What’s happening on Catalina Island?

CATALINA ISLAND – Concerts, hikes boat tours and beach parties are only a few of the events planned for visitors and boaters to partake in on the island this summer. Boating victories will find an array of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Descanso Beach Club Parties
July 18-Oct. 24
Descanso Beach
• Guest can enjoy the white sand beach and brand-new menu items like alcohol infused ice cream treats at Descanso Fresh. Then, the afternoon kicks off with DJs spinning, happy hour specials and live music including acts American Idol’s Adam Lasher. Full lineup is available at visitcatalinaisland.com.

Catalina Island Summer Concert Series on Wrigley Plaza Stage
July 25-Sept. 6
Wrigley Plaza Stage
• The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Xceptional Music Company present “Xceptional Dance,” a free, family- friendly summer concert, next to the Bay on Wrigley Plaza Stage. Concerts are from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. A Beer & Wine Garden will be available at all concerts. For more information: 310-510-1520, CatalinaChamber.com.

Catalina Film Society
Third Wed. of every month
• An opportunity for film enthusiasts to enjoy, discuss and celebrate brand new unreleased independent films on a monthly basis. Takes place at Overlook Hall. For more information: 818-787-1946, CatalinaFF.org.

Exploring California’s Channel Islands: Santa Cruz Island
Aug. 1
Island Packers, Ventura Harbor
• Join the Catalina Island Conservancy for a day of exploration on a journey across the channel for the organization’s annual trek to visit another Channel Island — Santa Cruz Island. Guests will have a choice of guided hikes and registration includes a boxed lunch. Cost is $120 for Conservancy members and $130 for non-members. Visit catalinaconservancy.org to register.

Catalina Marineros Hike from Two Harbors to Little Harbor
Aug.15
Two Harbors
• Join the Catalina Island Conservancy for a 5-mile hike from Two Harbors along the ridge route to Little Harbor. A beach picnic lunch, including beverages, will be served at Little Harbor. There will also be a conservancy staff presentation on current island environmental projects. The hike includes a return bus trip to Two Harbors. Cost is $49 for conservancy members and $59 for non-members. Visit catalinaconservancy.org to register. 

Kid’s Fishing Derby
Wednesdays
Through Aug. 26
• Bring your own rod & reel or dropline and join a fishing guide. Prizes awarded every week following the derby; bait and gear also available on the pier. 7a.m.-9 a.m. For more information: 310-510-0220 ext. 231, CityofAvalon.com.

Circumnavigation of Catalina Island
Aug. 29
Departures from Long Beach and Avalon
• Join the Catalina Island Conservancy for a trip around Santa Catalina Island. After boarding guests in Long Beach and then Avalon, the trip will take guests along the leeward side of the Island to Gallagher’s Cove, where the group can hike nearby trails before enjoying lunch. The tour will continue along the coast toward the West End and then along the windward side of the island. Naturalists will be on board to narrate the trip and answer questions about the geology, marine biology and terrestrial ecology of Catalina Island. Cost is $50 for conservancy members and $60 for non-members. Visit catalinaconservancy.org to register.

Summer Beach Bingo
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
Through Aug. 29
• Bring your beach chair and some friends to the South Beach Lifeguard stand from 6-7 p.m. Bingo cards are $1 each and participants can win fun local prizes. For more information: 310-510-0220 ext. 231, CityofAvalon.com.

Garden to Sky trail hikes and garden tours
Tuesdays & Saturdays
Ongoing
• Join the Catalina Island Conservancy for a naturalist-led hike on the Garden to Sky Trail. This offers a moderate level hike of just 2.4 miles roundtrip, reaching a ridgeline that, on a clear day, rewards trekkers with a 360-degree view of Avalon, the Pacific Ocean and San Clemente Island. Catalina Island Conservancy members can join the hike for free. The cost for all other hikers is $12 for adults and $8 for children. The price includes admission to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. Visitors can make reservations for the hike at the Conservancy House, 125 Claressa Ave. in Avalon, or at the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. The Summer Naturalists also will be offering free 45-minute guided tours of the garden on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, starting at 9:30 a.m. Visitors can learn more at the garden.

Jeep Eco Tours
Ongoing
• Visitors can “go wild” on the Catalina Island Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind naturalist-led Jeep Eco Tours. These 2- or 3-hour open-air Jeep tours offer adventure amid the Island’s spectacular valleys, mountains and beaches. Call 310-510-2595 to register or for more information.