Only-in-California Events

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the vibrant, eclectic world of events, celebrations, and festivals in California with three noteworthy guests.

First, Johnson chats with Rick Farman and Allen Scott, cofounders of the Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park. Farman and Scott dive into the event’s origin story, evolution, and some of their favorite moments over the years. “A big highlight for me personally was in 2013 when we had Paul McCartney headline the festival,” shares Scott. “It felt like most of the festival was there singing, ‘Hey Jude’ and I had tears in my eyes.”

The two also offer a preview of what attendees can expect this year, including major headliners, immersive art installations, and unexpected features that make Outside Lands a truly San Francisco experience. Beyond the music, the duo highlight the festival’s impressive food, wine, and beer offerings.

Next, travel journalist Katrina Brown Hunt joins the show to share her list of unusual and entertaining events happening across California this summer and fall. From fruit-themed festivals to offbeat cultural celebrations and epic sporting events, Hunt highlights fun, family-friendly happenings that showcase the state’s creativity and character: “Where else are you going to find some good garlic ice cream in the middle of the summer?”

Finally, Johnson welcomes Paolo Di Croce, director general and festival organizer for the Terra Madre Americas food festival, a slow food festival making its U.S. debut this September in Sacramento. Di Croce outlines what visitors can expect from the event’s first U.S. edition, including hands-on workshops, international tastings, live music, panel discussions, and appearances by celebrity chefs. “The goal is really to be open to learn and to try something different,” says Di Croce.

GUESTS

Rick Farman and Allen Scott, cofounders of Outside Lands Music Festival
Katrina Brown Hunt, family travel specialist
Paolo Di Croce, general director of Slow Food and Terra Madre Americas

RESOURCES

Rick Farman and Allen Scott are the cofounders of the Outside Lands Music Festival held in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

Outside Lands Music Festival
San Francisco Bay Area
Golden Gate Park
The Independent
Berkeley Symphony
Castro District
Dolores’
Sonoma Wineries
Napa Wineries

Katrina Brown Hunt is a travel journalist and a family travel specialist based in San Diego County.

San Diego County
Comic-Con International
California State Fair
Orange County
Festival of the Arts, Pageant of the Masters
Laguna Beach
California Wine Month
Universal Studios Hollywood
Halloween Horror Nights
Disneyland Resort
California Adventure Park
Plaza de la Familia
Oogie Boogie Bash
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott's Scary Farm
SeaWorld San Diego
Howl-O-Scream
Gilroy
Gilroy Garlic Festival
Sonoma County
Sebastopol
Gravenstein Apple Fair
Ventura County
Port Hueneme Banana Festival
Port of Hueneme
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Oktoberfest
Modesto
Concord
Encinitas
2026 FIFA World Cup
Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
Huntington Beach
Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing
Oceanside
Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro
Big Bear Mountain Resort
Tour de Big Bear
Pacifica
World Dog Surfing Championships
San Mateo County
San Jose
San Jose Obon Festival
Long Beach
Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival
Oakland
Oakland Chinatown StreetFest
Monterey
Festa Italia
Solvang
Solvang Danish Days
Pasadena
Norton Simon Museum
The Getty Center
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
de Young Museum
Timken Museum of Art
Dana Point
Maritime Festival

Paolo Croce is the general director of Slow Food International and organizes Terra Madre Americas, a Sacramento festival celebrating sustainable farming and diverse food traditions across the Americas.

Terra Madre Americas
Sacramento
Slow Food International

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson
Editorial Director, Jené Shaw
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos