Traveling in Northern California in July is tricky. At the height of summer, the weather is often cold and foggy on the coast but unbearably hot inland. That means that if you’re going to the coast, you should bring layers and expect at least some foggy days; if you’re traveling inland, plan to get out early in the morning and take advantage of the cool evenings.
No matter where you go in Northern California in summer, you can find free things to do: farmers markets bursting with berries and stone fruits, outdoor concerts, and morning hikes. Avoid the region’s most popular areas (Yosemite, South Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, Santa Cruz and San Francisco) on weekends when they will be packed. In summer, the best weather and air can usually be found in the mountains — think beach weather at mountain lakes. To avoid the crowds of Tahoe, try Fallen Leaf Lake and other nearby alpine lakes or the swim holes of the Yuba River (see below).
Despite the challenges of traveling in Northern California in summer, there’s still plenty to do. Here are my ideas for what to do in Northern California this July, from festivals to outdoor concerts and art shows.
Free outdoor concerts
San Francisco: For the past 82 years, the Stern Grove Festival has hosted free outdoor concerts, and the lineup of performers is always impressive. This year’s lineup includes the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, Mitski, Toots and the Maytals, and the Psychedelic Furs. More info here.
When: Sundays at 2:00 through August 19
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Blvd., San Francisco
Calistoga: The town of Calistoga hosts a summer concert-in-the-park series. Alcohol is allowed and wine (from a different winery each week) is available for purchase. More info here.
When: Every Thursday evening 6:30-8:30 through August
Where: Pioneer Park, 1308 Cedar St., Calistoga
Sacramento: Downtown Sac’s concert series attracts a younger crowd with its Friday evening music (with DJs spinning between sets). More info here. Every Friday through July 26, 5:00-9:00 at Cesar Chavez Plaza, 9th & J St., Sacramento
Napa: Lawn Hour Saturdays in Downtown Napa and concerts in the Grove every Friday and Saturday at the CIA Copia in Napa
Lake Sonoma (northern Sonoma County): The new Sunset Music Series at The Ranch at Lake Sonoma features local food, beer, and wine all with a view from the scenic Redwood Barn, perched high above Lake Sonoma. Second and fourth Sundays 4 p.m. to sunset. Free, benefiting local nonprofit groups.
23rd Annual California WorldFest
The California WorldFest is a huge four-day music festival that includes seven stages, yoga, kids’ activities and artist workshops. This year’s lineup includes headliner Lila Downs. Camping is available, but single-day tickets are also available if you want to attend just for one day.
When: July 11-14
Where: Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley
Cost: Varies depending on number of days and camping options. Single-day tickets are $65
Wines & Sunsets at Paradise Ridge, Santa Rosa
Paradise Ridge Winery was destroyed in the 2017 fire that swept through this area. The winery is still rebuilding but is celebrating summer with a concert series held in its outdoor amphitheater. The concerts feature expansive views of vineyards and the Russian River Valley, wines by the glass or bottle, and gourmet food trucks.
When: Every Wednesday evening through September
Where: Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa
Cost: Advance tickets are $10
The San Francisco Marathon
This annual marathon is a huge event, and it’s free for you to come and cheer on the runners. The marathon includes about a dozen “cheer stations” where groups will perform to keep the runners’ spirits up. You can also follow the race on the digital cheer boards and the marathon app.
When: July 28
Where: San Francisco
Cost: Free to attend as a spectator
Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco
Renegade SF is the ultimate craft fair with the work of 300 specially selected artisans. You can see the work of local artists and shop for handmade jewelry, clothing, shoes, eco-friendly furniture and art for the home. There will also be food available to sample and to purchase. And if you haven’t spent time at Fort Mason, it’s reason enough to visit, especially for the waterfront location with views of the Golden Gate.
When: July 13-14
Where: Fort Mason, San Francisco
Cost: Free
Two exhibitions at the SFMOMA
At the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Louise Bourgeois Spiders are still on display through July 14, and the museum has a big exhibition of Warhol’s work in “Andy Warhol: From A to B and Back Again.”
Where: The SFMOMA, San Francisco
When: Daily but closed Wednesdays
Cost: $25 for each adult but tickets for the Warhol exhibit are $35 total (that includes general admission to the rest of the museum)
Berkeley Kite Festival
The Berkeley Kite Festival is a free family-friendly event held in late July. Activities include kite-making lessons, kite competitions, bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, food and live Taiko drummer music. Free shuttles are available from Golden Gate Fields parking lot, but if you choose free parking east of I-80, you can walk or bike across the pedestrian bridge.
When: July 27-28
Where: Berkeley Marina
Cost: Free but parking is $20,
Mendocino Music Festival
Evenings in Mendocino are being transformed by live music from a variety of genres: Big Band, chamber music ensembles, dance, blues, jazz, world, folk, bluegrass and popular contemporary music. Many performances take place in a tent on the beautiful Mendocino Headlands overlooking Mendocino Bay. More info here.
When: July 13-27
Where: Mendocino
Cost: Varies by concert, but many shows start at $15
AIDS Walk, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
The annual AIDS Walk is the most important fundraising event for AIDS in the Bay Area — it benefits a number of local HIV/AIDS organizations and services and has raised more than $90 million since it began in 1987. The walk covers 10k through Golden Gate Park. It’s free to register yourself to participate in the walk, and the website has information about sponsorship, donating and fundraising.
When: July 14
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Cost: Free, but you can make a donation on the website
Swim holes
July is the time to head to the hills to cool off in the swim holes of the South Yuba River. The water comes from the mountains, so it’s crystal clear and cold. Try the secluded Edwards Crossing near Nevada City (where the top photo was taken) or these tips.
What are you looking forward to doing in Northern California this July?
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