This April, California is booming with things to do, from hitting the slopes to wildflower viewing to attending the oh-so-hip Coachella Valley Arts & Music Festival in the desert. Perhaps you’d like to enjoy some spring weather while watching a Shakespeare-inspired theater production in Yosemite. Or maybe you’d like to taste your way through an outdoor culinary festival—including one renowned event making its return for the first time since 2019. Here are more than 25 April events in California to help you make the most of spring.
Now Open: Dino Valley at LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad
The Carlsbad theme park is celebrating its 25th birthday this year and has marked the occasion with a new area. The Dino Valley area is home to three dinosaur-themed rides: The longtime favorite Coastersaurus is joined by the jeep ride DUPLO Little Dino Trail and the boat ride Explorer River Quest (LEGOLAND fans will recognize it as the former site of Fairy Tale Brook). Kids can dig for fossils in the Dino Outpost, play dinosaur-themed carnival games, and admire the large LEGO-constructed dinosaur models. Keep an eye out for strolling characters Paleontologist and T Rex Costume Fan.
All month: Ojai Pixie Tangerine Month, Ojai
April is peak season for this small, super-sweet pixie tangerine, produced by 40 growers in the Ventura County town of Ojai. Pick up the fresh fruit at local stores such as Friend’s Ranch Packing House and Rainbow Bridge Natural Foods Market, or enjoy pixie-infused cuisine, spa treatments, and merch at participating businesses around town. The month brings special hotel deals too, including an offer at the Ojai Valley Inn.
All month: Baseball Is Back
Hope springs eternal during the early days of the Major League Baseball season. There are countless hot dogs (and other treats) to consume, so grab a pal and pay a visit to the ballparks that are home to the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, or San Francisco Giants.
April 4–7: Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Pebble Beach
This acclaimed culinary event in Pebble Beach, returning for the first time since 2019, is making up for lost time with a lineup that includes 125 chefs and 150 wineries as well as mixologists and sommeliers. Browse the event offerings that include themed lunches, dinners, walk-around tastings, seminars, and even a VIP golf tournament. This year’s culinary headliners include the Napa-inspired cuisine of Rogelio Garcia, Downtown L.A. chef Stephanie Izard, Sacramento farm-to-fork specialist Oliver Ridgeway, and the offal-loving Bay Area chef Chris Cosentino.
Begins April 5: Season of the Force at Disneyland, Anaheim
May the Fourth arrives early in Anaheim this year and lasts well beyond the day itself. Disneyland Resort will celebrate its Stars Wars attractions by offering a “Hyperspace Mountain” experience at Space Mountain, new features on Star Tours—The Adventures Continue, and special music during the evening fireworks when you watch them from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Runs through June 2.
Want a VIP experience? Starting April 16, Disneyland Park will also host eight Disneyland Star Wars Nites—separate ticket events that include character sightings, themed menus, light saber lessons, and a Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade, an all-are-welcome cosplay parade along Main Street USA. With your ticket, you can enter the park at 6 p.m. and festivities last from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Runs on select evenings through May 9.
Another party begins at Disneyland Resort on April 26. Pixar Fest celebrates movies such as Inside Out, The Incredibles, and the Toy Story franchise through character meet-and-greets, dance parties, and special cuisine and merch, as well as a daytime parade in Disney California Adventure Park and a special evening fireworks show, Together Forever, over Disneyland Park. Runs through August 4.
April 5–7: WinterWonderGrass Tahoe, Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe ski resort welcomes spring with this annual bluegrass festival, which features more than 20 bands and plenty of local breweries. The lineup includes Sierra Ferrell, Devil Makes Three, Paul Cauthen, and the bluegrass Grateful Dead tribute band Pickin’ On the Dead. Later in the month, the ski resort holds its annual Alpine Annual Snow Golf Tournament (date still TBD), which centers around a nine-hole golf course on the slopes that you play with an issued club and two tennis balls.
April 5–7: Wild Flour Celebration at Cuyama Buckhorn, New Cuyama
Combine two loves—blossoms and baking—during this weekend at the retro Cuyama Buckhorn resort in east Santa Barbara County, where plenty of wildflowers bloom this time of year. Weekend activities utilize those wildflowers and other local ingredients—like cocktails accented with blooms, a Saturday baking workshop using flour from Tehachapi Heritage Grain Project, and an afternoon tea featuring Los Angeles–based Flowerhead Tea.
