Catalina Island’s Year-Round Events and Festivals

Catalina Island offers a full calendar of memorable events, intriguing festivals, and challenging athletic activities throughout the year. Highlights range from lively gatherings such as the Catalina Wine Mixer and Buccaneer Days to concerts like JazzTrax and the Catalina Concert Series. Cultural occasions including First Fridays at the Museum and the Catalina Art Festival are also among the island’s many signature experiences. A separate listing is available for Two Harbors Annual Events.

Avalon Events by Month

January

• Polar Bear Plunge — January 1: The City of Avalon and the Catalina Swim Club welcome the new year with a Polar Bear Swim at Casino Dive Park.
• Avalon Benefit 50K/50 Mile Run: This yearly race travels from Avalon to Two Harbors and returns across Catalina Island.

February

• Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup: SCUBA diving in Avalon Bay is permitted during this annual cleanup, the sole time of year when it is allowed.

March

• Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon: This “bucket list” trail marathon is California's oldest trail marathon and the only one that runs across an island in the Pacific Ocean.

April

• Catalina Island Conservancy Ball: Guests attend a black-tie evening with dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions.
• Community Easter Egg Hunt: Descanso Beach Club hosts this community egg hunt.

May

• Catalina Island Rugby Festival: Players and friends gather for rugby in beautiful Avalon, while the tournament raises funds for the Cancer Support Community of Redondo Beach.
• Catalina Spring Art Fair & Craft Festival: Local and mainland artists present art, crafts, and entertainment during this 3-day fair.
• The Avalon Ball: Dean Mora and the Avalon Ball Orchestra perform hits from the 1920s and 30s during an evening inspired by the glamour of a bygone era.
• Annual Silent Film Showcase: This event is recognized as one of the world’s longest running annual celebrations of Silent Film.
• Taste Around Avalon: Sample food and beverages at Avalon’s finest dining establishments.
• Catalina Wine Mixer: This Step Brothers-inspired gathering features live bands, food booths, and wine tasting.

June

• Catalina Pride Celebration: Catalina Island welcomes the LGBTQ+ community and allies throughout Southern California for the annual Catalina Pride celebration.
• Tamale Festival: The Catalina Museum of Art & History hosts this festival.

July

• 4th of July Parade & Celebration: The festivities include live music on Wrigley Stage, a golf cart parade along Crescent Ave, and fireworks at dark.

August

Ongoing Summer Events

• Descanso Beach Club Beach Party: Saturdays & Sunday from 1-5 pm.
• Movies on the Beach: Free, family-friendly movies take place on South Beach.
• Summer Concert Series: Free family-friendly concerts are held on Wrigley Stage on Crescent Avenue on various dates June through September.
• Summer Beach Bingo: Play Tuesday & Thursday from 6 to 7 pm by the South Beach lifeguard stand.
• Kids Fishing Derby: The derby begins Wednesdays at 7 am at the Green Pleasure Pier.

September

• Catalina Channel Crossing: This event is the U.S. Outrigger Championships.
• Catalina Festival of Art: Artists from across the country and beyond display fine art, sculpture, crafts, and photography.
• Catalina Film Festival: More than 100 films are screened at multiple venues, with awards presented in up to 10 categories.

October

• Catalina Island Chili Cook-Off: The Rotary Club of Avalon sponsors this event on South Beach.
• Buccaneer Days: Visitors can dress as pirates and head to Two Harbors for a weekend featuring treasure hunts, costume contests, great food, live music, and plenty of fun.
• Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival: Over two weekends, more than 30 jazz stars perform at Descanso Beach Club and the Casino Ballroom.
• Avalon Fall Carnival: Crescent Avenue hosts this community gathering with food, music, games, and a pumpkin patch on the beach.
• Halloween Parade: Costumed participants make their way down Crescent Avenue.

November

• Veterans Day Celebration
• Catalina Island Half Marathon & 10 K: Participants can choose between 13.1 miles or 10k while running Catalina Island’s beautiful, rugged, and breathtaking trails.

December

• “Shop Catalina” Holiday Kick Off and Treelighting: Support local small businesses, shop for the holidays, receive discounts, enter to win prizes, and take part in festive holiday activities.
• New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration: Welcome the new year in the historic Casino Ballroom.