Catalina Island 2009 Events

2nd Wednesday each month, May-Sept Catalina Island Conservancy Evening Nature Program Delve deep into the natural history of the island and our world with this FREE program. Refreshments are served. For up-to-the-date program information call (310) 510-0954; www.catalinaconservancy.org

 

1st Saturday each month, May-Sept Catalina Island Conservancy Presents: The HIKE Join us for a different hiking adventure each month as we explore the island’s interior. Transportation, discovery tools and a lunch for the HIKE are arranged by the Conservancy’s Education Dept. There is a program fee to cover cost & reservations are required as space is limited. For reservations and hike descriptions call 310-510-0954; www.catalinaconservancy.org

 

Every Tuesday & Saturday Discover History Walking Tours Discover a wonderful variety of historic, reproduction and contemporary tile installations during a docent led walking tour of downtown Avalon. Each hour-long tour begins at 2:00pm at the Catalina Island Museum with a brief introduction to the history of local tile manufacturing. Ticket prices include Museum admission. Reservations are highly recommended. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

 

1/25-6/ Catalina Island Plein Air Painting Exhibition See how Catalina’s tranquil waters, idyllic coves and rolling hillsides have inspired artists over the past 100 years. Sponsored by the Society for the Advancement of Plein Air Painting, this popular exhibit features over twenty Catalina Island scenes painted by contemporary and historic artists. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

 

Summer Day Camp 2009 (6/15-8/27) All kids entering 1st grade in the Fall – 11 years of age are invited to join the 10 week camp for arts & crafts, games, singing, swimming & beach fun, field trips, hiking and naturalist programs. For rates & times, please call the City of Avalon Recreation Department (310) 510-198.

 

6/30-8/27 Summer Beach Bingo (each Tuesday & Thursday) Bring your beach chair and some friends to the South Beach Lifeguard stand every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-7:00pm. Bingo cards are $1 each and participants can win fun local prizes.

 

7/1-8/26 Kid’s Fishing Derby (each Wednesday) Meet a Recreation staff member on the Green Pier each Wednesday morning starting at 7:00am. For more information call the City of Avalon Recreation Department (310) 510-1987

 

7/4-1/3/10 Filming Catalina—The Hollywood Connection The Catalina Island Museum will host a special exhibit exploring the Island’s illustrious connections to Hollywood. Catalina Island holds a unique place in the history of motion picture production and has served as a celebrity playground for many years. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

1/17 - Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run -The 27th Annual Run crosses Catalina Island from Avalon to Two Harbors and back! Run through the island’s interior and see both sides of the island. Proceeds from the run benefit local island charities. Spectrum Sports Management (909) 399-3553; www.Avalon50.com.

 

2/7 Buffalo Run Half Marathon & 5K This ultimate half-marathon course is a very challenging, hilly course on the East End of Catalina Island. The 5K course will be an out-and-back route down Avalon Canyon Rd via Sumner Ave with the turn around point at the Wrigley Memorial. Pacific Sports LLC (714) 978- 1528 or www.PacificSportsLLC.com

 

2/21 28th Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup This is the only time scuba diving is allowed in Avalon Bay, with 500+ expected volunteer divers collecting trash and debris. Awards ceremony to follow on Wrigley Stage with prizes & giveaways. Proceeds benefit the Catalina Island Conservancy Divers and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Catalina Island Conservancy (310) 510-2595; www.catalinaconservancy.org

 

3/14 Catalina Island Marathon Enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery while running 26.2 miles over the Island. The race traverses mostly dirt trails and roads through the interior of the Island where few have gone. The race begins in Two Harbors and runs to Avalon. Pacific Sports LLC (714) 978-1528; www.PacificSportsLLC.com

 

3/17 St. Patrick’s Party at El Galleon On Tuesday, March 17th we'll be celebrating the luck of the Irish all day long from 11am-11pm with Happy Hour drink specials, a hearty selection of Irish lunch and dinner specials and live Karaoke featuring you all-time favorite Irish songs. El Galleon Restaurant (310) 510-1188 or www.CatalinaHotSpots.com.