April 6: Battle of the Brews, Santa Rosa
The one-day festival at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa celebrates both global and California craft beers. Check out the juried competition, dubbed The Craft Cup, then cast your own vote at the main event, where craft-beer fans pick their favorites among more than 40 breweries.
April 6: Wildflower & Nature Festival, Oroville
Soak up the seasonal color at Oroville’s Riverbend Park, located along the Feather River in Butte County. Browse the seasonal produce, locally made crafts, and food-truck offerings.
April 6: American River 50-Mile Endurance Run, Folsom
Enjoy Gold Country scenery along the American River during this 50-mile run from Folsom to Auburn. The race starts at Folsom Point in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and passes through oak woodlands and meadows, followed by the Pioneer Express Trail, a path once used by gold prospectors. If 50 miles sounds too daunting, you can also choose from the 25- or 10-mile runs that follow portions of the full course.
Come back April 26–27 for the Live Performing Arts Academy Jazz Festival, when jazz ensembles will play on outdoor stages in the Folsom Historic District.
April 6: Historic Santa Ana Walking Tour, Santa Ana
Join a special 2.5-hour walking tour to see the striking architecture of downtown Santa Ana and learn about the active historic preservation efforts going on in this stretch of Orange County. The downtown district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to both commercial and institutional buildings that embody some of the richest styles of the 1900s–1930s: Art Deco, Classical Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Richardsonian Romanesque. This charming area will soon welcome back its old-school streetcar too.
April 6–7, 24–28: Clovis Big Hat Days & Clovis Rodeo, Clovis
Each spring, the Fresno County town of Clovis embraces its cowboy heritage, starting with a nearly century-old street fair in Old Town Clovis known as Big Hat Days (April 6–7). Enjoy the food and craft vendors, a beer garden, and live music (wearing a 10-gallon hat is optional). From April 24–28, you can enjoy the classic Clovis Rodeo, which includes a lineup of bull riding, roping events, and concerts.
April 7: Celebration of the Whales, Oxnard
Salute the migrating whales along the Santa Barbara Channel—recently named a Whale Heritage Area—at this event at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Check out the family-friendly activities, chalk art, and a children’s fun zone, as well as the Channel Islands Maritime Museum and the “Gray Whale Migration Trail” that runs through Harbor View Park.
April 7: Wildflowers & Wine, Amador County
Taste Amador County’s top wines and cuisine, complemented by live music and views of blooming wildflowers. Your ticket gains you admission to seated food-and-wine experiences at eight tasting rooms in downtown Sutter Creek; as you walk between tasting rooms on Main Street, soak up the music, plein air art demonstrations, and plants for sale.
April 12–20: PaleyFest, Los Angeles
TV nerds will love this sneak peek–style event featuring special episodes, panel discussions, and meet-and-greets with TV stars and creators. This year’s event at the Dolby Theatre—which hosted the Academy Awards in March—will feature The Morning Show, Loki, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Family Guy.
April 12–21: Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Indio
Good news: As of press time, there are still passes available for the second weekend of this epic music festival, and you can also get on the waitlist for other sold-out dates. Either way, you can always enjoy the region-wide party in Greater Palm Springs. Headliners on both weekends are Lana Del Rey, Tyler the Creator, and Doja Cat, with supporting acts ranging from Blur to Jon Batiste to special guests No Doubt. Check out these hacks for making the most of Coachella, with or without a pass.
April 13: Chico BrewFest, Chico
The Butte County town of Chico is famously the hometown of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., a pioneer in the craft beer movement. This festival goes beyond the hometown roots, however, offering tastes of more than 40 beers from 20 breweries. Participants typically include breweries such as FiftyFifty Brewing from Truckee and Dust Bowl Brewing from Turlock. Proceeds benefit a wide range of local charities.
To get a workout, come back to town later in the month for the Chico Wildflower Century (April 27–28), the annual cycling event that offers routes ranging from 12 to 100 miles.
April 13–14: WhaleFest Monterey, Monterey
Celebrate Earth Day early at this weekend event dedicated to helping protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and held at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey. The all-ages activities include live music, abalone races, gyotaku and scrimshaw activities, and a one-day symposium with marine science experts. Don’t miss the 43-foot walk-in whale exhibit and the 30-foot whale skeleton.
April 13–21: Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, San Francisco
This party for pink blossoms is said to be the largest festival of its kind in the U.S. outside of Washington, D.C. The two weekends in San Francisco’s Japantown also feature a full schedule of food, music, and bonsai exhibits.
