Catalina Island Festivals and Seasonal Events
Please note that each event is categorized by month with an information link is provided with every event description. Please ensure that you confirm the date and event prior to booking your reservation for the Catalina Penthouse Condo. Also view our Catalina Island Resources page.
January
Gray Whale Watching on Catalina Island
Every year between 20,000 and 25,000 Gray Whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico to warmer breeding grounds from late December. The Gray Whales return back to Alaska from January to March which is the peak whale watching season on Catalina Island. Watch this event unfold at Catalina Ocean Rafting web.
The Avalon Benefit 50-mile Run Event
This is arguably the most scenic 50 mile run in the country with no traffic or smog. It is you, nature and incredible views. The 2009 Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2009. Check the Official Web Avalon50 Website for race events and registration.
February
The Catalina Buffalo Run
The Catalina Buffalo Run event is a half-marathon that takes you through spectacular views of San Clemente Island and Avalon. It starts at sea level and moves up to an elevation of 1,600 ft before returning back to sea level. This is the official warm-up for the Catalina Marathon. The next Buffalo run calendar spot is for February 7, 2009. Information is available on the Pacific Sports website.
The Catalina Island Valentine's Dance
There is no better place to celebrate Valentines Day than on Catalina Island - the island of romance and love. Check the Catalina Chamber of Commerce Event Calendar for information on the Valentine's Dance event in the Casino Ballroom.
The Annual Avalon Bay Harbor Underwater Cleanup
The only time scuba diving is allowed in Avalon Bay is during the yearly Avalon Bay harbor underwater cleanup day, normally held in February. Expect to find about 500 volunteers collecting debris underwater. An event not to be missed is on February 21, 2009. Information is available from the Catalina Conservancy Divers (CCD).
March
The Catalina Marathon
A 26.2 mile Catalina Marathon from Two Harbors to Avalon, is mostly off road. The 2009 Catalina Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2009. Check the Pacific Sports Calendar for latest information and registration.
April
The Rubber Ducky Derby
Annualy the Rubber Ducky Derby is a fundraising event in support of the local children's theatre company Kids at Play. Check the events schedule on the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce web site for information.
May
The Catalina Conservancy Ball
This black-tie event is held yearly in the Avalon Casino Ballroom and includes an auction, dinner and big band dancing in support of the Catalina Island Conservancy. Keep Saturday, May 2, 2009 open, To receive an invitation and information contact Catalina Island Conservancy.
The Catalina Island Rugby Festival
For information on the Catalina Rugby Festival, please visit the web site of The Catalina Island Rugby Festival.
July
The Catalina 4th July Parade, Fireworks and Dinner at the Avalon Casino Ballroom
Witness a spectacular fireworks display over Avalon Bay. Additional information can be found on the Events Calendar at the Catalina Chamber of Commerce.
The Annual Catalina Gold Star Dive
In this fund-raiser for the Catalina Sheriff Department's Star Program and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, skin and scuba divers will search for Gold Stars. Information can be found on the Catalina Gold Star Dive website.
