Embrace California with Cool Events & Festivals This Summer Season

Annual Red Bluff Round-Up

One of the best ways to dive into the “California good life” is to check out one of the state’s diverse and abundant events and festivals, which feature everything from whale watching, wine and beer tasting, amazing parades and winter carnivals, to Gold Rush re-enactments, kinetic sculpture races, film and music festivals, state fairs and major sporting events. No matter what time of year or what region you find yourself in, there’s an event or festival to let you live like a California citizen. Here’s a round-up of signature events well worth planning a trip around this summer.

Annual Red Bluff Round-Up 

– Where? Shasta Cascade, CA        When? April 19-21, 2013
More than just a rodeo, this week of festivities includes a Chili Cook-Off, live entertainment, a car show and food in historic downtown Red Bluff. Watch top cowboys and cowgirls compete from all over the country and check out the Round-Up Parade, a Wild Horse Race and more.

Coachella Valley Arts & Music Festival (Desert): 

Popular annual music festival now takes place over two consecutive weekends and features many genres of music over three days, including alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic music as well as large sculptural art.

Earth Day Festival 

– Where? Santa Barbara, CA             When? April 20-21, 2013
The first of its kind in the U.S., this festival held every April features two days of environmentally themed exhibits including a Green Car Show, Eco-Marketplace, Kid’s Corner, Bike World, Solar/Wind/Farm/Garden (including chickens, alpacas, and cows) live entertainment, local food and more.

Kool April Nites 

– Where? Shasta Cascade, CA        When? April 13, 2013
Experience one of the best car shows in Northern California with an array of classic cars strutting their stuff at a Friday night car cruise and a main car show at the Redding Convention Center.

Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Festival 

– Where? Santa Barbara, CA      When? April 20, 2013
Sip and savor world-class pinot noirs and chardonnays at this signature April festival promoting the very wine region made famous in the movie Sideways. This much anticipated event attracts wine lovers from near and far for an opportunity to meet more than 100 local vintners, taste their wines and enjoy great food and music over a long spring weekend.