The sunny and bright Southern California is a megapolitan composed of the most famous cities in the United States. It includes the glamorous Los Angeles and the hipster and cool San Diego. It’s culturally diverse and filled with different types of people. The great weather plus the amazing sights have definitely made Southern California an ideal locale for festivals. All year round there are music and arts festivals happening around the region. Attending one of these when you visit is simply a must. To top it all, you can book a stay at one of the cozy cabins in the area. We created a list of the top festivals in Southern California that you should definitely try to experience.
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1. Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
Coachella is one of the most prolific music festivals in recent years. Coachella posts and pics might have flooded your Instagram feed last April. The music and art festival features both commercial and indie acts. It’s a three-day, two-weekend event composed of different stages that showcase artists simultaneously. Coachella has become more than a festival. It has become a fashion show too since celebrities from both the music and acting worlds showcase their fashion choices when attending. The event’s origin can be traced back to 1993 when Pearl Jam played at Empire Polo Club as a boycott against shows produced by Ticketmaster.
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
Address: Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Ave, Indio, California 92201
Website: Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
Takes place: April
Price: 349 USD
2. Beyond Wonderland
If you are into electronic music, then Beyond Wonderful is the music festival for you. Organized by Insomniac Events, this festival happens not only in SoCal but also in Seattle and Mountain View. The theme of the event is the book Alice in Wonderland. Once you enter the venue, you will be engulfed by wondrous aesthetics, otherworldly acts, and more. There are six majestic stages, and each and every one of them embodies the spirit of Alice’s wonderland. On-site you can find food, merch, and beverage as well to complete the party mood.
Beyond Wonderland
Address: National Orange Show Event Center, San Bernardino, California 92408
Website: Beyond Wonderland
Takes place: March
Price: 249 USD
3. Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California
Renaissance fairs are popular in the United States. These types of fairs are those events where people will dress up in Renaissance costumes and act as if they are still in the era of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California first happened in 1963 and has been an annual event ever since. It’s a reenactment of the 1400s market faire at Port Deptford, a town in England. The organizers offer 13 stages of wonderful entertainment all day long. This gathering is perfect for kids and those who are into history. Have fun dressing up and get transported to another world.
Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California
Address: 15501 Arrow Hwy, Baldwin Park, California 91706
Website: Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California
Takes place: April to May
Price: 29 USD
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4. Mariachi USA Festival
Mariachi is a Mexican style of music that dates back to the 18th century. It features a Spanish theatrical orchestra containing violins, guitars, and a harp. Mariachi is being celebrated in the United States through Mariachi USA Festival. Top mariachi bands come and perform at the legendary Hollywood Bowl. It will end with a breathtaking fireworks display. Mariachi USA was first created in 1990 and has become a festival where mariachi artists can freely express themselves. Celebrities in the Latin scene come together to celebrate this wonderful event.
Mariachi USA Festival
Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, California 90068
Website: Mariachi USA Festival
Takes place: June
Price: 15 - 35 USD
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
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5. Fiesta Hermosa
Fiesta Hermosa is the largest arts and crafts fair in SoCal. It takes place every Memorial Day and Labor Day at the gorgeous downtown Hermosa Beach. Aside from the fun arts and crafts, Fiesta Hermosa also features high-caliber bands. Santana, Bob Seger, The Who, U2, and Van Halen are just a few names that have graced the stage of Fiesta Hermosa. The fair also has a delicious lineup of food, featuring Thai, Greek, and Mexican cuisines. The event features carnival food that kids love as well. For the adults, Charity Beer & Wine Garden features a wide selection of alcoholic drinks. This gathering is indeed made for the whole family!
Fiesta Hermosa
Address: Hermosa Beach, California 90254
Website: Fiesta Hermosa
Takes place: Usually held August to September
Price: Free
6. Stagecoach Country Music Festival
Stagecoach Country Music Festival is the Coachella for country music. It’s also held at the same location where Coachella happens—Empire Polo Club. Stagecoach is the highest-grossing music festival for the country genre. And it is not surprising. Aside from being a sister festival to the legendary Coachella, Stagecoach also features the best acts in country music. This year alone, the stage features Carry Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bryan Adams, Diplo, and Lil Nas X. The festival also boasts fun attractions such as a dance hall, a Ferris wheel, Clydesdales, and even a hootenanny.
Stagecoach Country Music Festival
Address: Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Ave, Indio, California 92201
Website: Stagecoach Country Music Festival
Takes place: Usually held in April
Price: 299 USD
7. LA Festival of Colors
Fill up your life with color by attending LA Festival of Colors. This event combines both music and arts with a splash of colors all around. The event surprises people with powdered colors that completely make the celebration more vibrant and Instagram-worthy. There are performers coming in from different parts of the world too. It’s a wonderful festival filled with good times, and it definitely deserves your attention. The fair also offers yoga and mantras featuring spiritual guides from all around the globe.
LA Festival of Colors
Address: Whittier Narrows Park, The Meadows, 750 S Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, California 91733
Website: LA Festival of Colors
Takes place: March
Price: 5.25 USD
8. Annual San Manuel Pow Wow
The Annual San Manuel Pow Wow celebrates Native American culture through music and arts. The event features the best dancers, drummers, and artisans from North America. Aside from the wondrous and fun acts, the Annual San Manuel Pow Wow also showcases authentic Native American dishes that are simply mouthwatering. Attendees are encouraged to dance and have fun all day long.
Annual San Manuel Pow Wow
Address: San Manuel Stadium, 280 S E St, San Bernardino, California 92401
Website: Annual San Manuel Pow Wow
Takes place: Usually held in October
Price: 10 USD
9. Los Angeles County Fair
You might have heard of Los Angeles County Fair over and over again. The fair is a pretty popular festival that takes place in Pomona, California. But not everyone is aware that this event is historic. The first ever Los Angeles County Fair was held in 1922 and ran for five days. It was so fun that the people decided to do it every year. Fast-forward to the 21st century, and the gathering is still as fun as ever. The festival features your usual carnival set-up—booths, Ferris wheel, rides, and delicious food. The celebration also features artists that range from hip-hop to Latin pop. Los Angeles County Fair is surely a must-experience gala.
Los Angeles County Fair
Address: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, California 91768
Website: Los Angeles County Fair
Takes place: Usually held in September
Price: 15 USD
Experience SoCal through festivals
Attending festivals is a fun way of getting to know the location that you are visiting. Make sure to attend an event or two that belongs to these top festivals in Southern California. Invite your family and friends to tag along, and have the best time during your holiday!
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