2026 California Events & Festivals You Can’t Miss

January, a new month, a new year, a fresh beginning. It is a kind of invitation to start something amazing and new. January is the best period for visiting California. When most of the country is hiding from winter, California is doing what it does best staying effortlessly cool. The crowds thin out, hotel prices take a dip, and exploring famous attractions suddenly feels easy and stress-free. From strolling past iconic parade floats to catching a world-class film festival or diving into lively city block parties, January proves that California doesn’t hibernate.

 Mild days, clearer skies, and a packed calendar of unforgettable events make this month the perfect time to kick off the year with adventure, culture, and a little bit of sun on your face. So, keep reading our blog to discover the top events, festivals, and must-see experiences that make California in January 2026 an unforgettable destination for every type of traveler. 

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Weekend Celebrations

January 19, 2026

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is both a national holiday and one of the most active community-focused weekends in California. Cities across the state honor Dr. King’s legacy through parades, marches and cultural celebrations that combine residents and visitors alike. 

How LA Celebrates

In Los Angeles, the MLK Day Parade is one of the largest in the country and a major highlight of the holiday weekend. The event typically begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs for several hours, often lasting until around 5:00 p.m., featuring marching bands, community organizations, local leaders and cultural performances that celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. Attendance is free and open to all ages, though families are encouraged to arrive early due to street closures and limited parking, with public transportation and rideshare services being the easiest ways to access the parade route.

Beyond the parade, visitors can explore MLK Day programs at the California African American Museum, take part in community volunteer events held across the city, enjoy a relaxed day at Griffith Observatory or The Getty, or spend time discovering LA’s diverse neighborhoods, restaurants and cultural landmarks while crowds are lighter than usual. 

How Long Beach Celebrates

Long Beach extends its MLK celebrations across the entire weekend, with a parade that usually runs for about two hours, followed by festivals, live music and educational events. The atmosphere is family-friendly and inclusive, with no admission fee required for general attendance. Children are welcome and many activities are specifically designed for younger participants. 

Morning March in San Francisco

San Francisco’s MLK celebrations generally include a morning march followed by performances, speeches and community gatherings throughout the day. Events are free and open to the public, attracting a wide range of ages. January weather and lighter tourist traffic make it an especially comfortable time to explore the city while attending these meaningful events. 

Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena

January 1, 2026 – Parade begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes around 10:00 a.m. PST

The Rose Parade is one of California’s most iconic New Year’s Day traditions and a defining January event. Held every January 1st in Pasadena - unless the date falls on a Sunday - the parade has delighted audiences for more than a century with its elaborate floral floats, international marching bands and equestrian units that travel along Colorado Boulevard in a moving celebration of creativity and community spirit.

This January the parade begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and lasts roughly two hours. While curbside viewing is free, many visitors choose reserved grandstand seating, which typically ranges from around $80 to $130 depending on location, with VIP tour packages available at higher prices to include premium seating and added perks. The event is open to all ages and is a popular family tradition, though January mornings in Pasadena can be cool, so layered clothing is highly recommended. After the parade, visitors can further extend the experience at Floatfest:  

A Rose Parade Showcase, a three-day event running from January 1 to January 3, 2026, where nearly 70,000 attendees walk a two-mile display of the themed floats parked along Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards and get an up-close look at the intricate details that make each float a work of art.  

How to Get The Tickets

Floatfest tickets are generally priced around $26.50 for adults, with children ages five and under admitted free and the showcase welcomes guests with a family-friendly atmosphere, food trucks (including California favorites at the Food Fare near Gate A) and interactive opportunities with float exhibitors. 

• January 1: Opens at 1:30 p.m., ticket sales end at 3:30 p.m., with the last entry at 4:00 p.m.
• January 2: Early-access hours for seniors and visitors with mobility disabilities from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by general admission until 5:00 p.m.
• January 3: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

That’s because parking near the showcase is limited, free shuttle service from designated Pasadena locations is included with ticket purchase and offers priority access to the event. 

San Francisco’s Annual New Year’s Day Block Parties

January 1, 2026 

San Francisco comes up with a distinctly urban way to welcome the new year with a vibrant mix of community block parties and organized city events that reflect the city’s creative energy and appeal to travelers who prefer nightlife and arts-driven experiences over more traditional holiday celebrations. One of the most talked-about gatherings is “It’s A New DAY + Breakfast Of Champions,” a long-running block party that takes over the streets around The Great Northern in the heart of the city on January 1, 2026, from early morning into the evening, with music, dancing, food and good vibes as attendees kick off the year together - this event typically draws large crowds and has become a staple of San Francisco’s New Year’s Day scene. 

For those looking for free, all-ages fun later in the day, the Downtown First Thursdays New Year’s Day Edition provides a lively street party on 2nd Street between Market and Howard from about 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., complete with DJs, live performances, dancing, food trucks, drag entertainment and local vendors and since it’s free with RSVP, it’s a popular choice for families or travelers who want to experience San Francisco’s community atmosphere without ticketed entry. Both ticketed and free events highlight the city’s blend of arts, music, food and nightlife and prove that January 1 in San Francisco isn’t a quiet day, it’s a celebration of culture, community and creativity that’s easier to enjoy when crowds are lighter and public transportation options are more accessible than during peak tourist months.

