Discover regional events in Southern California – plus local festivals, creative cultural gatherings, and exhibitions.

In June, celebrate WeHo Pride, summer art exhibitions including Yoko Ono’s Music of the Mind, and festivals including Sawdust Art at Laguna Beach. July delivers the California Wine Festival at Santa Barbara, and the Santa Monica Pier 360 Festival. In August, groove to the great vibes and Asian flavours and art of the Head in the Clouds Festival, and the sounds and setting of the Long Beach Jazz Festival.

Things to do in Southern California: Worth the Detour

Destiny is a Rose: The Eileen Harris Norton Collection
To August 16, 2026, Los Angeles

Harris Norton has built a collection and philanthropy actively focused upon the work of women, artists of color and her native California. Marking fifty years since her first acquisition, this exhibition presents more than 80 works reflecting her vision, and commitment to social justice and learning.

Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind
To October 11, 2026, Los Angeles

Presented at The Broad, this is Yoko Ono’s s first solo museum exhibition in Southern California, in collaboration with Tate Modern, London. Visitors are invited to participate in many of the works, transforming simple acts into expressions of peace and connection.

Hot Water Cornbread
June 21, 2026, Los Angeles

Southern culture comes to LA with Southern food vendors from across California, BBQ, Cajun flavors, and Caribbean food. Enjoy live music, line dancing, the vibes of five DJs, dance competitions, and cocktails, all helping to bringing Southern culture to life.

Palm Springs Shortfest
June 23-29, 2026, Palm Springs

Showcasing short-form cinema, attracting boundary-pushing, entertaining, and innovative short films from around the world. The competitive festival is  Academy Awrad, Bafta and Goya-qualifying, screening shorts from more than 60 countries. ShortFest is also a hub for industry professionals to connect.

Sawdust Arts Festival 
June 26-September 6, 2026, Laguna Beach

Art village festival where over 180 Laguna Beach artists exhibit and sell their work directly to the public. From hands-on demonstrations to intimate conversations with the artists themselves, the Sawdust is an experience that connects people through the power of creativity.

Pier 360 Beach Festival
June 27-28, 2026, Santa Monica

Enjoy the best of SoCal beach life with ocean sports competitions, live music, food and drinks, and interactive games. It’s a festival for all ages, attracting thousands of guests to compete in activities including paddleboard races, ocean swims, beach volleyball, skateboarding, and strongman competitions.

California Wine Festival
July 17-18, 2026, Santa Barbara

Long Beach Jazz Festival 
August 8-9, 2026, Long Beach

36th Annual: Join jazz lovers for a top lineup of jazz greats, rising stars and oceanside vibes against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. This year’s theme “A Healthy Taste of Jazz” will bring Jazz, Health & Wellness together to please the senses and nourish the mind, body, and soul. (Check website for this year’s lineup.)

Full Calendars of Events

• Death Valley National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Los Angeles
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• Palm Springs
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• West Hollywood
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