 

4/5 Annual Rubber Ducky Derby Annual fund raising event to support the local children’s theater company “Kids At Play”. The derby begins at noon on South Beach. For more info contact Kids at Play at (310) 510-0288

 

4/23 Community Health Fair Improve your health and that of your family by attending the Catalina Island Health Fair in the Casino Ballroom. Dozens of free or low-cost medical screenings will be available. For more info call the Catalina Island Medical Center (310) 510- 0700

 

4/18 Earth Day 2009 Explore the natural side of Catalina Island and enjoy organic food, green living displays and demonstrations, family activities and live music. Free entry into the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden! Catalina Island Conservancy Education Dept (310) 510-0954; www.catalinaconservancy.org

 

4/26 Spring Fest Food, Music & Games! Join the community at the Field of Dreams from 11am to 4pm for an afternoon of fun for the whole family. City of Avalon Recreation Department (310) 510-1987

 

5/2 14th Annual Conservancy Ball Hosted by the Catalina Island Conservancy, this annual event is sure to be exciting. The black tie event at the Avalon Casino Ballroom includes dinner, big band dancing and live & silent auctions. Catalina Island Conservancy (310) 510-2595; www.catalinaconservancy.org

 

5/2 Catalina Island Rugby Festival Team competition benefiting the Sophie Tarbuck Foundation and the Wellness Community/South Bay. Catalina Island Rugby Festival www.catalinarugby.org..

 

5/16 22nd Annual Silent Film Benefit Celebrate the island’s fascinating history as one of Hollywood’s favorite locations. Step back in time to the 1920’s for a classic silent film screening featuring live musical accompaniment on the historic Page Organ in the incomparable Avalon Theater, one of the last remaining movie palaces in California. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

 

5/16 The Avalon Ball A dance featuring the big band music of the 1930’s, the heyday of the Casino Ballroom. For more information contact the Art Deco Society of Los artdecola@sbcglobal.net or www.adsla.org

 

5/28 5th Annual Taste Around of Avalon Enjoy the most scrumptious tastes of delectable food or beverages from some of Avalon's finest dining establishments. Vote for your favorite taste of food and drink as the Taste of the Year! Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com

 

5/28-5/31 2nd Annual Flying Fish Festival Join us for the 2nd Annual Flying Fish Festival, a four day event to celebrate the return of the incomparable Catalina Flying Fish with a variety of family fun themed activities. For a full schedule of events and activities, please contact the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce, (310) 510-1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com

 

7/4 Annual 4th of July Parade, Fireworks Display, Dinner at the Casino Ballroom Join island residents for the golf cart parade down Crescent Avenue starting at 1:00 PM. Enjoy a BBQ buffet dinner and music of the USC Marching Band in the Casino Ballroom plus a magnificent fireworks display over Avalon Bay with premium viewing from the balcony. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com

 

7/18 12th Annual Gold Star Dive Skin and scuba divers search for gold stars in Casino Point Underwater Park. This event is a fund raiser for the Sheriff’s Department S.T.A.R. (Success Through Awareness and Resistance) Program and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. For more info call the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. (310) 510-0174 or email klclevl@lasd.org

 

8/24-8/25 19th Annual Church Mouse Marlin Invitational Non-profit marlin fishing tournament, all proceeds donated to Catalina youth. Over $600,000 has been raised over the last 18 years! For more information call (310) 467-2371 or visit www.ChurchMouse.org.

 

9/1-9/30 (all month) Catalina Pottery & Tile Extravaganza Discover the island’s colorful heritage of locally made pottery & tile from 1927 to 1937 and indulge in a rare opportunity to view unique pieces loaned from private collections. All month long, the museum features the country’s largest exhibition of Catalina pottery & tile, along with weekly tile walking tours. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510- 2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

 

9/6-9/9 Avalon Billfish Classic 100% release marlin tournament using circle hooks only. For more information contact Offshore Tournaments, Inc. (714) 258-0445; www.catalinaclassic.com

 

9/17 24th Annual Tin Cup Drop-line fishing tournament & fundraiser with proceeds donated to local community organizations. Awards ceremony & prizes for biggest fish, best fish story & best costume. For more information contact the Catalina Island

 

