February in California is marked by a variety of seasonal events and celebrations, ranging from natural phenomena to cultural festivals. The month sees the early bloom of wildflowers in the desert and blossoms on fruit and nut trees across the Central Valley. One notable event is Yosemite National Park’s “firefall,” where the setting sun creates an illusion of fire cascading down Horsetail Fall.
February 16 marks the first Free Entrance Day at national parks for 2026, allowing visitors access without admission fees.
Throughout February, Black History Month is observed with museum exhibits, monuments, and special events across cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. In Los Angeles, visitors can explore current exhibits at the California African American Museum or attend speakers at the Los Angeles Black History Month Festival on February 21 at La Brea Tar Pits. San Francisco offers its African-American Freedom Trail, which includes stops like the Museum of the African Diaspora and various Black-owned businesses.
Lunar New Year festivities also take place statewide. The Vietnamese community in Orange County celebrates its USVA Tet Festival from February 13–15 in Garden Grove. San Francisco begins its celebrations with a Flower Market Fair on February 14 and will host what organizers call “the world’s biggest Chinese New Year party outside of China” during the Alaska Airlines Chinese New Year Festival & Parade on March 7.
Theme parks join in these festivities as well. SeaWorld San Diego hosts a celebration through mid-February with special menus and performances, while Disneyland Resort features Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession parade and other themed experiences until February 22.
Northern California hosts several food- and drink-themed events including Mendocino’s Seafood & Sips festival (January 30–February 8), Napa Valley’s romantic sparkling lunches at Chandon winery throughout the month, Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend (February 14–15), Anderson Valley International White Wine Festival (February 14–15), SF Beer Week (February 20–March 1), Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off (February 21–22), Capay Valley Almond Parade & Festival (February 21–22), Durham Almond Blossom Run (February 22), Sonoma County Restaurant Week (February 23–March 1), California International Antiquarian Book Fair in San Francisco (February 27–March 1), St. Helena Mustard Celebration (February 27) and Placerville Winter Wine Adventure (February 28).
Super Bowl Week activities are planned for early February around Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, with fan zones and interactive exhibits throughout San Jose and San Francisco.
In Central California, highlights include Santa Barbara International Film Festival (February 4–14), World Ag Expo in Tulare County (February10–12), AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament along Monterey Peninsula courses (February12–15), Whiskey Flat Days festival in Kernville over Presidents Day weekend, among others.
Southern California features Temecula Valley Wines Barrel Tasting Weekend starting January31; Knott’s Peanuts Celebration running weekends through late February; Surf City USA Marathon & Half Marathon on February1; Griffith Park Run benefitting Los Angeles Parks Foundation also on February1; Laguna Beach Music Festival from February2-7; Palm Springs Modernism Week from February12-22; Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival beginning mid-month; Genesis Invitational PGA tournament returning to Riviera Country Club after wildfire-related changes last year; Slamdance Film Festival showcasing emerging filmmakers’ work in West Hollywood from February19-25; Riverside Dickens Festival focusing this year on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist held late month.
San Diego Museum Month runs all month long with half-price entry to more than seventy museums via passes available at city libraries.
Yosemite Firefall is expected between approximately February8-23 according to park experts this year—a phenomenon that draws significant crowds each season.
