Avalon’s calendar is filled with events from art festivals to concerts on the beach. Enjoy museum exhibits and many sporting events. Here’s a look at what’s happening.
Please note all events are subject to change.

February 2019

2/1  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

2/9  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

2/16-19  REI Trans-Catalina Trail Expedition
Come join REI in partnership with Catalina Island for a fully supported Trans-Catalina Trail Expedition where you will hike through the rugged island interior while camping next to pristine beaches. In 4 days, you will traverse the Island starting at the trailhead in Avalon and finishing at Two Harbors.

2/17  Yoga at the Museum
Enjoy a Yoga class in the Catalina Island Museum. After, walk through the museums' exhibits including the new Wrigley Centennial Exhibit. Guests will have access to the Island Spa's facilities for the day including the pool and relaxation deck.

2/16 -1/19/2020 Wrigley's Catalina: A Centennial Celebration Exhibition
This special exhibition located at the Catalina Island Museum commemorates William Wrigley Jr. and the execution of his vision for Catalina Island. The exhibit will reveal his remarkable and ambitious plan using photographs, letters, original documents, plans, blueprints, maps, steamship artifacts, advertisements, tools and objects relating to the various projects and industries.  The exhibition also offers patrons a rare angle from the inside of the operation, infused with Wrigley’s energy, integrity, and unique jovial spirit.

2/23  38th Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup
USC’s Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber and Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies – Catalina Conservancy Divers are proud to host this annual event. This is the only time scuba diving is allowed in Avalon Bay, with 500+ expected volunteer divers collecting trash and debris. Awards ceremony follows on Wrigley Stage with prizes & giveaways. Proceeds benefit the USC Hyperbaric Chamber and the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies Scientific Diving Program. More Info

2/24  An Evening with Oscar
Celebrate the 91st Academy Awards at An Evening with Oscar. Get your glam on and strut your stuff down the Red Carpet as the paparazzi snap photos of you before entering the world-famous Catalina Casino. An Evening with Oscar is held in the incomparable Catalina Casino Ballroom, bringing the glamour of Hollywood to Catalina Island's most iconic building. This spectacular event includes a fabulous dinner, Oscar balloting and the Academy Awards telecast in the historic Catalina Casino Ballroom. There will also be live and silent auctions, exclusive photo opportunities and much more!

March 2019

3/1  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

3/9  Catalina Island Marathon 
Coming up on its 42nd Anniversary, the Catalina Island Marathon is the "bucket list' marathon features the exciting and historic marathon course used largely since the first year on the Catalina Island Conservancy’s lands.

3/9  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

3/17  St. Patricks Karaoke Party at El Galleon 
Celebrate the luck of the Irish all at El Galleon’s annual St. Paddy’s party on Saturday from noon to midnight with Happy Hour drink specials, a hearty selection of Irish lunch and dinner specials and live Karaoke featuring your all-time favorite Irish songs.

3/23  BZ Jones Cross Catalina Hike 
Join the Catalina Marineros for a Cross-Catalina Hike in honor of Graham “BZ” Jones, the late world-class sailor and dedicated Conservancy supporter.  The one-day BZ Jones Cross-Catalina hike will explore the gorgeous terrain from Cottonwood Beach to White’s Landing for a weekend of exploration, mixing, and mingling. A post-hike celebration dinner at the new Conservancy Trailhead, will await you Saturday evening in Avalon.

April 2019

4/5  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

4/6  24th Annual Conservancy Ball
This year the Catalina Island Conservancy celebrates the 24th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball! This black-tie event includes dinner and dancing in Avalon’s historic Casino Ballroom and the spectacular silent and live auctions. 

4/13  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

4/19-21  Spring Fest
Live music, food, games, and much more! Join the Avalon community along Crescent Avenue (Front Street) as they kick off the season, and have fun doing it! Fun for the whole family.

