California's festival scene goes far beyond mainstream events like Coachella. From celebrating asparagus to accordions, here's your monthly guide to the state's most unique and locally-rooted celebrations worth road-tripping to in 2025.
January
Start your year at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, where you can sample exotic date varieties and experience Middle Eastern culture through music, dance, and food in sunny Indio.
February
Head to San Diego for the Winter Food & Wine Festival, featuring local culinary talents and California's finest vintages against the backdrop of the Pacific.
March
Welcome spring at the Asparagus Festival in Stockton, where this beloved vegetable takes center stage in creative dishes and cooking competitions.
April
Experience the "triathlon of the art world" at the Kinetic Grand Championship in Humboldt County, where human-powered art sculptures race across land, water, and sand dunes.
May
Join whale enthusiasts at the Mendocino Coast Whale Festival, celebrating the annual gray whale migration with wine tastings, art shows, and guided nature walks.
June
Dance to traditional polka beats at the Cotati Accordion Festival, where squeeze-box virtuosos from around the world gather in this charming Sonoma County town.
July
Cool off at the Watermelon Festival in Sunland-Tujunga, featuring seed-spitting contests, watermelon carving, and endless slices of fresh fruit.
August
Savor the sweetness at the Santa Cruz Berry Festival, celebrating the region's strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries through creative desserts and family activities.
September
Join the quirky Kinetic Sculpture Race in Port Townsend, where artistic contraptions navigate through various terrains in this unique celebration of creativity and engineering.
October
Experience small-town charm at the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, home to giant pumpkin weigh-offs and creative gourd-based treats.
November
Step back in time at the Dickens Christmas Fair in Cambria, where Victorian-era characters bring holiday stories to life along the Central Coast.
December
End your year at the Festival of Lights in Riverside, where the historic Mission Inn transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland with millions of twinkling lights.
Each festival offers a unique glimpse into California's diverse communities and traditions. Remember to book accommodations early, as these events draw visitors from across the state.