month for California winery events and a terrible month to tell your wine-loving friends, “There's nothing going on.”

Monterey Jazz Festival 2026

Some music festivals require glitter, questionable footwear, and three days of pretending you’re perfectly comfortable sleeping outdoors. Monterey Jazz Festival 2026 takes a different approach. Now in its 69th year, the festival runs September 25–27 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, with single-day tickets and three-day packages available.

Monterey Jazz Festival Lineup and Schedule

The Monterey Jazz Festival lineup is stacked with major names. Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter perform For Miles, while Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra appears with Wynton Marsalis and special guest Cécile McLorin Salvant. Other scheduled performers include Meshell Ndegeocello, Charles Lloyd, Ravi Coltrane, and dozens more.

Performances run across several stages Friday through Sunday, so this is less of a “watch one concert and leave” situation and more of a choose-your-own-jazz-adventure. The festival notes that performers and schedules can change, so groups should check the latest schedule before finalizing their day.

Monterey Jazz Festival Tickets, Parking, and Entry

Before buying Monterey Jazz Festival tickets, pay attention to the difference between Grounds and Arena admission. Grounds tickets include the smaller performance stages, food vendors, shops, and festival facilities but do not include Arena headliners. Arena tickets add access to the Jimmy Lyons Stage and headline performances.

And now for the sentence nobody enjoys reading: on-site Monterey Jazz Festival parking at the fairgrounds is listed as sold out. Off-site parking is available at Monterey Peninsula College, with shuttle service running during festival hours. The festival also uses a clear-bag policy and offers lawn-chair rentals. In other words, organize the parking before everybody is in three different cars texting, “Where are you?”

Mill Valley Film Festival 2026: What Groups Should Know

Love movies but not the part where everyone spends 20 minutes arguing over what to watch? Mill Valley Film Festival 2026 gives your group a much better reason to gather around a screen. CAFILM Education lists its in-theater and online MVFF49 educational programming for October 2–9, 2026. Keep in mind that these dates apply specifically to the education program, not necessarily the complete public festival schedule.

School groups get a particularly good deal: selected screenings are free for students in grades 1–12, colleges, and universities. Some programs may also include filmmaker Q&As and curriculum resources because occasionally watching a movie really does count as school. For general attendees looking for Mill Valley Film Festival tickets, a six-pack costs $86 for CAFILM members and $108 for the public. A 12-pack costs $172 for members and $216 for the public. Vouchers work for regularly priced programs and can even be shared with friends. General-public ticket redemption begins September 17 at noon. Among the Bay Area film festivals 2026, this is one worth keeping on your fall calendar.

What Are Some of the Best Things to Do in California in October?

Celebrate avocados, apparently. The 40th Carpinteria Avocado Festival 2026 takes over Linden Avenue in downtown Carpinteria from October 2–4. Friday runs from 1–11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. And despite the name, the avocado festival California experience involves considerably more than standing around admiring guacamole.

The California Avocado Festival Carpinteria lineup includes more than 60 bands across three stages, plus food vendors, arts and crafts, and commercial vendors. Festival proceeds support the Carpinteria Education Foundation and Future Farmers of America. It is one of those wonderfully specific California traditions that sounds slightly made up until you arrive and discover thousands of people are equally enthusiastic about avocados. The selected official festival information does not provide confirmed parking, shuttle, or ticket details, so groups should check the event's current visitor information before traveling.

San Diego Food and Wine Festival 2026

By November, some states are preparing for freezing temperatures. San Diego is preparing lunch. The San Diego Food and Wine Festival 2026 runs November 1–8 and brings together a full week of culinary events, tastings, dinners, and special experiences.

San Diego Food and Wine Festival Schedule

The biggest weekend events begin with Icons + Legends on November 6 from 6–9 p.m. Then comes the Grand Tasting on November 7 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., followed by the Grand Fiesta on November 8 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. The wider San Diego food festival 2026 program also includes experiences such as a Día de Muertos Gala, Baja Culinary Expedition, chef dinners, and wine lunches. In other words, arriving hungry is not poor planning here. It is strategy.

Tickets and Weekend Packages

There are several ways to approach San Diego Food and Wine Festival tickets. The FOMO Four Pack includes four tickets for one selected Grand Weekend day. A two-day package covers the Grand Tasting and Grand Fiesta, while the full-weekend package adds Icons + Legends. Because pricing and availability can change, check the official event pages before purchasing particularly if you're coordinating a larger group.

