7 Annual Events To Experience In Northern California
Whether you’re a local, just passing through, or in the middle of an epic trip, Northern California is a beautiful region that boasts a wide variety of events that are held all throughout the year.
There’s something to enjoy for everyone, from families with young kids, to couples who want a memorable date experience. If you are looking to purchase a new home in Newark, California, take a look at the listings here. To help you plan your adventures, here are some highlights of the best events taking place in Northern California every year.
1. The Great Sand Castle Contest
Take a stroll through Carmel-by-the-Sea in September, and you’ll come across the astonishing sand creations of talented castle builders at the Great Sand Castle Contest. It’s a wonderful family day, as people of all ages engage their creativity to create elaborate sand structures for fun and prizes.
You can come and participate by showing off your own interpretation of the annual theme, or be a spectator and enjoy these beautiful creations. You can also enjoy barbecues, people-watching, and sunbathing on the sand.
2. NorCal Pirate Festival
For a bit of fun that is both silly and serious (coming in a costume is almost mandatory), visit the annual Northern California Pirate Festival.
It’s held on Father’s Day weekend every year, transforming Vallejo’s Waterfront Park into a land of pirates. It boasts of every type of pirate-y delight, from canon battles on the harbor, to hundreds of actors in full pirate gear.
There’s also maritime crafts, musicians, and even activities like zip lining. Admission is free, the ambiance is incredibly lively, and there’s every type of street food to be enjoyed.
3. California Artisan Cheese Festival
For cheese lovers, the Artisan Cheese Festival, held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, is an unforgettable experience. This is a three-day celebration of artisan cheeses that are lovingly hand crafted in the Northern California region.
You can mingle with a passionate group of makers, experts, and cheese lovers to learn how to pair cheeses. You can also enjoy tasting exquisite cheeses and attend events like chefs demonstrations.
4. Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
For better or worse, there is no real winter in Northern California, but there are some wonderful winter traditions like the Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, held in San Francisco every November.
The ceremony celebrates the beginning of the holiday season by creating a winter wonderland in its spacious square. Along with the lighting of a spectacular tree, there is caroling, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and kid’s activities, like face-painting and visits with Santa.
5. Sonoma International Film Festival
For lovers of cinema, visit Sonoma Valley’s historic plaza for a small and cozy celebration of remarkable films from around the world. While there are celebrities that join in every year, this festival is uniquely accessible.
Over the course of this five day event in April, you can enjoy many carefully selected films in intimate spaces that are within walking distance of the plaza.
Take a stroll through the different screenings, while also enjoying the presentations of local artisans, and sampling gourmet food and wine.
6. Beerfest: The Good One
Yes, it’s in the name, the best beer event in Northern California takes place in Santa Rosa every June. Beerfest is held on the lawn of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts.
Beerfest features a smorgasbord of the best products that 60+ Northern California breweries have to offer. The $50 General Admission ticket ($60 for VIP tickets) gains you unlimited samples of new, and classic craft beers and ciders.
7. Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
For Japanese culture lovers, this gorgeous April festival in San Francisco is brimming with wonderful experiences that celebrate the culture and artistry of Japan.
There are traditionally dressed dancers, local crafts, and special exhibits, like the artistic Japanese flower arrangements. The centerpiece of the event is a parade that winds through several neighborhoods and features spectacular floats, and marching drummers.