(Updated for what to do in Northern California in June 2025) Summer in Northern California means that the heat has arrived, but only in some areas — the coast is already in its summer mode with cool temperatures and plenty of cloud cover and fog. But no matter the weather, it definitely feels like summer around here. Kids are getting out of school, outdoor concert series have begun, and farmers markets are bursting with berries and stone fruits.
Everywhere you go, you can find free things to do: farmers markets, outdoor concerts, Pride events and morning hikes. If possible, avoid Yosemite, Tahoe, Napa Valley and San Francisco on weekends — June is high season for travel, and those places will be packed! If it’s hot, try the swim holes of the Yuba River.
What to do in Northern California in June
Summer Concert Series:
Free outdoor concerts is one of the best tips for what to do in Northern California in June. Here are 4 concert series:
San Francisco: The Stern Grove Festival in Golden Gate Park: An amazing lineup of free concerts on Sundays starting on June 15 (free)
Sacramento: Downtown Concerts in the Park, Cesar Chavez Park every Friday evening 5:00-9:00 PM (free) May-June 2025. All ages.
Napa: Outdoor concerts at the Meritage Resort
Truckee: Wednesdays at Truckee Regional Park, 6:30-8:30pm, June 18-August 27, 2025
Cosumnes River Preserve Walk
Join docents through this nature preserve, just outside of Sacramento where migrating birds and other wildlife call home for photography tours, butterfly counts, and more. More info here.
Where: Cosumnes River Preserve, south of Sacramento
When: Various dates in June
Cost: Free
North Beach Festival, San Francisco
San Francisco’s oldest street fair holds its 70th annual event this June, with over 150 craft and art booths plus gourmet food, live music, Italian style street painting, and a blessing of the animals both days. It is kid-friendly! More info here. See more about this fun Italian neighborhood in my San Francisco day trip post.
Where: Columbus and Grant Avenues and surrounding streets, North Beach, San Francisco
When: June 14-15, 2025
Cost: Free
Truckee Reggae Fest
An all-ages, family-friendly event near Lake Tahoe featuring internationally known reggae artists, arts and crafts, food trucks and a beer garden hosted by a local non-profit organization. Children 6 and under are free. Plus Truckee is a fun town to spend a couple of days in! Info & tickets here.
Where: Truckee Outdoor Amphitheater, Truckee (near Lake Tahoe)
When: June 21, 2025, 3-10 PM
Cost: $58.54
View the new murals in Sacramento
Every year Sacramento is blessed with the talent of local and international artists during its Wide Open Walls mural fest. Painting of this year’s murals is taking place in May, making June a great time to check out the new (and old) works.
I suggest getting the map and planning a couple fo short walking tours (there are so many murals that you needn’t plan much; you’ll run into them as you wander). My favorite areas are R Street between about 10th and 15th.
Where: Sacramento, especially Midtown
When: Any time
Cost: Free
San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade, San Francisco
The San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest LGBT gathering in the United States. More than 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and 20 venues and stages will make up this two-day celebration.
Where: Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco
When: June 28-29 2025
Cost: Free but a $1 donation is suggested
Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, Grass Valley
San Francisco Jazz Festival
For more than 30 years, SFJAZZ presented the San Francisco Jazz Festival in venues around the Bay Area. If you love jazz or just world-class music performances, this is for you. SFJAZZ has incredible shows year round but has a Summer Jazz festival that begins every June. Schedule & info here.
Where: SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St.
When: June 13-15, 2025
Cost: Varies depending on the show
Crocker Art Museum Events
The beautiful Crocker Art Museum in downtown Sacramento has recently improved its offerings and has something for everyone. There are events for kids and families, live music, art workshops, architecture tours, yoga classes, and more. See their list of current events here.
On the second Thursday of every month, the evening comes alive with ArtMix. This is a big event with a different theme every month and includes live music, dancing, crafts, drinks, and the opportunity to tour the museum and visit current exhibitions. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Sacramento. Highly recommended! Free for members, $25 for non-members.
Where: Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento
When: Ongoing
Cost: Varies depending on the event. Most are free for members.
What ideas do you have for what to do in Northern California in June? I’d love to hear!