San Diego Rodeo

January 16 through 18, 2026

The San Diego Rodeo returns to Petco Park in downtown San Diego from January 16 to January 18, 2026, bringing three days of high-energy, family-friendly rodeo action to Southern California. This annual winter tradition features top professional rodeo athletes competing for more than half a million dollars in prize money, along with BeerFest on Friday and Saturday in Gallagher Square, where local and national breweries pour specials from the time the gates open until the first rodeo performance.

On Sunday, KidsFest comes up with a Western-themed afternoon of games, balloon artists, inflatables and family fun for younger visitors, making this event welcoming for all ages and especially appealing to families looking for a unique January outing in the sun.

Daily rodeo performances start in the early evening on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17 and typically begin mid-afternoon on Sunday, January 18, giving attendees the chance to enjoy multiple aspects of the event throughout the day. Ticket prices for individual rodeo performances vary by day and seating level, but many general admission tickets start in the low-to-mid $30–$40 range, with average prices closer to $80–$110 depending on the night and seat quality, while premium and VIP seating can be significantly higher for those seeking a front-row view or special perks.

Each night also includes rodeo after-party concerts in Gallagher Square that require separate admission. The Friday night show on January 16 features Charley Crockett, the Saturday night show on January 17 stars Jamey Johnson and Sunday’s after-party on January 18 highlights Cody Jinks, giving visitors live country music alongside the rodeo excitement.

Between the competitions, rodeo festivities and off-field entertainment, the San Diego Rodeo delivers a lively and authentic Western experience that enhances January travel in California. Located about 120 miles south of Los Angeles, the event is an easy road trip from LA and traveling by sprinter van offers a more comfortable and stress-free option for groups, allowing everyone to relax, stretch out and enjoy the ride without worrying about traffic, parking, or coordinating multiple vehicles. 

Palm Springs 37th Annual International Film Festival

January 2–12, 2026

Palm Springs is one of the warmest destinations in California during January, making it a popular winter escape. Beyond its sunny weather, the city is deeply connected to Hollywood history and has served as a filming location for tons of classic and contemporary movies. The 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is set to take place in the sunny Coachella Valley from January 2 through January 12, 2026, making it one of the year’s most anticipated cultural events for film lovers and international visitors alike. This long-running festival gathers together cinema fans from around the world, with more than 160 films from over 70 countries scheduled for screening and a vibrant mix of premieres, international features, and documentaries. The event kicks off with Opening Night on January 2 and features the star-studded Film Awards ceremony early in the schedule, celebrating the best performances and achievements in cinema.

Festival offerings are open to the public with individual tickets sold by screening and while general pricing can vary by film and venue, many shows begin around standard ticket prices in the ballpark of $20–$30, with special programs like “Talking Pictures” often priced slightly higher. Pass options are also available for those who want to attend multiple screenings or experience a larger portion of the festival, ranging from multi-day passes to full-festival premium packages. Because the festival takes place across several theaters in Palm Springs, attendees can enjoy films set against the backdrop of the desert’s cool winter days and warm evenings, making this a perfect cultural addition to any January trip to California.  

Southwest Arts Festival - Indio

January 23–25, 2026

The Southwest Arts Festival returns to the beautiful Empire Polo Club in Indio from January 23 through January 25, 2026, offering a three-day celebration of creativity and culture in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Recognized as one of the region’s premier juried art festivals, this event brings together more than 200 acclaimed artists showcasing a wide variety of traditional, contemporary and abstract works including fine art painting, pottery, jewelry, glass and quality crafts, all set against the scenic desert landscape and towering mountain views. 

Festival Hours, Admission & Parking Information

• Opening time: 10:00 a.m. each day
• Friday & Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• General admission (advance purchase):- $28.52
• Senior tickets (55+): - $25.31
• Children 12 and under: Free admission
• Parking: Free for all attendees
• Overall: Affordable, family-friendly event

Visitors of all ages can explore the art displays, enjoy live music and watch artist demonstrations that bring the creative process to life. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just curious to see vibrant works in a relaxed outdoor setting, the Southwest Arts Festival makes January month in California feel like a cultural celebration that’s worth planning a trip around.

Why January 2026 Is the Perfect Time to Visit California

January in California is the perfect time to explore everything the Golden State has to offer. The weather is pleasantly mild, the crowds are smaller and attractions feel easier to enjoy without the usual hustle. Travelers can catch colorful parades, lively city block parties, exciting rodeos, and unique desert art shows, or immerse themselves in the buzz of international film festivals. Disneyland is especially enjoyable this month, with shorter lines, seasonal decorations and comfortable temperatures that make the parks feel more magical than ever. With so many destinations spread across Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs and San Francisco, hopping between cities in a van or sprinter van makes travel relaxed, comfortable and hassle-free, whether you’re adventuring with friends, family, or a group of fellow explorers. January proves that California is just as exciting in the new year as it is in summer, sometimes even better.