January 26th- June 8th
See how Catalina's tranquil waters, idyllic coves and rolling hillsides have inspired artists over the past 100 years. Sponsored by the Society for the Advancement of Plein Air Painting, this popular exhibit features over twenty Catalina Island scenespainted by contemporary and historic artists. For more info call (310) 510-2414 or visit www.catalinamuseum.org.
February 9th
This ultimate half-marathon course is a very challenging, hilly course on the East End of Catalina Island. The new 5K course will be an out-and-back route down Avalon Canyon Rd via Sumner Ave with the turn around point at the Wrigley Memorial. For more info contact Pacific Sports LLC at (714) 978-1528 or visit www.PacificSportsLLC.com
February 23rd
This is the only time scuba diving is allowed in Avalon Bay, with 500+ expected volunteer divers collecting trash and debris. Awards ceremony to follow on Wrigley Stage with prizes & giveaways. Proceeds benefit the Catalina Island Conservancy Divers and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. For more info call (310) 510-2595 ext 123 or visit www.ccd.org.
March 15th
Enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery while running 26.2 miles over the Island. The race traverses mostly dirt trails and roads through the interior of the Island where few have gone. The race begins in Two Harbors and runs to Avalon. For more info contact Pacific Sports LLC at (714) 978- 1528 or visit www.PacificSportsLLC.com
March 30th
Annual fundraising event to support the local children's theatre company "Kids At Play". The derby begins at noon on South Beach. For more info contact Kids at Play at (310) 510-0288.
April 12th
Hosted by the Catalina Island Conservancy, this year's theme is "Earth, Wind and Fire." The black tie event is held in the Avalon Casino Ballroom and includes dinner, big band dancing and live & silent auctions. This annual event is a fun way to support the Catalina Island Conservancy. For more info visit www.catalinaconservancy.org
April 19th
Explore the natural side of Catalina Island and enjoy organic food, green living displays and demonstrations, family activities and live music. Free entry into the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden! Catalina Island Conservancy Education Dept (310) 510-0954, www.catalinaconservancy.org
April 20th
Food, Music & Games! Join the community at the Field of Dreams from 11am to 4pm for an afternoon of fun for the whole family. City of Avalon Recreation Department (310) 510-1987.
April 24th
Community Health Fair Improve your health and that of your family by attending the Catalina Island Health Fair in the Casino Ballroom. Dozens of free or low-cost medical screenings will be available. For more info call the Catalina Island Medical Center (310) 510-0700 ext 46 or email amdcsw@catalinaisp.com.
May 17th
Celebrate the island's fascinating history as one of Hollywood's favorite locations. Step back in time to the 1920's for a classic silent film screening featuring live musical accompaniment on the historic Page Organ in the incomparable Avalon Theatre, one of the last remaining movie palaces in California. For more info call (310) 510-2414 or visit www.catalinamuseum.org.
May 17th
A dance featuring the big band music of the 1930's, the heyday of the Casino Ballroom-featuring Mora's Modern Rhythmists. For more information contact the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles; info@revampvintage.com or www. adsla.org
May 30th
Enjoy the most scrumptious tastes of delectable food or beverages from some of Avalon's finest dining establishments. Vote for your favorite taste of food and drink as the Taste of the Year! For more information call the Chamber at (310) 510-1520 or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com.
May 30th - June 1st
Celebrate the return of the incomparable Catalina Flying Fish with among other activities, a Flying Fish aquatic race (swim, kayak and paddleboard), a Flying Fish Taste Around Town, a Flying Fish parade, Flying Fish tours and a Flying Fish concert. Contact Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce, 310-510-1520 or www.CatalinaChamber.com
June 18th - August 20th (each Wednesday)
Meet a Recreation staff member on the Green Pier each Wednesday morning starting at 7:00am. For more information call the City of Avalon Recreation Department (310) 510-1987.
June 17th - August 28th (each Tuesday & Thursday)
Bring your beach chair and some friends to the South Beach Lifeguard stand every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-7:00pm. Bingo cards are $1 each and participants can win fun local prizes. City of Avalon Recreation Department (310) 510-1987.
July 1st - January 5th
This exciting temporary show will showcase Catalina's unique standing as the birthplace of sportfishing, the key role that the tuna Club has played in fishing conservation and feature dramatic fishing and undersea footage. For more information call (310) 510-2414 or visit catalinamuseum.org.