Final Thoughts: Planning Group Travel to Fall Events in California

California's fall calendar makes choosing the event easy. Choosing who gets control of the playlist on the drive there may be harder. September brings wine festivals and the Monterey Jazz Festival. October delivers film screenings and an entire weekend dedicated to avocados. November finishes things off with one of San Diego's major culinary celebrations.

For group travel in California, compare more than the event itself. Look at driving distances, ticket types, parking availability, shuttle arrangements, and whether your group needs to arrive together. And that last point becomes surprisingly important

Is California a Good Place to Visit in September?

Yes. September falls within California’s autumn travel season, but much of the state can still experience warm weather. In some destinations, travelers may also encounter fewer visitors than during the peak summer months. The combination can make September a comfortable time for sightseeing, hiking, photography, and exploring California’s coastline. Clearer conditions in some coastal areas can also make scenic stops particularly appealing.

September is also harvest season in major California wine regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma. Vineyards begin taking on autumn colors, while wineries welcome visitors for tastings and seasonal experiences. Popular tasting rooms can get busy during harvest, so making reservations in advance is a smart part of trip planning. For travelers considering California travel in September, some of the month's advantages include:

Warm weather in many parts of the state
Fewer crowds than peak summer in some destinations
Wine harvest season
Opportunities for hiking and sightseeing
Pleasant conditions for coastal travel and photography
Seasonal festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations

These conditions also make September a good time to combine a California weekend trip with one of the seasonal events happening around the state.

What Are the Top Tourist Attractions in California in September?

California has far more attractions than could fit into a single September itinerary. For travelers attending the events covered in this guide, however, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk provides an easy way to combine a seasonal celebration with classic California entertainment. The Boardwalk offers rides, games, arcade entertainment, Boardwalk Bowl, food, shopping, and nearby lodging options. That gives visitors flexibility to build a longer day around the Boardwalk Oktoberfest rather than traveling to Santa Cruz solely for the evening event.

Places to Visit in California in September

The California September events in this guide also provide an opportunity to experience very different parts of the state. Santa Cruz combines a beachside setting with Boardwalk rides, games, food, and entertainment. Tahoe City offers a Lake Tahoe setting and an Oktoberfest with food, drinks, vendors, music, contests, and activities. Benicia brings its celebration to downtown First Street Green, while Santa Clarita offers another Southern California Oktoberfest option later in the month. Instead of choosing a destination based only on the event itself, consider what you would like to do before and after it. An Oktoberfest can become part of a coastal day trip, Lake Tahoe getaway, or weekend exploring a California city.

Unique Things to Do in California in September

Some of the most interesting California fall events mix traditional Oktoberfest elements with local entertainment. Depending on the event you choose, you may find Bavarian food, beer gardens, commemorative steins, live music, DJs, food trucks, artisan vendors, contests, games, and family entertainment. Santa Cruz also gives visitors access to Boardwalk rides and arcade activities. That variety makes the September calendar useful for more than beer enthusiasts. Couples, groups of friends, and families can all find events with activities that match their plans.

What Events Take Place in California in September?

Several California festivals in September 2026 celebrate Oktoberfest, but each has a different format, location, and admission structure.

Boardwalk Oktoberfest - Santa Cruz

Date: September 12, 2026Time: 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.Location: Aloha Terrace at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Boardwalk Oktoberfest brings a Bavarian-style celebration to one of Santa Cruz's best-known attractions. The evening includes a Bavarian buffet, beer and wine, souvenir steins, live entertainment, dancing, games, and contests. The event welcomes all ages, making it an option for families as well as groups of adults. Adult tickets are listed at $89.95, while All Ages tickets are $69.95, plus a $2 service fee. Because ticket packages include different benefits, visitors should review what comes with their selected admission before purchasing. The location also makes it possible to combine Santa Cruz Oktoberfest 2026 with the rides, games, food, and other entertainment available at the Boardwalk.

