Disclosure: I occasionally work with Catalina Island to cover things happening on the island, and of course, how to get there through Catalina Express.
Needless to say, I still have very fond memories of my time spent on the beautiful Catalina Island. Being so close to Los Angeles, but with a 22 mile trek over water, this island, to me, was complete paradise. And a huge reason why it was such a perfect getaway.
Catalina Express always made it such an easy ride over to the Island, taking off from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. You could even do same day treks to spend time on the Island.
This year, Catalina Express is still offering their “Ride Free on Your Birthday” making for a great birthday celebration, I must say. Be sure not to miss out on all the birthday specials when planning out your big day.
Some fun events happening on the island this summer include:
JULY 2014
Thru 9/28 Chaplin and Goddard: A Secret Love Affair Exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum See June listing. Catalina Island Museum, 310-510-2414, www.catalinaislandmuseum.org
Thru-8/28 Summer Beach Bingo (each Tuesday & Thursday) See June listing. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com and Catalina Kid Ventures, 310-510-1704.
Thru-8/27 Kid’s Fishing Derby (each Wednesday)
Meet at the Green Pier at 7am. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com
Thru-9/1 Scavenger Hunt, Urban Adventure Quest Challenge
Part game, part tour, solve clues and challenges around Avalon, and be entered into a team competition for a free Quest awarded each month. Free Quest can be used in any of 25 Quest cities. Team size is 2 to 5 people. You MUST use promo code: CATCHALLENGE to be entered into the competition and to receive 15% off. Good for the Catalina walking tour only. Must have a smart phone to play. Sign up to play online at: www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com
7/19 FREE Family Friendly Concert on Wrigley Plaza Stage: Xceptional Blues Featuring Billy Thompson
The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Xceptional Music Company are pleased to present this free, family friendly Summer Concert Series, next to the Bay on Wrigley Plaza Stage. Concerts are from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. A Beer & Wine Garden will be available at all concerts.
7/19 1st Annual Gold Star Dive
Scuba divers search for gold stars in Casino Point Underwater Park. This event is a fundraiser for the LA County Sheriff’s Community Programs and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. ASCSA Avalon Station Community Services Association. 310-510-0174
AUGUST 2014
Thru 9/28 Chaplin and Goddard: A Secret Love Affair Exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum See June listing. Catalina Island Museum, 310-510-2414, www.catalinaislandmuseum.org
Thru-8/27 Kid’s Fishing Derby (each Wednesday)
Meet at the Green Pier at 7am. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com
Thru-8/28 Summer Beach Bingo (each Tuesday & Thursday)
See June listing. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com and Catalina Kid Ventures, 310-510-1704.
Thru-9/1 Urban Adventure Quest Summer Challenge – see June for full description
See July for full description. www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com
8/2, 8/16, 8/23, 8/31 FREE Family Friendly Concerts on Wrigley Plaza Stage (8/2, Tribute to Eric Clapton; 8/16, Roadhouse Rock; 8/23, Video Generation; 8/31, Sirens Top 40 and More)
The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Xceptional Music Company are pleased to present this free, family friendly Summer Concert Series, next to the Bay on Wrigley Plaza Stage. Concerts are from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. A Beer & Wine Garden will be available at all concerts.
8/13 Catalina Film Society, (2nd Wednesday, every other month)
An opportunity for film enthusiasts to enjoy, discuss and celebrate brand new unreleased independent films on a monthly basis. Suggested donation of $10 for non-members, or become a member and support the effort to celebrate and educate the art of independent films. 818-787-1946, www.CatalinaFF.org
September 2014
Thru-9/1 Urban Adventure Quest Summer Challenge – see June for full description
See July for full description. www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com
Thru 9/28 Chaplin and Goddard: A Secret Love Affair Exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum
See June listing. Catalina Island Museum, 310-510-2414, www.catalinaislandmuseum.org
9/13 Catalina Island Women’s Forum Wine Festival
This 19th annual fundraiser features over 80 wineries, delectable hors d’oeuvres and smooth jazz. Net proceeds help support mentoring and scholarship programs. Tickets available at the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. 310 510-1520, www.theciwf.org
9/24-9/28 Catalina Film Festival
Annual celebration of Catalina’s rich film history features approximately 100 films screened at multiple venues around the island plus nightly events and entertainment. The festival is competitive with awards in up to 10 categories, including our festival partners’ prestigious awards; the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation’s “Great Communicator” Award, the Chaplin Family’s Charlie Chaplin ICON Award, and the ISLA Earth Award – an honor presented by the Festival’s beneficiary, the Catalina Island Conservancy. Catalina Film Festival. 818-787-1946, www.CatalinaFilm.org
9/19-9/21 56th Annual Catalina Festival of Art
Longest running annual event on Catalina Island. Artists from all over the country exhibit along Crescent Avenue and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Highlights include charity art auction and kids art show. Catalina Art Association. 310-510-2788, www.catalinaartassociation.org
9/27 National Museum Day
Discover Avalon’s sole institution dedicated to art, culture and the history of Santa Catalina Island with FREE admission to the Catalina Island Museum in celebration of National Museum Day. Open from 10am to 5pm. Catalina Island Museum. 310-510-2414, www.catalinamuseum.org
Do you have summer plans to get there?
