The 2025 summer music festival season is officially here! Artists and music enthusiasts from across the globe are converging in California and the Western U.S. to celebrate a dynamic mix of live performances, community connection, and stunning landscapes. The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) is excited to highlight this year’s festival offerings from our members, showcasing a vibrant and immersive way for both artists and audiences to engage with classical music in some of the most picturesque and unique locations.

Each festival offers its own distinct experience, but they all share a common passion: a deep admiration for composers, musicians, and the communities they serve. There are countless opportunities to enjoy world-class performances and interact with the talented artists who bring these masterpieces to life.

ACSO is thrilled to spotlight ten festivals in our membership network (listed in chronological order), offering a diverse and impressive range of live music in beautiful destinations. The details below have been gathered directly from the websites of each festival.

Ojai Music Festival | June 6 - 8

The Ojai Music Festival represents an ideal of adventurous, open-minded and open-hearted programming in the most beautiful and welcoming of settings, with audiences and artists to match its aspirations. Founded in 1947, the Festival remains a hallmark for groundbreaking musical experiences with a narrative thread guided by a different music director. These annual directors are more than conductors, composers, soloists, or musicians. They are musical thinkers who approach their craft with creativity and responsibility to the present day. Tickets here.

FOOSA Festival | June 14 - 30

FOOSA, Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy, is a pre-professional orchestra that allows advanced musicians of college and high school age to enjoy a side-by-side performance experience with professional faculty members. The program allows advanced young musicians worldwide a fully immersive, two-week Summer program that culminates with a performance at the prestigious Walt Disney Hall. 

FOOSA is facilitated by the Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF). There are three programs, to accommodate various playing levels: FOOSA Philharmonic Program, FOOSA Symphony Orchestra Program, and FOOSA Chamber Orchestra Program. Tickets here.

Music Academy of the West Summer Festival | June 15 - August 9

Dive into an unparalleled blend of world-class performances and musical discovery, from an iconic film score to symphonic works that have inspired generations, set against the stunning backdrop of Santa Barbara.

Experience musical stories as international artists perform alongside the Academy’s stellar young musicians and esteemed teaching artists in 120 orchestra and chamber programs, masterclasses, competitions, and family events. Every note becomes part of your own summer soundtrack. Tickets here.

Music in the Mountains SummerFest | July 10 - August 3

Music in the Mountains (MIM) is a unique organization that marries world-class performances with a deep commitment to music education. Our location in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills’ historic gold rush communities of Grass Valley and Nevada City leads a special ambience to everything.

At the heart of MIM is the SummerFest classical festival. It’s a thriving performing arts festival celebrating music, community, art and culture.

SummerFest features the MIM Festival Orchestra and soloists – comprised of extraordinary professional musicians from all over the country – and our own MIM Chorus of dedicated volunteers. You’ll thrill to powerful masterworks, pop favorites, and new pieces hot off the presses. Tickets here.

Carmel Bach Festival | July 12 - 26

The Carmel Bach Festival began in 1935 as a four-day series of concerts at the Sunset School Auditorium and the Carmel Mission Basilica under the direction of Ernst Bacon. The Festival’s inception coincided with Johann Sebastian Bach’s 250th birthday, and the founders were guided by the premise that Carmel-by-the-Sea should become the epicenter of world-class music, art and cultural expression. Bach’s birthday allowed the founders to use his name to give the new classical music festival a distinctive identity, and while Bach has figured heavily into each season’s repertoire selections, the Festival has always sought to perform a wide range of music. Tickets here.

Mendocino Music Festival | July 12 - 26

A magical blend of fine music by outstanding performers in one of the most enchanting sites in Northern California. Evenings include orchestra concerts, Big Band, chamber music ensembles, dance, blues, jazz, world, folk, bluegrass and popular contemporary music. Daytime concerts include lecture/recitals at the Piano Series, a performance by participants in the Emerging Artists Program, and small concerts in intimate venues throughout the historic town of Mendocino.

Established in 1986, the Mendocino Music Festival was the dream of Allan Pollack, Susan Waterfall and former principal bassoonist of the San Francisco Symphony, the late Walter Green. Tickets here.

Festival Mozaic | July 16 - 26

In May of 1970, a trio of music professors at the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) came together to brainstorm the possibility of starting a summer music festival in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California. A year later, the inaugural season of the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival took place with three performances in venues on Cal Poly's campus, as well as the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Fifty years later, the vision of Clifton Swanson, Ronald Ratcliffe, and John Russell lives on through Festival Mozaic, which hosts a two-week summer festival of more than 30 events, a year-round chamber music and presenting series, and a vibrant virtual presence.  Over its five decades, the Festival has offered an ever-expanding range of programming, including early music, jazz, contemporary music, opera, world music, new commissions and world premieres. The Festival places an emphasis of offering performances in unique Central Coast venues, including the historic Mission and beautiful outdoor spaces, as well as contemporary concert halls. Tickets here.

Bear Valley Music Festival | July 18 - August 3  

The Bear Valley Music Festival is an annual summer event held in the picturesque Bear Valley, California, nestled within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just above 7,200′. This vibrant and diverse music festival brings together renowned artists and ensembles from various genres, including classical, jazz, rock, and pop, for an enriching and entertaining experience. The festival currently begins on the second-to-last Friday in July and ends three Sundays later, drawing a total audience of roughly four thousand attendees. It is held within what is affectionately called the “Big White Tent.” With its stunning natural backdrop, intimate concert setting, and family-friendly atmosphere, the Bear Valley Music Festival has been a cherished cultural tradition for music enthusiasts and nature lovers since its inception in 1967. Tickets here.

Midsummer Mozart Festival | July 25 - 27

The Midsummer Mozart Festival is an annual music festival dedicated to presenting the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Founded in 1974, it's held in the San Francisco Bay Area and features performances by both international soloists and local artists. This year, the festival will feature Guest Conductor Ryan Murray and pianist John Wilson. Tickets here.

Music in the Vineyards Chamber Music Festival | August 1 - 24

This summer, alongside performances of your favorite pieces, we explore how music can be adapted: hear how changes in instrumentation or style can shed new light on the original and reveal hidden nuances and emotional depth. This fresh perspective breathes new life into familiar works. Both in music and life, change doesn’t mean discarding the past but reframes it in a way that keeps it meaningful and relevant. New approaches reinvigorate our lives, allowing us to see both art and opportunities in a new way. This August, experience remarkable music in the stunning backdrop of the Napa Valley — and prepare to be transformed. Tickets here.

 MORE CALIFORNIA MUSIC FESTIVALS HAPPENING THIS SUMMER:

Mainly Mozart Festival  | June 18 - 28 | San Diego, CA

Redlands Bowl Festival | June 20 - August 15 | Redlands, CA

Baroque Music Festival, Corona Del Mar | June 22 - 29 | Corona Del Mar, CA

Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival | July 18 - August 9 | Atherton, CA

Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music | July 27 - August 10 | Santa Cruz, CA