Tourism Authority announces New Year’s Eve gala reservations now on sale, fall sporting events, upcoming concerts and more

AVALON, CALIF. (Aug, 17 2021) - Love Catalina, the official Catalina Island Tourism Authority, is pleased to share upcoming events for visitors to enjoy now through winter on Catalina Island. From a New Year’s Eve Gala to free seaside concerts and an array of athletic events, there is no shortage of reasons to visit and enjoy the Island. Located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina provides visitors with an island escape year around with recreational activities, outdoor events and more.

EVENTS

Casino Live Concerts - August 21

Presented by Benefit Music, concert-goers will be transported back to the 80’s and 90’s as they enjoy a lineup of cover bands playing the best of the decades in the historic Casino Ballroom.

  • Damage Inc - Metallica tribute, Noise Pollution - AC/DC tribute, Seattle’s Best 90s tribute - August 21 
    • 12:30 - 5:30pm
    • Tickets priced from $25 - $179
    • More information and tickets available here
  • STRANGELOVE Depeche Mode tribute
    • 6 - 8:30pm
    • Tickets priced from free - $179
    • More information and tickets available here

Free Catalina Island Concert Series featuring “Mick Adams and The Stones®, Rolling Stones Show - September 4

Presented as part of the Catalina Island Concert Series and in partnership with The Xceptional Music Company, music lovers will go on a journey through the career of one of the most celebrated bands in history. Concert-goers will also delight in a beer garden adjacent to Wrigley Stage along with opportunities to win raffle prizes throughout the concert.

  • 8:00 - 10:00 pm. at Wrigley Stage
  • Free
  • More information can be found here.

Flashback Heart Attack, Champagne Yacht Club and Buffet Island-The Jimmy Buffet Experience - September 5

Presented by Benefit Music, Descanso Live will feature an entire day of 80’s favorites with three different cover bands including the #1 Yacht Rock band in Texas.

  • 1:30 - 6:45pm at Descanso Beach Club
  • Tickets/packages priced from free to $3,900
  • More information and tickets available here

Catalina Wine Mixer - September 10-11

The Catalina Wine Mixer at Descanso Beach Club will once again bring the most unique wine and entertainment event to Southern California. Wine-lovers will delight in unlimited tastings from local and imported brands, live music, and an array of food offerings. This beloved event also features an official screening of “Step Brothers” at the historic Avalon Theatre. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets early as the event sells out quickly. Tickets can be purchased here.

Catalina Art Festival - September 17-19

Art lovers will flock to the island as the Catalina Art Festival showcases an array of art from both locals and visitors. Taking place in the heart of Avalon, booths line Crescent Avenue and the beach, allowing attendees to pick their favorite pieces in a picturesque setting. More information on the festival can be found here.

Catalina Film Festival, September 17-26

Taking place Friday, September 17 through Sunday, September 26, The Catalina Film Festival honors the island’s unique film history, beauty and conservation efforts. Presented by the Catalina Film Institute, the festival will showcase an array of selected features with the goal of fostering the growth of upcoming filmmakers. More information and tickets can be found here.

Fifth Annual Catalina Island Chili Cook-Off - October 2

The Fifth Annual Catalina Island Chili Cook-Off will entice and feed the souls of spicy food lovers with a selection of the best chili the island has to offer. Presented by the Rotary Club of Avalon, the Chili Cook-Off will take place from 1 - 5 p.m. on the South Beach in Avalon. More information can be found here.

Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bash - October 7, 8, and 9

For the second year in a row, Sammy Hagar will celebrate his birthday with a special concert on Catalina. More details to be announced at a later time.

Free Catalina Concert Series featuring The Xceptional Tribute to ABBA, October 9: 

The most popular of the Free Catalina Island Concert Series acts, the beachside concert will feature the best of Abba. Concert-goers will delight in a beer garden adjacent to Wrigley Stage along with opportunities to win raffle prizes will be available throughout the concert.   more info

  • 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Wrigley Stage
  • Free
  • More information can be found here

JazzTrax - October 14 - 17, October 21 - 24

Jazz lovers will rejoice as the two-weekend JazzTrax festival ascends on Catalina this October. Taking place in the historic Avalon Ballroom and Descanso Beach, attendees have the opportunity to listen to some of their favorite artists all weekend long. More information, schedules and tickets can be found here.