Tahoe City Oktoberfest - Lake Tahoe

Date: September 19, 2026Time: Noon–5 p.m.Location: Gatekeeper's Museum and William B. Layton State Park

For travelers looking for Lake Tahoe events in September, Tahoe City Oktoberfest combines an outdoor setting with a traditional fall celebration. Admission is free. Visitors can purchase Beer Garden tickets, commemorative steins, and drink tokens separately. The event also features brewers, food vendors, artisan vendors, music from Alpine Sound, contests, and children's activities. Transportation is another useful feature. Organizers list a free shuttle serving Olympic Valley and the West Shore, along with free TART Connect services, TART Bus transportation, and free bike valet. Those options can be particularly useful for groups that do not want everyone arriving in separate vehicles.

Benicia Oktoberfest & Marketplace - Benicia

Date: September 19, 2026Location: First Street Green, Downtown Benicia

The Benicia Oktoberfest and Marketplace combines a German-inspired celebration with a local marketplace. Visitors can expect German beer, food, live music, local vendors, contests, and family activities. A Kid Zone and face painting give families with younger children something to include in their visit as well. General admission is listed at $10. A $25 ticket includes admission and two drink coupons, while the $40 VIP Stein Package offers another ticket option. Children ages 12 and under can enter free. Because the celebration takes place at First Street Green in downtown Benicia, visitors should check the official event information before traveling for the latest parking and arrival instructions.

Santa Clarita Luketoberfest - Santa Clarita

Date: September 26, 2026

Southern California travelers have another option toward the end of the month with Santa Clarita's Luketoberfest. The celebration includes beer releases, seltzer cocktails, food trucks, a live DJ, contests, and games. Its combination of food, drinks, music, and activities creates a casual way to mark the beginning of the fall season without leaving Southern California. Before heading out, check the organizer's latest information for event hours, transportation, parking, and any admission details that may apply.

Why Is September a Good Month for California Wine Travel?

September isn't only about Oktoberfest. It is also closely associated with California wine and the annual harvest season.. Wine regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma attract visitors interested in vineyard scenery, tastings, food, and harvest-related experiences. That popularity makes advance planning particularly important. Reserving tastings ahead of time can help you avoid arriving at a winery only to find that your preferred time is unavailable. It is also helpful to leave enough time between wineries rather than packing too many tastings into one day. Follow each winery's reservation policies, plan your route beforehand, and arrange transportation that does not require someone in your group to drive after drinking.

Transportation can be one of the less obvious challenges of a wine-country trip. Wineries may be spread across different areas, parking conditions can vary, and coordinating several cars becomes harder as a group grows. Keeping everyone together can simplify the itinerary and make it easier to move between planned stops. If wine country is the main reason for your September trip, visit our related California Wine Month guide for more events, dates, ticket details, and transportation information.

How Can Group Transportation Make September Events Easier?

Transportation deserves some attention when several people are attending the same event. Instead of coordinating arrival times, parking, and routes across multiple vehicles, a group can travel together and follow one itinerary. For Santa Cruz, visitors can plan their transportation around a full Boardwalk day, combining rides, games, food, and entertainment with the evening Oktoberfest. Tahoe City Oktoberfest offers particularly useful alternatives to driving. Visitors can use the free shuttle from Olympic Valley and the West Shore, free TART Connect services, TART Bus transportation, or the free bike valet.

For Benicia Oktoberfest, the event takes place at First Street Green in downtown Benicia. Groups should check the official event information before departure for current arrival and parking instructions.

Travelers attending Santa Clarita Luketoberfest should similarly confirm parking and transportation details with the linked organizer before making final plans.

For larger groups, thinking about transportation before purchasing tickets can prevent one of the most common event-day problems: everyone having a ticket but no coordinated plan for getting there and back.

September gives travelers plenty of reasons to explore California. The month's calendar ranges from Oktoberfest celebrations and beer gardens to Boardwalk rides, live music, food, shopping, games, contests, and family activities.Santa Cruz offers a Boardwalk Oktoberfest on September 12, while Tahoe City and Benicia hold celebrations on September 19. Santa Clarita follows with Luketoberfest on September 26. Together, these September events in California offer several ways to turn a regular fall weekend into a day trip or short getaway.

Whichever event you choose, check the organizer's latest information before leaving home. Dates, ticket prices, schedules, admission requirements, transportation arrangements, and parking details can change, and a few minutes of planning can make the event much easier to enjoy.