Catalina Casino Events
Music event in Avalon, CA by Santa Catalina Island on Saturday, February 15 2020 with 124 people interested. Step back 80 years to an era when Big Band leaders were king and “talkie” motion pictures were the latest fad. Walk the back halls and dressing areas where world-famous musicians and Hollywood legends prepared for the performances that would make the Catalina Casino one of the most exciting entertainment venues in the country. The Catalina Casino events bulletin, which usually shows the next movie, is empty. (Ariella Markowitz/KQED) William Wrigley Jr., of chewing gum fame, bought the Catalina Island Company in 1919. He had a vision: to turn the livestock farmlands into a glamorous tourist destination. He built the theater and upstairs ballroom in 1929 for $2 million. The Casino's magnificent ballroom, which has been fully restored, continues to host major events, including the annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, Catalina Conservancy Ball and Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. The ballroom is available year-round for weddings, private celebrations, and corporate events.
Throughout the year, the calendar of events on Catalina overflows with great things to do. There are so many great island events, in fact, that it can be hard to chose which to attend. Here are our Top Ten events on Catalina.
JazzTrax: For two weekends every October, Catalina Island is filled with the cool sounds of smooth jazz. Artists and bands from around the country perform in the Casino Ballroom, attracting jazz fans from near and far.
Catalina Festival of Art: Catalina’s oldest festival is also one of its most popular. For three days every spring, Avalon’s waterfront hosts artists and art from a range of mediums. Whether you are looking for a personal masterpiece or just looking for inspiration, this September weekend is not to be missed.
Fourth of July: In Avalon, Independence Day is the perfect combination of small town patriotism and island style. A flag-waving golf cart parade along Crescent Avenue, a dance in the Casino Ballroom and fireworks over Avalon Harbor are just some of the ways Catalina does the Fourth of July. This is Catalina’s most popular holidays, so make sure to make reservations well in advance.
Taste Around of Avalon: Catalina kicks off Avalon Restaurant Week with the Taste Around of Avalon, an evening featuring cocktails and culinary creations from some of the seaside city’s best dining establishments. Foodies – and those who just like to eat really good food – won’t want to miss this late spring evening of deliciousness. If your dance card is full that night, check out the Avalon Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour, which was inspired by the event and is held throughout the year.
Catalina Triathlon: With its rugged terrain and splendid scenery, the island has become a mecca for endurance athletes. Marathons, 10Ks and a 50 miler are just some of the races and runs on Catalina. For the ultimate challenge, take on fall’s Catalina Island Triathlon, either as an individual or as a team.
Catalina Wine Festival(s): The most infamous event on Catalina started out as fiction. The Catalina Wine Mixer was a luxury event that drove much of the action in the cult comedy Step Brothers. Always referred to with plenty of, shall we say, colorful adjectives, the mixer looked like too much fun not bring to life and the Catalina Island Company did just that. Every September, the mixer takes over Descanso Beach with an array of movie-inspired shenanigans.
If it’s actual wine you’re looking for, you’d be better off attending the Catalina Women’s Forum Wine Festival, also held in September. That event features live music, appetizers and plenty of wine tasting. Speaking of which, Catalina hosts another annual wine festival, this one at the other end of the island. The Summer Wine Festival happens in Two Harbors in early June.
Silent Film Benefit: The Catalina Island Museum is a must-visit attraction on Catalina. With fascinating permanent collections and compelling temporary exhibits, the museum always offers a reason to return. Each May, you can support the museum and take a trip to the past at the Silent Film Benefit. Held in the Avalon Theatre, the benefit features a classic silent film with period dress optional. Can’t make it in May? The museum’s monthly First Fridays evenings offer an opportunity to learn more while being entertained.
Fallfest (and Springfest): Part of the magic of Catalina Island is that it’s not only a resort destination, it’s also a community – and one of the best ways to see that community is at Fallfest and Springfest. Held every, well, fall and spring, these evenings of community fundraising feature live music, game booths, crafts, food and more, all set up along the Avalon waterfront.
Catalina Conservancy Ball: Thanks to the Catalina Conservancy, the island is a wonderland of wild places and untamed spaces – rather than a continuation of the mainland metropolis. Throughout the year, there are plenty of ways to support the Conservancy, ranging from becoming a member to taking an Eco Tour. Every April, you can also support the Conservancy at one of the most iconic buildings in California. The Catalina Conservancy Ball is a black-tie gala in the Casino Ballroom that has raised millions of dollars for the non-profit over the decades of the its existence.
New Year’s Eve: What better way could there be to ring in the New Year than spending it in paradise? And from a black-time gala at the Casino Ballroom to well-lubricated shindigs at the diviest of Catalina dive bars, the island knows how to do New Year’s Eve celebrations. Make your resolutions now – and your reservations.