9/13-9/15 Zane Grey Invitational Marlin Tournament Striped marlin fishing tournament limited to a maximum of 45 teams. Boasting a cash purse over $350,000.00, anglers engage in friendly competition over the four day event. For more information contact Offshore Tournaments, Inc. (714) 258- 0445; www.catalinaclassic.com

 

9/19-9/20 51st Annual Festival of Art Artists from all over the country exhibit and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Catalina Art Association (310) 510- 0808; www.casinoartgallery.com-

 

9/20-9/22 Catalina Classic Southern California’s largest billfish tournament! 100 teams will compete for more than $350,000 in cash and prizes. For more information contact Offshore Tournaments, Inc. (714) 258-0445; www.catalinaclassic.com.

 

9/25-9/27 Catalina Island Blues Festival Friday Night Blues Walk. Saturday top blues artists perform in the Casino Ballroom. Sunday Blues on the Beach. www.VisitCatalinaIsland.com

 

9/26 Catalina Island Women’s Forum Wine Festival 14th annual fund raiser featuring over 50 wineries, delectable hors d’oeuvres and smooth jazz. Net proceeds help support mentoring and scholarship programs. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com

 

10/2-10/4, 10/9-10/11, 10/16-10/18 The Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival This three weekend event features 30 different smooth jazz stars performing Unplugged at the Ranch and in the historic Casino Ballroom. Art Good features the newest and best talent in the smooth jazz genre. For tickets and information call (866) 872-9849; www.jazztrax.com

10/24 Catalina Island Festival of World Music This family friendly music festival will be held at the Field of Dreams, from 11am-6pm. For more information, artist line-up, event schedule and ticket pricing please contact the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520; www.CatalinaMusicFestival.com

 

Find out more about the 2009 Catalina Island Jazz Festival here.

 

10/31 Annual Halloween Parade Don your favorite costume and join island school kids and residents for the Annual Halloween Parade down Crescent Avenue starting at 4:00 PM. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510- 1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com

 

10/31 Karaoke Halloween Costume Party Wacky and outrageous fun awaits at El Galleon’s annual Halloween Karaoke Costume Party. The party starts at 9pm where you can sing all the monster favorites with over 20,000 songs from which to choose. Vote on your favorite costumes with 1st prize winning a Lobster Dinner for Two. Full bar and dinner available from 5-9pm. No cover, must be 21 and over. El Galleon Restaurant (310) 510-1188; www.CatalinaHotSpots.com

 

11/7 Catalina Island Triathlon Features a half-mile swim in the calm waters of Avalon Bay, a challenging 16K three-loop cycle course around Mt. Ada and a 5K run course out past the golf course. Call Pacific Sports (714) 978-1528; www.PacificSportsLLC.com

 

11/10 Catalina Island Museum Telethon Help preserve Catalina’s unique history while enjoying the best in local entertainment. Broadcast live from 7-10pm on Catalina Cable’s Channel 3 as well as online at eCatalina.com. The telethon will feature musicians, dancers, comedians and much more. All proceeds support the programs and activities of the Catalina Island Museum (310) 510- 2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

 

11/14 Catalina Island Eco-Marathon The inaugural Catalina Eco Marathon will start and finish in the town of Avalon. Run through three entirely different eco-systems and see the plant life and animal life in each. Call Spectrum Sports Management at (909) 399-3553; www.CatalinaEcoMarathon.com

 

12/6 16th Annual “Shop At Home” Night A one-night shopping extravaganza with holiday discounts, strolling carolers and prize drawings. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510- 1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com

 

12/31 El Galleon Restaurant & Antonio’s Pizzeria Annual New Year’s Eve Parties Tickets to enter both parties is just $15 per person, which includes party favors and champagne at midnight. El Galleon celebrates with a Mardi Gras Karaoke Party and Antonio’s will have a live Jazz Dixieland Swing band. Both parties are from 9:30pm-1am. For tickets and dinner reservations call Antonio’s (310) 510-0008 or El Galleon (310)510 -1188; www.CatalinaHotSpots.com

 

12/31 37th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration, Casino Ballroom Dance in the New Year at this black-tie optional event in the world famous Casino Ballroom. Reservations will go on sale July 2009. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com