7 min readJul 3, 2026

July Events in California: A Complete Guide Top Group Trips

If your July calendar only has fireworks circled, you're missing out on some of California's best seasonal experiences. Sure, Independence Day steals plenty of the spotlight, but the weeks that follow are packed with festivals, horse racing, food events, island getaways, and cultural celebrations that are perfect for groups. Whether you're planning a birthday outing, a family reunion, a corporate event, or simply looking for memorable Things to do in July 2026, there's no shortage of reasons to hit the road.

Many travelers searching for Los Angeles events July 2026 or July events in California this weekend are actually looking for activities that make traveling with friends or family easy, and that's exactly what this guide is about. Below, you'll find some of California's standout July events, along with tips for choosing the right one based on your group, destination, schedule, and transportation needs.

How to Match July Events in California to Your Group Plan

Not every event fits every group, and that's part of the fun. Before booking tickets, think about who's coming, how far everyone wants to travel, and what kind of day you're hoping to have. Some groups want a lively afternoon with cocktails, music, and great food. Others prefer a relaxing countryside escape or a family-friendly cultural festival. Couples may enjoy an elegant day at the races, while friends celebrating birthdays might lean toward casino entertainment or craft beer tastings.

Practical details matter just as much. Before heading out, check ticket availability, age restrictions, parking options, expected traffic, walking distances, ferry schedules if applicable, and how everyone will get there and back safely.

Del Mar Opening Day

For many Southern Californians, nothing says summer quite like Del Mar Opening Day. The famous Del Mar races return on Friday, July 17, 2026, with gates opening at 11:30 a.m., welcoming thousands of visitors to the iconic Del Mar Race Track. Whether you know it as the Del Mar horse races, the Del Mar Race Track, or simply the Delmar race track, Opening Day has become one of California's signature summer traditions. It's about much more than horse racing. Fashion plays a starring role, with guests wearing colorful dresses, tailored suits, and elaborate hats that have become synonymous with Opening Day. Add live racing, excellent dining, and an energetic social atmosphere, and it's easy to see why friends, couples, and even corporate groups return year after year. Because this event draws large crowds, it's wise to purchase tickets early, arrive ahead of post time, and plan transportation before race day. Parking fills quickly, and traffic around the venue can become heavy throughout the afternoon.

Ticket prices for Del Mar Opening Day start at around $73 for standard admission, with premium seating and exclusive experiences available at higher prices. Guests can also upgrade to packages like The Party (starting at $134), which includes Opening Day admission plus access to a private party with DJs, bars, and exclusive entertainment. For those planning to continue the celebration, the Official After Pony Party at Rancho Valencia starts at $325 per person (plus fees) and includes a welcome cocktail, an all-night gourmet buffet, live DJ entertainment, and VIP-style amenities. Ticket prices may vary based on availability and seating selection.

Pechanga's Whiskey & Wings Festival

If your group believes great weekends begin with barbecue, live music, and premium whiskey, Pechanga has you covered. Pechanga's Whiskey & Wings Festival returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula on Saturday, July 11, 2026, bringing together some of Southern California's favorite flavors in one lively afternoon. Guests can enjoy unlimited wing tastings paired with whiskey samples while exploring specialty side dishes, live entertainment, and interactive experiences throughout the event.

Attendees also vote for their favorite wing flavor, while a live auction adds even more excitement to the day. Since the festival is exclusively for guests 21 and older, every attendee must present a valid government-issued photo ID upon entry. The event is an excellent choice for adult birthday celebrations, bachelor or bachelorette parties, casino weekends, or simply a fun outing with friends. Because whiskey tastings are part of the experience, having a professional driver allows everyone in the group to relax and fully enjoy the day without worrying about getting home safely.

General Admission starts at $120, while VIP tickets cost $160. Admission includes unlimited whiskey tastings, chicken wings, specialty sides, live music, and access to the live auction. VIP guests also receive early entry for extra tasting time. Designated Driver tickets are available separately.

