California’s Ultimate 2026 Festival Lineup: Super Bowl, Coachella, Stagecoach, BottleRock, and Ohana Festival – Don’t Miss the Fun!

Published on December 24, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

California is known for its sunny weather, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture—but it’s also a state where the event calendar is packed with world-class entertainment. From sporting events like the Super Bowl to iconic music festivals like Coachella, California’s calendar for 2026 offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore world-renowned festivals, enjoy thrilling sports, or take in some of the country’s most iconic parades, California is the place to be. So, why wait for a special occasion when there’s always an excuse to experience the best of the Golden State?

January: Roses, Road Trips, and Historic Parades

• Everything’s Coming up Roses: The 137th Tournament of Roses Parade kicks off the year on January 1st in Pasadena. Widely regarded as one of the best parades in the world, it features flower-decked floats, dazzling equestrian performances, and lively marching bands. The theme for 2026, “Magic in Teamwork,” celebrates first responders and the spirit of community.
• Get Your Kicks: The 100th Anniversary of Route 66 is celebrated with The Drive Home in Santa Monica on January 3. Classic cars will set off from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, continuing the historic drive to Chicago, with vintage vehicles later displayed at the Detroit Auto Show.

February: Sports and All-Star Action

• Raise the Lombardi Trophy: The eyes of the sports world will be on Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco on February 8 for Super Bowl LX, where the two best NFL teams battle for glory. Watch the game live or join locals at bars to experience the electric atmosphere.
• Star Power: Los Angeles takes center stage on February 15 with a reimagined NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome. This new format pits USA players against international stars in a series of round-robin games, making it one of the most exciting events in sports.

March: Tennis, Cycling, and Unmatched Competition

• Ace It: The BNP Paribas Open from March 1-15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is one of the largest ATP and WTA tournaments globally. Tennis enthusiasts will have the chance to watch top players up close while enjoying Southern California’s desert weather.
• Tour de Murrieta: For cycling fans, the 21st Annual Tour de Murrieta on March 28-29 promises intense competition with events like the Grand Prix and four-mile circuit race, all set against a backdrop of live music, food, and family-friendly activities.

April: Music, Art, and Sustainability

• Listen Up: Music lovers will flock to the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (April 10-12 and 17-19) in Indio. Expect performances from global stars like Justin Bieber, Karol G, and Sabrina Carpenter. Country fans can head to Stagecoach (April 24-26) to see country greats like Cody Johnson and Post Malone live.
• Think Green: On April 25-26, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival celebrates sustainability with music, eco-friendly vendors, and the largest green car show on the West Coast. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while making a positive impact on the planet.

May: Rowing, Wine, and Rock ‘n’ Roll

• IRA National Championships: For sports enthusiasts, the IRA National Championships returns to Lake Natoma near Sacramento from May 29-31, with top collegiate rowing teams competing in a thrilling regatta.
• Rock Out at BottleRock: Napa Valley comes alive during BottleRock Napa Valley (May 29-31), a festival where top musical acts perform in the heart of wine country. Expect a weekend filled with music, wine, and culinary delights.

June: NASCAR, Music, and Festivals

• Trails End Music Festival: Etna in Siskiyou County hosts the Trails End Music Festival on June 19-20, bringing together national and regional acts in the beautiful northern California mountains.
• Pit Stop: San Diego will host NASCAR’s first-ever San Diego weekend on June 21 at Naval Base Coronado, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy with thrilling races and military exhibitions.

July: Soccer and Global Sports Events

• Summer of Soccer: With the FIFA World Cup matches taking place across California, Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco (July 1) and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (July 2) will be host to two thrilling rounds of the world’s most popular sport.

August: Reggae, Ironman, and Adventure Sports

• Reggae on the River: Humboldt County hosts the Reggae on the River festival during the first weekend of August, celebrating over 40 years of reggae music with top talent from around the globe.
• Readying for Redding’s IRONMAN: The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California comes to Redding on August 16, featuring a lake swim, bike ride through Shasta County, and a run along the Sacramento River Trail.

September: Stargazing and Conservation

• Darkness Retreat: The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will host the Dark Sky Festival from September 11-13, allowing visitors to stargaze and learn about astronomy from experts in one of the best places to view the night sky in California.
• Ohana Festival: The Ohana Festival (September 2026) at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point features over 35 musical performances, with environmental panels and exhibitions by top conservationists.

October: Airshows, Classic Cars, and More

• Flyin’ High: The California Capital Airshow will celebrate its 20th anniversary on October 10-11 at Mather Airport in Rancho Cordova, offering family-friendly aerial performances and military displays.
• Rev Your Engines: Classic car lovers will converge on Crescent City for the 35th annual Sea Cruise Outdoor Car Show (October 2-3), where over 250 classic cars will be on display.

November: Food, Running, and Festivities

• Good Eats: The Madera Pomegranate, Fruit, & Nut Festival (November 7) at Madera District Fairgrounds celebrates California’s agricultural roots with delicious food, live music, and a Kids Zone for the little ones.
• A Beautiful 13.1 Mile Run: Monterey Bay will host its annual Half Marathon on November 8, offering a stunning coastal route followed by a festive Finish Festival with live music and food.

December: Holiday Fun and Festivities

• Victorian Holidays: Step into the past with the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City every weekend in December. The event recreates Victorian London, offering festive performances, handmade gifts, and street vendors.
• Floating Christmas Parade: The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (December) is a must-see with decorated boats and yachts cruising the harbor in a dazzling display of holiday spirit.

Conclusion: Year-Round California Fun

With its unbeatable weather, vibrant culture, and a year-round calendar packed with iconic events, California offers endless reasons to visit. Whether you’re a sports fan, music lover, or someone who enjoys unique cultural experiences, there’s always an exciting event waiting for you in the Golden State. So, pack your bags, mark your calendar, and get ready to experience the best of California in 2026!