5 Tips for Attending the Catalina Wine Mixer

What started out as a fictional helicopter leasing event from the 2008 movie Step Brothers has evolved into one of the most entertaining and exciting wine tasting events in Southern California– the "F#$%@%! Catalina Wine Mixer™.

These days, fun seekers travel in droves to Catalina Island–just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California–to enjoy wine, the beauty of the island, and live music. This year, we’re taking things up a notch. The 2026 Catalina Wine Mixer™ features Grammy-Nominated headliner MEDUZA.

How can you ensure you have the best time possible if this is your first ever Catalina Wine Mixer™? Take a look at our five tips below!

1. GET PREPPED

Preparation is crucial to have a good weekend! Start by listening to our OFFICIAL Catalina Wine Mixer™ playlist, featuring headliner MEDUZA and other performers including Patrick & the LVB, M4CD, and more! You’ll want to make sure you can scream-sing the words to every song.

On Saturday morning, don’t forget to put on your sunscreen (and maybe pack some extra) and hydrate! Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the event so that you get back to your hotel or boat safely. It probably wouldn’t hurt to make sure there’re lots of carbs in your lunch, either. Pro tip: there will be concessions available on-site, so keep an eye out for those during the event!

2. SPLURGE FOR THE VIP EXPERIENCE

While the Catalina Wine Mixer™ is guaranteed to be a good time no matter what tickets you buy, purchasing VIP can really make your experience even better. On top of the already great perks you get with General Admission, you’ll also have access to a special VIP reception at Catalina Country

Club on Friday night, six hours of live music and two hours of unlimited wine tasting on Saturday, and an exclusive, air-conditioned VIP lounge with complimentary food, a swag bag, and wine flowing all night long.

3. OPT FOR A HOTEL PACKAGE OR SET AN ALARM FOR THE BOAT

The best way to enjoy the Catalina Wine Mixer™ is by making it a full weekend. Purchase an official Catalina Wine Mixer™ Hotel Package at Hotel Atwater or the newly refreshed oasis at Pavilion Hotel so you can party all night without worrying about getting home. Packages include your choice of VIP or General Admission tickets, a two-night stay, and round-trip tickets on the Catalina Express.

Not staying the night? You won’t want to kill your buzz by missing the ferry home, so make sure you set an alarm before the party really gets going. There is nothing more embarrassing than running up to a ferry that’s slowly departing–trust us.

4. DON’T OVERLOOK THE ADD-ONS

There are many ways you can upgrade your Catalina Wine Mixer™ experience, starting with the iconic Step Brothers movie screening. Reacquaint yourself with the movie that started it all and experience the historic Catalina Casino’s theater–which was the very first to be designed for talking motion pictures! Enjoy the beautiful, historical theatre while you laugh at Dale and Brennan’s antics.

Then, upgrade your Saturday experience with a Cabana or Chaise Lounge package. This offers you access to Cabana Beach at Descanso Beach Club, personalized beachside service from 10 am to 6 pm, and amazing views of either the event–if you opt for a lawn suite–or the beach.

5. DRESS COMFORTABLY – AND BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES!

The Catalina Wine Mixer™ is held at Descanso Beach Club every year. This Mediterranean-style beach club will be open on Saturday morning, so bring your bikini and come down to enjoy the waves. Then, once the event officially kicks off, bring something comfortable and fun to change into–you'll thank yourself. There is minimal seating around the lawn where drinks are poured, so make sure you wear something you’ll be happy standing and dancing in as the sun goes down. Bonus points if your outfit includes a Step Brothers reference!

If you need somewhere to store your outfit change or rest between events, make sure to book an OFFICIAL Catalina Wine Mixer™ Hotel Package!

You’ll also want to consider the additional events you’re attending throughout the Catalina Wine Mixer™ weekend. Headed to the VIP welcome event on Friday night? Feel free to dress up a little more! This event is shorter and more intimate, so there’s no need to worry about longevity. Looking forward to MEDUZA headlining on Saturday night? Bring a jacket – or buy one at the OFFFICIAL Catalina Wine Mixer™ Merchandise booths at check in and on the lawn. Don't forget to grab your sunglasses and SPF. Remember: this event is a marathon, not a sprint!

Tickets sell out every year, so get yours before it’s too late. Book your tickets today!