Southern California Festivals and Annual Events
Film festivals, desert music festivals, fairs and harbor parades from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
Many of the region's biggest events are tied to a season. The desert has its festivals in the cooler months, from January film screenings to April's music festivals near Indio, while the coast fills up in summer with fairs, art festivals and horse racing. San Diego Comic-Con, each July, is the largest gathering of all and fills hotels across the city.
Dates move from year to year and many events sell out early, so check with organizers before you book a trip around one. For festival weekends in Indio, Del Mar or San Diego, reserve hotels as early as you can.
Annual Festivals and Events
A large film festival with screenings of international features and a star-studded awards gala.
Eleven days of films, tributes and panels in historic theaters along State Street.
Home tours, talks and parties celebrating mid-century modern architecture and design.
A major professional tennis tournament for men and women at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
A hometown parade of horses, wagons and marching bands celebrating the return of the swallows to the mission town.
Two weekends of music and art installations at the Empire Polo Club.
A country music festival on the same grounds as Coachella the following weekend.
Morning balloon launches, wine tasting and concerts at Lake Skinner.
A large county fair with rides, livestock, concerts and food at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
A juried art show and the Pageant, in which live performers recreate famous artworks on stage.
Thoroughbred racing at the seaside track founded with help from Bing Crosby.
The giant comics and pop culture convention, which takes over the Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter.
Parades, markets, music and dance celebrating Santa Barbara's Spanish and Mexican heritage.
Several nights of decorated boats cruising around Newport Harbor after dark.
Dates move from year to year — confirm on the organizer’s site before you plan around an event.
Official Event Calendars
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When is Comic-Con in San Diego?
Usually in July. Badges sell out quickly through an online registration system, and downtown hotels book up months ahead, so plan early.
What is the best time for festivals in Palm Springs?
January through April, when the film festival, Modernism Week, the Indian Wells tennis tournament and the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals all fall in the cooler season.