California will host a wide range of events throughout April 2026, offering activities across the state for residents and visitors. From cultural festivals and sporting events to food celebrations and music festivals, there are options for various interests.
In Northern California, Native California Pow Wows begin on April 4 with UC Davis hosting its 50th Annual Pow Wow. Other pow wows take place at Sierra College in Placer County and San Diego State University on April 11, followed by Sherman Indian School’s event in Riverside on April 18. The Silver Belt freeride competition finals occur at Sugar Bowl ski resort on April 4, with qualifying races starting March 30.
Wine enthusiasts can participate in Taste Alexander Valley throughout the month in Sonoma County, featuring complimentary tastings and discounts at several wineries. Redding’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park offers “Glowing Wild,” an illuminated lantern attraction running select nights through June 7.
Oroville’s Wildflower & Nature Festival is set for April 4 at Riverbend Park, while the American River 50-Mile Endurance Run takes place the same day from Folsom to Auburn. The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival runs from April 8–15 in Morgan Hill and Gilroy, highlighting independent films from marginalized groups.
San Francisco’s Spring Restaurant Week occurs from April 10–19 with prix fixe menus available at participating restaurants across the Bay Area. Beer lovers can attend Battle of the Brews in Santa Rosa or Chico BrewFest on April 11. The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled over two weekends (April 11–12 and April 18–19) in San Francisco’s Japantown.
Other notable events include Santa Rosa Symphony’s Celebrate America concert on April 12, Kamome Festival in Crescent City (April 13–19), Godwit Days Spring Migration Birding Festival in Arcata (April 16–19), Red Bluff Round-Up rodeo (April 17–19), Kool April Nites car show in Redding (April 17–26), Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival in Petaluma (April 18), UC Davis Picnic Day (April 18), Taste of the Peninsula culinary week (April 23–May 3), Stags Leap District’s Vineyard to Vintner festival in Napa Valley (April 24–26), San Francisco International Film Festival (April 24–May 4), Rhododendron Parade in Eureka (April 25), Levi’s GranFondo Cycling Event in Windsor (April 25), California Duck Days Festival in Davis (April 25), Opening Day on the Bay boat parade in San Francisco (April 26), and Chico Wildflower Ride & Festival cycling event (April 25–26).
Central California highlights include Ojai Pixie Tangerine Month throughout April, Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival from April 9–12 featuring chefs Antonia Lofaso and Oliver Ridgeway, Ventura County Farm Day on April 11 with farm tours around Camarillo, Whalefest Monterey on April 11–12 focusing on marine conservation efforts at Fisherman’s Wharf, Clovis Big Hat Days street fair followed by Clovis Rodeo later that month, Santa Barbara Kite Festival on April 12 at Santa Barbara City College meadow, Monterey Sea Otter Classic cycling event from April 16–19 attracting professional athletes, Celebration of the Whales event on April 19 at Channel Islands Harbor celebrating whale migration along the Santa Barbara Channel.
Southern California features Stand Up Chow Down comedy-culinary festival debuting in Anaheim from April 3–4; PaleyFest TV festival at Dolby Theatre Los Angeles from April 4–12; Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival taking place over two weekends beginning mid-April with headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G; California Poppy Festival celebrating state flowers near Lancaster between April 17-19; Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival featuring Western music acts during the same weekend; Los Angeles Times Festival of Books held at USC campus from April 18-19; Giants: Art from the Dean Collection exhibit opening at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego starting mid-April; La Jolla Concours d’Elegance classic car show happening late month; Stagecoach country music festival following Coachella at Indio’s Empire Polo Club with headliners Cody Johnson and Post Malone; Panda Fest Asian street food event hosted at Waterfront Park San Diego late month; Disneyland Resort introducing new Star Wars characters to Galaxy’s Edge area starting late-April alongside themed after-hours events.
These diverse offerings reflect California’s cultural richness during springtime.
