10 min readJun 30, 2026

California Summer 2026: Hollywood Bowl, OC Fair & Unforgettable Spots to Visit

Some states have summer, California turns summer into a competitive sport. Between outdoor concerts, county fairs, wine festivals, surf competitions, jazz weekends, and enough food vendors to make your gym membership feel personally offended, there's always something happening somewhere. The real challenge isn't finding something fun to do.

It's deciding whether you're spending Saturday night singing at the Hollywood Bowl, Sunday afternoon wine tasting in Santa Barbara, or standing in line for a deep-fried Oreo that absolutely nobody needed to invent. If your Summer 2026 calendar is looking a little empty, don't worry. We're about to fix that.

Must-Visit Spots in California in Late June

Late June is one of the best times to start exploring California before the peak summer crowds arrive. The weather is warm, the days are long, and many of the state's most anticipated events are just getting underway. It's the perfect window for planning outings around evening concerts, outdoor entertainment, and creative summer festivals without dealing with the busiest July travel period.

Whether you're listening to live music under the stars, wandering through an art festival surrounded by coastal scenery, or simply looking for an excuse to spend more time outdoors, late June offers the kind of experiences that make California summers memorable. From iconic concert venues in Los Angeles to artistic communities along the coast, this is when the summer season begins to hit its stride.

The Hollywood Bowl Is Basically California's Outdoor Living Room

There are concert venues. And then there's the Hollywood Bowl. The moment those giant white arches light up, you know you're experiencing one of the most iconic summer traditions in California. Not surprisingly, searches for the Hollywood Bowl seating chart, Hollywood Bowl tickets, and Hollywood Bowl upcoming events explode every summer. People want the best seats, people want the best shows, and people definitely want to know where they're parking before they arrive.

One of the most anticipated performances this summer is the Tabernacle Choir Hollywood Bowl appearance on June 24, 2026. The special Songs of Hope Benefit Concert marks exactly 100 years since the choir first performed at the venue back in 1926.That's right. A full century. While you're planning your evening, remember that Hollywood Bowl parking deserves its own reality TV show. Parking at Hollywood Bowl is limited, fills quickly, and uses stack parking. Translation? If the car in front of you stays until midnight, congratulations, you're staying until midnight too. Considering the Hollywood Bowl capacity exceeds 17,000 guests, planning ahead is strongly encouraged if you'd rather spend the evening enjoying music instead of staring at brake lights.

Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach for Art, Live Music, and Demonstrations

If your idea of a perfect California summer day involves ocean air, live music, and discovering artwork you actually want to take home, the Sawdust Art Festival deserves a spot on your calendar. Running from June 26 through September 6, 2026, the festival is one of Laguna Beach's signature summer attractions and an easy addition to any late-June getaway. Unlike large commercial events that can feel rushed or crowded, the Sawdust Art Festival has a laid-back atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down, wander, and enjoy the experience. The festival opens daily at 11 AM and features handmade artwork from more than 180 local artists. As you explore the grounds, you'll find everything from paintings and photography to ceramics, jewelry, glasswork, and other one-of-a-kind creations. The experience goes beyond simply browsing art, too. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, watch art demonstrations, and see artists actively working on their craft throughout the day.

One of the festival's most charming features is its setting. The event takes place beneath beautiful eucalyptus groves, creating a relaxed, shaded environment that feels worlds away from the usual Southern California crowds and traffic. It's the kind of place where you might arrive planning to stay for an hour and end up spending the entire afternoon. Before heading out, it's worth planning your transportation. There is limited metered parking outside the Sawdust Art Festival, especially during busy summer weekends. Visitors can also consider nearby city parking lots, and many choose to use the convenient Laguna Free Trolley to reach the festival without worrying about parking altogether. If you're visiting with family or a group of friends, it's smart to decide where everyone will be dropped off and picked up before arriving. A little planning ahead can help you spend more time enjoying the art, music, and atmosphere and less time circling Laguna Beach looking for a parking space.

Must-Visit Spots in California in July

If June is the warm-up act, July is when California summer takes center stage. This is the month when event calendars become packed with county fairs, food vendors, live music, wine tastings, and beachside celebrations happening across the state. It's also one of the best times for larger family outings, group trips, and weekend adventures because so many of California's signature summer events are in full swing. Whether you're looking for carnival rides, concerts, local food, or simply an excuse to spend more time outdoors, July offers no shortage of options.

OC Fair: The Summer Event Californians Never Skip

Ask almost anyone in Southern California when summer officially starts and they'll probably answer with another question: "When does the OC Fair start?" For 2026, the answer is July 17. The OC Fair events schedule includes rides, exhibits, livestock, concerts, contests, food vendors, games, shopping, and enough entertainment to keep a family busy all day. Checking OC Fair hours before visiting is always smart because schedules vary throughout the event. Visitors should also purchase OC Fair & Event Center tickets in advance whenever possible since daily attendance can be limited. One thing is certain. Nobody arrives planning to stay all day. Everybody stays all day.

