Top Annual Events in Northern California and Nevada
Please note that this page lists some of the top annual events in California and Nevada. For a complete list of events found in a particular area, please select a specific city location by clicking on the "City Search" menu button above.
Featured Hotels & Resorts
The Ritz-Carlton Napa Valley ─ Click to book online
One Miramontes Point Rd., Napa Valley, CA
Set atop an ocean bluff, overlooking 50 miles of coastline, The Ritz-Carlton, is an easily accessible destination that feels a world away. This Five Diamond resort is designed to resemble the grand seaside lodges of the 19th century.
February
San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade – February 27, 2010 San Francisco, CA
Over 100 units will participate in the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade. A San Francisco tradition since just after the Gold Rush, the parade continues to delight and entertain the many hundreds of thousands of people that come to watch it on the street or tune in to watch it on television. More >>
Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off and Festival – February 20, 2010 Santa Cruz, California
Teams of chowder chefs come from all over the West Coast to compete for the prestigious award of “Best Clam Chowder.” Whip up your favorite recipe for red or white chowder or just come and sample the delicious variety of chowder and fun at the Boardwalk. Admission free. Tasting kits $8.00. 4th Annual International Alsace Varietals Festival – February 20-21, 2010 Boonville, California
Come join us in beautiful Anderson Valley for a weekend in celebration of your favorite aromatic white wines! This 4th annual event highlights Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat, made by the world’s finest producers of Alsace-style wines. It’s the only event like it in the entire country, so make sure not to miss it!
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March
San Francisco's 157th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival – March 13, 2010
San Francisco, California
The 158th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Francisco is a well established event with historic ties to the city. The parade itself is a huge draw for attendees from all different demographics and ethnicity. A festival follows the parade.
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April
42nd Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
Japantown, San Francisco, California
Each year, over 200,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing the color and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community.
Festival: Saturday and Sunday, April 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 2009 Queen Program: Saturday, April 11, 2009 Grand Parade: Sunday, April 19, 2009
26th Annual International Beer Festival – April 25, 2009
San Francisco, California
Sample over 300 incredible beers from some of the best craft brewers in the world. Taste a delicious variety of offerings from some of San Francisco’s best restaurants.
28th Annual Petaluma Butter & Egg Day – April 25, 2009
Petaluma, California
Petaluma’s Butter & Eggs Parade and Celebration is in its 28th year,and has become a tradition in Downtown Petaluma, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural history as one of the premier dairy regions in the country.
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May
7th Annual Reno River Festival – May 2009
Reno, Nevada
Known for attracting top professional kayakers and amateur athletes from around the world, the weekend also includes live music each day, yoga in the park, an industry expo featuring the hottest outdoor products on the market, food and beer gardens, and plenty of nighttime activities to keep guests entertained.
San Carlos Hometown Days – May 15 - 17, 2009
San Carlos, CA
A family favorite festival in San Carlos. More >>
Cooking for Solutions – May 15-16, 2009
Monterey Bay Aquarium, California
Great chefs, gourmet cuisine and fine wines make this the culinary event of the year—an elegant way to discover how your healthy choices protect the health of the soil, water and ocean wildlife. More >>
Uncorked! The San Francisco Wine Festival – May 16, 2009
San Francisco, California
Experience the ambience of the waterfront and entertainment along Beach Street and throughout Ghirardelli Square’s courtyards while you enjoy tastings from a variety of participating Northern California wineries. More >>
50th Artichoke Festival – May 16-17, 2009
Castroville, California
This event features food, music, parade, and car show. More >>
The Watsonville Fly-in and Air Show – May 22-24, 2009
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Bay Area Kid Fest – May 23 - 25, 2009
Concord, CA
A fun and educational event for children and their families. KidFest is held annually in Todos Santos Plaza on Memorial Day Weekend. More >>
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June
Northern California Blues Festival June 13-14, 2009
San Francisco, California More >>
North Beach Festival – June 14-15, 2008
San Francisco, California
The country’s original outdoor arts & crafts festival celebrates its 54th anniversary with Juried Arts & Crafts Exhibitions and Sales, Celebrity Pizza Toss, Live Entertainment Stages with Alternative, Rhythm & Blues, Latin Rock, Pop Rock, Reggae, Salsa and Swing, Cooking Stage, and Celebrity Chefs. More >>
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July
Alameda County Fair – July 2009
Pleasanton, California 94566
The annual fair offers a variety of activities - something for everyone! More >>
31st Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival – July 24-26, 2009
Gilroy, California
Three days of incredible food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and cooking demonstrations. More >>
Hot August Nights – July 31 - August 9, 2009
Reno, Nevada
Shine your Chevy, detail your Deuce Coupe and hustle your hot rod over to Reno and Sparks' Hot August Nights for a celebration of America's love affair with cars and rock & roll July 31 - August 9, 2009. More >>
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August
Hot August Nights – July 31 - August 9, 2009 Reno, Nevada
Shine your Chevy, detail your Deuce Coupe and hustle your hot rod over to Reno and Sparks' Hot August Nights for a celebration of America's love affair with cars and rock & roll July 31 - August 9, 2009. More >>
San Mateo County Fair – August 15 - 23, 2009
San Mateo, California
Whether you enjoy carnival rides, competitive exhibits or enjoy big name entertainment, the fair has something for everyone! More >>
14th Annual Bluesapalooza & Festival of Beers – July 31 to August 2, 2009
Mammoth Lakes, California
Great lineup of blues talent, food and microbrews. More >>
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September
Pittsburg Seafood Festival – September 2008
Pittsburg, California More >>
13th Annual Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival – September 12 & 13, 2009
San Francisco, California More >>
Art Bark Fest - Animal Art & Wine Festival – September 19-20, 2009
The Village at Squaw Valley, California
The Art Bark Fest was created to combine the love of art & wine with the love of animals and is one of the only animal themed fine arts and wine festival in the country. Benefit for Humane Society Truckee-Tahoe & Squaw Rescue Dogs. More >>
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October
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival – October 18-19, 2008 Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay heralds in All Hallows Eve with rustic pumpkin patches, harvest-inspired arts and crafts, entertainment, contests, food, wine and beer, and activities. It all creates a wonderful atmosphere of fun, fun and more fun. Admission is free. More >>
33rd Annual Monterey Wine Festival – October 1 & 2, 2009
Monterey, California More >>
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November
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December
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January
10th Annual Mendocino Crab and Wine Days – January 23-24, 2009 Mendocino, California
Recently listed as one of the Top 10 Seafood & Wine Festivals in Coastal Living Magazine, this fun FUNdraiser features two of Mendocino County's most highly prized commodities: Dungeness Crab and Premier Wines! More >>
ZAP's Annual Zinfindel Festival – January 28-31, 2009 San Francisco, California
ZAP's Zinfandel Festival is an internationally recognized series of tasting events. Renown as the premier single-varietal tasting in the world, an estimated 275 wineries and over 10,000 attendees partake in the four days of Festival events. The ZAP Zinfandel Festival is held exclusively in San Francisco, and traditionally is a sell-out. More >>
21st Annual Winter Wine and Food Fest – January 31, 2009 Sacramento, California
Benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation -- More than 60 renowned Northern California wineries, 60 local restaurants and 7 microbreweries gather at the Sacramento Convention with their finest foods and wines to taste. More >>
Napa Valley Mustard Festival – January 31 - Mar 28, 2009 Napa Valley, California
The Mustard Season offers a full palette of food, wine, art, entertainment, and cultural activities staged throughout the world-famous grape growing region when fields, vineyards, and hillsides are vibrant with wild mustard in bloom. More >>
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