Festival Napa Valley 

Now through July 20/NAPA — Wine tastings with classical music performed at wineries and culinary hot spots. This year’s offerings include free-admission daily concerts, exclusive dinners, and a new one-day event about the science of music and wellness. The artist lineup features Jon Batiste, Joyce DiDonato, Versailles Royal Opera, Stéphane Denève, and ballet dancer Tiler Peck. Foodies won’t want to miss the festival’s Taste of Napa event (July 12) where guests can enjoy sips from wineries, breweries, and other craft beverage purveyors on the grounds of Meritage Resort.

California State Fair

July 11-27/SACRAMENTO – While this classic fair boasts plenty of blue-ribbon livestock and crafts, it also showcases a wide range of Golden State delights such as a Save Mart California’s Kitchen exhibit with cooking demos and a Best of California Brewfest. This year’s musical acts include En Vogue, Ludacris, Joe Nichols, Cypress Hill, and a Taylor Swift tribute night. Experience the magic of the roaming performers bringing surprise, delight, and nonstop entertainment throughout the grounds.  This year’s hours are 4-10 p.m. Mon. – Thurs. and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Fri. – Sun. Admission tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for ages 5-12. For more information, visit the https://castatefair.com/

Pechanga’s Whiskey and Wings Festival

July 12/TEMECULA – A hotbed for great wine, this inaugural festival at the Pechanga Resort Casino makes the most of the area’s serious foodie credentials. Pechanga chefs will create their best flavor-forward wings—savory, sweet, and spicy—and pair them with all-American cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and whiskey sour. Whiskey connoisseurs and wings lovers alike can plan on a day of sampling and sipping. The event, which benefits Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, will also feature a silent auction of vacation packages, golf excursions, jewelry, and more. Tickets and more information are at https://www.pechanga.com/entertain/whiskey-wings-festival

Bear Valley Music Festival

July 18-Aug.3/BEAR VALLEY – This decades-old music festival, located halfway between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With a pine-and-peak alpine setting and a relaxed and friendly ambience, this lively summer music event includes performances by outstanding musical artists international soloists, and legendary entertainers .  You’ll hear classical performances by the Bear Valley Orchestra as well as plenty of pop and rock. This year features a Mozart Meets Modern night, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and Queen and Neil Diamond tribute bands. Opening weekend acts of contemporary and country music are offered, with past guest artists ranging from the Mamas and the Papas, to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and The Temptations. Sip & Sonatas concerts are also held in partnership with local wineries, which combine wine tastings with the sounds of chamber music.  For more information, visit https://www.bearvalleymusicfestival.org/

Garlic Festival

July 25-27/GILROY – Held on the lawn outside theme park Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, a year-round hotbed of garlic and agriculture-themed charm, The festival will feature a Gourmet Alley of vendors, live music, cooking demos, and plenty of the event’s signature garlic ice cream.  There will be live entertainment, and high-quality arts and crafts displayed. Watch the world-famous Pyro Chefs fire up their giant skillets with garlic-laced scampi and calamari — a must-see Gilroy Garlic Festival tradition! Catch cooking competitions and chef demos packed with flavor, flair, and lots of garlic (of course!). Held to honor our past, celebrate the present, and build something lasting for the future. For more information, visit https://gilroygarlicfestival.com/

Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing

July 26–Aug. 3/HUNTINGTON BEACH – At the Huntington Beach Pier. This event qualifies as the largest action-sports festival in the world. Indeed, it includes not just surfing, but also skateboarding and BMX competitions. Featuring concerts and family-friendly activities typically including surf clinics, sustainability panels, art installations, and public skate and BMX sessions. Best of all, admission is free. https://www.usopenofsurfing.com/