Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, vinophile, art maven, or car aficionado, this August there is an event happening somewhere in the Bay Area that is just for you. I also highly recommend catching what might be my favorite, out-of-the-ordinary-athletic event of the summer, the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica!
Wherever you go, the heat is on, so cool off at a nearby beach, or spend a late afternoon taking in a free local concert or wine-tasting stroll. Below are some popular August happenings, all within a drive of an hour or two from home. 😊
World Dog Surfing Championships | Pacifica | Aug. 3
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 donation to the designated charities). Learn more at surfdogchampionships.com.
Strawberry Festival | Watsonville | Aug. 2-4
Bring the family to rural Watsonville to celebrate the largest and most valuable crop in the Pajaro Valley. Join in the Strawberry Jam 1K and 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday morning, then enjoy delicious food, carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts, and, of course, a strawberry pie-eating contest! For more info, click here.
Italian Family Festa | San Jose | Aug. 3 & 4
Now in its 42nd 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. Activities at San Jose’s History Park include a wine-tasting garden, grape-stomping, pizza-tossing, and much more. Visit italianfamilyfestasj.org.
Car Week & Concours d’Elegance | Monterey & Pebble Beach | Aug. 9-18
A can’t-miss event for every car enthusiast, Monterey Car Week kicks off on Aug. 9 with a classic-car show in Downtown Monterey, followed by special automotive events, auctions, and memorabilia exhibits 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 goes back over half a century. For more information on all the events leading up to Concours Sunday, visit seemonterey.com.
Jazz Summer Fest | San Jose | Aug. 9-11
This legendary three-day festival heats up the heart of Downtown San Jose with everything jazz, from big band to Latin to standards. Headlining this year’s event is Grammy-winning pianist Herbie Hancock, leading a lineup of over 80 acts across nine stages. Get your early bird passes now! For more information, visit summerfest.sanjosejazz.org.
Outside Lands Music Festival | San Francisco | Aug. 9-11
San Francisco’s celebrated independent music festival, Outside Lands, takes place annually in Golden Gate Park, and mixes live music with plenty of food and drink from over 100 local Bay Area restaurants. This year’s headliners are Post Malone, The Killers and Sturgill Simpson. For the daily lineup and tickets, visit sfoutsidelands.com.
Fine Art in the Park | Los Altos | Aug. 10 & 11
The 49th annual Rotary Fine Art in the Park showcases the work of over 150 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, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry that touch your heart for your home, garden, or office. For more information, visit rotaryartshow.com.
Guglielmo Winery Harvest Festival | Morgan Hill | Aug. 17
Bring your friends and family to the 30th annual Harvest Festival at beautiful Guglielmo Winery in the South Santa Clara Valley to witness the Blessing of the Vines, feast on local BBQ, dance to live music, enjoy wine games and wine-tasting, and more. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. For more info, visit guglielmowinery.com.
Summer Wine Walk | Willow Glen | Aug. 24
Sip and stroll The Avenue one more time before the rush of back to school and holiday season in Downtown Willow Glen. Enjoy tastings from 24 local wineries, including award-winning wines from the celebrated Livermore Valley. Get tickets now at willowglen.org.
