Catalina Island Events
Monday, 01 November 2010 20:57
2012 Catalina Island Events
Santa Catalina Film Festival
May 4-6
Santa Catalina Film Festival, an annual celebration of film returns to Catalina Island, the only West Coast resort island, May 4-6, 2012. The 2012 Festival will feature more than 75 films, nightly events and entertainment.
Santa Catalina Film Festival, an annual celebration of film returns to Catalina Island, the only West Coast resort island, May 4-6, 2012. The 2012 Festival will feature more than 75 films, nightly events and entertainment.
Rugby Festival
May 5
An Old Boy/Masters Format. Minimum age to participate is 40 years. Featured match of the day is a 50+ years. This event is a fundraiser for the Cancer Community Support Group and the Los Angeles Rugby Club. Catalina Island Rugby Festival 310-798-5445.
Catalina Classic Presented by Riviera Skateboards
May 5-6
Thirty-Five years after a small group of elite downhill skaters took over the Island to participate in the original ‘Catalina Classic’ the race is coming back. On May 5th-6th, 2012 the downhill longboard race event will take place, including live music performances, a miniramp demo featuring Mike Vallely and Elephant Brand Skateboards, and a 1.2 mile downhill race tucked in the hills of Avalon.
An Old Boy/Masters Format. Minimum age to participate is 40 years. Featured match of the day is a 50+ years. This event is a fundraiser for the Cancer Community Support Group and the Los Angeles Rugby Club. Catalina Island Rugby Festival 310-798-5445.
Catalina Classic Presented by Riviera Skateboards
May 5-6
Thirty-Five years after a small group of elite downhill skaters took over the Island to participate in the original ‘Catalina Classic’ the race is coming back. On May 5th-6th, 2012 the downhill longboard race event will take place, including live music performances, a miniramp demo featuring Mike Vallely and Elephant Brand Skateboards, and a 1.2 mile downhill race tucked in the hills of Avalon.
Mountain Bike Gran Fondo and Festival
May 12
Calling all mountain bikers. Come expereince trails that have never been open to mountain biking in this unique event opportunity. Multiple route options suitable for beginners to experts ranging from 10-65 mile loops. Ride includes majestic island views single track trails winding through epic backcountry as you learn why the interior of the Island is such a sacred jewel. For more information visit www.uscup.net
Silent Film Benefit
May 12
A rare opportunity to experience the 1927 classic film “Wings” starring Clara Bow, Buddy Rogers, Richard Arlen and Gary Cooper. Featuring live musical accompaniment by Robert D. Salisbury on the Page organ in the Art Deco splendor of one of California’s last remaining movie palaces. “Wings” was the first film, and only silent film, to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414.
The Avalon Ball
May 12
Now in its 10th year, the Avalon Ball is a fantastic journey into the past when Big Bands played for huge audiences and broadcast to the nation in the Art Deco Casino Ballroom. This magical night features an evening of dancing to music from the 1920’s and 30’s performed by Dean Mora & the Avalon Ball Dance Orchestra. Immerse yourself in glorious Deco opulence while gliding across the 10,000 square foot dance floor surrounded by romantic ocean views. Art Deco Society of Los Angeles (310) 659-3326.
Taste Around of Avalon
May 31
Enjoy the most scrumptious tastes of delectable food or beverages from some of Avalon’s finest dining establishments. Vote for your favorite “tastes” of food, drink and dessert as the Taste of the Year! Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520
Flying Fish Festival
June 1-3
Join us for the 5th Annual Flying Fish Festival and celebrate the return of the incomparable Catalina Flying Fish with a variety of family fun themed activities.
Wild Side Art Show
June 22-23
Saturday: Eleven nationally acclaimed plein air artists will display their interpretations of Catalina's rugged wildlands as well as Avalon and Two Harbors at the 2nd Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale. Proceeds from the sale of these unique paintings help to establish a permanent collection of plein air artwork that documents the Island's "wild side" and the Conservancy's restoration efforts.
Friday Evening: The Conservancy will host a special Artists Preview Dinner at Castillo del Mar, the spectacular home of Blanny Avalon Hagenah, a great-granddaughter of William Wrigley Jr. Our featured plein air artists will join us to discuss and preview select paintings that will be available at this year's show. Send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be added to mailing list.
4th of July Celebration
July 4
1:00 p.m. - USC Marching Band leads parade down Crescent Avenue.
