California will host a variety of events throughout August 2025, offering activities for residents and visitors across the state. These include music festivals, food celebrations, sporting competitions, and cultural gatherings in Northern, Central, and Southern California.
In Northern California, Guerneville’s Lazy Bear Week (July 28–Aug. 4) continues LGBTQ+ pride celebrations with pool parties and game nights. Mammoth Lakes’ Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza (July 31–Aug. 3) brings together blues musicians such as The Robert Cray Band and Steve Earle alongside more than 60 craft breweries. Napa’s Music in the Vineyards (Aug. 1–24) offers chamber music concerts at local wineries.
Dog owners can attend the World Dog Surfing Championship on Aug. 2 in Pacifica to watch dogs compete on surfboards at Linda Mar Beach. Lodi hosts its annual Stuck in Lodi Classic Car Show the same day, featuring hundreds of classic cars downtown.
Seasonal harvests are celebrated at Apple Hill’s Summer Harvest Days (Aug. 2–3) near Placerville with berry picking and live music. Sebastopol marks early apple season with the Gravenstein Apple Fair (Aug. 9–10), while Sonoma Valley will recognize its 200th grape harvest on Aug. 27 with a public sunset toast at Sonoma’s History Town Square.
San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music and Arts Fest (Aug. 8–10) features performances by artists including Doja Cat and Tyler the Creator along with local food vendors in Golden Gate Park. San Jose Jazz Summerfest (Aug. 8–10) includes headliners Common and Mavis Staples, plus special hotel deals for attendees.
Central California highlights include Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Fiesta Days (July 30–Aug. 3), which has run since 1925 and features parades, rodeos, flamenco dancing, and Mexican-American cuisine from local vendors.
Monterey Car Week (Aug. 8–17) brings auto shows, auctions, and memorabilia to Monterey County before concluding with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance displaying classic vehicles on Pebble Beach Golf Links’ fairway.
Southern California’s Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing runs July 26–Aug. 3 in Huntington Beach with surfing as well as skateboarding and BMX competitions centered around Huntington Beach Pier; admission is free.
Laguna Beach hosts its annual Laguna Art-A-Fair throughout August as part of its Festival of Arts season, showcasing works by over a hundred artists alongside workshops and live music.
Other notable events include Pasadena’s CatCon (Aug. 2–3), where cat enthusiasts gather for celebrity meet-and-greets; Los Angeles’ HARD Summer festival (Aug. 2–3), focused on EDM and hip-hop; Chula Vista’s Lemon Festival (Aug.16); Anaheim’s Halloween Time festivities beginning Aug.22 at Disneyland Resort; Dana Point Classic Car Show on Aug.24; among others throughout the month.
These events highlight California’s diverse cultural offerings during late summer.
