California will see a wide range of events in July 2025, offering options for residents and visitors across the state. In Northern California, activities include afternoon tea train rides in Napa Valley, a Pikmin Bloom Mini-Walk game event in San Francisco’s Union Square, and pick-your-own flower experiences at Park Winters. Willits hosts its Frontier Days rodeo, while Quincy features the High Sierra Music Festival with Grammy winner Molly Tuttle among its performers.
Fort Bragg will hold its annual World’s Largest Salmon BBQ to support salmon restoration efforts. The two-week Festival Napa Valley will offer classical music performances and wine tastings at local venues. Other events include Summer Nights at Filoli in Woodside and Evenings on the Colonnade at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
The California State Fair in Sacramento is scheduled from July 11–27, featuring musical acts like En Vogue and Ludacris alongside livestock competitions and food exhibits. Willow Creek’s Bigfoot Daze celebrates local heritage with a parade and festival. San Jose’s Obon Festival honors Japanese Buddhist traditions through dance, food booths, and taiko performances.
In Central California, the MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest returns to Salinas’ Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Lompoc hosts the Santa Rita Hills Lavender Festival with artisan pop-ups and food vendors. Paso Robles’ California Mid-State Fair brings concerts by Flo Rida and Keith Urban.
Gilroy Garlic Festival makes its return after several years on hiatus; tickets were sold out as of press time but additional tickets may become available for this event known for garlic-themed foods including garlic ice cream.
Southern California’s lineup includes the longstanding Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, which features live recreations of famous artworks along with art exhibits throughout July and August. Los Angeles’ Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival presents modern interpretations of classic plays such as “Love’s Labour’s Lost” through August 31.
Carlsbad’s Omni La Costa resort marks its 60th anniversary with Legacy Weekend festivities that include retro pool parties and chef-curated dinners. Temecula introduces Pechanga’s Whiskey and Wings Festival benefiting Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley through culinary competitions and silent auctions.
San Diego Pride runs from July 16–20 with a parade and festival in Balboa Park. Del Mar Racetrack opens its summer horse racing season on July 18. Comic-Con International returns to downtown San Diego from July 24–27; although badges are sold out, related activities can be found around town or at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.
Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival takes place on July 26 at Marine Stadium with boat races accompanied by cultural performances. Huntington Beach hosts the Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing starting July 26—an action-sports festival featuring surfing as well as skateboarding competitions near Huntington Beach Pier, all open to the public free of charge via https://www.surfcityusa.com/events/us-open-of-surfing/.
Redondo Beach closes out the month with its International Surf Festival from July 30–August 3 including amateur surf contests, swim races, paddleboard events, and lifeguard fitness competitions.
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