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 September, Love Catalina, the island’s tourism board, is launching the 'Second Summer' promotion, where you can enjoy three nights for the price of two. With so many exciting events and activities lined up, it’s the ideal time to plan your getaway.

Exciting Events on Catalina Island

Catalina Island Concert Series

  • Dates: September 14
  • Details: The family-friendly Catalina Island Concert Series is back, bringing free live music to Wrigley Stage. The performances run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a 21+ beer, wine, and spirits garden nearby. This year’s lineup includes a tribute to ABBA on September 14.

Annual Catalina Channel Crossing U.S. Outrigger Championships

  • Dates: September 7-8, 2024
  • Details: Watch as paddlers compete in outrigger canoe races between Catalina Island and Newport Beach. The event features Hawaiian festivities, an awards ceremony, live music, and a beer garden.

Two Harbors Brew Fest

  • Date: September 14, 2024
  • Details: Beer enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Join the Two Harbors Brew Fest for a day of sampling brews from over 20 breweries, live music, and appetizers. Tickets include tastings, a souvenir beer glass, and access to a silent auction.

Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Catalina Walk and Paddle

  • Date: September 14, 2024
  • Details: Support the fight against breast cancer by participating in this walk or paddleboard event, starting at Avalon’s Wrigley Stage. All proceeds go towards breast cancer research, patient care, and community outreach.

Mexican Independence Day Celebration

  • Date: September 16, 2024
  • Details: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live music, including performances by Sin Frontera and the Tierra Bella Folklorico Dance troupe, at Wrigley Stage.

65th Annual Catalina Festival of Art

  • Dates: September 20-22, 2024
  • 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!

Oktoberfest

  • Date: September 27, 2024
  • 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.

Catalina Film Festival

  • Dates: September 27-29, 2024
  • Details: The Catalina Film Institute hosts its 14th 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 28, 2024
  • Details: Avalon’s only beer garden, Flx Biergarten, celebrates Oktoberfest with a special menu, craft beers, lawn games, and more. Don your finest lederhosen and enjoy the fun!

Buccaneer Days

  • Dates: October 3-5, 2024
  • 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.

Catalina Island JazzTrax

  • Dates: October 10-13 and October 17-20, 2024
  • 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.

Discover Catalina’s Dining Scene

Pier 24

Avalon’s newest waterfront restaurant is an homage to the original Steamer Pier, once home to William Wrigley’s cross-channel vessels, including the S.S. Catalina, commissioned in 1924. Today, Pier 24 is a contemporary restaurant celebrating the enthusiasm of so many visitors and iconic ships that have crossed the channel. Join us at the newest addition to Avalon’s dining scene for a variety of salads, fresh seafood, specialty pizzas, pasta, burgers, paninis, and sandwiches. Also available are specialty cocktails, craft beers, and delicious wines – and, of course, you’ll want to save room for Pier 24’s delightful desserts. Kids will delight in classics, including pizza and chicken tenders. There is something for everyone at our beautiful harborfront location.

Lobster Trap
Recently reopened after renovations, the Lobster Trap now boasts a sushi bar and double the dining space. Open daily, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Flx Biergarten

The Flx Biergarten is now family-friendly! Flx opened in 2023, serving the 21+ crowd as the island's only beer garden. New in late July, all ages are welcome at Flx Biergarten. The under-21 crowd will enjoy lawn games, snacks, and non-alcoholic options.

Immerse Yourself in Arts and Culture

Avalon Theatre & Catalina Casino
Explore the historic Avalon Theatre and Catalina Casino, open daily for general admission. Catch a movie or simply wander through this iconic building.

Summer Nights in the Wrigley Ballroom
Until September 22, 2024

Experience an enchanting evening in the Catalina Casino's Wrigley Ballroom, Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm - 11pm. Pizza, hotdogs, and beverages available for purchase.

Catalina Museum for Art & History

The Museum will host several events this summer like the monthly First Fridays at the Museum: Mixology featuring specialty cocktails and a chance to visit new exhibits like Rare Air, an exhibition of the work of Sarah Kaizar. As well, a summer Director's Film Series, a four part series, kicked off  on June 21 with the showing of "Some Like It Hot" and they will continue through September 12. The Museum's Summer Documentary Series will take place August 23 and September 13 and features videos from the Museum's Catalina Story Project, highlighting the stories of longtime island residents.

Catalina Museum for Art & History is thrilled to welcome their first-ever resident artist through 2025, Sonia Romero. Known for her combination of printmaking, paper-cutting, painting and sculpture, Romero's public artworks are displayed throughout LA. Her father is a prominent Chicano artist whose public works also celebrate the cultural diversity of Los Angeles communities. 

Thrilling Activities Await

Catalina Explorer with Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopters now offers the Catalina Explorer, an exciting new daily aerial tour that showcases Catalina Island from a unique perspective. This 20-minute flight gives guests a bird’s-eye view of the island’s stunning 22-mile landscape. The journey begins in Avalon, where passengers lift off over the island’s lively center, steeped in history and culture. As the helicopter glides over iconic sights like the Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach Club, and Hamilton Cove, passengers might spot buffalo roaming, eagles soaring, and dolphins playing in the waters below. The tour continues with a flyover of Two Harbors, the island's secluded interior, and the Airport in the Sky, before culminating in a breathtaking descent over the Botanic Garden, Catalina Island Golf Course, and Mount Orizaba, finally returning to Avalon Bay.

Adaptive Scuba Diving with Scuba by Design
Try scuba diving at the world-class Casino Point Dive Park. Scuba by Design offers customized experiences, including adaptive scuba diving for those with physical challenges. Whether it's a day of fun, trying scuba for the first time or taking the plunge to get certified, everything is customized for your group. Right now, all experiences are discounted up to 30% off and everything is included from quality high-end gear to shade, mats and chairs - even locked storage for your valuables and fresh water to rinse off. 

This fall, Catalina Island invites you to discover its unique blend of events, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the concerts, 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!