4/20  Community Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter Bunny will be hopping by to join us so don’t forget your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny! All ages welcome; children ages 0-14 may participate in collecting eggs.  Prizes awarded to finders of the “Golden Egg” in each category.

May 2019

5/3  Elizabeth Turk: Tipping Points
Turk, MacArthur "Genius" Awardee, developed an alphabet of symbols. Using these unique symbols, she explores the greater concept – Extinction. The “Sound Columns” juxtapose the ephemeral with the eternal. Inspired by recordings of extinct birds  Catalina Island Museum

5/3  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

5/5  Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Mi Casita
All day celebration Saturday, May 5th in the upstairs patio at Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant. Enjoy food & drink specials all day and Mexican karaoke.

5/11  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

5/18  Avalon Ball 2019
Now in it’s 17th year, the Avalon Ball is a fantastic journey into the past when Big Bands played for huge audiences which were broadcast to the nation in the Art Deco Casino Ballroom built in 1929 and located in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island.

5/18  Silent Film Benefit - Why Be Good?
Recognized as one of the world’s longest running annual celebrations of Silent Film, the 32nd annual benefit is held in the historic Avalon Casino Theatre, William Wrigley Jr.’s 1929 Art Deco Movie Palace. Attendees will be treated to an authentic 1920s cinematic experience with the screening of the 1929 film, Why Be Good? starring the ultimate flapper Colleen Moore with live musical accompaniment.

5/31-6/6  7th Annual Avalon Restaurant Week
Enjoy some of Avalon's most popular restaurants with mouth-watering food during Avalon Restaurant Week. Join locals and visitors for this foodie celebration from Friday, May 31st through Thursday, June 6th.

June 2019

5/18-6/6  7th Annual Avalon Restaurant Week
Enjoy some of Avalon's most popular restaurants with mouth-watering food during Avalon Restaurant Week. Join locals and visitors for this foodie celebration from Friday, May 31st through Thursday, June 6th.

6/2  "Catalinaland" with Charles Phoenix
Get the ABC's and 123's of Catalina history in the historic Avalon Casino Theater with the Ambassador of Americana, Charles Phoenix. The presentation will be followed by a book signing with Phoenix at the Catalina Island Museum. 

6/7  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

6/8  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

6/20-7/5  Tip a Glass at Tipping Points
Get evening access to the Catalina Island Museum with a special focus on the outdoor sculpture installation by artist Elizabeth Turk. The installation, entitled Tipping Points, explores the extinction of birds in North America many of which have ties to the Channel Islands. Its large-scale sculptures have an interactive component which is especially dramatic after dark.

July 2019

6/20-7/5  Tip a Glass at Tipping Points
Get evening access to the Catalina Island Museum with a special focus on the outdoor sculpture installation by artist Elizabeth Turk. The installation, entitled Tipping Points, explores the extinction of birds in North America many of which have ties to the Channel Islands. Its large-scale sculptures have an interactive component which is especially dramatic after dark.

7/4  Annual 4th of July Parade and Firework Display
Celebrate the 4th of July island style with a golf cart decorating contest and Avalon Harbor Dinghy Parade. End the festivities with a spectacular firework display over Avalon Bay. 

7/4  4th of July Dinner in the Catalina Casino
Enjoy the 4th of July firework display in style. Savor a spectacular buffet dinner in the Casino Ballroom with live music from the USC Marching Band, then have the best view of the firework show. 

7/4  4th of July Mardi Gras Party at El Galleon
Visit El Galleon Restaurant before and/or after the 4th of July Parade. Featuring live music throughout the day and Karaoke. 

7/5  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

7/13  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

August 2019

8/2  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

8/10  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

September 2019

9/1-30  Hatch Chili Festival at Mia Casita
Fresh hatch green chilies from New Mexico, extensive menu selections made with this famous tasty chili available only in late August and September of each year at Mia Casita. Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

9/6-8  Catalina Wine Mixer
Do you like to drink wine? Do you like to have live music and a great time? Head over to Descanso Beach Club for the Annual Catalina Wine Mixer! The three-day extravaganza features live bands, DJs, fun cocktails, delicious food, crafts, dancing, a Step Brothers movie screening, beach parties, various activities, and of course lots of wine from West Coast wineries for you to sample and purchase.

