California will host a wide range of events throughout April 2026, offering activities across the state for residents and visitors. The month features festivals, sports competitions, cultural celebrations, and culinary experiences in both urban and rural settings.
Beginning April 4, several Native California Pow Wows are scheduled. UC Davis will hold its 50th Annual Pow Wow on campus, followed by similar events at Sierra College in Placer County and San Diego State University. Sherman Indian School in Riverside will also host a powwow later in the month.
In Northern California, Sugar Bowl ski resort will run its annual Silver Belt competition from March 30 to April 4. Wine enthusiasts can participate in Taste Alexander Valley throughout the month in Sonoma County, with special tastings and discounts at participating wineries such as Robert Young Estate Winery and Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
Redding’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park launches “Glowing Wild” on select nights starting April 4, featuring illuminated lanterns inspired by local flora and fauna. Oroville’s Riverbend Park hosts the Wildflower & Nature Festival on April 4 with produce markets and guided kayak tours along the Feather River.
Athletes can join the American River 50-Mile Endurance Run from Folsom to Auburn on April 4 or opt for shorter distances. Film fans may attend the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival between Morgan Hill and Gilroy from April 8–15, focusing on independent films by historically marginalized groups.
San Francisco’s Spring Restaurant Week runs April 10–19 with prix fixe menus at various restaurants. Santa Rosa holds Battle of the Brews on April 11 while Chico hosts BrewFest that same day to benefit local charities.
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival takes place over two weekends (April 11–12 and 18–19) in San Francisco’s Japantown. Filoli estate in San Mateo County offers another cherry blossom viewing spot during this period.
Other notable events include Kamome Festival in Crescent City (April 13–19), Godwit Days Spring Migration Birding Festival in Arcata (April 16–19), Red Bluff Round-Up rodeo (April 17–19), Kool April Nites car show in Redding (April 17–26), Butter & Egg Days Parade in Petaluma (April 18), UC Davis Picnic Day (April 18), Taste of the Peninsula restaurant week in San Mateo County (April 23–May 3), Stags Leap District’s Vineyard to Vintner festival in Napa Valley (April 24–26), San Francisco International Film Festival (April 24–May 4), Rhododendron Parade in Eureka (April 25), Levi’s GranFondo Cycling Event in Windsor (April 25), California Duck Days Festival in Davis (April 25), Opening Day on the Bay boat parade in San Francisco (April 26), and Chico Wildflower Ride & Festival cycling event (April 25–26).
Central California highlights include Ojai Pixie Tangerine Month throughout April, Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival from April 9–12 featuring over a hundred chefs and wineries, Ventura County Farm Day on April 11 with farm tours around Camarillo, Whalefest Monterey celebrating marine conservation efforts on April 11–12, Clovis Big Hat Days street fair followed by Clovis Rodeo later that month, Santa Barbara Kite Festival on April 12, Monterey Sea Otter Classic cycling event from April 16–19 attracting thousands of athletes, Celebration of the Whales event at Channel Islands Harbor on April 19 honoring whale migration along Santa Barbara Channel.
Southern California events start with Stand Up Chow Down comedy-culinary festival on April 3–4 at Anaheim Packing District. PaleyFest Los Angeles runs from April 4-12 at Dolby Theatre featuring TV show panels. Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is scheduled for two weekends starting mid-April; headliners include Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G among others.
Lancaster’s California Poppy Festival takes place from April 17-19 near Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve; Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival follows on April 18-19 with Western music acts; Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is set for those dates as well at USC campus.
Art lovers can visit “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” exhibition opening at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego beginning April 18 through August. La Jolla Concours d’Elegance classic car show occurs over three days starting ApriI 24 alongside Stagecoach country music festival held simultaneously at Indio’s Empire Polo Club after Coachella concludes.
Panda Fest Asian street food festival comes to San Diego Waterfront Park ApriI 25-26 while Disneyland Anaheim introduces new Star Wars characters starting ApriI 29 as part of extended May-the-Fourth celebrations including themed after-hours events through early May.
