Top 2020 Events and Festivals on Catalina Island
In 2020, the party is on Catalina Island! Catalina is a non-stop, year-round playground with epic events and festivals to inspire and entertain. From awesome parties like Buccaneer Days and the Catalina Wine Mixer to music events and concerts like the Catalina Concert Series and JazzTrax; and yearly celebrations, our events list is packed with fun you won’t want to miss!
Check out some of the highlights below and make sure to Book your Stay at Hotel Metropole before we’re sold out!
39th Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup
February 22
Join over 500+ volunteer divers to collect trash and debris from the ocean floor at the 39th Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup SCUBA event, an annual tradition since the 1970’s. An awards ceremony follows on Wrigley Stage with prizes & giveaways. Proceeds benefit USC’s Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber and Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies–Catalina Conservation Divers.
Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon
March 14
A true destination event, the Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon traverses a 5k or 10k expanse across the island highlighting wildlife, wildflowers, incredible scenery you will only experience running along the peaks of our island. The best part? Proceeds benefit the Catalina Island Conservancy and their continuing mission to help keep Catalina wild.
11th Annual Catalina Spring Art Fair & Craft Festival
April 10-12
Join us on Catalina Island for one of the longest-running and most acclaimed 3-day art festivals in SoCal! Beautifully situated on the waterfront, this festival features local and mainland artists, crafts, entertainment and more on Easter weekend.
28th Annual Catalina Island Rugby Festival
May 2
Play a little rugby and spend some fun in the sun on Catalina Island with the 28th Annual Catalina Island Rugby Festival. The tournament raises funds for the Wellness Community/South Bay.
The Avalon Ball
May 16
The annual Avalon Ball is a throwback to the time of big bands and flapper girls. Enjoy an evening of glorious Deco opulence gliding across the 10,000 square foot dance floor surrounded by romantic ocean views with music from the 1920’s and 30’s performed by Dean Mora & the Avalon Ball Dance Orchestra in the Art Deco Casino Ballroom.
Annual Avalon Restaurant Week
May 29 – June 4
Catalina Island dishes up its most mouth-watering week during our eighth Annual Avalon Restaurant Week in 2020. Sample all the island has to offer as you indulge in a variety of specially created menu’s at bite-sized prices!
Annual 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
July 4
Plan early to attend SoCal’s favorite 4th of July Celebration! With live music and a fun golf cart parade, we top off the celebration with a fabulous fireworks display at dusk over Avalon Bay.
Ongoing Summer Events
Enjoy live, free, family-friendly concerts that grace the oceanfront Wrigley Stage in Avalon on Catalina Island.
Every Tuesday & Thursday from 6 to 7 pm, join us by the South Beach lifeguard stand for our annual summer beach bingo! Bring your beach chair and some friends to join all the fun. Bingo cards are $1 each and participants can win fun local prizes!
Bring your own rod & reel or dropline (or purchase on the Green Pleasure Pier) and join us for our free weekly kids fishing derby! Prizes awarded every week following the derby. 7am-9am every Wednesday.
Annual Catalina Channel Crossing
September 12-13
Watch the longest Polynesian canoe race in the continental U.S.. The race spans 26 miles from Newport Beach to Casino Point, Avalon. U.S. Outrigger Championships.
Catalina Wine Mixer
September 11-12
Join fellow wine lovers and foodies at one of SoCal’s most unique and entertaining wine and music events! Enjoy live music, dancing, exciting food and cocktails, fun activities and fine wines from popular West Coast wineries.
Catalina Film Festival
September 23-27
The star-studded Catalina Island Film Festival includes over 100 films screened at multiple venues with awards in up to 10 categories.
Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
October 8-11, 15-18
The annual event is the longest-running smooth jazz festival in the world! JazzTrax takes place over two consecutive weekends and features over 30 jazz stars performing at Descanso Beach Club and the Casino Ballroom.
Annual Fall Fest, Buccaneer Days & Halloween Parade
Whether you grab your costume and join the Halloween parade downtown, make like a pirate at Buccaneer Days or enjoy a pumpkin patch on the beach during Fall Fest, fall on Catalina Island is fun for your whole crew!
Catalina Island Triathlon & Duathlon
November 7
The perfect end to the race season, enjoy one of the most beautiful swim, bike and run events in SoCal at the Catalina Island Triathlon & Duathlon.
For one afternoon and evening, join us on Catalina Island for our Shop Catalina extravaganza! Holiday cheer, entertainment, shopping and fabulous savings await you; along with our holiday tree lighting and a visit from Mr. And Mrs. Clause!
Dance in the New Year at this black-tie optional event in the world-famous Casino Ballroom. Includes gourmet buffet dinner, dancing to a live band, champagne split to toast the New Year and party favors.