Big Sur Events and Festivals

(Big Sur, Monterey County, California - CA, USA)



Photo of lookout point in the Ventana Wilderness attractionWhilst the seasonal events of Big Sur will never compete with those nearby festivals in San Francisco, there are a number of things to do which are well worth considering, should they coincide with your holiday. January sees some surprisingly fine weather and blue skies around Big Sur, when you are likely to spot migrating Californian Gray Whales swimming off the coastline.

Whale watching presentations take place at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park during January and March, while throughout the majority of the year, the Big Sur Historical Society meets at weekends within the Natural History Center at the Molera Ranch House. Festivals are also regularly hosted at the Big Sur River Inn, the Fernwood Resort, and at the Henry Miller Memorial Library.


Image of different viewing area

Big Sur Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

Sporting events don't come any biggest than the award-winning Big Sur International Marathon, which takes place at the end of April each year, and ranks as one of the best marathons in the whole of North America. Each May, various games of softball are held within the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Between the end of June and the beginning of July is when the Esalen International Arts Festival takes place and celebrates the region's rich art and culture, with a series of exhibitions and workshops. The tourism season begins to wind down during September, although the fall offers further whale watching, when humpbacks, blue whales and Orcas (killer whales) all arrive in the surrounding waters.

In October, look out for the Annual Big Sur Jade Festival at the Pacific Valley School, the Bluegrass Festival at the Fernwood Resort, and the River Run within the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Worth considering in November is the Big Sur Half Marathon, and the Annual Harvest and Craft Fair, which is hosted at the Grange Hall, with Yuletide celebrations and festive events following throughout December.