California's fair and festival season runs from February through December, but it peaks in July — when 112 fairs and festivals take place — followed by June and August. Across the year, California hosts 603 dated events in our directory.
Month by month in California
- February — 2 events (see all)
- April — 1 event (see all)
- May — 1 event (see all)
- June — 105 events (see all)
- July — 112 events (see all)
- August — 95 events (see all)
- September — 88 events (see all)
- October — 84 events (see all)
- November — 66 events (see all)
- December — 49 events (see all)
When to go
If you want the biggest choice of events, aim for July, June and August — together they account for 312 of California's 603 dated events. Late summer and early fall skew toward agricultural and country fairs timed to the harvest, while spring and early summer lean toward food, music, and cultural festivals.
Frequently asked questions
What month has the most fairs in California?
July, with 112 fairs and festivals — the busiest month of the California season.
When does fair season start in California?
Events begin as early as February and run through December, with the heaviest concentration in July, June and August.
How many fairs and festivals are in California?
Our directory lists 603 dated fairs and festivals across California for the 2026 season, plus recurring events with dates still to be announced.
