Half the year may be over, but that doesn’t mean at all that the fun is. As our planet continues to make its way around the sun yet again, we’ve got some of the greatest festivals on the horizon.
Looking for something to do with family, friends or solo for the rest of the year? We’ve got you covered with a festival (or more!) each month. Check out these raging festivals that will keep you chill (and super excited) through the new year.
JULY
Oxnard Salsa Festival
Salsa has something for everyone because it’s a food, a dance and amazing music. Looking to get a bit spicy as the heat continues to build up this month? Take a day trip up to Oxnard for the Salsa Festival on July 28 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s free admission but bring some money along, because there are some great concerts to catch for $5, as well as a marketplace of—you guessed it—salsa. There’s also a food court that will let you get your international flair on as well as a number of boutiques and handcrafted clothing and jewelry.
- When: July 28-29, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Where: Plaza Park, 500 S. C St. Oxnard
- More info: oxnardsalsafestival.com
AUGUST
International Surf Festival
In So Cal, summer is, of course, about the surf. And if you’re into the water sport of our times, check out the International Surf Festival down in Hermosa Beach. Cool down and dive into the fun with a beach run, or watch the surfing contests and paddleboard races. Also, check out the 58th annual pier-to-pier swim that will be happening during the festival. Great fun all around, and a great way to cool down in the August heat.
- When: August 1-5
- Where: Hermosa Beach Pier
- More info: surffestival.org
Orange International Street Fair
August is brimming with activities. (And yes, the LA County Fair is still going on too!) But if you venture down south to Old Towne Orange, you’ll get to experience a menagerie of international and ethnic food, music and crafts that will make you feel like you’ve flown away on an fun vacation—without the expense. In fact, the event is free, though you’ll want to bring money for sure to get a taste of the amazing cuisines!
- When: August 31-September 2
- Where: Old Towne Orange, on Glassell and nearby streets
- More info: orangestreetfair.org
SEPTEMBER
Los Angeles Film Festival
Film buffs, this is your time. Come out to the Arclight Cinema and experience the work of emerging storytellers as well as Oscar-nominated movies. This is the intersection where art, reality and the future of storytelling meet—and you won’t want to miss it.
- When: September 20-28
- Where: Arclight Cinemas, 6360 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles
- More info: filmindependent.org
OCTOBER
Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
Sure, Joshua Tree Music Festival is happening just before it, but if you want a truly unique experience, check out the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. (Or, do both!) The event happens for two weekends in October, both under the open sky (with the open sea before you) and inside the historic Catalina Island Casino too.
- When: October 11-12; 18-19
- Where: Avalon Casino, 1 Casino Way, Catalina Island (and Descanso Beach)
- More info: jazztrax.com/jazz/catalina.html
NOVEMBER
Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Love art? You better head down to Laguna Beach for this winter spectacular. The dates haven’t been announced yet, but it will be happening in November and December. So check back at their website frequently for tickets and dates.
- When: November/December
- Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
- More info: sawdustartfestivals.org/festivals
DECEMBER
Festival of Lights
We love the holiday season, and bet you do too! From boat parades in Huntington Harbor, Newport Beachand Marina Del Reyto the spectacular light displays, there’s always something to do. The Festival of Lights has to be seen to be believed. Starting the night after Thanksgiving in November, and going all the way through the beginning of January, the Mission Inn down in Riverside will be all done up with more than 4 million lights, plus a whole lot of fun. And it’s free for you!
- When:November 23-first week of January
- Where:Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside
- More info:festivaloflightsca.com
And if you find yourself down in our neck of the concrete jungle (Milpitas, Palm Desert, Riverside, San Jose, Upland, Irvine, Sherman Oaks, Westminster, San Marino, Rowland Heights or Dublin, CA—or thereabouts), give us a call. We’d love to meet you andhelp you enjoyall these spectacular events to their fullest. Give us a call at 888.539.2211, or drop us a line at appointment@iqlaservision.com.
