CATALINA ISLAND

EVENTS

2010

January
1/16 Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run The 28th Annual Run crosses Catalina Island from Avalon to Two Harbors and back! Run where the buffalo roam 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

February
2/1-6/6 Catalina Island Plein Air Painting Sponsored by the Society for the Advancement of Plein Air Painting, this annual exhibition features contemporary impressionistic outdoor style paintings showcasing the beauty of Catalina Island by many talented plein air artists. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

2/20 29th 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

2/27 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

March
3/13 Catalina Marathon The Catalina Marathon will return in 2010 for its 33rd Anniversary! The 26.2 mile trail run takes athletes from Two Harbors to Avalon, as the run through the interior of the island – something very few visitors ever get to see. Pacific Sports LLC (714) 978-1528; www.PacificSportsLLC.com or email info@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

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

4/10 15th 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

4/22 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

4/22 Earth Day 2010 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

4/25 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

May
5/1 Catalina Island Rugby Festival This is a Master’s Rugby event for players over 40 and over 50. Proceeds from this event go to assist the Wellness Community, South Bay Cities, which provides no cost counseling and support of cancer patients, their families and friends. (310) 545-7698; tjohendrix@att.net or www.catalinarugby.org
5/15 23rd Annual Silent Film Benefit This annual event features a classic silent film shown in the Casino building’s historic Avalon Theatre with live accompaniment on the beautiful Page Organ. All proceeds benefit the Catalina Island Museum. The benefit starts at 1pm. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

5/15 The Avalon Ball A dance featuring the big band music of the 1920’s and 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

June
6/3 6th 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

6/3-6/6 3rd Annual Flying Fish Festival Join us for the 3rd 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

6/28-8/20 Summer Day Camp 2010 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) 510-1987

6/29-8/26 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. For more information please call the City of Avalon Recreation Department (310) 510-1987

6/30-8/25 Kid’s Fishing Derby (each Wednesday) City of Avalon Recreation Department (310) 510-1987

July
7/3-1/2/11 Gems of the Photograph Collection Selected from our extensive photo archives which numbers in the tens of thousands, this exhibition showcases the very best of our collection including some rare original prints. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

7/4 Annual 4th of July Parade, Fireworks Display, Dinner at the Casino Ballroom The golf cart parade down Crescent Avenue begins at 1pm. Enjoy a BBQ buffet dinner & music of the USC Marching Band in the Casino Ballroom with premium balcony viewing for the fireworks display over Avalon. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com

7/17 13th Annual Gold Star Dive Skin and scuba divers search for gold stars in Casino Point Underwater Park. This event is a fundraiser 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; www.catalinagoldstardive.org

August
8/30-8/31 20th Annual Church Mouse Marlin Invitational Non-profit marlin fishing tournament, all proceeds donated to Catalina youth. Over $768,000 has been raised over the last 19 years! For more information call (310) 467-2371 or visit www.ChurchMouse.org.

September
Date TBA Zane Grey Invitational Marlin Tournament Striped marlin fishing tournament limited to a maximum of 45 teams. Boasting a cash purse over $350,000, anglers engage in friendly competition over the four day event. Offshore Tournaments, Inc. (714) 258-0445; www.catalinaclassic.com

9/17-9/19 52nd Annual Festival of Art Artists from all over the country exhibit along Crescent Avenue and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Catalina Art Association (310) 510-0808; www.catalinaartassociation.org

9/19-9/21 Avalon Billfish Classic 100% release marlin tournament using circle hooks only. Offshore Tournaments, Inc. (714) 258-0445; www.catalinaclassic.com

9/19-9/21 Catalina Classic Southern California’s largest billfish tournament! 50 teams will compete for more than $250,000 in cash and prizes. Offshore Tournaments, Inc. (714) 258-0445; www.catalinaclassic.com.

9/25 Catalina Island Women’s Forum Wine Festival 15th annual fundraiser 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

October
10/1-10/3, 10/8-10/10, 10/15-10/17 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

10/23 Catalina Island Festival of World Music This family friendly music festival will be held at the Field of Dreams, from 11am-dark. 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

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 The party starts at 9pm where you can sing all the monster favorites with over 20,000 songs from which to choose. Costume contest with prizes! Full bar and dinner available from 5-9pm. No cover, must be 21 and over. El Galleon Restaurant (310) 510-1188; www.CatalinaHotSpots.com

November
11/6 Catalina Island Triathlon Features a half-mile swim in the calm waters of Avalon Bay, a 15K three-loop cycle course to Wrigley Memorial and a 3K run course to Hamilton Cove. Call Pacific Sports (714) 978-1528; www.PacificSportsLLC.com

11/11 Catalina Island Museum Telethon Broadcast live from 7-10pm on Catalina Cable’s Channel 3 as well as online at eCatalina.com, featuring musicians, dancers, comedians and much more! All proceeds support the programs and activities of the Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414; www.catalinamuseum.org

11/12-11/14 Catalina Jazz Dance Festival This unique and special dance camp experience celebrates the Swing Era (1935-1946) in the world famous Casino Ballroom. 2 Ply Swing Productions (619) 347-9366; www.2PlySwing.com

11/13 Catalina Island Eco-Marathon The 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

December
12/5 17th Annual “Shop At Home” Night A one-night shopping extravaganza with holiday discounts, strolling carolers and prize drawings. Shop At Home Night kicks off with a holiday tree lighting ceremony on Wrigley Stage. Get your picture taken with Santa when you bring 2 canned goods for a food drive to El Galleon from 6pm-8:30pm. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com

12/19 Tour of Lights City of Avalon Recreation Department (310)510-1987

12/31 El Galleon Restaurant & Antonio’s Pizzeria Annual New Year’s Eve Parties Tickets to enter both parties are $10 per person, which includes party favors and champagne at midnight. 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 38th 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 2010. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520; www.CatalinaChamber.com

Ongoing Events

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 & program dates/times call (310) 510-0954; www.catalinaconservancy.org

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 are included. There is a fee & reservations are required. For reservations, dates & times descriptions call 310-510-0954; www.catalinaconservancy.org

Every Tuesday & Saturday, Catalina Island Museum History Walk Join the museum on a walk into Catalina Island’s past. Learn about the founding of Avalon, William Wrigley Jr.’s development of the island into a world renowned resort destination, the stories of Avalon’s key landmarks and much more. Catalina Island Museum (310) 510-2414; www.catalinamuseum.org