August might be the Southwest's most surprising month for festivals. One weekend, you can watch world-class surfers carve waves in Huntington Beach. The next, you're stomping grapes in Arizona wine country, cheering on rodeo champions in Payson or celebrating Palisade's famous peaches in Colorado. From Japanese cultural traditions and sci-fi conventions to food festivals, skateboarding legends and classic cars, here are the can't-miss August events in the Southwest.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
US Open of Surfing | July 25-Aug. 2 | Huntington Beach
“Carrying on the tradition of major competitive surfing at Huntington Beach since 1959, the US Open of Surfing has evolved into one of the largest action sports festivals in the country.”
Learn more at usopenofsurfing.com.
Chon Kit Leong
Nisei Week Japanese Festival | Aug. 15-23 | Los Angeles
Nisei Week is an annual Japanese American cultural festival held in Los Angeles' historic Little Tokyo that celebrates heritage and traditions. Enjoy events such as the Grand Parade, taiko drumming, traditional Japanese dance, cultural exhibits, martial arts demonstrations and live entertainment.
Learn more at niseiweek.org.
Laguna Art-A-Fair | Aug 1-31 | Laguna Beach
“August is prime time to experience the Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters, but it’s not the only way to experience Laguna Beach’s artsy summer fun. Admire the array of paintings, photography, woodcraft, sculpture, gourds, and more by award-winning fine artists and artisans at the Art-A-Fair, held down the street from the Pageant of the Masters.”
Learn more at visitcalifornia.com/experience/august-events-california.
ARIZONA
Visit Tucson
HarvestFest | Aug. 1 | Sonoita
“Join us August 1st, from 10-5pm, Grape Stomping at 1pm, for a day of fun, wine, and celebration at 290 Elgin Canelo Rd. This is a grand festival, with hundreds of guests participating in the activities including grape stomping competitions, taste the latest releases from our local wineries, enjoy live music, and savor delicious food from our vendors. Artisinal and Craft Vendors will also be here.”
Learn more at sonoitavineyards.com/event/harvestfest-2026-at-sonoita-vineyards.
Prescott Fine Art & Wine Festival | Aug. 1-2 | Prescott
“An outdoor event on the historic Courthouse Plaza. Showcasing a juried exhibition of outstanding fine art vendors and featuring a variety of all-ages activities including artist demonstrations, kids’ art, and interactive art activities!”
Learn more at visitarizona.com/events.
Gathering of the Ghouls | Aug. 22-23 | Mesa
“Gathering of the Ghouls is Arizona’s annual celebration of horror, Halloween, and spooky creativity—bringing together fans, artists, cosplayers, and horror celebrities for one unforgettable weekend. With 100+ horror vendors, interactive themed photo ops, and meet-and-greets with iconic horror celebrities, this is where the spooky season truly begins.”
Learn more at gatheringoftheghouls.com.
World’s Oldest Continuing Rodeo | Aug. 19-22 | Payson
“The August Rodeo is steeped in tradition and holds dear the title of "best small town rodeos in the world." From bull riding to team roping the weekend is jammed packed full of family fun and bucking broncos. You will see a full PRCA rodeo with the following events:Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Women's Breakaway, Mutton Bustin and Jr. Steer Riding.”
Learn more at paysonprorodeo.com/worlds-oldest-continuous-rodeo.
NEW MEXICO
Printers Planet Festival | Aug. 2 | Santa Fe
“The Printer’s Planet Festival is an outdoor all-day print maker event always reflecting a wide range of all things printed, from traditional fine art to more community and cultural practices.”Learn more at theprintersplanet.com.
Bobonicon | Aug 21-23 |Albuquerque
“Bubonicon is New Mexico’s best and longest-running Sci-Fi & Fantasy literary and arts convention. Join us in Albuquerque for a great weekend of fun! We have panels and presentations (featuring top authors, artists, and scientists), a costume contest, art show, dealer’s room, Green Slime Awards, charity auctions, fan programming, and much more!”
Learn more at bubonicon.com.
