Citrus Festivals in California 2026
14 citrus festivals this year.
Citrus season in California peaks December through March, though the window varies by variety. Navel oranges and clementines are at their best December through February; Valencia oranges run later, into spring. Lemons are available nearly year-round from the Central Coast and Inland Empire. Most California citrus comes from the San Joaquin Valley (Tulare and Fresno counties) and Ventura County. Below are the 14 citrus festivals on California's 2026 calendar — each with its dates, location, and a map.
Want to pick your own citrus in California?
U-pick Citrus farms in California →Full season guide: when to go, what to look for, and tips for your visit.
Read guide →Still to come
California Festival of Fruit (CRFG)
June 9–14, 2026 · Tue–Sun
Fullerton
Mixed
Mixed BerriesAn annual multi-day celebration of rare and unusual fruit hosted by the California Rare Fruit Growers, featuring garden and orchard tours, expert talks, and fruit tastings.
Santa Paula Citrus Festival (Kiwanis Citrus Festival)
July 17–19, 2026 · Fri–Sun
Santa Paula
A three-day Kiwanis-run celebration of Santa Paula's citrus-growing heritage with carnival rides, food, and live music.
Chula Vista Lemon Festival
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Chula Vista · Free
A zesty street party celebrating Chula Vista's heritage as the "Lemon Capital of the World."
Goleta Lemon Festival
September 26–27, 2026 · Sat–Sun
Goleta · Free
A free two-day celebration of Goleta's citrus heritage drawing over 100,000 visitors.
Mountain Mandarin Festival
November 20–22, 2026 · Fri–Sun
Auburn
A 30-year Placer County tradition celebrating the foothills' famous Owari mandarin harvest.
UC Lindcove Citrus Fruit Display & Tasting
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Exeter · Free
Sample over 200 freshly harvested citrus varieties at UC's Lindcove research center in Exeter.
Earlier in 2026
Fresno County Blossom Trail
February 4 – March 15, 2026
Sanger · Free
PeachesA free 62-mile self-guided drive through Fresno County orchards in pink-and-white bloom.
Cloverdale Citrus Fair
February 13–16, 2026 · Fri–Mon
Cloverdale
A century-old Sonoma County tradition celebrating the citrus harvest over Presidents' Day weekend.
Highland Citrus Harvest Festival
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Highland · Free
A free street festival celebrating Highland's citrus-growing heritage in the city's Historic District.
Riverside Citrus Festival
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Riverside · Free
A free celebration of Riverside's citrus heritage at California Citrus State Historic Park.
Ojai Pixie Tangerine Month
April 1–30, 2026
Ojai · Free
All of April celebrates Ojai's prized seedless Pixie tangerines across the valley's restaurants, shops, and farms.
National Orange Show Festival
April 15–19, 2026 · Wed–Sun
San Bernardino
A century-old citrus celebration with rides, food, and orange-themed fun in San Bernardino.
Lindsay Orange Blossom Festival
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Lindsay · Free
A citrus-country tradition celebrating Lindsay's orange harvest with a parade, carnival, and small-town pride.
Upland Lemon Festival
June 5–7, 2026 · Fri–Sun
Upland · Free
Three days of live music, carnival rides, and lemony fun in Historic Downtown Upland.
Frequently asked
- When is citrus season in California?
- Citrus season in California peaks December through March, though the window varies by variety. Navel oranges and clementines are at their best December through February; Valencia oranges run later, into spring. Lemons are available nearly year-round from the Central Coast and Inland Empire. Most California citrus comes from the San Joaquin Valley (Tulare and Fresno counties) and Ventura County. Harvest events and U-pick windows follow the same window — check each listing for exact 2026 dates.
- Can you pick your own citrus in California?
- Yes — California has pick-your-own citrus farms where you can harvest your own. See the Gather Grove U-pick citrus guide for locations and seasons.
- Are citrus festivals in California free?
- It varies — many are free community events, while others are ticketed. Each festival's page on Gather Grove lists its admission.