Catalina offers a fun-filled summer season with a summer concert series, celebrations, and more
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. We are excited to share a multitude of lively events and activities for the summer season.
Catalina Island Concert Series
August 10 and September 2
In partnership with The Perfect Event, 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:
- Taimine (August 10) – Whether delicately finger-picking through Bach or radically ripping through Led Zeppelin, Taimane has the ability to morph genres – from classical to rock to flamenco.
- Xceptional Tribute to ABBA (September 2) – A fan-favorite performance highlighting the best of ABBA.
LIVE MUSIC:
Summer Beach Parties
Descanso Beach Club kicks up the summer vibe with a live DJ every Saturday on the beach through the summer.
Live Music in Two Harbors
Make your way to Two Harbors for a south seas summer vibe featuring bands and solo artists on Saturdays from 2-6 pm and Sundays from 10 am - 2 pm on the patio at Harbor Reef. Local bands include The Iseños and Catalina Eddie, along with Danny Maika, Noise Boys and Good Cop Bad Cop. Enjoy the music of DJ Papa Kirkland Friday and Saturday evenings from 8 pm to 2 am. More info
DINING:
Pier 24: Now open in the former spot of Antonio's Cabaret & Pizzeria, Pier 24 offers a variety of salads, fresh seafood. speciality pizzas, pasta, burgers, paninis and sandwiches. Save room for dessert and speciality cocktails. There's something for everyone at this beautiful waterfront location. Even the kids will be happy with classics like pizza, cheeseburgers and chicken tenders. Pier 24 is located on the corner of Crescent and Metropole Avenues, on the waterfront.
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 N/A options.
Lobster Trap: The Lobster Trap reopened mid June after a 5 month renovation that more than doubled the dining space and added a sushi bar. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Sunset Bar & Grill: The restaurant is located at the Catalina Canyon Inn and is open 7 days week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The new restaurant operators are Fransico and Veronica Bravo and Miguel Chavolla, all veterans of the restaurant business on Catalina.
TOURS & ACTIVITIES:
Taylored Catalina Charters: Reel in the catch of your life on the stable and comfortable 44′ Pacifica. The spacious cockpit level salon features 360 degree views and is equipped with a large dinette that can accommodate everyone in your party with room to spare. You haven’t sport fished until you’ve done it with Taylored Catalina Charters!
Avalon History Tours: Offering an authentic and immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides who are local residents. The hour-and-a-half-long tour covers approximately one mile of the island's charming and predominantly flat terrain, making it accessible to most guests.
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. The boat departs from the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon for a cruise along the Catalina coast. Tickets are $33.50 each way and can be purchased online here.
Cyclone Dolphin Adventure: Welcome aboard the Cyclone as we search for dolphin and other sea life. Start with a high-speed journey to Seal Rocks, just off the east end of Catalina, and catch a glimpse of the seaward side of the island. Then relax as the Cyclone follows the shoreline back to Avalon for an ever-changing panorama of coves and beaches.
Flying Fish Voyage: Fish really do fly. See the Califorina Flying Fish on this nighttime ocean tour that's only available during summer months.
Catalina Falconry Experience: Experience the thrill and anticipation, as a trained bird of prey—with wings spread and talons extended—swoops toward you and gently lands on your outstretched hand. Catalina Falconry Experience in picturesque Descanso Canyon is one of the few places in Southern California where you can don the glove and “be the falconer.”
CITY OF AVALON SEASONAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:
The following are offered by the CIty of Avalon Recreation Department through the week of August 25.
Beach Day on South Beach - Mondays
Summer Beach Bingo - Tuesday & Thursdays 
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 - Wednesdays
Every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., kids age 0-17 can participate in a free fishing derby presented by the City of Avalon and Avalon Audio/Video and Smart Home on the Green Pleasure Pier. Equipment, bait and breakfast are provided by Avalon Audio/Video. Prizes are awarded every week following the derby.
Movies on the Beach - Wednesdays
Bring your beach chair, towels and blankets. Snacks and refreshments available for purchase. Movies begin at 8 pm.
Funky Friday Night Dance Party for Kids - Fridays
A new offering this year. Funky Friday Night Dance party for Kids on the Wrigley Stage from 7-9 pm.
Fitness Fridays - Fridays
Meet at the Wrigley Stage for a variety of morning fitness classes including Zumba and Stretching.
Art in the Park - Saturdays
Kids, come and let your creative side out. Meet at Avalon Kids Park.
Sunday Wellness at South Beach - Sundays
Join us every Sunday as we bring a variety of licensed instructors.
ARTS & CULTURE:
Avalon Theatre & Catalina Casino
The Avalon Theatre marked its two year re-opening annivarsary in June. The Theatre features films on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Catalina Casino is open daily for general admission. Visitors are invited to meander through the historic building at their own pace and visit the Avalon Theatre, the mezzanine and marine bar, the iconic ballroom and the ocean air promenade. More info.
Summer Nights in the Wrigley Ballroom
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 speciality 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 July 26, August 23 and September 13 and features videos from the Museum's Catalina Story Project, highlighting the stories of longtime island residents. More info
NEW BUSINESSES:
Noelle Denisi VIdeography: Your go-to videographer on Catalina Island. Whether you’re planning a family get-together, a bachelorette party, a weekend with the boys, an influencer or just an adventure day with friends, she's available to capture all the fun and memorable moments.