8750’ Festival | Aug. 12-14 | Red River
“Spend a few days in the mountains of Red River, NM listening to great music in the midst of a unique festival experience...The festival kicks off with dinner and a concert lakeside at Bitter Creek Ranch. Each night wraps with music at the historic Motherlode Saloon. Music in Brandenburg Park starts on Friday alongside the best BBQ & chili cooks from across the Southwest will compete to prove their skills and compete for cash, prizes, and bragging rights.”
Learn more at 8750festival.com.
WEST TEXAS
AMA-CON | Aug. 1 | Amarillo
“Amarillo's original pop culture convention, AMA-CON, is a celebration of comics, anime, gaming, science fiction, and everything else that is geeky and awesome!
AMA-CON offers Q&As with authors and artists, photo opportunities, five different Cosplay contests, activities for kids, video and tabletop games, an escape room, and so much more!”
Learn more at visitamarillo.com/events.
Midland County Fair | Aug. 20-23
“The Midland County Fair is a four-day annual celebration of West Texas heritage, agriculture, entertainment and community…Going into its 16th year, the Fair has expanded its programming featuring a diverse lineup of attractions including rodeo events, livestock shows, concerts, carnival rides, cultural performances, competitions, vendor marketplaces and family entertainment for all ages.”
Learn more at midlandcountyfair.com.
COLORADO
Opera in the Park | Aug. 1-2 | Boulder
“Boulder Opera presents its summer Opera in the Park event in late July. Enjoy one of their most popular events under the stars while having a picnic with your family, friends, or a romantic date.”
Learn more at uncovercolorado.com/events.
Palisade Peach Festival | Aug. 21-22 | Palisade
“Palisade Peach Days is back for its third year! Enjoy a week full of peachy celebrations, from the classic Peach Days Parade and Just Peachy 5K & 10K to the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast and the beloved Palisade Peach Festival.”
Learn more at palisadecoc.com/events/palisadepeachfest.
Denver Food + Wine Festival | Aug. 26-29
“Discover Colorado's restaurant and bar scene at the annual Denver Food + Wine Festival on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Taste incredible dishes from 50+ restaurants across the state while sipping on an amazing showcase of wines, cocktails, and N/A drinks during the Grand Tasting. The event is a huge celebration of Colorado's culinary scene and an answer to the question: "Where should we go to eat and drink?" The festival is the best way to discover new restaurants and bars and serves as the largest fundraiser for the Colorado restaurant industry.”
Learn more at denverfoodandwine.com.
UTAH
Helper Arts Festival | Aug. 20-23 | Helper
“The Helper Arts Festival is a celebration of creativity, culture, and community set against the dramatic landscape of Carbon County, Utah. Each August, Helper comes alive with live music, plein aire painting, gallery strolls, a classic car show, local vendors, and so much more.”
Learn more at helperartsfestival.com.
Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert | Aug. 21-22 | Salt Lake
“The ‘Utah Sports Commission presents Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert’ is a FREE two-day vert skateboarding competition and Tony Hawk and Friends Demo featuring some of the legends of skateboarding and more. Vert Alert attracts the best vert skateboarders from around the world, past and present.”
Learn more at thvertalert.com.
SOUTHERN NEVADA
Trivia Nationals | Aug. 7-9 | Las Vegas
“Are you an aspiring contestant or a hardcore fan? Trivia Nationals is the premier gathering place for past, present, and future game show champions. Dozens of former Jeopardy! champions, multi-game streaks, and Tournament of Champions finalists are part of our community. Come practice your buzzer timing, test your deep-archive knowledge, and get real-world advice from the people who have actually walked out onto that stage.”
Learn more at trivianationals.org.
Hot August Nights | July 31-Aug. 8 | Reno
“Get ready, Reno-Sparks! Hot August Nights is back and bigger than ever for our 40th Anniversary Celebration! For 10 straight days, the streets rumble with horsepower, music fills the air, and the nostalgia of the 50s, 60s, and 70s takes center stage.
Since 1986, Hot August Nights has grown into one of the largest classic car events in the world, with 6,000 officially registered vehicles (1979 or older) rolling into the Reno-Tahoe region.”
Learn more at hotaugustnights.net.