9/6  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

9/7-8  Annual Catalina Channel Crossing - US Outrigger Championships
Come out and see the women finish the longest Polynesian canoe race in the continental U.S., 26 miles from Newport Beach to Avalon, on Saturday, at Casino Point. Then enjoy the after race Hawaiian festivities at the center of town; including the awards ceremony, music and beer garden. On Sunday watch the men start their race back to Newport Beach from Lovers Cove. More Info

9/7  DC-3's End of Summer BBQ
Indulge in the Airport in the Skys' famous menu of all you can eat BBQ Tri Tip & Chicken, Caesar Salad, Parmesan Potatoes, Fresh Corn on the Cob, Homemade Garlic Bread and Hot Apple Pie a la mode. At the airport in the Sky. Appetizers start at 4:30pm, dinner at 5pm. Reservations Required.

9/14  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

9/20-22  61st Annual Catalina Festival of Art
One of the longest running and most acclaimed art festivals in California! Artists from all over the country exhibit along Crescent Avenue and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Highlights include a charity art auction and kids art show. More Info

9/21  National Museum Day
In conjunction with Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live and in celebration of National Museum Day, the Catalina Island Museum offers free admission to its history galleries and digital theater. 10am-5pm.

9/21  Catalina Island Women's Wine Festival
Held in concert with the weekend long annual Festival of Art, the 23rd annual Catalina Island Women's Wine Festival fundraiser features over 70 wineries, delectable hors d’oeuvres and live music. Net proceeds help support mentoring and scholarship programs.

9/25-29  Catalina Film Festival
The Catalina Film Institute’s annual celebration of film features more than 100 films, nightly events and entertainment. The first few days of our event are launched from the mainland cities during our “Catalina Launch Week”. This is a competitive festival with awards in up to 10 categories, including the prestigious Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation “Great Communicator” Award, Charlie Chaplin ICON Award, and Stanley Kramer “Social Artist” Award. More Info

October 2019

10/1-31  Lobsterfest & Octoberfest at El Galleon
Head over to El Galleon for freshly caught local lobster dinners, traditional style with shrimp cornbread stuffing, fresh corn & rice pilaf. Enjoy with your choice of Paulaner Beers from Munich.

10/4  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

10/10-13 & 10/17-20  33rd Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
The Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is the longest-running Smooth Jazz festival in America since 1987. On an island…26 miles off the southern California coastline in a tiny seaport village…In the historic 1929 Casino Ballroom…25 different stars of Smooth Jazz – 2 consecutive October weekends…Smooth Jazz lovers arriving from all over the world. Thursday night “Unplugged” at Descanso Beach Club and Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Casino Ballroom.

10/12  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

10/17  Fall Fest
Live music, food, games, hayrides, pumpkin patch on the beach, and much more! Join the Avalon community from 5pm - 9pm along Crescent Avenue (Front Street) as they raise money for local charities and kick off the Fall season. Fun for the whole family!

10/31  Annual Halloween Costume Parade
Don your favorite costume and join Island school kids and residents alike for the Annual Halloween Parade down Crescent Avenue starting at 4pm.

10/31  Halloween Costume Party at El Galleon
Join the wacky and outrageous fun at El Galleon’s annual Halloween Karaoke Costume Party. Karaoke party starts at 9pm, where you can sing all the monster favorites with over 20,000 songs to choose from! Vote on your favorite costumes with 1st prize winning a Lobster Dinner for Two. Happy Hour from 3pm-6pm and Sunset Dinner Specials available from 5pm-7pm. No cover charge, must be 21 and over.

