As summer slowly gives way to fall, Catalina Island becomes even more magical. With cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and long summer nights, it's the perfect time to experience all the island has to offer. This fall, Love Catalina is launching the 'Second Summer' promotion, where you can enjoy up to 33% off lodging when you stay mid week. With so many exciting events and activities lined up, it’s the ideal time to plan your getaway.
Exciting Events on Catalina Island
66th Annual Catalina Festival of Art
- Dates: September 19-21, 2025
- Details: One of California’s longest-running art festivals, featuring fine art, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, and photography. Don’t miss the charity art auction and kids’ art show!
Catalina Film Festival
- Dates: September 26-28, 2025
- Details: The Catalina Film Institute hosts its 15th annual film festival, featuring almost 200 films, industry panels, and workshops. Voted one of the top 50 film festivals in the world, it’s a must for movie lovers.
OctoberFlx
- Date: September 26, 2025
- Details: Avalon’s only beer garden, Flx Biergarten, celebrates Oktoberfest with a special menu, craft beers and lawn games. Don your finest lederhosen and enjoy the fun! Live polk band music mixed with pop culture hits from the Sauer Sam Band.
Buccaneer Days
- Dates: October 2-5, 2025
- Details: Get your pirate gear ready for the 34th annual Buccaneer Days at Two Harbors. Enjoy live music, a costume contest, treasure hunts, and plenty of pirate-themed food and drink.
Oktoberfest
- Date: October 3, 2025
- Details: The Catalina Museum for Art & History brings Bavarian culture to Avalon. Enjoy traditional music, food, and German beer. Kids can participate in an Oktoberfest-themed art project.
Chili Cook-Off
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Details: The Rotary Club of Avalon hosts this thrilling chili competition. Set on the beach in Avalon, this festive event offers a beer garden, chili sampling, games, live music and more.
- Dates: October 9-12 and October 16-19, 2025
- Details: The world’s longest-running smooth jazz festival returns to Catalina Island. The event kicks off with Unplugged Under the Stars at Descanso Beach Club and continues inside the historic Casino Ballroom.
Catalina Island Mermaid Festival
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Details: A magical, family-friendly celebration of ocean art, music, and mythical sea creatures! A Mermaid and Ocean-Themed Art Festival along Crescent Ave with live music and a beer garden.
Plan Ahead! Tickets are now on sale for the 52nd Annual New Year's Eve Gala in the historic Wrigley Ballroom at the iconic Catalina Casino. This event sells out every year, reserve your spot today!
Immerse Yourself in Arts and Culture
Avalon Theatre, Wrigley Ballroom & Catalina Casino
Step inside the historic Avalon Theatre and Catalina Casino, open daily for general admission. Watch a film, stroll through this iconic landmark, or lace up for roller skating in the Wrigley Ballroom!
On Friday and Saturday nights, from 6–11 pm, experience the magic of the Wrigley Ballroom with an evening of skating, music, and fun. Snacks, pizza, hot dogs, and beverages are available for purchase. Available through September 20.
Catalina Museum for Art & History
This fall, the Museum invites you to a season of art, stories, and unforgettable evenings. Enjoy First Fridays at the Museum: Mixology, a monthly event pairing specialty cocktails with after-hours access to exhibits like From Los Angeles to Catalina: The Art of Sonia Romero. Known for her unique blend of printmaking, paper-cutting, painting, and sculpture, Romero’s work is featured in public spaces across Los Angeles.
Couples can also unplug and get creative at Catalina Date Night, a guided painting experience with professional oil painter Kymberlee Stanley.
The Catalina Story Project continues on October 11 with Dr. Denny – Island Vet, spotlighting the life and legacy of one of the island’s longtime residents.
Thrilling Activities Await
Step back in time on an Avalon History Tour. Cruise through the charming streets and scenic hills aboard Gary the Garibaldi—a bright orange electric vehicle named after California’s state fish—while hearing captivating stories of Catalina’s past.
For something truly magical, dive into the Mermaid Undersea Tour and swim alongside Madison the Mermaid. This enchanting, educational experience is perfect for kids and adults alike!
Plus, Catalina Island is packed with adventures for every interest—from zip line and snorkel tours to kayaking, bison encounters, helicopter rides, horseback adventures, and parasailing. There’s truly something for everyone!
Don’t miss these unforgettable Catalina adventures this fall:
- Flying Fish Tour – Watch fish take flight on this classic evening excursion, available through September 30.
- Catalina Falconry Experience – Step into the role of a falconer and work with majestic birds of prey, offered through October 12.
- Discover Two Harbors – Hop aboard the Cyclone for daily trips between Avalon and Two Harbors, running through October 5.
- Glow Golf at Night – Light up your evening with a round of glowing fun at the Mini Golf Gardens, available through October 31.
Conservation and Caring
The Catalina Conservancy invites you to get involved through a variety of volunteer and educational experiences. From beach cleanups to gardening projects, there are many ways to make a difference. Explore the island’s unique ecology on a naturalist-led walk at the Botanic Garden, or join a guided hike to Ben Weston Canyon for a closer look at Catalina’s wildlife.
Every visitor can help care for Catalina—be water wise, travel responsibly, and take part in a Community Clean Up during your stay.
This fall, Catalina Island invites you to discover its unique blend of events, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the events, festivals, or simply the tranquil beauty of the island, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make your plans now, and don’t miss out on the ‘Second Summer’ promotion for an unforgettable stay!