Another nice spot to see cherry blossoms this time of year is Filoli in nearby San Mateo County. The estate’s garden and orchard have weeping cherry blossom trees that are more than a century old, as well as blossoming crabapple, pear, peach, nectarine, and plum trees.
April 11–13: Levi Leipheimer's GranFondo Cycling Event, Windsor
Ride through wine country at this Sonoma County event launched by Levi Leipheimer, the former pro cyclist and three-time Amgen Tour of California winner. Choose from seven routes around the Windsor area: Routes range from 11 to 139 miles and feature a variety of terrains, from a flat wine country routes to a super-challenging ride on par with the toughest stretches of the Tour de France.
April 14: Celebrate the Craft, San Diego
Enjoy the oceanfront scenery at The Lodge at Torrey Pines during the 20th iteration of this curated food festival showcasing regional chefs, farmers, wineries, and craft breweries. Your admission covers small plates and drinks all enjoyed on the resort’s grounds, overlooking the coastline as well as the neighboring Torrey Pines Golf Course.
April 14: Blessing of the Vines, Temecula
Help South Coast Winery usher in a new growing season at this event that includes both savory and sweet dishes paired with the Temecula winery’s current wares. The next weekend, you can catch screenings and panel discussions about filmmaking and podcasting at the nearby DigiFest (April 19–21), formerly known as the Temecula Film and Music Festival.
April 14: Santa Barbara Kite Festival, Santa Barbara
April is National Kite Month, and the Central Coast city of Santa Barbara offers a particularly lovely setting for this one-day celebration—a giant meadow at Santa Barbara City College. Activities include the traditional children’s kite-tail chase and contests for Most Beautiful Kite, Funniest Kite, and Most Unflyable Kite.
April 18–21: Monterey Sea Otter Classic, Monterey
This Central Coast cycling event is considered the kick-off of the North American cycling season, attracting more than 10,000 athletes to Monterey—including pros and national, world, and Olympic champions. Watch athletes compete in mountain bike, cross country, dual slalom, road, and cyclocross events, and join in the fun during non-competitive recreational events for all ages.
April 18–21: Godwit Days Spring Migration Birding Festival, Arcata
Come to this Humboldt County town to welcome the spring migration of the Marbled Godwit—just one of the many diverse bird species that traverse the Pacific Flyway. Take part in guided birding trips and workshops and hear from keynote speaker Alvaro Jarmillo, a well-known birder and author.
April 19–21: Luxury Wine Weekend at the Purple Orchid, Livermore Valley
Combine a weekend resort getaway with an intimate wine festival at this event in the Tri-Valley region. Located at The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa, the weekend includes live music, hikes through the orchards, and winemaker-led tastings at Livermore Valley wineries Cuda Ridge Wines and McGrail Vineyards. The weekend admission package includes a two-night stay at the resort, winery tastings, one dining experience, a social hour with winery staffers, and private transportation to the wineries.
April 19–21: Red Bluff Round-Up, Red Bluff
Watch roping and riding at one of the biggest rodeos in the nation. The weekend includes classic competitions, legends of professional rodeo, and the Wild Ride, the Sunday event where cowboys dress in costumes while attempting eight seconds on the back of a bucking horse.
April 19–21: California Poppy Festival, Lancaster
See the state flower at its peak this month at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in the Los Angeles County town of Lancaster, then celebrate at the nearby AV Fair and Events Center. Activities include rides, live music, a beer garden, and live animal exhibits.
April 19–21: La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, La Jolla
Ogle 150 rare and restored vehicles—including horseless carriages, European marques, and American classics—displayed on grassy oceanfront lawns in La Jolla. The weekend also features live music and the not-to-be-missed Champagne and Honey Tasting Garden.
April 19–28: Kool April Nites, Redding
Immerse yourself in car culture at this Redding event that includes The Cruise on Friday night, The Big Show on Saturday the 29th, and smaller “show and shine” events most other days. There are fun family activities, too, like pancake breakfasts and a drive-in screening of Herbie: The Love Bug.
April 20: Rosé Bowl: A Wine Tasting Experience, Pasadena
Experience Pasadena’s legendary Rose Bowl stadium at this wine-tasting event that showcases 40 types of rosé from around the world. Explore the field while tasting wine, listening to live music, and buying food from kiosks. Want to see more of the iconic stadium? Come on the last Friday of the month for the special Rose Bowl tours.
April 20: UC Davis Picnic Day, Davis
This annual event started as an open house for a new dairy barn in 1909, but now is a big party showcasing the esteemed state school in Yolo County. It’s great for prospective students or anyone nostalgic for their own college days, with its parade, picnicking, and quirky activities like the Doxie Derby and the Battle of the Marching Bands.
