This April, California bursts with vibrant events, from wine and food festivals to cultural celebrations and outdoor adventures. Here’s a roundup of 18 exciting happenings across the Golden State:
1. Napa Valley Arts in April
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- April 1–30, Napa Valley
- Explore a fusion of wine and culture with live music, art exhibits, and performances celebrating Calistoga’s bohemian roots.
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2. Battle of the Brews Sonoma
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- April 6, Santa Rosa
- Sample craft beers from around the globe and vote for your favorites at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
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3. Monterey Sea Otter Classic
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- April 11–14, Monterey
- Kick off the cycling season with competitive races and recreational events for cyclists of all ages.
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4. Pebble Beach Food & Wine
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- April 11–14, Pebble Beach
- Indulge in culinary delights from renowned chefs and wineries against the backdrop of picturesque Pebble Beach.
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5. Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle, Universal Studios Hollywood
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- April 11–28, Los Angeles
- Experience the magic of Harry Potter with an enchanting light show featuring the dark arts at Universal Studios.
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6. Temecula Valley Bluegrass Festival
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- April 12–14, Temecula Valley
- Enjoy bluegrass music and wine tasting at Tucalota Creek Ranch in Inland Empire’s wine country.
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7. San Francisco International Film Festival
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- April 10–23, San Francisco
- Immerse yourself in a diverse selection of films, including Hollywood blockbusters and independent productions.
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8. La Jolla Cours D’Elegance, San Diego
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- April 12–14, La Jolla
- Admire rare and restored vehicles with ocean views while enjoying themed events and classic cocktails.
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9. Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Los Angeles
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- April 13–14, Los Angeles
- Celebrate literature with book signings, readings, and appearances by acclaimed authors at USC campus.
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10. Michaelangelo’s The Sistine Chapel Exhibition, Garden Grove
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- Begins April 13, Garden Grove
- Marvel at reproductions of Sistine Chapel paintings and learn about their historical significance.
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11. Chico BrewFest
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- April 13, Chico
- Taste a variety of beers, wines, and bites while supporting local charities in Sierra Nevada’s hometown.
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12. Cider Summit SF, San Francisco
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- April 13, San Francisco
- Discover artisanal ciders from Bay Area makers at Presidio, with souvenir tasting glass included.
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13. UC Davis Picnic Day
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- April 13, Davis
- Join the festivities showcasing the university’s agricultural program, featuring parades and quirky activities.
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14. Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, San Francisco
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- April 13–21, San Francisco
- Experience the beauty of cherry blossoms and Japanese culture with food, music, and bonsai exhibits.
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15. Santa Barbara Kite Festival
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- April 14, Santa Barbara
- Soar into Kite Month with a day of kite-flying contests and family-friendly activities at Santa Barbara City College.
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16. National Park Week
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- April 20–28, Across California
- Enjoy free admission to California’s national parks during Earth Day week, with special events and clean-up activities.
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17. Salt & Fog Fish Festival, Eureka
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- April 26–28, Eureka
- Celebrate maritime heritage with sailing, paddle boarding, and local cuisine on Eureka’s historic waterfront.
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18. Stagecoach Festival, Indio
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- April 26–28, Indio
- Continue the festival season with country music performances at Empire Polo Club, headlined by Luke Bryan and more.
As spring unfolds, California offers an abundance of experiences for every interest. Whether you’re a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or culture connoisseur, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this April in the Golden State. For more details and schedules of these events, visit the full activities page.
