It’s shaping up to be a great year for California tourism. Here’s a look at some of the great things to do all around the state this year.

NEWPORT BEACH JAZZ PARTY

Feb. 14-17, 2019

Website: https://newportbeachjazzparty.com/

The 19th Annual Newport Beach Jazz Party promises to be a stellar event once again. Set in sunny California's Orange County at the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel & Spa, festivities are orchestrated from morning till well after sundown with Jazz breakfast, luncheons, afternoon pool side jam sessions, evening concerts, Saturday night dance and Sunday's Jazz brunch.

NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL

April 25-May 2, 2019

Website: https://newportbeachfilmfest.com/

its 20th year, the Newport Beach Film Festival showcases the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world. Set along the luxurious beachfront town, the Festival focuses on showcasing a diverse collection of both studio and independent films. With the integration of the local community and educational institutions, the Festival stimulates an interest in the study and appreciation of film and encourages people from around the world participate.

BERKELEY RESTAURANT WEEK

Jan. 17-27, 2019

Website: https://visitberkeley.com/dine/berkeley-restaurant-week

Between January 17 and 27, 2019, restaurants all over Berkeley will offer prix fixe menus showcasing all types of cuisine. Home of California Cuisine, Berkeley offers an abundance of dining options that can please any palate.

PEBBLE BEACH U.S. OPEN GOLF

June 13-16, 2019

Website: https://www.pebblebeach.com/events/2019-u-s-open-championship/

Renowned Pebble Beach, perhaps the most loved golf course in the United States, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. It’s seen some truly amazing action over the years and hosted everyone from Bing Crosby to Tiger Woods and several American presidents.

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL SAN DIEGO

July 18-21, 2019

Website: https://www.comic-con.org/

Comic-Con International: San Diego takes over the San Diego Convention Center for four days in July, reveling in all things sci-fi, horror and fantasy. You’ll find panels with Hollywood A-listers, seminars, workshops, autograph sessions, film previews and screenings, gaming, portfolio review sessions as well as a huge line-up of exhibitors with toys, art and collectibles.

TEMECULA WINE AND BALLOON FESTIVAL

May 31 – June 2, 2019

Website: https://www.tvbwf.com/

The Temecula Wine and Balloon Festival is a three-day, family friendly festival that’s held at the Lake Skinner Regional Park. The event offers early morning hot air balloon flights, an evening balloon glow, wine tastings, craft beer tastings, a children’s fair and an international food court filled with festival favourites!

KNOTT’S BOYSENBERRY FESTIVAL, BUENA PARK

Spring 2019

Website: https://www.knotts.com/play/boysenberry-festival

Knott’s Berry Farm is the birthplace of the Boysenberry, and each spring, Knott’s celebrates the flavourful berry and its historic roots during the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival with unique food and live entertainment. The three-week food festival features over 75 one-of-a-kind boysenberry-inspired dishes, drinks and more – plus foot-stompin’ entertainment, the Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden and family fun that everyone will love!

OAKLAND ART MONTH

May 2019

Website: www.visitoakland.com/oakland-art-month

The entire month of May is dedicated to promoting events, performances and shows that highlight the diversity of artists and work created on the Sunny Side of the Bay. Oakland has long been home to innovators and creatives, and Art Months invites both visitors and locals to explore new types of art or rediscover old favourites. Discover the vibrant arts and culture scene, find your favourite artists and support them throughout the year.

DESERT X PALM SPRINGS AREA

Feb. 9-April 21, 2019

Website: https://www.desertx.org/

The Coachella Valley and its desert landscape become the canvas for Desert X, an exhibition of sitespecific work by contemporary artists from around the world. Desert X focuses on creating conversations about 21st-century environmental, social and cultural conditions in the Greater Palm Springs Area.

GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE

November 2019

Website: https://pspride.org/

Greater Palm Springs Pride is Southern California’s most popular and longest-running LGBT festival in the Coachella Valley. The City of Palm Springs comes alive as rainbow flags and glitter fill the streets alongside dancers, singers, musicians, activists and DJs – all celebrating diversity, equality and solidarity.

U.S. OPEN OF SURFING, HUNTINGTON BEACH

July 27–Aug. 4, 2019

Website: www.vansusopenofsurfing.com

The U.S. Open of Surfing is the world’s largest surf competition and lifestyle festival, and it’s returning to Huntington Beach in July. Each summer, more than half a million people attend the family-friendly event during nine fun-filled days. The best surfers in the world compete for one of the largest prize purses in the industry along with essential points in their bid to be crowned the world's best surfer. In addition to surfing, events in recent years have included skateboarding and BMX competitions, live music, movie premieres, fashion shows, and product demos and samples from such industry brands as Vans, Samsung, GoPro and Jeep.