Summer Art Shows & Festivals in Northern California

Artist Lisa Ramos from MONOLISA at Art Festival with MONOLISA Customers

Updated for 2026, summer art shows in Northern California bring some of the busiest and most energetic event weekends of the year, with outdoor art and wine festivals, downtown street fairs, waterfront events, and music-filled community celebrations. Summer is an ideal time to explore handmade goods, fine art, food, wine, and live entertainment in walkable downtowns, scenic parks, and destination locations. Below is a curated list of summer art shows and festivals across Northern California, including event names, dates, and links for more information.

2026 Summer Show List

Redwood 4th of July Celebration — July 4
Half Moon Bay Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade — July 4
Fillmore Jazz Festival — July 4-5
Locust Street Festival — July 8
Sierra Nevada Arts & Crafts Festival — July 4-5
Art on the Square — July 10
ACGA Clay & Glass Festival — July 11
Los Altos Art & Wine Festival — July 11–12
Petaluma Art & Garden Festival — July 12
Open Air Market in Martinez — July
Bargetto Art & Wine Festival — July 18-19
Sugartown Festival — July 19, 2026
Mammoth Lakes Open Air Arts & Crafts Fair — July 24–26
Art on the Square — July 24
Alameda Art & Wine Faire — July 25 & 26
Filoli Art Walk — July 25-26
Fremont Festival of the Arts — August 1-2
Renegade San Francisco — August 1-2
Art in the Gardens (AIG) — August 1
Locust Street Festival — August 5
Outside Lands — August 7-9
Fine Art in the Park — Los Altos Rotary Club — August 8-9
Pistahan Parade and Festival — August 8-9
Benicia Peddlers Fair — August 8
Laurel Street Fair World Music Festival — August 8
Open Air Market in Martinez — August
Burlingame on the Avenue — August 15-16
West Coast Asian Foodie Festival — August 15-16
Sacramento Banana Festival — TBD
Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival — August 15-16
Martinez Art in the Park — August 16
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts — August 22
Art on the Square — August 28
Summer Market at Shadelands Ranch Museum — August 23
Millbrae Art & Wine Festival — September 5-6
Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival — September 5-6
Annual Midori Kai Arts & Crafts Boutique — September 12
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival — September 12-13
Castro Valley Fall Fest — TBD
Splatter — September 12
Capitola Art & Wine Festival — September 12-13
Open Air Market in Martinez — September
Holidays on a High Note — September 15
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival — September 19–20
Los Gatos Fiesta des Artes — September 16-17
Millbrae Mid-Autumn Festival — September 19-20
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival — September 19-20
Annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival — September 19-20
Walnut Creek Oktoberfest — September 25-26
Pacific Coast Fog Fest in Pacifica — September 26-27
Genoa Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Faire — September 26-27
Monterey Jazz Festival — September 25-27

Explore Art Shows & Plan Your Visit

Art shows and festivals in Northern California vary widely in size, style, and atmosphere. Some are lively art and wine festivals with music and crowds, while others are smaller, more curated events focused on handmade work and fine art.

What to Expect

  • 🍷 Art & Wine Festivals — social, busy, and great for browsing
  • 🏛️ Juried Art Shows — more curated with higher-end handmade work
  • 🛍️ Community Festivals — a mix of vendors, food, and local activities

Plan Your Visit

  • Arrive early for easier parking and smaller crowds
  • Midday is typically the busiest time at larger events
  • Bring a tote bag if you plan to shop handmade
  • Check weather and dress comfortably for outdoor shows