9 Cultural Street Fairs In California This Season

California’s streets come alive with vibrant cultural celebrations every year, showcasing the state’s incredible diversity through food, music, art, and traditions. From the foggy shores of San Francisco to the sun-kissed beaches of San Diego, these street fairs offer a chance to experience global cultures without leaving the Golden State. I’ve rounded up nine amazing cultural street fairs happening this season that will transport your senses around the world while keeping your feet firmly planted on California soil.

1. Pasadena Chalk Festival

The Pasadena Chalk Festival, held in late summer, transforms city streets into a massive open-air gallery of colorful chalk art. Artists from around the world create stunning murals that often celebrate cultural themes, storytelling, and community heritage.

The festival draws families, art lovers, and tourists who stroll along galleries of vibrant drawings, watch artists at work, and participate in workshops. Food vendors offer diverse cuisines, and live music adds to the festive ambiance. This event uniquely combines visual art and community celebration, emphasizing creativity’s power to unite people across cultures and generations.

The Pasadena Chalk Festival stands as a testament to artistic expression and cultural diversity in California’s rich festival landscape.

2. Los Angeles Greek Fest

The Los Angeles Greek Fest is a spirited celebration of Greek culture, typically held every summer at a local Greek Orthodox Church. Blue and white decorations adorn the venue, evoking the colors of the Greek flag, while live bouzouki music fills the air.

Attendees indulge in traditional dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and baklava, savoring flavors passed down through generations. The festival also features folk dancing performances, where dancers in traditional costumes perform intricate circle dances, inviting visitors to join.

Church tours showcase Byzantine architecture and religious art, enriching the cultural experience. This vibrant gathering connects the Greek-American community and welcomes newcomers to celebrate heritage, faith, and joyful fellowship.

3. San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival

The San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival is an annual summer event showcasing traditional dances from around the globe. With dozens of performing groups, the festival highlights diverse cultural expressions, including African tribal dances, Indian classical performances, and Latin American folkloric routines.

Held in a welcoming setting, it offers attendees the chance to witness the beauty of global traditions and even participate in workshops to learn the moves firsthand. The event celebrates multiculturalism, emphasizing dance as a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural preservation.

By bringing together performers of all ages and backgrounds, the festival fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, making it a vibrant, educational, and joyous occasion for the entire community.

4. San Jose Obon Festival

San Jose’s Obon Festival is one of the largest Japanese cultural celebrations in Northern California, held annually during the summer. The event honors ancestors with traditional Bon Odori dances performed by hundreds clad in colorful yukata.

Visitors can join in the communal dancing, enjoy live taiko drumming, and explore stalls offering authentic Japanese food like takoyaki and mochi. Cultural demonstrations such as origami and ikebana deepen appreciation for Japanese art forms. The festival also includes a lively marketplace featuring crafts and goods from local vendors.

Family-friendly activities and a peaceful atmosphere make this event a cherished tradition that bridges cultural heritage and community spirit, drawing thousands to celebrate the timeless beauty of Japanese customs.

5. San Francisco Caribbean Festival

The San Francisco Caribbean Festival is an explosion of island culture and energy, held each summer to celebrate the vibrant Caribbean community. Streets come alive with soca, reggae, and calypso rhythms as dancers adorned in colorful costumes parade through the city.

Food vendors serve authentic Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken, plantains, and rum punch, enticing festival-goers with rich flavors. The festival also features cultural exhibitions, art displays, and children’s activities that honor Caribbean heritage and traditions.

This joyous event fosters a strong sense of pride and unity among attendees, inviting people of all backgrounds to experience the warmth, music, and vibrancy of the islands right in the heart of San Francisco.

6. Fiesta Hermosa – Hermosa Beach

Fiesta Hermosa, held every summer in Hermosa Beach, is a lively multicultural street festival celebrating the area’s diverse community. This event features live music ranging from rock to Latin beats, engaging art vendors displaying unique crafts, and a variety of food stalls offering international cuisine.

Families and friends gather on the beachside streets to enjoy the festive atmosphere, participate in fun activities, and support local artisans. The festival’s relaxed, friendly vibe perfectly captures Southern California’s spirit of inclusivity and creativity.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience a blend of cultures in one place, making Fiesta Hermosa a beloved annual gathering that highlights community connection through art, music, and food.

7. San Diego Pride Festival

San Diego Pride Festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, held annually in the heart of the city. This inclusive event features a lively parade, diverse live music performances, and booths showcasing local organizations and businesses.

Attendees enjoy delicious food from various vendors while dancing to energetic DJ sets. The festival fosters a welcoming environment where people of all identities can express themselves freely and celebrate love, equality, and community resilience.

Educational workshops and panel discussions offer insight into LGBTQ+ history and ongoing advocacy efforts. San Diego Pride serves as a powerful reminder of progress made and the work still to be done, making it both a festive and meaningful summer event for locals and visitors.

8. San Francisco Jazz Festival

The San Francisco Jazz Festival, held each summer, is a dynamic celebration of jazz’s rich cultural legacy. Bringing together diverse artists from around the world, the festival showcases everything from traditional New Orleans jazz to contemporary fusion styles.

Performances take place in iconic venues across the city, creating an exciting musical journey for locals and visitors alike. Alongside concerts, the event features workshops, panel discussions, and community outreach programs that highlight jazz’s deep roots in African American history and global influence.

The festival’s inclusive spirit draws a broad audience, uniting people through the universal language of music. It’s a must-attend for jazz lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the genre’s evolving cultural tapestry.

9. Obon Festival – Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo

Every summer, Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo comes alive with the Obon Festival, a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and ancestor honoring. This traditional Buddhist event features Bon Odori dancing, where hundreds dressed in yukata join flowing circle dances under glowing lanterns.

The rhythmic beat of taiko drums fills the air, creating an immersive experience that connects generations. Beyond dancing, visitors enjoy traditional crafts, food stalls serving yakitori and shaved ice, and cultural exhibitions that deepen appreciation for Japanese heritage.

The welcoming atmosphere invites everyone to join, regardless of experience, making it a joyful communal gathering. This centuries-old festival beautifully blends spiritual remembrance with lively cultural expression in the heart of Southern California.