Banff Mountain Film Festival 2025 - Pasadena
2026-03-03 | CA
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings a selection of films from the annual Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival to audiences around the world. Known for highlighting stories of exploration, outdoor adventure, and environmental issues, the tour stops in hundreds of locations across more than 40 countries each year.

The films, which range from extreme sports to conservation efforts, are selected from the festival’s lineup of award-winning entries and audience favorites. Featuring stories from diverse landscapes and cultures, the tour offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of adventurers, athletes, and storytellers.
Tour stops in Southern California for 2026 include:
January 23–24, 2026San Luis Obispo, CA – Live to Play📞 (513) 409-0009📧 slo.banff@mountaingear.com
February 24–25, 2026Santa Barbara, CA – UCSB Arts & Lectures at the Arlington Theatre📞 (805) 893-3535📧 info@artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
February 28 – March 1, 2026San Diego, CA – Great Adventure Productions📧 gapspecialevents@gmail.com
March 3, 2026Pasadena, CA – California Institute of Technology, Caltech Alpine Club📞 (610) 392-2570📧 akeebler@caltech.edu
March 10–11, 2026Costa Mesa, CA – Orange Coast College Library📞 (714) 432-0202 ext. 21058📧 cmorgan@occ.cccd.edu
April 26, 2026Irvine, CA – Irvine Barclay Theatre📞 (949) 854-4646📧 tickets@thebarclay.org

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2026 - Costa Mesa
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-11 | CA

Flash Foxy Climbing Festival
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15 | Tri County Fairgrounds, 475 Sierra Street, Bishop, CA, 93514, United States
The Flash Foxy Climbing Festival is a climbing festival that take place in Bishop, California. This annual event, nestled in the stunning Eastern Sierras, is a gathering of women and genderqueer climbers of all levels. The festival will feature a variety of activities, including climbing clinics, workshops, panel discussions, and social events.
The focus of the festival is on fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. Organizers are committed to providing a safe and respectful space for all participants. In addition to climbing, the event will highlight environmental stewardship through volunteer projects and educational presentations.
Flash Foxy also holds a trad climbing festival in fall, which most recently was held in New Hampshire.

Overland Expo Southern California 2026
2026-03-14 - 2026-03-15 | Orange County Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA, United States
Overland Expo SoCal is a large overlanding event in Costa Mesa, California, that features several days of vendor exhibits, demonstrations, classes, and community activities. The organizers host several other versions of the expo in other parts of the country, in Arizona, Colorado, Washington and Virginia.
The event featured over 250 exhibitors and offers attendees more than 100 hours of educational programming, ranging from essential skills in the Overland Essentials Area to outdoor cooking demonstrations in the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion. The event includes a DIY & Showcase Area, where visitors can explore customized vehicles and builds, along with opportunities to participate in roundtable discussions.
The Oasis Bar & Food Court provides space for casual gatherings, while evening activities include a Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm, followed by a charity raffle hosted by the Overland Expo Foundation, which supports conservation initiatives and public land access.

Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari 2026
2026-03-19 - 2026-03-21 | Truckhaven, 2098 Frontage Road, Thermal, California, 92217, United States
The Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari is an annual off-roading event held by the Tierra Del Sol Four-Wheel Drive Club, one of the oldest off-roading clubs in the United States. It’s the longest-running 4×4 driving event on the West Coast.
Desert Safari typically takes place in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is home to Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreational Area, a large portion of the desert set aside for off-road activities. The event usually offers a central festival, camping and organized off-roading trail runs.

You can find out more at the event website and by registering for email updates. Also, check out their Facebook group.

Sage Brush Safari 2026
2026-03-28 08:00 - 2026-03-29 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Corral Canyon, Fred Canyon Rd, Pine Valley, CA, 91962, United States
The Sagebrush Safari is a mountain bike event featuring a number of different courses held at Corral Canyon and Lake Moreno in Cleveland National Forest in eastern San Diego County.
Organized by Quick n’ Dirty Racing, the race passed through multi-use trails and public roads in a remote mountainous region of Southern California.
The main race is a 27-mile cross-country course held at Corral Canyon. The event also typically includes additional cross-country lengths, gravel courses, and E-bike division and kids rides.

