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.
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.
Community Easter Egg Hunt - Join us at Descanso Beach Club for a community egg hunt.
Catalina Spring Art Fair & Craft Festival - 3-day art fair featuring local and mainland artists, crafts and entertainment. Easter weekend.
April
Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball - This black-tie event includes dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions.
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 Showcase - 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.
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.
Taste Around Avalon
Enjoy the most scrumptious tastes of delectable food & beverages at Avalon’s finest dining establishments. Vote for your favorite…
Pride Celebration
Catalina Island invites the LGBTQ+ community and allies throughout Southern California to join in celebrating the annual Catalina Pride being held Saturday June…
Shop Catalina
Support local small businesses, enjoy holiday shopping, receive discounts, enter to win prizes and participate in festive holiday activities! The Shop…
New Year’s Eve Gala
Ring in the new year with an elegant evening of dining and dancing at the Annual Catalina Island New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration in the world-famous…
Explore the Island
$10 Off Catalina Island Ferry
Onboard Catalina Flyer
Hop onboard the Catalina Flyer for daily ferry service from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island in just over 1 hour.
Submarine & Inside Land Tours
Catalina Adventure Tours
Book Direct & Save! Tours offered multiple times daily, Submarine tours depart from Green Pier & Inside Land Tours from the Mole.