February brings a variety of events across California, marking the early arrival of spring with wildflowers in the desert, blossoming fruit and nut trees in the Central Valley, and the annual “firefall” at Yosemite National Park. The month also features the first Free Entrance Day of 2026 at national parks on February 16.
Throughout February, communities across California will observe Black History Month. In Los Angeles, visitors can explore exhibits at the California African American Museum or attend talks during the Los Angeles Black History Month Festival on February 21 at La Brea Tar Pits. San Francisco offers its African-American Freedom Trail, which includes stops like the Museum of the African Diaspora and local landmarks dedicated to notable figures such as Willie Mays. Black-owned businesses are highlighted throughout these celebrations.
Lunar New Year festivities will take place statewide as well. The Vietnamese community in Orange County hosts its USVA Tet Festival from February 13 to 15 in Garden Grove. San Francisco’s celebrations begin with a Flower Market Fair on February 14 and continue into March with what is described as the largest Chinese New Year parade outside China on March 7. Theme parks including SeaWorld San Diego and Disneyland Resort are offering special Lunar New Year events through late February.
Northern California features several seasonal activities: Mendocino’s Seafood & Sips runs from January 30 to February 8; Chandon winery in Napa Valley offers romantic sparkling lunches all month; Super Bowl Week takes place around San Francisco Bay Area from February 2 to 8, culminating in Levi’s Stadium hosting the game on February 8; and Modesto’s almond orchards bloom for self-guided tours starting early in the month.
The Fresno Blossom Trail becomes active mid-February through late March as local orchards bloom along a marked route. Yosemite National Park expects crowds for its firefall phenomenon between approximately February 8–23, when sunlight creates an illusion of fire cascading down Horsetail Fall.
Other highlights include:
– Cloverdale Citrus Fair (Feb. 13–16) celebrating citrus heritage.
– Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend (Feb. 14–15) featuring pairings at over thirty wineries.
– International White Wine Festival (Feb. 14–15) spotlighting Anderson Valley varietals.
– SF Beer Week (Feb. 20–Mar.1) with brewery events across San Francisco.
– Clam Chowder Cook-Off (Feb.21–22) in Santa Cruz.
– Capay Valley Almond Parade & Festival (Feb.21–22).
– Almond Blossom Run in Durham (Feb.22).
– Sonoma County Restaurant Week (Feb.23–Mar.1).
– California International Antiquarian Book Fair (Feb.27–Mar.1) at Pier 27 in San Francisco.
– St Helena Mustard Celebration (Feb.27).
– Alpenglow Demo Day for snow sports enthusiasts at Palisades Tahoe (Feb.28).
– Winter Wine Adventure along Placerville’s Carson Road wine trail (Feb.28).
Central California hosts major gatherings such as:
– Santa Barbara International Film Festival from Feburary 4 to14 featuring tributes to actors including Adam Sandler and Sydney Sweeney.
– World Ag Expo from Feburary10 to12 highlighting agricultural innovation.
– AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament from Feburary12 to15 attracting professional golfers and celebrities.
– Whiskey Flat Days festival commemorating Kernville’s Gold Rush roots from Feburary13 to16.
In Southern California:
– Temecula Valley Wines Barrel Tasting Weekend is held Janurary31-February1 with samplings at local wineries.
– Knott’s Peanuts Celebration runs weekends through Feburary22 honoring Charles Schulz’s comic strip characters.
– San Diego Museum Month provides half-off admission passes valid throughout February for over seventy museums citywide.
Additional sporting events include Surf City USA Marathon & Half Marathon on Feburary1 in Huntington Beach—serving as a Boston Marathon qualifier—and Griffith Park Run supporting Los Angeles Parks Foundation also on Feburary1.
Laguna Beach Music Festival runs Feburary2–7 presenting concerts by acclaimed violinist Stefan Jackiw among others.
Palm Springs Modernism Week returns Feburary12–22 celebrating midcentury architecture while Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival operates from Feburary12-March1 offering food competitions and concerts centered around locally grown dates.
Golf fans can attend Genesis Invitational hosted by Tiger Woods at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles from Feburary19–22 after last year’s event was relocated due to wildfires affecting eligibility based on prior season rankings.
Film lovers may visit Slamdance Film Festival running Feburary19–25 spotlighting emerging artists’ work including documentaries qualifying for BAFTA and Academy Awards consideration: “Your $50 pass grants you access to any screenings and offers some bragging rights too: The festival is a qualifier for nominees in short films for both the BAFTAs and Academy Awards.”
Riverside Dickens Festival occurs concurrently celebrating Victorian literature: “Immerse yourself in Victorian culture and the work of the British author at this annual festival held in Riverside’s White Park… This year’s literary discussions will focus in part on Dickens’ Oliver Twist.”
These diverse offerings make February an eventful time across California for residents and visitors alike.
