Mendocino Events & Festivals Annual Calendar

Check Out the Events & Festivals That Align with Your Travel Plans!

January

Crab Cookoff and Wine Tasting: This event, benefitting the Mendocino Coast Clinics, features chefs and wineries from throughout Mendocino County, a panel of celebrity judges, and a silent auction.

Crab Feed Dinner: This two-night event is held in Mendocino’s Crown Hall. Last year saw over 750 pounds of Dungeness crab, along with salad, French bread, wine, and dessert, served to 200 crab fanatics each night.

March

Whale Festival: This festival celebrating the gray whale migration is split into three celebrations: the one in Mendocino is held during the first weekend in March; the second is held in Little River during the second weekend in March; and the final one, in Fort Bragg, is held during the third weekend in March.

In Mendocino

Many of the local wineries set up tasting stations at galleries and shops throughout the area. Top chefs create their favorite seafood chowders and offer them at a tasting competition. There are plein air painting demonstrations and docent-led walks at various spots in Mendocino.

In Little River

A sampler of hospitality and adventure in Little River is served up for your convenience all in one weekend. The Little River Whale Festival offers a tasting tour and an art and nature adventure Passport Contest to introduce you to the local hidden secrets.

In Fort Bragg

Micro-brew tastings and a chowder competition will be the featured attractions at this two-day event. An art exhibit and a crafts fair will round out the weekend.

May

Anderson Valley Pinot Festival: The Anderson Valley is one of the finest pinot-growing regions in the world. This festival showcases Pinot Noirs made from grapes grown in the beautiful and rugged Anderson Valley.

Mendocino Heritage Days: Mendocino Heritage Days is a celebration of the rich history of the Village of Mendocino, one of only two National Historic Preservation Districts in the state of California.

Taste of Chocolate, Wine, and Ale: Chocoholics unite at Taste of Chocolate, Wine & Ale at Heiser Field in the heart of Mendocino. Chocolate cookies, candies, cakes, ice cream, wine, and beer combine to make a memorable afternoon in the village.

June

Mendocino Film Festival:Mendocino is known for its artistic and politically active population, so local audiences are informed, engaged, and supportive. Filmmakers and filmgoers love this festival.

July

Fourth of July in Mendocino: An eclectic mix of fun, political humor, and community, more than 5,000 people (five times the population of Mendocino) line Main Street to watch the parade of floats, decorated cars, dancers, animals, kids, circus performers, musicians, and more.

World’s Largest Salmon Barbecue: For over 40 years, the Salmon Restoration Association (SRA) has hosted the World's Largest Salmon BBQ. The whole community comes together to celebrate the salmon runs on Independence Day Weekend, to support salmon fishing, and to raise money for our locally owned and operated hatchery on the Eel River in Mendocino County.

California Wine Tasting Championship: Along with wine and gourmet food, this Anderson Valley 2-day affair also includes international chocolate and cheese tasting contests.

Music Festival: The Mendocino Music Festival, a 15-day event, delights audiences with a wide breadth of talent and covers a multitude of musical styles, including opera, chamber music, dance, blues, jazz, folk music, and big band.

Caspar Fest: Caspar Fest fills the old schoolhouse with dancing and the Village Square with music, artists, crafters, and 'green' enterprises—all sharing traditions that connect with the sun, the planet, and the finest traditions of lasting technology from the folk of many lands over centuries.

August

Art in the Gardens: Cited by many as the premier garden party on California's North Coast, Art in the Gardens is held in Mendocino’s Botanical Gardens. Over 70 talented artists, a dozen of the finest Mendocino County wineries, delicious food and local culinary treats, and fabulous musicians all come together to create a dynamic event.

Great Day in Elk: The Great Day in Elk celebration is a community-sponsored event that includes a parade down Highway One, a carnival, a watermelon-eating contest, gunny sack races, a greased pole climbing contest, music, dance performances, a silent auction, a raffle, and Elk margaritas.

September

Paul Bunyan Days: An annual festival that celebrates the mythical lumberjack, Paul Bunyan, takes place on Labor Day weekend each year. Highlights of the festival include the logging show, a parade, a beer festival, square dancing, a craft fair, a fireman's ball, and a beauty contest.

Winesong: This nationally recognized charity event is attended by more than 1,100 guests from across the country and around the world who come together to make this one of the most spectacular functions on the West Coast. Winesong kicks off with a barrel tasting on Friday afternoon. Saturday features a Grand Tasting showcasing more than 100 winemakers pairing their wines with food prepared by the area’s top chefs. A live and silent auction of wines, art, and trips; and live music round out the day. This event sells out early.

Mendocino County Fair: This is a fun, small, old-fashioned county fair beloved by locals and visitors alike. Fair attendees can sample Anderson Valley apples, ciders, and local wines; browse the classic car show; watch the sheepdog trials; visit 4-H displays and craft areas; ride the carnival rides; and take in the beautiful reds, golds, and oranges of fall flowers and foliage.

October

Mendocino Ocean & Seafood Fair: Formerly the Abalone Festival & Cook-off, the event has changed due to changes in catching regulations. It promises to still be a fantastic good time, with fresh seafood, a craft fair, and live music.

November

FEAST Mendocino: Formerly the Mushroom, Beer, and Wine Festival, FEAST Mendocino will entice your taste buds to sample savories and sweets, make you want to swish and swirl our liquid assets by the glass, and get you to unplug and learn to forage for fun and fungi.