Lake County’s Official Summer Arts and Entertainment Guide

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy 

Wine country is pouring on the good times this summer, with a great lineup of arts and entertainment events across northern California. Some of the hottest summer happenings will go down in the high-altitude mountain region of Lake County, where unspoiled natural scenery makes for the perfect scene to unplug and let the good times roll.
As summer fun starts to get serious, let’s take a look at what summer events are sizzling in California wine country’s Lake County.
Summer Concerts Under the Stars at Langtry Estate (Every First Friday)
Imagine a free outdoor concert at one the most distinguished and historic wineries in all of wine country. That’s what you’ll find at Langtry Estate & Vineyards in Middletown on the first Friday of each month this summer, with country and western band Twang Ditty on July 1 and a classic rock/oldies performance by The Special Guests on Aug. 5. The concerts are free, wine is sold by the glass, and your favorite food trucks will be on hand at these dog- and family-friendly free concerts.
Californio Days – Fiesta of the Horse (June 12)
Lovers of all things equestrian will not want to miss Californio Days – Fiesta of the Horse, a galloping tribute to horses and their role in California’s history and heritage. This family-friendly and free event features an epic horse show, food, beverages, dancing and more, plus a free screening of the new local documentary A Walk Through Time, the Story of Anderson Marsh that covers the fascinating 14,000-year history of Lower Lake’s Anderson Marsh.
Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival (June 18)
While Lake County is known for its top-notch wineries and breweries, the home brewers and vintners come out and shine at the 15th annual Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival. Amateur brewers and winemakers will be pouring their finest samples, with music, food and a vintage Volkswagen bus and van rally. The featured beverages may be for adults, but there’s plenty of fun on hand for kids, too, at this benefit for the Lake County Symphony and Youth Orchestras.
59th Annual Redbud Parade and Festival (July 2)
If you can’t make the legendary Fourth of July celebration in Lakeport and its epic fireworks over Clear Lake, you have another fun Independence Day option that’s literally out of this world.
The Redbud Parade and Festival has a theme of “Star Wars, Out of This World” for its 59th annual celebration with a Saturday parade, plus a carnival with amusement park rides running Thursday through Sunday of July 4 weekend.
Concert and Picnic Under the Oaks at Cache Creek Vineyards (July 2)
Independence Day weekend rocks at Cache Creek Vineyards, a gorgeous, pastoral winery and host to Concert and Picnic Under the Oaks on Saturday of July 4 weekend. Blues-rock bad boys The Swinging Chads will electrify Cache Creek’s outdoor concert stage, with wine available by the glass or by the bottle.
Lakeport Summer Concert Series (Fridays from June 17 to August 19)
The gazebo is rocking all summer long at Lakeport’s Library Park, so bring the blankets, chairs and picnic gear for the Lakeport Summer Concert Series. This summer’s sensational annual series of free Friday night concerts kicks off on June 17 with 70s rock cover bands playing the likes of Aerosmith, J. Geils Band, The Cars and Boston.
July’s concerts feature international Latin stars, Jarabe Mexicano (July 1), jazz fusion artist and guitarist, Lao Tizer (July 8), cajun rockers Tom Rigney & Flambeau (July 15), rockabilly rebels, the Fargo Brothers (July 22), and bluesman Bill Noteman (July 29). August sizzles with country western chanteuse McKenna Faith (August 5), pop cover band Decades (August 12), and surf rockers LC Diamonds (August 19).
Cache Creek’s Annual Boots, Wine and BBQ Dinner Concert (July 16)
There’s even more fun cooking at Cache Creek Vineyards later in July, when Cache Creek’s Annual Boots, Wine and BBQ Dinner Concert presents a great outdoor event where the whole family can get sauced. A good old-fashioned BBQ dinner will be served with a side of foot-stomping live country music from the Kenny Frye Band. Cowboy boots are encouraged, but not required.
Concerts on the Green (Every Third Friday)
Hidden Valley Lake’s Greenview Restaurant and Cafe lives up to its name, with an outstanding view of the exquisitely manicured Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course. But tee time turns into two-step time on the third Friday of each month this summer, with country music at the country club featuring live performances from the likes of J. Silverheels (June 17) and Decades (Aug. 19).
Concerts at the Blue Wing Saloon (Every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday)
It doesn’t matter when you visit Lake County, there are several live concerts every week at the Blue Wing Restaurant and Saloon, a fully restored historical gem that recreates the genuine feel of an 1880s-era saloon. There’s live jazz on the Saloon stage every Sunday, live blues every Monday (reservations required) and Tuesday nights are eclectic with everything from Celtic to bluegrass to classical piano—played on a genuine 1902 Kimball piano.
The music, fine wine and good times are flowing all summer long in northern California’s Lake County. Come see why wine country enthusiasts are talking about the “tasting without the traffic” appeal of Lake County. Pop the cork on this summer’s greatest events in Lake County, where the glass is always half full.