Two Harbors Brew Fest

If your group has been looking for an excuse to visit Catalina Island, the Two Harbors Brew Fest is a great one. Held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Harbor Sands in Two Harbors, this annual event pairs ocean views with craft beer, live music, and Catalina's laid-back island atmosphere. It's an excellent choice for groups of friends, couples, and craft beer lovers looking for a unique summer outing. General Admission starts at $106.01 per person and includes unlimited beer tastings from participating breweries, complimentary appetizers, a limited-edition souvenir beer glass, live entertainment, and access to the Lions Club silent auction. Guests who want an enhanced experience can purchase VIP tickets, which include early entry, exclusive beachfront access, a private cash bar, and additional perks. The festival is for guests ages 21 and older, and a valid photo ID is required for entry. Keep in mind that ferry transportation to Catalina Island is not included with admission and must be booked separately. If your group is traveling from Los Angeles or other Southern California communities, planning transportation to the ferry terminal in advance can make the day much easier. Traveling together eliminates the hassle of coordinating multiple vehicles, paying for parking, and organizing return trips, so everyone can start enjoying the experience before they even reach the island.

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm

Not every summer outing has to be fast-paced. If your group would rather spend the afternoon surrounded by fragrant purple fields than cheering from grandstands, the Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm offers one of California's most peaceful July experiences. The farm's annual Lavender Festival takes place on July 11, 18, and 25, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to reserve one of the limited-entry tickets in advance since attendance is capped to create a more enjoyable experience.

Visitors can stroll through blooming lavender fields, browse handcrafted goods from local artisans, enjoy food vendors, sip refreshing lavender lemonade, and listen to live music while taking in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley scenery. Those looking for a more hands-on activity can also register for optional wreath-making classes using freshly harvested lavender. It's an excellent destination for families, couples, grandparents, photographers, and friends looking for a relaxing summer day trip. If you've searched for Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm photos, you'll quickly understand why the farm has become such a popular stop during lavender season. The rows of vibrant blooms provide stunning backdrops for summer pictures.

Before visiting, keep a few practical tips in mind. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended. Closed-toed shoes are encouraged because visitors will be walking through farm paths, and since the property is an active lavender farm, bees are naturally present around the flowers. Only trained service dogs are permitted on the property.

Planning Around July 4th Events in California

There's no question that Independence Day is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. From fireworks over the waterfront to concerts, parades, and family celebrations, 4th of July events in California attract huge crowds across the state. However, some groups prefer planning their outings after the holiday rush. The events featured in this guide offer excellent alternatives throughout July, giving travelers more flexibility and often a more relaxed experience. If you're specifically searching for 4th July Los Angeles 2026, 4th of July events Los Angeles, 4th of July events Sacramento, fireworks at Disneyland, celebrations aboard the Queen Mary, the Hollywood Bowl, or waterfront festivities, be sure to check out our dedicated July 4th group travel guide for a complete roundup.

When a Luxury Sprinter Van With a Driver Makes Sense

One of the biggest challenges with group outings isn't choosing the event—it's figuring out how everyone will get there. Multiple cars often mean multiple arrival times, parking headaches, rideshare coordination, and someone volunteering to be the designated driver. For larger groups, that can turn an exciting day into a logistical puzzle before the event even begins. That's especially true for adult festivals like Pechanga's Whiskey & Wings Festival and the Two Harbors Brew Fest, where tastings are part of the experience. It also applies to destinations with limited parking, busy race-day traffic, ferry schedules, or scenic day trips that involve several hours on the road.

Traveling together allows everyone to enjoy the journey instead of worrying about directions, parking lots, or separating into different vehicles. For groups throughout Southern California, TourVanGo provides luxury Mercedes Sprinter van transportation with professional drivers based in Burbank. Their services include airport transfers, corporate outings, wine tours, casino trips, family celebrations, sporting events, concerts, and transportation to destinations across California. Instead of coordinating multiple vehicles, groups can relax, socialize, and arrive together making the day feel like part of the event itself.

Final Thoughts

California proves every July that summer is about much more than Independence Day. Whether your group wants the excitement of the Del Mar horse races, the lively atmosphere of Pechanga's Whiskey & Wings Festival, the cultural traditions of the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, the island escape of the Two Harbors Brew Fest, or the peaceful beauty of the Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, there's an event that fits almost every travel style. The best group trips aren't just about the destination, they're about spending quality time together without unnecessary stress. Planning ahead, choosing the right event, and arranging reliable transportation can make the difference between a hectic day and an unforgettable one. For groups traveling across Southern California, a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van with a professional driver offers a convenient way to stay together, skip parking hassles, and simply enjoy everything July has to offer.

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.