Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, vinophile, art geek, or car aficionado, this August you will find an event that’s perfect for you somewhere in the Bay Area! And if you’re seeking something truly out of the ordinary, take a trip to Pacifica and watch what might be my favorite athletic event of the entire summer: the World Dog Surfing Championships!
Wherever you go, the heat is ON—so cool off at a nearby beach, take in a free, late-afternoon local concert, or enjoy a wine-tasting stroll. Below are some popular August happenings for you to explore, and nearly all are within an hour’s drive.😊
Strawberry Festival | Watsonville | August 5
Bring the family to rural Watsonville to celebrate the largest, most valuable crop in the Pajaro Valley. Kick off the day with the Strawberry Jam 1K and 5K Fun Run/Walk, then enjoy delicious food, carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts, and of course, a strawberry pie-eating contest! For more info, click here.
World Dog Surfing Championships | Pacifica | August 5
Come see canine surf enthusiasts hang ten on the waves at Linda Mar Beach! The concept for the dog surfing competition originated right here off the NorCal coast of Pacifica. Who will win this year’s Golden Surfie Medal? Other events include a ball-and-fetch competition, fashion show, and yappy hour. Attendance is free and open to the public (but consider making a charitable donation). Learn more at surfdogchampionships.com.
Italian Family Festa | San Jose | August 5 – 6
Now in its 41st year, the Italian Family Festa brings an authentic slice of “la dolce vita” to the Santa Clara Valley through Italian food, wine, cultural activities, and music in San Jose’s History Park. Activities include a wine-tasting garden, grape stomping, pizza tossing, and much more. Visit italianfamilyfestasj.org.
“Corteo” By Cirque Du Soleil | San Jose | August 9 – 13
Cirque du Soleil returns to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time in three years with one of its most enchanting arena productions, “Corteo.” Since its creation in 2005, the breathtaking show has amazed over 10 million spectators in 20 countries across four continents. Eight performances will grace the SAP Center stage from Wednesday to Sunday before the show moves to Oakland and SF. Get tickets now at cirquedusoleil.com/corteo.
Car Week & Concourse D’Elegance | Monterey & Pebble Beach | August 11 – 20
A can’t-miss event for every car enthusiast, Monterey Car Week kicks off on 8/11 with a classic car show in Downtown Monterey, followed by special automotive events, auctions, and memorabilia for car lovers of all kinds. The grand finale is the Concours d’Elegance, where the world’s collector cars meet and compete on the famed 18th fairway at Pebble Beach, a tradition that dates back for over a half-century. For more information on all the events leading up to Concours Sunday, visit seemonterey.com.
Jazz Summer Fest | San Jose | August 11 – 13
This legendary three-day festival heats up the heart of Downtown San Jose with everything jazz, from big band to Latin to classic favorites. This year’s event boasts over 100 acts across eight stages and a massive lineup featuring Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter, bassist Marcus Miller, and platinum-selling R&B star Anthony Hamilton as headliners. For more information, tickets, and passes, visit summerfest.sanjosejazz.org.
Outside Lands Music Festival | San Francisco | August 11 – 13
San Francisco’s celebrated independent music festival, Outside Lands, takes place annually in Golden Gate Park, blending live music with lots of Bay Area food and drinks. This year’s headliners are Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, and Odesza. For the daily lineup and tickets, visit sfoutsidelands.com.
Fine Art In The Park | Los Altos | August 12 – 13
The 48th Annual Rotary Fine Art in the Park showcases the work of over 100 juried artists under the beautiful redwoods of Lincoln Park. Come spend the day perusing fine art and enjoy delicious food and wine in the shade. Find photography, oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry that touch your heart and will enhance your home, garden, or office. For more information, visit rotaryartshow.com.
Guglielmo Winery Harvest Festival | Morgan Hill | August 19
Bring your friends and family to the 30th annual Harvest Festival celebration at beautiful Guglielmo Winery in the South Santa Clara Valley. Witness the Blessing of the Vines, feast on Harvest Festival BBQ, dance to live music, enjoy wine games and wine tasting, and much more. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. For more info, visit guglielmowinery.com.
Filoli Summer Stage Concerts 2023 | Woodside| August 20 & 30
Vibrant live performances showcase the talent and diversity of the Bay Area performing arts community against the backdrop of the historic estate. On Aug. 20, Trio Paz presents an infectious musical mix of Flamenco Rumba, Latin, and Brazilian. Combining classical opera and hip hop, Nigerian-American Baritone Babatunde Akinboboye enthralls the stage with Hip-Hopera on Aug. 30. Visit filoli.org.
“Corteo” by Cirque du Soleil | San Francisco | August 23 – 27
Cirque du Soleil returns to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time in three years with one of its most enchanting arena productions, “Corteo.” Since its creation in 2005, the breathtaking show has amazed over 10 million spectators in 20 countries on four continents. Get tickets now for the Chase Center at cirquedusoleil.com/corteo.
Festival of the Arts| Palo Alto | August 26 – 27
Celebrating its 39th year, the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts features the works of over 250 fine artists and crafters along beautiful University Avenue. The Italian Street Painting Expo, Kids’ Art Studio, stage and street entertainment, and fine wines and food make this one of the top festivals in the Bay Area. Learn more at paloaltochamber.com.
Taste of Valley Fair | San Jose | August 27
Taste your way through Westfield Valley Fair’s premier Restaurant Collection. Enjoy live music while you indulge in dishes from six of their newest restaurants. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local nonprofit Hunger at Home. Purchase tickets in advance!
TINA-The Tina Turner Musical | San Jose | August 29 – September 3
This new musical reveals a comeback story like no other. Come to the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts and witness the inspiring journey of a woman who broker barriers and became the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll. For more info and tickets, go to broadwaysanjose.com.
