August is peak summer in California — hot inland, foggy on the coast, and packed with events. The list below is the set of major, recurring California events in August; dates and lineups change yearly, so confirm on each event’s official site before you go.
Monterey Car Week
Late August turns the Monterey Peninsula into the center of the classic-car world: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and a week of auctions and shows. It is the marquee event of its kind in the country, but traffic and lodging prices around Monterey spike that week.
Outside Lands (San Francisco)
Outside Lands is the large multi-day music, food, and art festival in Golden Gate Park, usually the first weekend of August. It sells out; buy early if you want to go.
California State Fair (Sacramento)
The California State Fair runs mid-summer (typically July into August) at Cal Expo in Sacramento — livestock, food, carnival, and concerts. It is the family-oriented state fair.
Sawdust Art Festival (Laguna Beach)
In south Orange County, the Sawdust Art Festival is a summer-long (June–September) open-air showcase of local artists and makers in Laguna Beach. A good stop if you are already on the Orange County coast.
County and Local Events
Most California counties run their own August fairs and music series — county fairs (e.g., the LA County Fair in Pomona, the Orange County Fair) and free outdoor concerts and movies in city parks. Check the specific events calendar for the region you are visiting, since these are scheduled locally rather than statewide.
Conclusion
August in California means booking early and planning around the heat: coastal events (Monterey, Laguna, Outside Lands) are comfortable, while inland fairs are hot — go in the evening. Buy festival and fair tickets in advance where they sell out, and check each official site for the current year’s dates, because most of these shift week to week.
