California Has the Market Cornered on Best Events for 2006

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 14, 2008

SACRAMENTO, CA, November 21, 2005. Visitors can be Californian simply by attending a handful of the many events that make the Golden State one of the most unique destinations in the world. Each year thousands of foodies, athletes, music lovers, naturalists, artists, partygoers, spectators and more make a point to join in on the fun.

"The number and variety of events hosted in California is astounding," said Caroline Beteta, Executive Director of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC). "It doesn't matter when you're visiting or whether you're here for five days or five weeks, there's always something interesting to take part in."

Following is a sampling of California special events. The CTTC recommends visitors confirm dates before attending as event dates are subject to change.

Epicureans won't be disappointed. The 24th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival is the largest outdoor wine tasting event in the state and takes place May 19-21, 2006. In Long Beach, the African Heritage Festival features ethnic food and interactive drum circles February 25-26, 2006 at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio attracts nearly 300,000, and is scheduled for February 17-26, 2006. In the past, the fair has hosted 7,000 exhibits related to the fruit.

The 60th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, October 14-15, 2006, in Pismo Beach includes a Clam Chowder Cook-Off with restaurants vying for top honors and a special Kids Clam Dig. At Fairfield's historic downtown, more than 50,000 will gather for the 15th Annual Tomato Festival August 12, 2006, which provides 100 varieties of heirloom tomatoes. Free screenings of "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" will be shown. In Fort Bragg, the World's Largest Salmon Barbecue welcomes 6,000 hungry revelers each year during the July Fourth weekend.

For those with a sweet tooth, the 14th Annual Oakdale Chocolate Festival in Oakdale, the western home of the Hershey Chocolate and Confectionery Corporation, is May 20-21, 2006. In Oxnard, spicy food and hot music are the theme at the Oxnard Salsa Festival July 29-30, 2006. Visitors can also check out the "Pear Pavilion" at the 14th Annual Kelseyville Pear Festival September 30, 2006 in downtown Kelseyville.

Athletes won't want to miss the Mountain Warfare Challenge 10K May 20, 2006 near Bridgeport. The race, held at the United States Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, includes military-style obstacles and reaches an elevation of 7,800 feet. The San Francisco Bay to Breakers footrace in San Francisco welcomes 70,000 costume-clad runners and walkers May 21, 2006. The Big Sur International Marathon in Big Sur is set for April 30, 2006 and is held along one of the country's most breathtaking routes. The Los Angeles Marathon is March 19, 2006, which includes 25,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair participants. It's the largest single day sporting event west of the Mississippi and east of the Pacific. The Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in San Diego is June 4, 2006. Course highlights include 26 entertainment stages and 40 cheerleader squads.

The Carmel Bach Festival in Carmel is a must-attend for music lovers. The three-week event, July 15 to August 5, 2006, includes more than 50 performances. In San Luis Obispo, there's the 36th Annual San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival July 14-23, 2006. The 31st Annual Old Time Fiddle Contest and Festival is January 27-28, 2006 in Cloverdale. In Calico, Spring Fest - A Blue Grass Hootenanny attracts 7,000. This year's event is May 12-14, 2006. The Lake Tahoe Summer Music Festival strikes a chord with 10,000 attendees each summer in North Lake Tahoe with its Bach to Blues and beyond. In Mammoth Lakes, there's the 18th Annual Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee July 12-16, 2006. The 33rd Annual Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, May 26-29, 2006, in Sacramento draws more than 100,000 jazz enthusiasts. In San Jose, the 15th Annual San Jose International Mariachi Festival is held every July. The Bluegrass Festival in Old Town Temecula is March 11-12, 2006 and attracts upwards of 25,000.

For naturalists, the 5th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Pasadena, April 1-2, 2006, will attract 10,000 attendees. In Lancaster, the California Poppy Festival, April 22-23, 2006, draws more than 50,000 with its colorful flower garden and more than 200 fine-crafts vendors. During the winter Morro Bay is home to more than 200 species of migratory and resident birds. The Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival is scheduled for January 13-15, 2006 and includes workshops and tours.

Art comes to life at the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach July 7 through August 31, 2006. The living pictures exhibits include art recreations of classic and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. Art aficionados will also enjoy the Indian Wells Arts Festival in Indian Wells March 31 to April 2, 2006, which attracts 9,000 attendees. In Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival welcomes thousands of film enthusiasts February 3-12, 2006. In San Francisco, the San Francisco International Film Festival is April 27 to May 11, 2006. The Petaluma Downtown Antique Faire in historic downtown Petaluma is April 30, 2006. Gold Rush Days are a big hit every Labor Day weekend when attendees step back in time as living history characters re-enact the Gold Rush era in Old Sacramento.

One of the best parties of the year is the Gaslamp Quarter Mardi Gras Carnival, February 28, 2006, in San Diego where 50,000 will gather for a parade on Fifth Avenue and a party that encompasses the entire National Historic District. One of Southern California's most popular holiday celebrations is the 13th Annual Riverside Festival of Lights, which will feature festive holiday lights and decorations November 25, 2006. San Francisco celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake April 18, 2006 with civic celebrations, special concerts and exhibits. The World's Largest Halloween Street Party is October 31 in West Hollywood. Nearly 450,000 attend the zany event. The University of California, Davis Picnic Day, held April 22, 2006, is designed to showcase the richness and diversity of campus life, attracts 60,000 folks each year for multicultural children's fair, dachshund races and more.

There are a handful of California events that can best be classified for their spectator enjoyment including the 117th Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena January 2, 2006. In Bishop, Mule Days Celebration is May 23-28, 2006 when 30,000 will converge on the small town. Hot air balloons fill the skies over Windsor for the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic July 2006. Referred to as the Super Bowl of Celebrity Sports, the Celebrity Golf Tournament in South Lake Tahoe attracts the likes of Donald Trump, John Elway, Charles Barkley and more every July. In Angels Camp, the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee is May 18-21, 2006. An estimated 35,000 will attend the Hemet-Ryan Air Show June 2006 in Hemet.

The cars are the stars at the annual Route 66 Rendezvous. This event, September 14-17, 2006, in San Bernardino includes a 35-block area of classics, muscle cars, hot rods and trucks parking and cruising the streets of downtown.