 

November 2019

11/1  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

11/2  35th Annual Catalina Island Triathlon & Duathlon
Catalina Island is one of the most beautiful and unique settings to host a triathlon. The Catalina Island Triathlon & Duathlon attracts athletes who are looking to compete in that last race before the winter season break. This is a unique and beautiful setting that will challenge the beginner and thrill the veteran.

11/9  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

11/16  Catalina Half-Marathon & 10K
Experience the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Island's wildlife. Sign up for wither 13.1 miles and run some of the most beautiful, rugged and breathtaking trails you will ever experience! All half marathon finishers receive a medal & training shirt! All 10K runners receive a shirt and the overall finishers & top three in each age group receive a medal. All kids will receive a finisher medal.

 

December 2019

12/6  First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum

12/7  26th Annual "Shop Catalina" Night
A one-night shopping extravaganza with holiday discounts (10-50% savings), musical entertainment and prize drawings from 5pm-9pm. Shop Catalina Night kicks off with a holiday tree lighting ceremony on Wrigley Stage at 5pm. Have your picture taken with Santa when you bring two canned goods to the food drive at El Galleon from 6pm - 8:30pm.

12/14  Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.

12/31  47th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration
Dance in the New Year at this black-tie optional event in the world-famous Casino Ballroom. Includes gourmet buffet dinner, dancing, champagne split to toast the New Year and party favors. Reservations go on sale August 1st, 2019. 

12/31  New Year's Eve Annual Mardi Gras Karaoke Party
Outrageous fun New Year’s Eve at El Galleon’s Mardi Gras Karaoke Party from 9:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.  Admission to the party is $20 per person, general seating, includes party favors, hats, Mardi Gras beads, a glass of champagne, balloon drop at midnight and all the fun of Karaoke with over 20,000 songs to choose from in their song library. 

Ongoing Events

When Sugar Loaf Stood: Paintings of Catalina Island before 1919
This painting exhibition borrowed from private collections documents early Catalina Island prior to the Wrigley Family ownership and the destruction of Sugar Loaf, a pinnacle-shaped rock structure that once defined the island’s most populous bay. 10am-5pm daily  October 7, 2018 - February 24, 2019. Catalina Island Museum

Bird Park: An Aviary for Catalina's Celebrity Birds
Between 1929 and 1966, no visit to Catalina Island was complete without a trip to see thousands of species of rare and exotic birds at Catalina's Bird Park. Celebrate the aviary glory with this unique Catalina exhibition. Showcasing some of the park’s legendary bird personalities, rare pottery pieces, artifacts, photographs, news articles, and archival film footage. October 20, 2018 - April 14, 2019. Catalina Island Museum.

The History of Catalina Island Exhibition - Permanent Installation
From the island’s discovery some 8,000 years ago to William Wrigley’s purchase of the island and the rise of Avalon as Hollywood’s favorite vacation spot, Catalina Island has a history that is rich in events and personalities. 10am-5pm daily. Catalina Island Museum

Peter Shire Sculpture Installation
A graduate of the famous Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, Peter Shire has an impressive exhibition record. In addition to many group shows, his works have been exhibited in numerous solo shows, in his hometown, Los Angeles, nationally and internationally in Milan, Paris, Tokyo and Sapporo. Shire’s works are in many public collections and museums in the U.S. and abroad. This installation marks the beginning of a new initiative that will bring sculpture art from Southern California artists to the museum’s second level on a yearly basis. January 2018 - February 2019 Catalina Island Museum 

Thursday Morning at Native Plant Nursery in Middle Ranch
Volunteering at the James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery provides an excellent opportunity to gain access to the interior of Catalina Island and become more familiar with Island ecology and plant species while helping the nursery achieve its goals. Enjoy the tranquil morning in Middle Ranch while working with plants in a casual, social environment. Volunteers receive training in the horticulture and ecology of Catalina's varied flora and tasks are tailored to all ability levels. Volunteers are welcome every Thursday year-round from 7:30am-12pm. Catalina Conservancy