Southern California’s Biggest Summer Festivals Worth the Road Trip

With its perfect temperatures and dramatic coastlines, Southern California’s summer is best explained in one word: big. Bigger crowds, bigger concert lineups, bigger Ferris wheels and, yes, even bigger servings of fried food. Whether you’re craving live music by the ocean, carnival rides, cultural celebrations or an excuse to spend a weekend on the coast, the Golden State delivers. These are four of California’s biggest summer festivals to add to your calendar.

OC Fair | Costa Mesa

If we had to pick a summer-defining California event, OC Fair would be the one. Held at the OC Fair & Event Center from July 17 through Aug. 16, this monthlong celebration draws more than a million visitors each year. Spend the day wandering livestock barns, sampling creative fair food, riding towering carnival attractions or catching a headlining concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Whether you’re there for the nostalgia or the newest deep-fried creation, the OC Fair is a Southern California tradition.

Learn more at ocfair.com.

Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters | Laguna Beach

Art, dare we say, literally comes to life each summer in Laguna Beach. The Festival of Arts showcases the work of hundreds of California artists, while the world-famous Pageant of the Masters recreates iconic paintings and sculptures using real people, elaborate costumes and theatrical lighting. Running throughout July and August, this unique Southern California event is a must for art lovers.

Learn more at foapom.com.

Long Beach Jazz Festival | Long Beach

Ocean breezes and smooth jazz are a perfect pairing, and that’s exactly why this festival is going strong in its 36^th year. Taking place Aug. 8-9, the Long Beach Jazz Festival brings acclaimed jazz, R&B and soul artists to the waterfront for a weekend of live performances, local food vendors and an atmosphere that feels equal parts concert and seaside getaway. Bring a lawn chair, settle in and let the soundtrack of summer take over.

Learn more at longbeachjazzfestival.com.

Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival | Pasadena

Music, art and culture come together at Head in the Clouds, returning to Brookside at the Rose Bowl on Aug. 8. Organized by 88rising, the festival celebrates artists from across the Asian diaspora with an international lineup spanning hip-hop, R&B, pop and electronic music. Between performances, visitors can browse immersive art installations and sample a diverse lineup of food vendors.

Learn more at la.hitcfestival.com.

Ventura County Fair | Ventura

There’s something special about a county fair with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. Running July 29 through Aug. 9, the Ventura County Fair combines classic midway rides, agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts, nightly concerts and rodeo performances just steps from the beach. Come hungry, stay for the sunset and discover why locals call it “A Country Fair with Ocean Air.”

Learn more at venturacountyfair.org.

California Mid-State Fair | Paso Robles

Wine country gets in on the summer fun during the California Mid-State Fair, held July 15-26 in Paso Robles. As one of California’s largest fairs, this event brings the classic carnival rides and adds agricultural exhibits, with nationally touring concert headliners, livestock competitions, wine tasting and family-friendly entertainment. Its location in the heart of Central Coast wine country makes it an easy excuse to turn a fair day into a weekend getaway.

Learn more at midstatefair.com.

Plan your trip to California at visitcalifornia.com.