10 CA Festivals To Check Out This Weekend

Summer’s here, and the time is right for dancing in the streets. Outside Lands is making big headlines for its all-star lineup in an all-star setting, but that’s just one of many incredible festivals taking place this weekend. From 180 artists in a eucalyptus grove to Asian night markets to apple cider to Patti LaBelle, incredible festivals are taking place all over the Golden State this summer. Here are some of the best.

1. Hillcrest CityFest (San Diego)

• What: San Diego’s largest and best music festival, featuring live bands, electric dance music, DJs, arts, crafts, over 250 vendors, and food that attracts over 70,000 visitors. There’s also a wine garden, 20 hours of live entertainment on two stages, a kid zone, and numerous nighttime parties.
• Where: University Ave., Hillcrest
• When: Aug. 6 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Admission: Free

2. OC Fair (Costa Mesa)

• What: A 23-day annual summer celebration featuring carnival rides, a large Ferris wheel, live entertainment, numerous concerts, exhibits, animals, and food.
• Where: O.C. Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
• When: Through Aug. 16. 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday.
• Admission: $9 for children, $18 for adults on weekends, $10 for seniors. Buy tickets here.

3. Sawdust Art Festival (Laguna Beach)

• What: Enjoy the world-class art of 180 residents of international art capital Laguna Beach along a three-acre eucalyptus grove. Enjoy live music, artist demonstrations, and fine arts and crafts ranging from painting to jewelry to blown glass.
• Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
• When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 6.
• Admission: $5.50 for youth, $12.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors. Summer pass is $35.50. Buy tickets here.

4. Head in the Clouds Festival (Pasadena)

• What: This annual festival celebrates Asian and Asian-American art and food with concerts from major Asian artists, Asian-owned food vendors, and night-market foods.
• Where: Brookside at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena
• When: Saturday starting at 1 p.m.
• Admission: Starting at $199 for general pass. Buy tickets here.

5. Ventura County Fair (Seaside Park, Ventura)

• What: A classic county fair that includes carnival rides, free concerts, livestock barns with agricultural exhibits, food, and drink.
• Where: 10 East Harbor Boulevard, Ventura
• When: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. through Aug. 9
• Admission: $16 for children, $21 for adults, $16 for seniors. Buy tickets here.

6. Santa Barbara Old Spanish Days Fiesta (Santa Barbara)

• What: A historic five-day summer festival celebrating the region’s Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Californian roots. Features traditional dance, live music, historic parades, and festive “mercado” marketplaces.
• Where: 129 Castillo Street, Santa Barbara
• When: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
• Admission: Most events free, tickets required for select events. See here for a schedule.

7. San Jose Jazz Summer Fest (San Jose)

• What: One of the West Coast’s premier music festivals, bringing together jazz, blues, R&B, funk, Latin and soul across multiple stages. This year’s lineup features Patti LaBelle, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and more.
• Where: Plaza Park, 194 Market Street, San Jose
• When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m Saturday and Sunday
• Admission: 3-Day General Admission: $150, 3-Day Child: 450. Buy tickets here.

8. Outside Lands (San Francisco)

• What: The iconic three-day festival at Golden Gate Park is the largest independently-owned music festival in the United States. Enjoy local food, drink, cannabis, art installations, and concerts from world-famous acts like Charli XCX, The Strokes, Empire of the Sun, and many more.
• Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
• When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days
• Admission: Starting at $269. See here to join the waitlist

9. Pistahan Parade & Festival (San Francisco)

• What: The largest celebration of Filipino culture in the United States, featuring a parade, traditional and contemporary music, dance, art, and authentic cuisine.
• Where: Yerba Buena Park Gardens, San Francisco
• When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
• Admission: Free

10. Gravenstein Apple Fair (Sebastopol)

• What: A celebration of Sonoma County’s farming history offers local food, apple products, cider, wine tastings, live regional music playing Americana and bluegrass, farm demonstrations, and more.
• Where: Ragle Ranch Park, 500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol
• When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• Admission: Adults - $30 ($23 in advance), kids - $15 ($10 in advance), kids 5 and under free. See here for tickets.

SEE ALSO:

• Last-Minute CA Summer Bucket List For Families
• 20 Outdoor Events In Southern California Before Summer Ends