July 4th
Join island residents for the golf cart parade down Crescent Avenue starting at 1:00 PM. Enjoy a BBQ buffet dinner and music of the USC Marching Band in the Casino Ballroom plus a magnificent fireworks display over Avalon Bay with premium viewing from the balcony. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520 or visitwww.CatalinaChamber.com
July 19th
Skin and scuba divers search for gold stars in Casino Point Underwater Park. This event is a fundraiser for the Sheriff's Department S.T.A.R. (Success Through Awareness and Resistance) Program and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. For more info call the LA County Sheriff's Dept. (310) 510-0174 or email klclevl@lasd.org
August 25th & 26th
Non-profit marlin fishing tournament, all proceeds donated to Catalina youth. Approximately $628,000 has been raised over the last 17 years! For more information call (310) 820-4434 or visit www.ChurchMouse.org.
September 1st - 30th
Discover the island's colorful heritage of locally made pottery & tile from 1927 to 1937 and indulge in a rare opportunity to view unique pieces loaned from private collections. All month long, the museum features the country's largest exhibition of Catalina pottery & tile, along with weekly tile walking tours. For more information call (310) 510- 2414 or visit www.catalinamuseum.org.
September 7th - 9th
100% release marlin tournament using circle hooks only. For more information contact Offshore Tournaments, Inc. (714) 258-0445 or visit www.catalinaclassic.com.
September 11th
Drop-line fishing tournament & fundraiser with proceeds donated to local community organizations. Awards ceremony & prizes for biggest fish, best fish story & best costume. For more information call (310) 510-2123.
September 20th-21st
Artists from all over the country exhibit and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Catalina Art Association (310) 510- 0808 or visit www.casinoartgallery.com.
September14th-17th
Striped marlin fishing tournament limited to a maximum of 45 teams. Boasting a cash purse over $350,000.00, anglers engage in friendly competition over the four day event. For more information contact Offshore Tournaments, Inc. (714) 258-0445 or visit www.catalinaclassic.com.
September 21st-23rd
Southern California's largest billfish tournament! 100 teams will compete for more than $350,000 in cash and prizes. For more information contact Offshore Tournaments, Inc. (714) 258-0445 or visit www.catalinaclassic.com.
September 27th
Women's Forum Wine Festival 13th annual fundraiser featuring over 50 wineries, delectable hors d'oeuvres and smooth jazz. Net proceeds help support mentoring and scholarship programs. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520.
October 2nd - 5th, 9th -12th and 16th-19th
The Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival This three weekend event features 30 different smooth jazz stars performing Unplugged at the Ranch and in the historic Casino Ballroom. Art Good features the newest and best talent in the smooth jazz genre. For tickets and information call (866) 872-9849 or visit www.jazztrax.com.
October 31st
Don your favorite costume and join island school kids and residents for the Annual Halloween Parade down Crescent Avenue starting at 4:00 PM. For more information call the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520 or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com.
November 1st
Features a half-mile swim in the calm waters of Avalon Bay, a challenging 16K three-loop cycle course around Mt. Ada and a 5K run course out past the golf course. Call Pacific Sports (714)978-1528 or visit www.PacificSportsLLC.com
November 11th
Help preserve Catalina's unique history while enjoying the best in local entertainment. Broadcast live on local cable, the annual fundraiser features musicians, dancers, comedians and much more. All proceeds support the programs and activities of the Catalina Island Museum. For more information call (310) 510-2414 or visit www. catalinamuseum.org.
November 15th
The inaugural Catalina Eco Marathon will start and finish in the town of Avalon. During the course of the marathon, you will run through three entirely different eco-systems and see the plant life and animal life in each. Call Spectrum Sports Management at (909) 399-3553 or visit www.CatalinaEcoMarathon.com.
December 7th
15th Annual "Shop At Home" Night A one-night shopping extravaganza with holiday discounts, strolling carolers and drawings for prizes at participating retailers. Shop At Home Night kicks off with a holiday tree lighting ceremony on the waterfront. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520 or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com
December31st
Dance in the New Year in the world famous Casino Ballroom. Reservations go on sale July 2008. For more information call the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520 or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com
Compiled by the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the listings, events are subject to change, rescheduling or cancellation. For more information regarding each event, please contact the sponsoring organization. For up-to-the-minute event info, please visit www.CatalinaChamber.com