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WHAT’S NEW ON CATALINA - SUMMER 2022
Fun-filled summer season features Pride and Fourth of July celebrations, a concert series, unique movie experiences, and more on beautiful Catalina Island
AVALON, CALIF. (June 2022) – From water sports and thrilling aerial adventures to beachfront lounging and soaking up incredible scenic views, Catalina is an idyllic retreat for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy life on island time. Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is pleased to announce a multitude of lively events, activities and business updates for the summer season.
EVENTS:
Catalina Pride: June 18
The first large-scale event of its kind on the island, the Catalina Pride celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and feature live entertainment at Wrigley Stage, a beer garden, a festive Pride March in support of the LGBTQ+ community, and more. DJ Asha, a six-time veteran performer for LA Pride, and DJ N.8, a regular at Legacy Nightclub in Newport Beach, will be playing sets throughout the day, along with performances by drag queens, the Long Beach Cheer squad and disco roller skaters. In addition, the historic Catalina Island Casino will be lit in vibrant rainbow colors to showcase Catalina’s love and support for the LGBTQ+ community. More information can be found here.
Catalina Island Concert Series: June 25, August 20 and September 3
In partnership with Xceptional Music Company, the family-friendly Catalina Island Concert Series returns for another summer of incredible live music at Wrigley Stage. Concerts are held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a 21+ beer, wine and spirits garden located adjacent to the stage featuring raffle and prize opportunities throughout the evening. This year’s lineup includes:
- Venice with the Pine Mountain Logs (June 25) – Americana pop harmonies influenced by The Beach Boys, Eagles and CSN.
- The Highwayman Show (August 20) – A tribute to the timeless music of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson.
- Xceptional Tribute to ABBA (September 3) – A fan-favorite performance highlighting the best of ABBA.
Movies on the Beach: June 29, July 13, July 27 and August 10
The City of Avalon will host Movies on the Beach on South Beach every other Wednesday from June 29 to August 10. Films begin at 7 p.m. and snacks and refreshments are available for purchase. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. The full movie lineup, featuring family-favorites like “Luca” and “Mitchells vs Machines”, can be found here.
Fourth of July Celebrations: July 2-4
Catalina Island will be celebrating the Fourth of July all weekend long with festive activities for families and kids of all ages. Kicking off on July 2, the 36th Annual Children’s Festival at Two Harbors returns for a day of crafts and activities starting at 10 a.m., followed by a dinghy parade at 2 p.m. covering the West End of the island. On July 3, visitors can enjoy patriotic performances from the acclaimed USC Marching Band at Wrigley Stage from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. On July 4, festivities will be going from morning to night with a golf cart parade at 1 p.m. along Casino Way, live music throughout the day, a dinghy parade on the water, a BBQ dinner buffet at Descanso Beach Club featuring another chance to see the USC Marching Band, a firework show over Avalon Bay, and more. Full details about the weekend festivities can be found here.
Catalina Comedy Island: September 9-10
From the creators of the legendary Original Catalina Wine Mixer comes the first-ever Catalina Comedy Island – a two-night event featuring some of the biggest names in comedy. Hosted at the iconic Catalina Island Casino, headliners include Dana Carvey & Sons on Saturday, September 10, and Jeff Ross, Dave Attel and Michelle Wolf on Friday September 9. Tickets start at $165 and grant entry to both days of the event, with two different show times available including an early show at 6 p.m. and a late show at 9 p.m. A focal point of entertainment and culture since it opened in 1929, the Casino offers and exceptional backdrop for this truly unique weekend of high-class comedy. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website here.
SEASONAL OFFERINGS:
Summer Beach Bingo: June 21 – August 25
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., families can enjoy a game of bingo right on the sand. Located on South Beach, visitors can bring a beach chair or towel and play for a chance to win fun local prizes. Bingo cards are $1 each.
Kids Fishing Derby: June 22 – August 24
Every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., kids can participate in a free fishing derby presented by the City of Avalon. Kids can purchase or rent equipment and get bait from Joe’s-Rent-A-Boat on the Green Pleasure Pier. Prizes are awarded every week following the derby. Bait and gear are also available on the pier.
Flying Fish Voyage
This popular seasonal tour from Catalina Island Company is back for the summer, giving visitors an up close and personal nighttime experience aboard the Cyclone boat as guests cruise along the coast in search of Catalina's world-famous marine aviators. The boat is equipped with a powerful searchlight that entices the fish to take flight and soar across the surface of the sea. To book tickets, visit the website here.
ARTS & CULTURE:
The Avalon Theatre Reopens: June 16
Following a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, The Avalon Theatre will mark its reopening season on June 16 with movies and events held every Friday and Saturday evening through Labor Day. Under new operation from actor, producer and long-time Catalina patron Wesley Alfvin, the theatre will be reimagined as a preforming arts center, featuring current and classic films as well as live entertainment – from live music and comedy to magic shows. Alfvin will recreate the traditional moviegoing experience by inviting the audience into the theatre an hour before every film for a vintage-style preshow where guests can enjoy an extra hour of entertainment while soaking up the Casino’s stunning art deco interior and ambiance. More information can be found here.
“Art to Go” from Catalina Museum for Art & History
Geared toward children ages 6-12, the Catalina Museum for Art & History is now offering “Art to Go”. Every Thursday, free art kits will be available for pick up in front of the museum, which will include a specific project with an art lesson. All materials and instructions are included.
Catalina Craft Corner co-op — Created by the Catalina Art Association, the Catalina Craft Corner co-op features collections from local artists, offering visitors a must-stop shop for the best island-made creations. The store is currently open on weekends and will be offering paint nights monthly.
BUSINESS UPDATES:
New General Store at Hermit Gulch Campground
Hermit Gulch Campground is Avalon’s only camping facility located within city limits. A home base for first-time and experienced campers alike, the self-service campground offers tent sites along with canvas tent cabins. The newly added general store located at the Ranger Station features camping essentials, 3.5 oz and 8 oz propane, snacks (ice cream, soda, chips, etc.), and Hermit Gulch merchandise exclusive to the store. The shop is open until 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday when it is closed.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES:
Catalina Express Summer Schedule
Catalina Express has expanded its schedule from its three convenient ports in San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point to nearly 30 ferry departures daily. Visitors can plan their stay on the island with a variety of boat and hotel packages featuring round-trip transportation on Catalina Express, overnight accommodations at one of Catalina’s top hotels and variety of other additional amenities. For more information or to book your trip, visit the website here.
Cyclone Power Boat to Two Harbors
Transportation between Avalon and Two Harbors via the Cyclone, a seasonal high-speed power boat has resumed daily services. The 40-minute boat ride is the fastest way to travel between the two locations, providing visitors an opportunity to explore both ends of Catalina in the same day. The boat departs from the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon for an exciting cruise along the stunning Catalina coast. Tickets are $15 each way and can be purchased online here.
For more information about Catalina Island, please visit www.lovecatalina.com.
About Love Catalina Island:
Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is the Island's official source of visitor information. 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_).
