Catalina Island is the place to be all year round. Avalon hosts many events that are sure to please from the art, concerts, food and wine festivals, galas, marathons and more. 

All events are subject to change. Please see the event website for the latest information.

September

9/3  Catalina Island Concert Series - Xceptional Tribute to ABBA
Join for a free family friendly concert on the Wrigley Stage featuring the band Xceptional Tribute to ABBA. Raffles and beer garden (opens one hour prior to the concert)! Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Chances to win up to three different packages!

9/9 - 10  Catalina Comedy Island
Experience an incredible weekend of world-class stand-up comedy in one of the nation’s most unique venues, the Casino Theatre on Catalina Island. With just over one thousand seats in this internationally famed Art Deco locale, it is a truly intimate way to experience some of the biggest names in comedy, Jeff Ross, Dave Attell, Michelle Wolf, and Dana Carvey & Sons.

9/10 - 11  Catalina Crossing US Outrigger Championships
On Saturday, come out and see the women finish the longest Polynesian canoe race in the continental US, 26 miles from Newport Beach to Casino Point, Avalon. 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. Proceeds of the Catalina Crossing US Outrigger Championships go to support local charities.

9/16 - 18  Catalina Festival of Art
Catalina Festival of Art is 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 charity art auction and kids art show.

9/17 - Catalina Island Women's Forum Wine Festival
Enjoy wine tasting, appetizers and soothing live music at M Restaurant & Events for this festival. Come prepared to shop, there will be a silent auction featuring art, jewelry, hospitality packages and more! Support the CIWF and their 20+ years providing mentoring & scholarships for Avalon's young ladies.

9/21 - 25  Catalina Island Film Festival
Catalina Film Institute hosts the Annual Catalina Film Festival! Catalina Film Institute's Annual Catalina Film Festival features almost 200 films, nightly events and entertainment.

October

10/1  Catalina Island Chili Cook-Off and Salsa Contest
The Catalina Island Chili Cook-off & Salsa Competition will take place from 1pm - 5pm at South Beach. Come sample some of the best world class chili and salsa the Island & beyond has to offer! 

10/13 - 10/16  Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival: First Weekend 
The longest-running Smooth Jazz festival includes "Unplugged at Descanso Beach Club" on Thursday night and performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Casino Ballroom. 

10/20 - 23  Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival: Second Weekend 
The longest-running Smooth Jazz festival includes "Unplugged at Descanso Beach Club" on Thursday night and performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Casino Ballroom. 

10/20  Fall Fest
Fall Fest includes live music, food, games, hay rides, pumpkin patch on the beach and more. 

10/29  Annual Catalina Island Triathlon and 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.

10/31  Annual Halloween Parade
Join ghouls and ghosts and mermaids and firefighters in a Halloween Parade down Crescent Ave.

November

11/1  Dia de los Muertos Family Festival
Join for a unique celebration at the museum with a lively evening of events highlighting the traditional Mexican cultural celebration of Día de los Muertos. This Avalon tradition brings together Mexican cultural elements, dancing, music and other activities for the entire family to enjoy.

11/12  Catalina Island Half Marathon
It’s the hardest race you will ever love! The Catalina Island Half Marathon includes more single track terrain than any of the other races on Catalina Island. Starting and finishing in Avalon, experience the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and run some of the most beautiful, rugged and breathtaking trails you will ever experience.

December

12/3  29th Annual "Shop Catalina" Holiday Kick Off & Tree Lighting
Join for a week of festivities, shopping and fabulous savings! Our island shops open their doors and offer rarely offered discounts on your favorite island jewelry, art, clothing, unique gifts, housewares and more.

12/31  48th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration
The Gala is on for 2021! Dance in the New Year at this black-tie optional event in the world famous Casino Ballroom. Includes gourmet buffet dinner and dessert, dancing to a live band, champagne split to toast the New Year, party favors and the classic midnight balloon drop.

Ongoing Events 

Catalina Island Community Clean Up
Roll up your sleeves and join us in keeping Avalon clean! Reoccurring the 2nd Saturday of the month.

6/21 – 9/1  Summer Beach Bingo
Grab a beach chair and gather at the South Beach Lifeguard stand every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm. Bingo cards are $1 each.

6/22 – 8/24  Kid’s Fishing Derby
Bring a rod and reel or dropline to the Green Pier every Wednesday from 7-9am. Free.

6/24, 7/29, 9/2  Hawaiian-Style Luau at Descanso Beach Club
Enjoy the Polynesian Dance Troop in this beautiful oceanfront setting. Chef-Inspired Buffet Menu featuring Island Mesclun Greens, Macaroni Salad, Shoyu Ahi Poke, Lomi Lomi Tomato, Coconut Cream Haupia and more!

6/29 - 8/10  Movies on the Beach
Enjoy movies on South Beach brought you you by CHOICES and the City of Avalon. Don't forget your beach chairs and towels!
6/29: Storks
7/13: Mitchells vs Machines
7/27: Ratatouille
8/10: Luca

First Fridays at the Museum
On the first Friday of each month, the Catalina Museum for Art & History offers evening hours for members and guests to take part in an enriching program (virtually or in person). The museum’s four main areas of focus: art, history, music and film are often highlighted during each of these events and may include live music, dance performances, lectures, films, dining and more. 

1/30, 4/24, 7/31, 10/30   Family Free Day at the Museum
Family Free Days are intended to inspire the next generation of museum visitors. Up to two adults may each claim a free ticket when accompanied by a visitor 17 years old or younger. A free art project is offered from 11 am - 3 pm.