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August Arrives! What’s Happing This Month in California

Festivals, fiestas and summer fun.

International Surf Festival

July 31-August 4

Hermosa Beach will host the 61st International Surf Festival, promoting the four South Bay beach cities, “the world’s best lifeguard service” and physical fitness for thousands of participants. Participants range in age from eight years old to the late 80s. The three signature events for the festival are the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim and the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament. Other great events include a surfing contest, bodysurfing contest, beach run, paddleboard races, dory race, and youth events.

Photo courtesy of Old Spanish Days

Old Spanish Days Fiesta

July 31-August 4

A celebration of Santa Barbara’s proud Spanish and Mexican heritage, this three-day fiesta showcases the traditions of colorful music, dance and song together with the spirit of friendliness, hospitality and tolerance. 

Music in the Vineyards

August 2-25

Celebrating 30 years, this Napa Chamber event will bring back four original commissions by Kevin Puts, Miguel del Águila, T.J. Cole and Maria Schneider. They will also revisit two winery venues from early years: Louis Martini Winery and Spottswoode Winery, both in St. Helena. At all 16 venues, guests will immerse in the nostalgia of MITV with an exhibit of memorabilia, including a photo archive and the MITV Trivia contest.

Herbie Hancock will perform at Summer Fest 2024. Photo by Danny Clinch.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest

August 9-11

Summer Fest 2024 promises a breakout weekend with international stars, regional gems and exciting new discoveries, including Incognito, The Family Stone and jazz legend Herbie Hancock.

Outside Lands

August 9-11

The Killers, Sabrina Carpenter and Sturgill Simpson will headline the popular weekend long music festival in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Sunday night will feature a special country set by Post Malone. 

Monterey Car Week

August 9-18

Monterey Car Week, the annual celebration of automotive excellence, features an abundance of events dedicated to classic cars, luxury automobiles and motorsports. Highlights include prestigious car shows such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, exclusive gatherings like The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, vintage racing at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and high-profile automotive auctions like RM Sotheby’s Auction. 

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