9:00 p.m. - Fireworks display over Avalon Bay.
Catalina Ski Race
Join us for the 5th Annual Flying Fish Festival and celebrate the return of the incomparable Catalina Flying Fish with a variety of family fun themed activities.
Wild Side Art Show
June 22-23
Saturday: Eleven nationally acclaimed plein air artists will display their interpretations of Catalina's rugged wildlands as well as Avalon and Two Harbors at the 2nd Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale. Proceeds from the sale of these unique paintings help to establish a permanent collection of plein air artwork that documents the Island's "wild side" and the Conservancy's restoration efforts.
Friday Evening: The Conservancy will host a special Artists Preview Dinner at Castillo del Mar, the spectacular home of Blanny Avalon Hagenah, a great-granddaughter of William Wrigley Jr. Our featured plein air artists will join us to discuss and preview select paintings that will be available at this year's show. Send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be added to mailing list.
4th of July Celebration
July 4
1:00 p.m. - USC Marching Band leads parade down Crescent Avenue.
9:00 p.m. - Fireworks display over Avalon Bay.
Catalina Ski Race
July 21
63rd Annual - The Greatest Water Ski Race in the World! Water skiers from around the globe come once a year to California determined to finish the 62 statute-mile race. Being a part of this great race, attracts the world's greatest skiers. Long Beach to Catalina and back.
Gold Star Dive
63rd Annual - The Greatest Water Ski Race in the World! Water skiers from around the globe come once a year to California determined to finish the 62 statute-mile race. Being a part of this great race, attracts the world's greatest skiers. Long Beach to Catalina and back.
Gold Star Dive
July 21
Skin and scuba divers search for gold stars in Casino Point Underwater Park. This event is a fundraiser for the Sheriff’s Department S.T.A.R. (Success through Awareness and Resistance) Program and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. For more info call the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. (310) 510-0174.
Church Mouse Marlin Invitational
Skin and scuba divers search for gold stars in Casino Point Underwater Park. This event is a fundraiser for the Sheriff’s Department S.T.A.R. (Success through Awareness and Resistance) Program and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. For more info call the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. (310) 510-0174.
Church Mouse Marlin Invitational
August 27-28
Non-profit marlin fishing tournament, 100% release - all proceeds donated to Catalina youth. Over $885,000 has been donated over the years. For more information call (310) 467-2371.
Catalina Channel Outrigger Championships
Non-profit marlin fishing tournament, 100% release - all proceeds donated to Catalina youth. Over $885,000 has been donated over the years. For more information call (310) 467-2371.
Catalina Channel Outrigger Championships
September 8-9
More than 60 canoe clubs and hundreds of paddlers from around the globe will compete in the 2012 Catalina Channel Crossing US Championships.This is a 2-day event with races between Catalina Island & Newport Beach. Saturday Women/Coed race 26 miels and Sunday the Men race back (30 miles).
Women’s Forum Wine Festival
More than 60 canoe clubs and hundreds of paddlers from around the globe will compete in the 2012 Catalina Channel Crossing US Championships.This is a 2-day event with races between Catalina Island & Newport Beach. Saturday Women/Coed race 26 miels and Sunday the Men race back (30 miles).
Women’s Forum Wine Festival
September 15
17th annual fundraiser featuring over 80 wineries, delectable hors d’oeuvres and smooth jazz. Net proceeds help support mentoring and scholarship programs. Tickets: (310) 510-1520.
Festival of Art
17th annual fundraiser featuring over 80 wineries, delectable hors d’oeuvres and smooth jazz. Net proceeds help support mentoring and scholarship programs. Tickets: (310) 510-1520.
Festival of Art
September 21-23
Artists from all over the country exhibit along Crescent Avenue and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Catalina Art Association (310) 510-2788.
Catalina Half-Marathon
September 29
Runners enjoy the expansive Catalina Island Conservancy Nature Preserve with its spectacular vistas while being challenged by the rugged terrain. They’ll also have the special thrill of knowing they’re in bison territory—the Conservancy manages a free-ranging herd of 150 of the majestic animals.
JazzTrax
Artists from all over the country exhibit along Crescent Avenue and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Catalina Art Association (310) 510-2788.
Catalina Half-Marathon
September 29
Runners enjoy the expansive Catalina Island Conservancy Nature Preserve with its spectacular vistas while being challenged by the rugged terrain. They’ll also have the special thrill of knowing they’re in bison territory—the Conservancy manages a free-ranging herd of 150 of the majestic animals.
