Catalina Island Annual Events Calendar
Visitors discover an island overflowing — year around — with compelling events, fascinating festivals and inspiring athletic challenges. Epic parties like the Catalina Wine Mixer and Buccaneer Days; great concerts, including JazzTrax and the Catalina Concert Series; and cultural celebrations, such as First Fridays at the Museum and the Catalina Art Festival are just a few of the many must-do events not to be missed. Click here for a listing of Two Harbors Annual Events.
Avalon Events
January
Polar Bear Plunge - January 1. Join the City of Avalon & the Catalina Swim Club for a New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim at Casino Dive Park
Avalon Benefit 50K/50 Mile Run - This annual run crosses Catalina Island from Avalon to Two Harbors and back.
February
Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup - This is the only time of the year that SCUBA diving is allowed in Avalon Bay. (Moved to April 1 in 2023 due to sea conditions.)
March
Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon - This “bucket list” trail marathon is California’s oldest trail marathon and the only one that runs across an island in the Pacific Ocean.
April
Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball - This black-tie event includes dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions.
Community Easter Egg Hunt - Join us at Descanso Beach Club for a community egg hunt.
Spring Fest - Community event featuring food, music and games on Crescent Avenue.
Catalina Spring Art Fair & Craft Festival - 3-day art fair featuring local and mainland artists, crafts and entertainment. Easter weekend.
May
Catalina Island Rugby Festival - A chance to meet friends and play a little rugby in beautiful Avalon. The tournament raises funds for the Cancer Support Community of Redondo Beach.
The Avalon Ball - Glimpse the glamour of a bygone era. Dean Mora and the Avalon Ball Orchestra play hits from the 1920s and 30s.
Annual Silent Film Benefit - Recognized as one of the world’s longest running annual celebrations of Silent Film.
Taste Around Avalon - Enjoy the most scrumptious tastes of delectable food & beverages at Avalon's finest dining establishments.
June
Annual Avalon Restaurant Week - Avalon’s most popular restaurants are ready to dish up mouth-watering food during Avalon Restaurant Week.
Catalina Wine Mixer - Step Brothers-inspired event with live bands, food booths, wine tasting.
Catalina Pride Celebration - Catalina Island invites the LGBTQ+ community and allies throughout Southern California to join in celebrating the annual Catalina Pride.
July
4th of July Parade & Celebration - Live music on Wrigley Stage and golf cart parade along Crescent Ave, fireworks at dark.
August
Ongoing Summer Events:
Descanso Beach Club Beach Party - Saturdays & Sunday from 1-5 pm.
Movies on the Beach - Free, family-friendly on South Beach.
Summer Concert Series - Free family-friendly concerts on Wrigley Stage on Crescent Avenue (various dates June through September).
Summer Beach Bingo - Tuesday & Thursday from 6 to 7 pm by the South Beach lifeguard stand.
Kids Fishing Derby - Wednesdays at 7 am at the Green Pleasure Pier.
September
Annual Catalina Channel Crossing - U.S. Outrigger Championships.
Annual Catalina Festival of Art - Artists from all over exhibit their fine art, sculpture, crafts and photography.
Catalina Island Women’s Forum Wine Festival - Annual Charity Fundraiser.
Catalina Film Festival - Over 100 films screened at multiple venues with awards in up to 10 categories.
October
Catalina Island Chili Cook-Off - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Avalon, on South Beach.
Buccaneer Days - Don your best pirate attire and set sail for Two Harbors for a weekend of treasure hunts, costume contests, great food, live music and a lot of fun.
Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival - The annual event takes place over two weekends and features over 30 jazz stars performing at Descanso Beach Club and the Casino Ballroom.
Avalon Fall Carnival - Community event on Crescent Avenue featuring food, music and games, plus a pumpkin patch on the beach.
Annual Halloween Parade - Grab your costume and join the parade down Crescent Avenue.
Catalina Island Triathlon & Duathlon - Swim, bike and run around Catalina Island.
Bats in the Belfry - An fundraiser for the Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation.
November
Veterans Day Celebration
Catalina Island Half Marathon & 10 K - Sign up for either 13.1 miles or 10k and run some of the most beautiful, rugged and breathtaking trails you will ever experience!
December
Annual "Shop Catalina" Night - Support local small businesses, enjoy holiday shopping, receive discounts, enter to win prizes and participate in festive holiday activities!
New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration - Ring in the new year in the historic Casino Ballroom.
