There’s something about California that makes every season feel like a celebration. Maybe it’s the coastline that stretches for days, or the rolling farmland that seems straight out of a postcard. Maybe it’s the fact that you can surf in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and end your night at a sunset art market — all without leaving your county. California isn’t just a state; it’s a mood, a lifestyle, and for many of us, a compass pointing toward creativity, connection, and community.

What’s even better? That lifestyle is on full display throughout the year in the form of festivals — big, small, quirky, heartfelt — where the vibe is unmistakably Californian. From hands-on farm experiences to garlic-filled culinary weekends, these upcoming festivals promise more than entertainment. They offer a taste of California itself.

 Sawdust Art Festival – Laguna Beach

📅 June 27–August 31, 2025

📍 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling through an open-air gallery in the middle of a eucalyptus grove, the Sawdust Art Festival is your place. It’s an artsy summer wonderland featuring over 180 local artists, all showcasing handmade work ranging from sculpture and blown glass to jewelry, textiles, and ceramics.

What makes it special is how laid-back and immersive it feels — you can sip, stroll, watch live demos, take a pottery class, or dance to a live acoustic set under the trees. Laguna Beach’s creative soul really shines here, and if you’re visiting SoCal this summer, this one should be at the top of your list.

Hoes Down Harvest Festival – Guinda

📅 October 4, 2025

📍 Full Belly Farm, Capay Valley

Looking for a festival that feels like a warm hug from rural California? The Hoes Down Harvest Festival is a full-day celebration of sustainable farming, community, and the land itself. Hosted at Full Belly Farm, this event features hands-on farm tours, animal meet-and-greets, composting workshops, tractor hayrides, and an epic farmers market stocked with organic fruits, veggies, and homemade goods.

It’s family-friendly, slow-paced, and deeply rooted in education and ecology — a perfect fall escape from city noise, where you can learn how your food is grown and support small farms doing it right.

Gilroy Garlic Festival – Gilroy

📅 July 25–27, 2025

📍 Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy

Yes, it smells exactly like you think it would — and yes, it’s absolutely worth it. The Gilroy Garlic Festival is back after a much-anticipated return and brings everything from garlic ice cream to cooking competitions and live entertainment.

This is a full-sensory experience that blends foodie curiosity with hometown charm. If you’re into bold flavors, live bands, and that “summer fair” energy, this weekend in Gilroy will hit the spot. Bonus points if you spot the legendary “Pyro Chefs” flipping flaming garlic shrimp onstage.

Why Do These Festivals Matter?

These aren’t just weekend outings — they’re love letters to California. Each festival brings together different corners of the state’s personality: creativity in Laguna, sustainability in Capay Valley, flavor and flair in Gilroy. They’re reminders that the best way to explore California is by showing up, meeting people, and soaking in everything from the art to the agriculture.

So whether you’re a road-tripper, a local, or a first-time visitor, make some space on your calendar. These are the kinds of days that turn into memories.