Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos offers a strong sense of community and a wide range of summer activities. From outdoor concerts to wine tastings, there's no shortage of events to enjoy. With warm weather and clear skies, it's the perfect time to explore Los Gatos and its surroundings. Grab your sunscreen and discover why Los Gatos is the ultimate summer hotspot!
The Sounds of Summer Bluegrass & Americana Music Festival*
Los Gatos Town Plaza
June 22nd | 12:00pm-9:00pm
Experience the magic of live music at The Sounds of Summer - Bluegrass & Americana Music Festival, a free-to-the-public event celebrating vibrant tunes. Enjoy reserved seating options, delicious food, and beverages, including beer and wine, available for purchase. The El Camino Health Stage will feature:
- 12:00pm - California Blue Runners
- 2:00pm - The Goat Hill Girls
- 4:00pm - Wildcat Mountain Ramblers
- 6:00pm - Andre Thierry Accordion Soul Music
Jazz on the Plazz*
Los Gatos Town Plaza
Every Wednesday | June 26th to August 21st | 6:30pm-8:30pm
Jazz on the Plazz is a beloved summer concert series in Los Gatos that showcases some of the world's top jazz musicians. Held at the Los Gatos Town Plaza, the event is free to attend and offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere for the whole family. Enjoy the sounds of jazz while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Reserved seating options are available for purchase.
- June 26th - Le Jazz Hot Quartet
- July 3rd - Jessica Johnson
- July 10th - Kim Nalley Trio
- July 17th - MJF Regional Band and Vocal Ensemble
- July 24th - Michael Paulo Quartet
- July 31st - Nicolas Bearde with Full Spectrum Jazz Orchestra
- August 7th - Chris Cain Band
- August 21st - CARNAVAL! with Special Guest Artist
4th of July Symphony in the Park*
Oak Meadow Park
July 4th | 10:30am-2:00pm
Celebrate our nation’s independence with a town favorite event, 4th of July Symphony in the Park! Bring a blanket, picnic basket, and your loved ones and enjoy a day filled with food, music, and fun. Take a ride on the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad or carousel. The celebration features food trucks, inflatables, beer & wine garden, and more!
- 10:30am - Event Begins
- 11:00am - Children's Bike Parade
- 12:00pm - Mayor Mary Badame's Welcome, Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation Speaker, and Raising of the Flag Ceremony and National Anthem
- 12:15pm - San Jose Wind Symphony Perform
- 1:00pm - Intermission
- 1:30pm - San Jose Wind Symphony Perform
- 2:00pm - Event Concludes
Music in the Park*
Civic Center Lawn
Every Sunday | July 21st - August 25th | 5:00pm-7:00pm
Since 1988, Music in the Park has brought lively tunes to the Town of Los Gatos! This exciting annual summer event features a variety of musical genres and a fun and energetic atmosphere for all ages. Admission is free!
- July 21st - Alex Lucero
- July 28th - Sam Chase Band
- August 4th - Country Cougars
- August 11th - Boot Juice
- August 18th - Aki Kumar Blues Band
- August 25th - You Should Be Dancin’ - Bee Gee’s Experience
Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival*
Civic Center Lawn
September 21st & 22nd | 10:00am-6:30pm
The annual Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival brings together local artists, musicians, and winemakers. Spend the day browsing unique artwork, sampling award-winning wines, and enjoying live performances! Admission is free and visitors can purchase food, drinks, and crafts from vendors.
Visit Incredible Los Gatos Parks!
There are several beautiful parks in and around the Los Gatos area, making it the perfect place to spend a sunny summer day. Vasona County Lake Park offers incredible views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddle boating, and hiking trails. Oak Meadow Park is a family-friendly destination with a historic carousel, Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Los Gatos Creek Trail offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of town, with miles of paved paths for walking, jogging, or biking. Whether you're looking to get some exercise, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax in nature, Los Gatos parks are not to be missed.
Wine Tasting at Local Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Los Gatos is home to several award-winning wineries and rooms that offer a unique tasting experience. To make the most of your visit, we recommend to go during the quieter weekdays or early in the day on weekends. Most wineries and wine rooms require reservations, consider booking ahead of time to secure your spot.
Testarossa Winery is a popular destination known for its pinot noir and chardonnay. Testarossa will be hosting their annual barrel tasting event on Sunday, July 14th. Enjoy wine straight from the barrel and secure your tickets before they sell out!
Another local favorite, Gali Vineyards specializes in small-batch wines made from estate-grown grapes and has a tasting room in downtown Los Gatos.
Spend a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Located just a 30-minute drive from Los Gatos, Santa Cruz offers a quintessential California beach experience. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features classic rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster and the Looff Carousel, arcade games, carnival food, and live music. When visiting, be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds, bring plenty of sunscreen and consider purchasing a wristband for unlimited rides. After exploring the boardwalk, take a short walk to neighboring beaches like Cowell or Main Beach for some sun, surf, and sand.
Movies On The Beach*
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Every Friday | June 14th - August 9th | 9:00pm
A beloved summer tradition, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk puts on free Movies On The Beach every Friday night! Bring your own blanket or low-rise chair, sit back and enjoy the show! Arrive early and find the best spot on the sand. As the sun sets and the cool ocean breeze sets in, be sure to bring a jacket to stay warm.
- June 14th - Lost Boys (additional activities)
- June 21st - Book of Life
- June 28th - Barbie
- July 5th - The Sandlot
- July 12th - The Endless Summer (additional activities)
- July 19th - Wonka (2023)
- July 26th - Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- August 2nd - Trolls (2016)
- August 9th - Goonies
Summer Discount Nights*
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Mondays - Thursdays | June 17th - August 8th (excludes July 4th) | After 6:00pm
Beat the crowds and the heat by visiting the Boardwalk during their Summer Discount Nights! Enjoy reduced prices on unlimited ride wristbands, which are only $24.95 on Mondays through Thursdays after 6pm (excluding July 4th). As the sun sets, the rides come alive with colorful lights!
What are your Los Gatos summer plans?
Los Gatos is a charming town with plenty of activities to enjoy during the summer months. From festivals for the whole family to wine tasting in the valley, there's something for everyone to experience.
If you want to make Los Gatos your permanent home, don't hesitate to start exploring the homes for sale in Los Gatos with the Amy McCafferty Team. Our expertise in Los Gatos real estate can help you find your dream home. For more information on the benefits of living in Los Gatos, check out our Los Gatos neighborhood page.
*All event information is deemed reliable, but always subject to change. Before attending, please refer to the official event pages linked in this article for any changes or updates.