JazzTrax
October 4-21 (Thursday-Sunday)
This three weekend event features 30 different smooth jazz stars performing “Unplugged at Descanso Beach Club” on Thursdays and in the historic Casino Ballroom, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Art Good features the newest and best talent in the smooth jazz genre. For tickets and information call (866) 872-9849 or visit our website.
SUP Festival
October 6-7
Stand Up Paddleboard Festival with demonstrations, films and races from Descanso Beach for the winning cash purse. Spectator viewing at Descanso Beach, along the walkway and at Casino Point. Watch for details.
Annual Halloween Parade
This three weekend event features 30 different smooth jazz stars performing “Unplugged at Descanso Beach Club” on Thursdays and in the historic Casino Ballroom, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Art Good features the newest and best talent in the smooth jazz genre. For tickets and information call (866) 872-9849 or visit our website.
SUP Festival
October 6-7
Stand Up Paddleboard Festival with demonstrations, films and races from Descanso Beach for the winning cash purse. Spectator viewing at Descanso Beach, along the walkway and at Casino Point. Watch for details.
Annual Halloween Parade
October 31
4:00 p.m. - Don your favorite costume and join island school kids and residents for the Annual Halloween Parade down Crescent Avenue.
Catalina Island Triathlon
4:00 p.m. - Don your favorite costume and join island school kids and residents for the Annual Halloween Parade down Crescent Avenue.
Catalina Island Triathlon
November 3
Swim it, Bike it, Run it, Tri it! Experience the beauty of Catalina Island and the City of Avalon with the perfect end of season triathlon. Come for the weekend or for the day and experience all that Catalina has to offer. For more information contact Spectrum Sports Management 909-399-3553.
Catalina Island Eco-Marathon
November 10
Run over 20 miles of single track trails and ridgelines with views of the Pacific Ocean on both sides of the island. Run through a variety of eco-systems, each with unique plant and animal life. Spectrum Sports Management at (909) 399-3553.
Shop at Home Night
Swim it, Bike it, Run it, Tri it! Experience the beauty of Catalina Island and the City of Avalon with the perfect end of season triathlon. Come for the weekend or for the day and experience all that Catalina has to offer. For more information contact Spectrum Sports Management 909-399-3553.
Catalina Island Eco-Marathon
November 10
Run over 20 miles of single track trails and ridgelines with views of the Pacific Ocean on both sides of the island. Run through a variety of eco-systems, each with unique plant and animal life. Spectrum Sports Management at (909) 399-3553.
Shop at Home Night
December 16
A one-night shopping extravaganza with holiday discounts, strolling carolers and prize drawings. Shop At Home Night kicks off with a holiday tree lighting ceremony on Wrigley Stage. Get your picture taken with Santa when you bring 2 canned goods for a food drive to El Galleon from 6pm-8:30pm.
Catalina Grand Prix
A one-night shopping extravaganza with holiday discounts, strolling carolers and prize drawings. Shop At Home Night kicks off with a holiday tree lighting ceremony on Wrigley Stage. Get your picture taken with Santa when you bring 2 canned goods for a food drive to El Galleon from 6pm-8:30pm.
Catalina Grand Prix
December 7-9
The Catalina Grand Prix Motorcycle Event scheduled for December 7-9. Check back for details.
The Catalina Grand Prix Motorcycle Event scheduled for December 7-9. Check back for details.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
December 31
El Galleon & Antonio's New Year's Eve Dual Party - Tickets good for both restaurants! Join us from 8:30pm to 1am. Includes party favors and champagne at midnight. For tickets and dinner reservations call El Galleon (310)510-1188.
40th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration, Casino Ballroom - Dance in the New Year at this black-tie optional event in the world famous Casino Ballroom. Reservations will go on sale July 2012. (310) 510-1520.
Check back for more events and locations.
El Galleon & Antonio's New Year's Eve Dual Party - Tickets good for both restaurants! Join us from 8:30pm to 1am. Includes party favors and champagne at midnight. For tickets and dinner reservations call El Galleon (310)510-1188.
40th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration, Casino Ballroom - Dance in the New Year at this black-tie optional event in the world famous Casino Ballroom. Reservations will go on sale July 2012. (310) 510-1520.
Check back for more events and locations.
Published in
Catalina Island Events
