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.

Tea has long been one of the most universally loved drinks in the world, but in 2025, it’s more than just a beverage—it’s a movement. What started as a comforting ritual in ancient cultures has become a lifestyle choice, a wellness staple, and a symbol of social connection in today’s fast-paced, flavor-hungry world. And in the heart of all this change? California. From Los Angeles to the Bay Area, from sleepy beach towns to desert pop-ups, tea is having a moment. Whether iced, foamed, steeped, or bottled, the drink is making waves thanks to health trends, sustainability goals, and a new generation obsessed with unique, global experiences. And if there’s one segment leading the charge, it’s iced tea. Crisp, refreshing, and endlessly customizable, iced tea is fast becoming California’s go-to beverage for everything from beach days to backyard dinners. Global Tea Trends Worth Noticing 1. Teas With Benefits Tea isn’t just about taste anymore—it’s about how you feel after. Expect to see more blends infused with turmeric, lavender, ashwagandha, or collagen. These “functional teas” promise everything from relaxation to immune support, and consumers are sipping them up. 2. Tea Goes Cold and Convenient Ready-to-drink (RTD) teas and cold brews are rising fast. They’re clean-label, low-sugar, and bottled for busy people who want something better than soda but cooler than water. This is especially huge among Gen Z and millennials. Iced tea in particular is dominating the RTD market, with flavors ranging from classic lemon to floral hibiscus or tropical mango. 3. Sipping Sustainably Tea drinkers are now asking where their leaves come from. Organic certification, fair-trade sourcing, and plastic-free packaging are no longer “nice to have”—they’re expected. Sustainability isn’t a trend anymore; it’s part of tea culture. 4. Global Inspiration in a Cup Matcha from Japan. Masala chai from India. Mint teas from Morocco. The new wave of tea lovers wants culture in their cup. International flavors, steeping styles, and traditional brewing are all finding new audiences. How California is Brewing Its Own Scene Modern Tea Houses Are Everywhere Forget traditional cafes. In cities like Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Diego, modern teahouses are designed like wellness lounges or art galleries. These spaces are Instagram-worthy but also education-driven, teaching customers about sourcing, ceremony, and taste. Tea Over Cocktails? Gen Z Says Yes There’s a shift happening. Young Californians are trading alcohol for adaptogens. Whether it’s a hibiscus cooler at a Santa Monica pop-up or a sparkling oolong at a Pasadena night market, tea is becoming the drink of choice for mindful socializing. And iced tea, often served in sleek glass bottles or colorful to-go cups, has become a staple at weekend markets and food truck gatherings. Culinary Crossover Chefs across California are using tea beyond the teacup. Think jasmine rice puddings, lapsang souchong BBQ sauces, or hojicha-infused desserts. Tea is becoming a true kitchen ingredient—not just a drink. Iced tea concentrates and cold-steeped syrups are also making appearances in craft cocktails and mocktail menus across the state. The Aesthetic Appeal One scroll through TikTok or Instagram and you’ll spot it: vibrant blue butterfly pea teas, foamy matcha swirls, or boba in glass jars with colorful straws. Tea is photogenic, and that visual edge is helping it trend with younger audiences who live online as much as IRL. Iced tea, with its jewel-toned clarity, floating garnishes, and condensation-covered bottles, fits perfectly into this social media moment. Final Pour Tea in 2025 is inclusive, global, and endlessly creative. California’s diverse communities, innovative spirit, and climate-conscious mindset make it the perfect ground for this tea revolution. Whether you’re discovering ceremonial matcha in San Francisco, experimenting with herbal infusions in Joshua Tree, or sipping ginger-peach iced tea on a Venice Beach boardwalk, one thing’s clear: the future is steeped in flavor, and California is right at the center of it.