From art and car festivals to live music and unique cuisine, there are many, many events that embody the essense of summer right in our big Bay Area backyard. Enjoy one of my annual favorites, the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica, and see who wins this year’s Golden Surfie Medal. Looking to escape the heat? Cool off at a nearby beach or hop on an electric boat cruise and bask in the refreshing coastal breeze.
Find a few more of my recommendations for this month below!
County Fair | Santa Clara | July 30 – Aug. 3
The Santa Clara County Fair is back with thrilling rides, live entertainment, delicious food, extreme shows, and 4-H showcases celebrating our vibrant community. Get your tickets here!
World Dog Surfing Championships | Pacifica | Aug. 2
Come see local and international dog surfing talent hang ten on the waves at Linda Mar Beach! Who will win this year’s Golden Surfie Medal? Explore the Surf Dog Village for swag and gear, and enjoy a dog disc competition, costume contest, and yappy hour after the show. Free to the public—but consider making a charitable donation! Learn more at surfdogchampionships.com.
Strawberry Festival | Watsonville | Aug. 1-3
Enjoy a weekend of fun-filled festival days in rural Watsonville to celebrate the largest, most valuable crop in the Pajaro Valley. Saturday morning kicks off with the Strawberry Jam 1K and 5K Fun Run/Walk, then enjoy delicious food, carnival rides, live music, arts & crafts, and—of course—a strawberry pie-eating contest! For more info, click here.
Summer Movie Night | Saratoga | Aug. 8
Bring your blanket, a lawn chair, and the whole family for a fun-filled evening under the stars. View a free family-friendly movie with complimentary popcorn for all attendees at El Quito Park. Movies begin at sunset! For more info, click here.
Car Week & Concours d’Elegance | Monterey/Pebble Beach | Aug. 8-17
A can’t-miss event for every car enthusiast, Monterey Car Week kicks off with a classic car show in Downtown Monterey, followed by special automotive events, auctions, and memorabilia for car lovers of all kinds. Then, convene in Pebble Beach for the 74th Concours d’Elegance, where the world’s collector cars meet and compete on the famed 18th fairway at Pebble Beach—a tradition going back over half a century. For more information on all the events leading up to Concours Sunday, visit seemonterey.com.
Jazz Summer Fest | Downtown San Jose | Aug. 8-10
Don’t miss this year’s legendary Summer Fest in the heart of Downtown San Jose for three days of jazz, R&B, blues, and more. Over 100 acts perform across nine stages. Get your early bird passes now! For more information, visit summerfest.sanjosejazz.org.
Fine Art in the Park | Los Altos | Aug. 9-10
This 50th annual open-air art show showcases the works of 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 more information, visit rotaryartshow.com.
Guglielmo Winery Harvest Festival | Morgan Hill | Aug. 16
Bring your friends and family to the 31st Annual Harvest Festival Celebration at beautiful Guglielmo Winery in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley! Witness the Blessing of the Vines, feast on BBQ, dance to live music, enjoy a grape stomp, taste delicious wine, and more. Attendees must be 21+. For tickets and more info, visit guglielmowinery.com.
