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Nectarine Festivals in California 2026
1 nectarine festival this year.
Nectarine season in California runs June through August, overlapping closely with peaches. The San Joaquin Valley and foothills around Fresno and Tulare counties are the main growing areas. Nectarines are essentially fuzz-free peaches and ripen on the same timeline — early varieties arrive in June, with midsummer bringing the sweetest Yellow Freestone types. Choose fruit that's fragrant, slightly soft at the tip, and deeply colored without green at the stem. Below is the nectarine festival on California's 2026 calendar — each with its dates, location, and a map.
Want to pick your own nectarine in California?
U-pick Nectarine farms in California →Full season guide: when to go, what to look for, and tips for your visit.
Read guide →Still to come
Peaches
PluotsFrequently asked
- When is nectarine season in California?
- Nectarine season in California runs June through August, overlapping closely with peaches. The San Joaquin Valley and foothills around Fresno and Tulare counties are the main growing areas. Nectarines are essentially fuzz-free peaches and ripen on the same timeline — early varieties arrive in June, with midsummer bringing the sweetest Yellow Freestone types. Choose fruit that's fragrant, slightly soft at the tip, and deeply colored without green at the stem. Harvest events and U-pick windows follow the same window — check each listing for exact 2026 dates.
- Can you pick your own nectarine in California?
- Yes — California has pick-your-own nectarine farms where you can harvest your own. See the Gather Grove U-pick nectarine guide for locations and seasons.
- Are nectarine 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.