Experience authentic Catalina with the help of our friendly island travel advisors.
Find your tourAvalon’s calendar is filled with events from art festivals to concerts on the beach. Enjoy museum exhibits and many sporting events. Here’s a look at what’s happening.
Please note all events are subject to change.
10/8 - 11 & 10/15 - 18 34th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival - Cancelled
The longest-running Smooth-Jazz festival held on two consecutive weekends includes three days of live music including “Unplugged at Descanso Beach Club” on Thursday night and performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Casino Ballroom.
10/10 REI Trans-Catalina Trail Expedition
Join REI on Catalina Island for a Trans-Catalina Trail Expedition where you will hike through the rugged island interior and camping next to pristine beaches. Covering 38.5 miles in four days, you will traverse the Island starting at the Trailhead in Avalon and finishing at Two Harbors.
10/15 Fall Fest
Catalina Island’s Annual Fall Fest includes live music, food, games, hayrides, pumpkin patch on the beach and more.
10/31 Halloween Parade
Locals and visitors alike gather around Crescent Avenue the Annual Halloween Parade. Get creative and dress up for contests and giveaways.
11/7 Catalina Island Triathlon, Duathlon & Aqua Bike
Swim it. Bike it. Run it. Tri it! This race attracts tri-athletes who are looking for one of the last races of the season. Experience Catalina Island’s beautiful scenery and crisp water as you complete this challenging course.
11/14 Catalina Island Half Marathon & 10K
California’s ultimate trail half-marathon will challenge you with climbs, peaks and vistas unlike any you will experience at any other half marathon. Starting in Avalon you will witness the rewarding coastal views and stunning scenery.
12/5 27th Annual “Shop Catalina Night”
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday spirit with a tree-lighting ceremony, music, pictures with Santa, prize drawings and holiday discounts in Avalon shops.
12/12 Christmas Bazaar & Craft Fair
Come and buy your handmade Christmas Gifts and delicious homemade sweets and treats. Showcasing local talent.
12/31 48th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, Casino Ballroom
Dance in the New Year at this black-tie optional event. This spectacular annual celebration includes dinner, dancing, champagne and party favors.
Elizabeth Turk: Tipping Point
MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship Awardee Elizabeth Turk highlights various attributes of this continent's birds, Turk developed an alphabet of symbols. Using these unique symbols, she explores the greater concept – Extinction. The “Sound Columns” juxtapose the ephemeral with the eternal. Inspired by recordings of extinct birds (cataloged by the Ornithology Lab at Cornell University) Turk created evocative sculptural forms. Ending March 2020. Catalina Island Museum.
Esther Williams: The Swimming Queen of the Silver Screen
Esther Williams dazzled movie audiences around the world in her aqua-musical films. This exhibition chronicles Williams’ life from humble beginnings to her success as a champion athlete, a major Hollywood celebrity and an entrepreneur. The exhibition includes movie memorabilia, costumes, photographs and never-before-seen personal home movies. Ending March 8, 2020, Catalina Island Museum.
Wrigley's Catalina: A Centennial Celebration
This special exhibition commemorates William Wrigley Jr. and the execution of his vision for Catalina Island - especially during his first year of ownership: 1919. The exhibition reveals his remarkable and ambitious plan using photographs, letters, original documents, plans, blueprints, maps, steamship artifacts, advertisements, tools and objects relating to the various projects and industries. Catalina Island Museum.
First Friday at the Museum (First Friday of each month)
6pm-8pm. First Fridays encourage residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries and digital theater, enjoy refreshments and snacks in the outdoor plazas and shop in the Museum Store. Events may include music and dance performances, lectures, gallery talks, or films. Catalina Island Museum
The History of Catalina Island Exhibition - Permanent Installation
From the island’s discovery some 8,000 years ago to William Wrigley’s purchase of the island and the rise of Avalon as Hollywood’s favorite vacation spot, Catalina Island has a history that is rich in events and personalities. 10am-5pm daily. Catalina Island Museum
Catalina Island Casino Events
Thursday Morning at Native Plant Nursery in Middle Ranch
Volunteering at the James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery provides an excellent opportunity to gain access to the interior of Catalina Island and become more familiar with Island ecology and plant species while helping the nursery achieve its goals. Enjoy the tranquil morning in Middle Ranch while working with plants in a casual, social environment. Volunteers receive training in the horticulture and ecology of Catalina's varied flora and tasks are tailored to all ability levels. Volunteers are welcome every Thursday year-round from 7:30am-12pm. Catalina Conservancy
Catalina Island Casino Ballroom Events
Windward Beach Cleanup (2nd Saturday each month)
Volunteer in the great outdoors while combing the sand for debris to help keep our windward beaches pristine. Clean-up locations (Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, Ben Weston and Cottonwood) rotate throughout the year. Catalina Island Conservancy.