April 20–21: Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, Santa Clarita
Scoot your boots at this Western music festival in Santa Clarita, the Los Angeles County town rich with cowboy history. Check the schedule of more than 20 live acts of country, folk, and bluegrass music, and other activities such as line dancing and blacksmithing. Browse the vendors of vintage hats, boots, and other western fashions, and don’t miss the Melody Ranch and Blue Cloud film tours—a rare peek at the large outdoor sets where many movies and TV shows have been filmed—from Gunsmoke to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
April 20–21: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Los Angeles
This two-day event on the University of Southern California campus features book sales, readings, signings, and musical performances. This year's author lineup will be announced March 13.
April 20–28: National Park Week
Celebrate Earth Day (April 22) by visiting one of the nine national parks in California. Admission fees are waived on April 20, and there are special themes each day, along with opportunities to pitch in at parks. Or celebrate Earth Day all month long by signing up for one of the 11 different volunteer days at California State Parks.
April 24–28: Days of 49 Wagon Train, Amador County
Celebrate the Gold Rush era at this living-history tribute—a caravan of covered wagons helmed by mountain men dressed in buckskins and fur hats—to frontiersman Kit Carson. Watch the parade-style route through Amador County towns including Plymouth, Amador City, and Jackson.
April 24–28: San Francisco International Film Festival, San Francisco
Founded in 1957, this San Francisco event is the longest-running film fest in the nation, offering a mix of international and domestic crowd-pleasers. This year’s lineup will be announced on March 27, with tickets going on sale March 29. Consider buying 6-packs or 10-packs of tickets for the best value.
April 25–28: A Midsummer Yosemite’s Dream, Yosemite
Enjoy some springtime Shakespeare in the park—and in this case, a national park—with this updated production of the classic drama. Each year, these 90-minute musical productions are adapted to include both Earth Day and Yosemite themes, starring a cast made up of UC Merced students, park rangers, and Yosemite employees. Opening night is staged at UC Merced’s open-air theater while the following three nights will be at the amphitheater in Curry Village.
April 26–28: Stagecoach Festival, Indio
After the rock fans have dispersed from Coachella, the Empire Polo Club in Indio welcomes country music fans for this three-day extravaganza. Headliners include Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Morgan Wallen supported by genre-crossers such as Willie Nelson & Family, Dwight Yoakam, Post Malone, and the Beach Boys.
April 26–28: Stags Leap District’s Vineyard to Vintner Weekend, Napa Valley
Enjoy “backstage” access at 15 heralded wineries and vineyards in Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District during this VIP-style festival. The high-end weekend includes small vintner-hosted dinners, vineyard walks, seminars, and many tastings including new releases, library wines, and even a barrel sample of the 2022 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon: A Collaboration. Your pass gives you access to a variety of events on Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday.
April 27: California Duck Days Festival, Davis
This annual event is a great excuse to check out the impressive, 25-square-mile Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, home to almost 200 species of birds. Look at the exhibits, go on birding tours, meet adorable ducklings, and even fish for trout in the ponds.
April 27: Rhododendron Parade, Eureka
Spring is peak rhododendron season in Humboldt County, when the bright red, pink, and white blossoms stand out beautifully against a backdrop of redwood trees. Head to downtown Eureka to see a parade of classic cars, floats, horses, tractors, and bands—all festooned with rhododendron blooms and other flowers.
April 27: Blues & Brews, Pacifica
Taste local beer and listen to live music at this festive afternoon in Pacifica on the San Francisco Peninsula. Raising your glass is for a good cause, too: Proceeds from beer sales will benefit local nonprofits.
April 27–28: Surfscape, Huntington Beach
Immerse yourself in surf gear and surf culture alike at this free-admission expo in the town nicknamed Surf City USA. Demo surfboards and wetsuits, browse lots of surf-inspired fashion, and buy food and drink to enjoy in the picnic area. The event takes place in the Huntington Beach City Parking Lot, across from both the Waterfront Beach Resort and the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. Register online to secure your spot for gear and board demos or sign up in person at the event—either way, you’ll be entered to win a free surfboard.
April 28: Opening Day on the Bay, San Francisco
Head to The Presidio to witness 100-plus decorated boats gliding by in an annual tradition that goes back to 1917. The all-boats-welcome parade—organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association to kick off the boating season—starts off the shore of Crissy Field in the Presidio, and traverses the city's waterfront to the Fort Mason building, east of the Marina Green.
