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.

March

3/11  California Trail Marathon 
California's oldest trail marathon takes place on beautiful Catalina Island. This is bucket list marathon is a must for runners. Experience spectacular views breathtaking trails.

April

4/1  Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup
This annual cleanup with over 500 expected volunteer divers collecting trash and debris. This event is the only time scuba diving is allowed in Avalon Bay.  

4/7 - 9  Annual Catalina Spring Art Fair & Craft Festival 
On the Avalon waterfront on Catalina Island, one of the longest running and most acclaimed art festivals in California! 

4/22  27th Catalina Island Conservancy Ball
Celebrate Catalina Island Conservancy’s anniversary and help raise funds for its conservation, education and recreation programs by attending the annual party in the Casino Ballroom.

May

5/5  Cinco de Mayo Celebration 
The event features live music by local favorite Sin Frontera, a special dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Quetzal, face painting and an art project for the kids, and local food venders selling street corn, sopes, quesadillas and desserts. We'll also have a specialty cocktail, beer, wine and more.

5/6  Catalina Island Rugby Festival
Join the team for the Old Boys/Master Rugby Festival (40 year of age plus).

5/13  Art Deco Society Avalon Ball
Take a journey back into Hollywood’s golden era at this party with the music from the 1920s and ‘30s performed by the Dean Mora Dance Orchestra.

5/13  Silent Film Showcase
Recognized as one of the world’s longest running annual celebrations of Silent Film, the main event of our 36th annual showcase is held in the historic Avalon Casino Theatre, William Wrigley Jr.’s 1929 Art Deco Movie Palace.

June

6/1  17th Annual Taste Around of Avalon
Attention Foodies! Try favorite dishes or beverages from some of Avalon’s finest restaurants at the Annual Taste Around of Avalon and vote for the Best Taste of the Year.  

6/2 - 8  10th Annual Avalon Restaurant Week
Experience the Island’s unique food and wine culture with specially created prix fixe menus.

6/2 - 3  Catalina Wine Mixer
Raise a toast to the Original Catalina Wine Mixer from Step Brothers. This Descanso Beach Club event includes entertainment music and more.
 

6/24  Catalina Pride Celebration
Catalina Island invites the LGBTQ+ community and allies to join in celebrating the annual Catalina Pride. The main event will take place at Wrigley Stage and will include live entertainment as well as a pride march in support of the LGBTQ+ community. After parties on Avalon will begin around sunset.

July

7/4  Fourth of July Celebration in Avalon
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a golf cart parade, the USC Marching Band and fireworks display over Avalon.
 

7/15  Catalina Island Concert Series - Venice
Join for a free family friendly concert on the Wrigley Stage featuring the band Venice. Venice plays Americana pop harmonies influenced by The Beach Boys, Eagles, and CSN.

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!

August

8/5  Catalinaville 2023 Fundraiser
Join for a spectacular “Margaritaville” style event and conga the night away! The event will be at Descanso Beach Club and includes a live auction and exciting raffle prizes, followed by live bands and dancing on the sand.

The event includes a cocktail reception and dinner at 5:00 p.m. followed by a beach party at 8:00 p.m.  All proceeds benefit the Catalina Island Medical Center Foundation and its support of the Catalina Island Medical Center (CIMC) and the future of healthcare on Catalina Island.

September

9/2  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 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.

9/15 - 17  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.

9/16 - 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.

9/20 - 24  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

10/7  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! 

10/12 - 15  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. 

10/19 - 22  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. 

10/28  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.

11/18  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

12/2  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.