The 2026 OC Fair runs from July 17 through August 16 in Costa Mesa and is one of Southern California's biggest summer traditions. Visitors can enjoy music, vendors, exhibits, competitions, carnival rides, food, entertainment, animals, arts and crafts, beer, and live music, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring the fairgrounds. If you're planning a visit, keep in mind that OC Fair hours vary by day, and the fair is closed every Monday and Tuesday. Admission is limited daily, so it's best to purchase OC Fair & Event Center tickets in advance. Adult tickets start at $13–$15, while children and seniors are $9, and kids 5 and under get in free.

Parking is available for on-site purchase only, so families and groups should plan their tickets, arrival time, and parking before heading out. After all, the only thing worse than missing your favorite fair attraction is spending half the day waiting in line to get in.

California Wine Festival Santa Barbara for Beachfront Wine Tasting

The California Wine Festival Santa Barbara returns on July 17–18, 2026, bringing two days of coastal wine culture that feels less like a typical tasting event and more like a weekend escape wrapped in ocean air and sunset light.

The experience unfolds across two signature settings. On Friday, guests gather for the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting at the iconic Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, held in the elegant Plaza Del Sol. It’s an evening built around limited-production pours, reserve-level wines, and a relaxed coastal sunset backdrop that sets the tone from the very first glass. Then on Saturday, the energy shifts to the Beachside Wine Festival at Chase Palm Park, where the ocean becomes the backdrop for an open-air celebration of California’s wine and food scene. What makes this weekend especially appealing isn’t just the wine, it’s the full sensory experience layered into every detail.

The festival offers options for casual wine lovers and serious enthusiasts alike. General Admission to Saturday's Beachside Wine Festival starts at $85, while Early Entrance tickets cost $115 and VIP access is $155. The Friday Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting is $135, and visitors looking to experience both events can choose the 2-Day VIP Festival Pass for $239. All ticket levels include wine and food samples, along with a commemorative wine glass.

Must-Visit Spots in California in August

August is one of those months when California seems determined to give everyone a reason to get outside. Whether you're passionate about automotive history, collector cars, live music, or coastal scenery, the state's summer calendar offers experiences that go far beyond a typical weekend outing. From one of the world's most celebrated automotive gatherings on the Monterey Peninsula to a waterfront jazz festival along the Pacific, August brings together some of California's most memorable seasonal attractions.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for a California Car Show Experience

Car enthusiasts often joke that some vehicles belong in museums. At the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, they're displayed on one of the most famous lawns in the automotive world.

The 75th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance takes place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at The Lodge at Pebble Beach in California. Organizers describe the event as the world's premiere celebration of the automobile and an unmatched tradition of automotive excellence that has continued since 1950. What makes the event special is the variety of vehicles on display. Visitors can watch style icons, groundbreaking prototypes, and legendary racing machines compete for some of the highest honors in the collector-car world. For many attendees, it's a rare opportunity to see automotive history gathered in a single location.

Visitors have several ticket options depending on the type of experience they want. 2026 General Admission tickets start at $550 per person, with access to the show field, Concours Village, manufacturer displays, parking, shuttle service, and the official event program. Organizers note that the General Admission price will increase to $650 beginning August 1, 2026, making early booking the more economical choice. For guests looking for a more elevated experience, Club d'Elegance tickets are priced at $1,200 per person and include VIP hospitality benefits such as breakfast and lunch buffets, all-day beverage service, exclusive lounge access, VIP parking, shuttle transportation, and commemorative event gifts. Because the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance attracts automotive enthusiasts from around the world and premium ticket categories can be limited, securing both tickets and transportation well in advance is recommended.

The hardest part about summer in California isn't finding something to do. It's deciding which experience makes the cut. One weekend you're listening to music beneath the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. Next you're browsing handcrafted artwork in Laguna Beach, tasting wine along the Santa Barbara coastline, exploring the OC Fair, admiring world-class collector cars at Pebble Beach, or settling in for a waterfront jazz performance.

Make the Most of California Summer Before It’s Gone

From outdoor concerts and art festivals to wine tastings, county fairs, and world-famous car shows, California's summer calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences. The only challenge is deciding which adventure comes first.

As you plan your Summer 2026 outings, don't forget to think beyond tickets and itineraries. Popular events often come with crowded parking lots, heavy traffic, and transportation headaches. That's where TourVanGo can help. With professional chauffeur-driven Mercedes Sprinter vans for groups, TourVanGo makes it easy to travel comfortably to concerts, festivals, wine events, and special occasions throughout California. Book your plans early, gather your group, and get ready to make the most of another unforgettable California summer.

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.