An abundance of music festivals, culinary weeks, county fairs, and car shows are hosted in California throughout July to September.

The sound of California sunshine excites many, for the state is renowned across the world for its pleasant summers with adventures and activities for all, be it families, friends or lovers. An abundance of music festivals, culinary weeks, county fairs, and car shows are hosted in the town as it emerges as the ultimate destination from July to September.

To ensure an unforgettable ‘California summer’, the state’s tourism organisation Visit California lists some enticing fairs and festivals not to miss while visiting the state in summer.

Arroyo Grande’s Art in the Park and Big Ditch Market

According to Visit California, a number of summer festivals and fairs, including Art in the Park, Big Ditch Market and a monthly summer concert Series, are going to be held in the City of Arroyo Grande. Art in the Park honours regional artists by presenting their distinctive, one-of-a-kind works from June to September. Big Ditch Market, which opens in July and runs through November, features cuisine and handmade products from 30 of the Central Coast’s top sellers.

Summer Festivities in Morgan Hill

In Morgan Hill, visitors can enjoy the summer at the Guglielmo Winery’s Vines & Vibes Concert Series from June to August. This event features a free live performance, regional food trucks, and delightful wine slushies. On July 4, Morgan Hill will host the Freedom Fest, which features the well-known “Patriotic Sing,” the Freedom Run, a street music festival, the Cruise and Car Show, and Fireworks on the Green. Mid-June through August, the free Friday Night Music series has the Bay Area’s top musical acts performing for enthusiastic crowds under an open sky.

Summer Fairs and Festivals in Sonoma County

Visit California says that the Gravenstein Apple Fair will be featuring  live entertainment, regional cuisine, handicrafts stands, farm animals, renowned microbrews, fine wines, and a VIP Lounge to commemorate Sonoma County’s 50th anniversary from August 12–13. The statement adds that the carnival was also awarded the first-ever ‘Green Resolution’ credentials for events by Sonoma County Zero Waste, owing to its 95 pc waste-free status.

Renaissance Festival

The Renaissance era almost comes alive in the Central Coast Renaissance Festival, to be held in Laguna Lake Park, San Luis Obispo on July 15. From the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign to the stories of the era’s legendary characters like William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Sir Francis Drake, visitors can experience a truly immersive experience in the carnival, says the board.

California Wine Festival – Carlsbad & Santa Barbara

This summer, the California Wine Festival will tour with a brand-new lineup of iconic seaside tasting opportunities in celebrating 20 years of world-class wine discovery and everything that makes California the perfect vacation spot for wine lovers. Visit California says that each festival honours the extensive offers from winemaking regions around the Golden State, partnered with exquisite cuisine options from local dining purveyors, and supported by live entertainment and expansive coastal views as it enters its 20th event season. Santa Barbara will host the CA Wine Festival from July 14 to 15.

Plein Air Festival and Watermelon Extravaganza in Oceanside

During its bi-annual Oceanside Plein Air Festival from July 15 to 22, Oceanside Museum of Art pays homage to the city with workshops, plein-air painting sessions and a juried exhibition. Visit California adds that the Mellano Farm Stand’s watermelon festival returns July 15-16, featuring a host of ripe watermelons, local vendors, strawberry and sunflower u-pick and a farm stand full of flowers and produce.

Gilroy Rodeo

The statement adds that the Gilroy Rodeo will return to California from August 11–13. Beginning on Friday is the Buckin’ Bash, a condensed rodeo honouring ‘all things that buck’. The CCPRA Rodeo will also feature tie-down roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, rodeo clowns, as the neighbourhood fund-raiser for the benefit of nearby organisations and schools.

Concerts in the Summer in Torrance

Torrance Summer Nights, says Visit California, takes visitors and locals on a musical, movie and live theatre cultural journey through an array of festival programming through September 3.

The Palos Verdes Symphonic Band and Shakespeare by the Sea will also be featured. Exclusively for those 21 and over, Tam Houseparty at the Torrance Art Museum on July 9 will present live DJs spinning their way through the 60s, SKA, Motown, Northern Soul, Funk, Disco, and 80s music, adds the statement.

Summer Nights and Ghost Town Alive! return to Knott’s Berry

After sundown on select nights at Knott’s Summer Nights, visitors can experience an evening event with craft food and beverage booths, rotating bands and a Boardwalk DJ. The board adds that the Western adventure at Ghost Town Alive! is where the citizens of Calico welcome visitors to join their story filled with bandits, cowboys, judges, robberies, and a classic hoedown, through September 4.

Pacific Coast Fog Fest

Pacific Coast Fog Fest is an annual free event held September 23-24 in Pacifica featuring a parade, live music, kids’ activities, local vendors, food, over 200 booths and more.

Music, Food, and Jazz in Concord

The popular Music & Market series returns this summer, running through September 28 in Todos Santos Plaza. Jazz Around Town is Concord’s salute to its jazz legacy, adds Visit California. This year, from August 2-4, live jazz will be playing at The Veranda, Music & Market and the Concord Historical Society, home of the Brubeck Stage. Visitors can stay at any of the city’s nine budget-friendly hotels. Most have pools, perfect for the warm Concord weather, and almost all are pet-friendly too.