FallFest - October 21

Enjoy live music, food, games, hayrides, a pumpkin patch on the beach and more. Join the Avalon community from 5 - 9 p.m. along Crescent Avenue (Front Street) as they raise money for local charities and kick off the Fall season.

Paintings for the Holidays at the Catalina Island Museum - November 6 - January 2022

Step under the mistletoe and celebrate the holidays with the Catalina Island Museum’s exhibition of winter wonderland paintings. Nostalgia and magic abound in this heartwarming yuletide showcase. More information can be found here.

28th Annual Shop Catalina - December

Kick off the holidays with seasonal activities, entertainment, shopping and exclusive savings during the 28th annual Shop Catalina. The island shops will open their doors with rarely offered exclusive savings on jewelry, art, clothing, unique gifts, housewares and more. Dates to be announced at a later date.

New Year’s Eve Gala - December 31 

The 48th annual New Year’s Eve Gala celebration will return this year in the world-famous Casino Ballroom. Guests will enjoy a gourmet buffet, live music from The Perfect Event's Christien Anthony Band, a champagne toast and more. Reservations are priced at $199 per person and are available for purchase here.

Fall Sporting Events

Catalina Crossing - Outrigger Canoe Race, September 11 - 12

Taking place over two days, this rigorous event has athletes paddling from Newport Beach to Catalina. Taking place over two days, the 26-mile women’s/coed race will be held Saturday, September 11 and the 30-mile all men's race will be held Sunday, September 12. More information and registration can be found here.

Catalina Island Rugby Festival - September 18

The Catalina Island Rugby Festival will take place in Avalon once again. Benefiting the Cancer Support Community of Redondo Beach, teams will go head-to-head in the most festive old boy’s rugby tournament in the world. More information can be found here.

Catalina Island Marathon, October 9, Avalon and Two Harbors 

With its 50 miles of rugged coastline and more than 42,000 acres of sweeping valleys, rocky hillsides, and oak-covered plateaus, thousands flock to the island every year to participate in the Catalina Island Marathon. For off-road and trail lovers, the Catalina Island Marathon offers spectacular views and beautiful scenery amidst rugged terrain. Proceeds benefit the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Catalina Island Triathlon & Duathlon, October 30

Celebrating its 44th anniversary, the Catalina Island Triathlon & Duathlon will be held Saturday, October 30. Starting at the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon, participants will swim, bike and run throughout Catalina Island on a 10K and 5K course. Proceeds benefit Love Catalina. More information can be found here

Catalina Island Half Marathon, November 13

Proceeds benefit the Catalina Island Conservancy. More information can be found here.

ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Catalina - November 20

The ÖTILLÖ Experience Catalina swimrun will take place at Two Harbors Saturday, November 20. Contestants will enjoy flat loops, amazing views and wide trails through the village of Two Harbors as they race to the finish line in the 7800-meter competition. The ultimate endurance sport, teams alternate between running and swimming on a pre-marked course through Two Harbors, all while experiencing nature in its purest form. More information on the race and registration can be found here.

To stay up to date on events on the island visit https://www.lovecatalina.com/events/. For more information about Love Catalina, please visit www.lovecatalina.com.

About Love Catalina:

Love Catalina serves as the official Tourism Authority for Catalina Island. Originally founded in 1949, the nonprofit is comprised of approximately 230 member organizations, working closely with city officials, local businesses and the community at large to attract visitors and support the local economy. Love Catalina Island is governed by an elected board of directors and is funded in part through the collection of Transient Occupancy Taxes. For more information, please visit www.lovecatalina.com. Travelers can also join the conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lovecatalinaisland) Instagram (@LoveCatalinaIsland) and Twitter (@LoveCatalina_).

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