Calendar of Events

January	50-Mile Run This challenging race takes endurance runners from Avalon to Two Harbors and back. Avalon Benefit 50-Mile Run racers can expect to see bison, eagles and stunning vistas while traversing the island’s roads and trails. For more information call Spectrum Sports at (909) 399-3553.

February	Buffalo Run Pacific Sports’ famous Buffalo Run is a challenging half-marathon through the island’s east end trails. A fast 5K along the waterfront completes the day’s racing, all of which benefit Avalon Schools and the Catalina Island Conservancy. For more information, call (714) 978-1528. Avalon Harbor Underwater Clean-up Each year, hundreds of divers plunge into Avalon Harbor to remove a year’s worth of refuse and rubbish from the bottom of the sea. Sifting the trash from the treasure is half the fun for both divers and non-divers alike. In addition to cleaning up the harbor, the Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup is also a benefit for the Catalina Conservancy Divers. For more information, call (310) 510-2595, ext. 123

March	Catalina Marathon One of the racing world’s most challenging marathons takes athletes across 26.2 miles of trails. Spectacular views and bison sightings will add to the race. The day’s events also include a challenging 10K, a flat 5K along the water and a Kids Run. Sponsored by Pacific Sports, the Catalina Marathon benefits Avalon Schools and the Catalina Island Conservancy. For more information call (714) 978-1528.

April	Catalina Conservancy Ball Dance the night away at the world famous Casino Ballroom while supporting the Catalina Island Conservancy. The annual Conservancy Ball evokes the heyday of the ballroom with the hot sounds of Big Bands and the cool elegance of tuxedos and ball gowns. The weekend’s events also include a beach barbecue and a golf tournament. For more information call (310) 510-2595.

May	Middle Ranch Hoe Down Wild West antics, live music and an array of activities will delight visitors and locals alike. Held at Middle Ranch, in the heart of Catalina’s dramatic interior, the Hoe Down raises funds for restoration of historic buildings.

June	Silent Film Benefit Each year the Catalina Island Museum fills the Avalon Theatre with film buffs and museum supporters for its Silent Film Benefit. The day features a silent film from Hollywood’s golden era accompanied by the theatre’s historic Page organ. Call (310) 510-2414 for more information.

July	Fourth of July Extravaganza Avalon’s small town ambiance comes alive at the world famous Golf Cart Parade, which features decorated golf carts, local entrants and the USC Marching Band parading down Crescent Avenue’s waterfront. That evening a barbecue dinner and dance in the Casino Ballroom will show off Catalina’s Independence Day spirit. A dramatic fireworks show over Avalon Harbor brings ooohs and ahhhs after dark.

August	Tikifest Tiki bands, fire dancers and other Polynesian performers will be the featured entertainment at this three-day festival that celebrates all things tiki. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.catalinatikifest.com.

September	Rosie’s Marlin Tournament Thirty teams of anglers will take to the waters around Avalon in search of striped marlin during the Rosie’s Marlin Tournament. All tournament fish will be weighed in at the green Pleasure Pier. For more information, call (310) 510-0197. Catalina Festival of the Arts The Catalina Festival of the Arts brings some of the region’s top artists to Avalon’s crescent-shaped bay, where the scenery provides the perfect backdrop to their artistic endeavors. This two-day festival has been bringing artists and art lovers together on the third weekend in September for more than four decades. For more information call (310) 510-0808. Zane Grey Marlin Tournament Named in honor of the legendary angler, adventurer and writer who made Avalon his home, the Zane Grey Marlin Tournament pits the region’s most skilled anglers against Catalina’s most impressive gamefish. For more information call (714) 258-0445. Catalina Wine Festival Fine wines, gourmet appetizers and live music fill the Pavilion Lodge patio on Avalon’s waterfront during annual Catalina Wine Festival. Dozens of vintners pour their finest varietals to raise funds for the Catalina Island Women’s Forum. Tickets and more information are available by calling (310) 510-1520. Catalina Classic Marlin Tournament Southern California’s largest billfish tournament attracts 120 teams and 650 anglers to compete for $350,000 in cash and prizes. The Catalina Classic includes two days of marlin fishing and a number of shore-based activities. Call (714) 258-0445 for entry information.

October	JazzTrax Southern California’s biggest smooth jazz festival takes over Catalina Island for the first three weekends of October. Some of the hottest acts in jazz perform in the Casino Ballroom during JazzTrax, Avalon’s most popular event. For more information, call (866) 872-9849. Online ticket sales are also available. Avalon Ball Classic swing dancing and the sounds of a Big Band orchestra will return each year to the Casino Ballroom at the Avalon Ball. The ballroom was made famous during the heyday of swing dancing and the ball honors that history. ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s attire enhances the sense of time travel. The Avalon Ball is organized by the Lively Arts History Association.

November	Catalina Triathlon Hundreds of athletes will plunge into Avalon Harbor, cycle around Avalon’s hills and sprint along Avalon Canyon during the Catalina Triathlon, sponsored by Pacific Sports. One of Catalina’s most popular athletic events, the triathlon attracts athletes and fans from throughout the country. Call (714) 978-1528 for complete race information.

December	Shop in Avalon Each year Catalina’s retailers welcome the season with an evening of caroling, raffles and discounts. Organized by the Catalina Island Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, Shop in Avalon night allows visitors to escape the madness of the mainland malls and enjoy classic small-town Yule-time spirit. Call (310) 510-1520 for more information. Open House at the Inn at Mt. Ada The halls of the historic home of William Wrigley, Jr. and his wife Ada are decked with seasonal decorations for the popular Open House at the Inn at Mt. Ada, a fundraiser for the Catalina Island Museum Society. Wassail, cookies, caroling and tours of the historic home turned bed and breakfast are a great way to welcome the season. Call 510-2414 for more information. New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Casino Ballroom Catalina’s Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce welcomes the New Year along with hundreds of visitors at Avalon’s most famous landmark. The black tie dinner dance at the Casino Ballroom is just one of many New Year’s celebrations throughout town. Tickets are available by calling (310) 510-1520.