The Wave — Coyote Buttes North August 2026 Permit Lottery Open
2026-04-01 - 2026-04-30 | CA
Coyote Buttes North, located in the Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness on the Arizona-Utah border, is home to The Wave — a sandstone rock formation known for its sweeping, layered curves and difficult access. Permits are strictly limited to 64 visitors per day and are distributed entirely by lottery through recreation.gov, making this one of the most competitive permit draws in the American Southwest.
The lottery for each months opens several months in advance: see the table below.
You enter the lottery here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/274309
The windows to apply for August 2026 opens and closes in April. Applications are submitted at recreation.gov and winners are selected randomly — applying early within the window offers no advantage over applying later. The online lottery costs $9 per application regardless of outcome, and winning permits are $9 per person. Each application can include up to six people.
The trailhead is located near the Utah-Arizona border outside Kanab, UT, and requires a high-clearance vehicle to access via dirt road. There is no marked trail to The Wave itself — navigating to the formation requires a map and basic route-finding ability. The permit includes access to the full Coyote Buttes North area, which contains several additional formations beyond The Wave worth exploring if you make the draw.

Important Dates

Dates
Information

January 1, 2026 – January 31, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during May

February 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during May

February 1, 2026 – February 28, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during June

March 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during June

March 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during July

April 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during July

April 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during August

May 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during August

May 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during September

June 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during September

June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during October

July 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during October

July 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during November

August 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during November

August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during December

September 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during December

September 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during January

October 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during January

October 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during February

November 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during February

November 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during March

December 1, 2026
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during March

December 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Lottery open to applications for permits during April

January 1, 2027
Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during April

San Diego Spartan Race 2026
2026-04-18 00:00 - 2026-04-19 00:00 | Palomar Mountain, California, United States
The San Diego Spartan Race is a Trifecta weekend bringing Sprint, Super, and Beast distances to the hills near Palomar Mountain in spring 2026. The Sprint covers 5K with 20 obstacles, the Super runs 10K with 25, and the Beast goes the full 21K with 30 obstacles — all on the same venue over two days, making it possible to complete all three and earn a Trifecta medal in a single weekend.
The course is set in rugged SoCal terrain with significant climbing, technical obstacles, and the full Spartan lineup of walls, ropes, mud, and carries. A Kids Race is also available for younger participants. Spectator passes are sold separately.
Registration and full event details are available at spartan.com.

SoCalTrail: Point Mugu Trail Run 2026
2026-04-18 08:00 | Ray Miller Trailhead, La Jolla Canyon
The Point Mugu Trail Run puts you on the Ray Miller Trail for 3 miles of ocean-view switchbacks before dropping into Sycamore Canyon via the Backbone Trail and finishing with the leg-burning Fireline climb back out. The half-marathon covers 13.4 miles; the 10k turns around at the top of Fireline. Both courses are fully supported with aid stations, chip timing, and post-race tacos and beer garden. A $500 course record bonus is up for grabs on the half-marathon. This is Race #2 of the 2026 SoCalTrail Trail ½ Series.
Register at ultrasignup.com.

Mt. Whitney FCFS Permits Released
2026-04-22 07:00 | Mt. Whitney Trailhead, Whitney Portal
The Mt. Whitney permit lottery ran February 1–March 1, with results posted March 15. Any permits that went unclaimed after the April 21 acceptance deadline are released on April 22 at 7AM PT on recreation.gov on a first-come, first-served basis.
Both day hike and overnight permits are available for the quota season running May 1 through November 1. If you didn’t enter the lottery or didn’t win a permit, this is your next best shot at a Whitney date this season — but these go fast. Have your recreation.gov account ready and be logged in before 7AM. Here is the URL for more info: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445860

Archipelago Ride 2026
2026-04-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Gravity Heights Brewing, 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
The Archipelago Ride, organized by the San Diego Mountain Biking Association, is a unique mountain biking festival that takes riders on a journey through several trail systems in San Diego. Full Arch Ride:

Distance: Approximately 45 miles
Elevation Gain: Almost 4500 feet
Route: A point-to-point epic from San Marcos to Gravity Heights Brewing in Mira Mesa

Half Arch Ride:

Distance: Approximately 24 miles
Elevation Gain: Over 1800 feet
Route: A point-to-point ride from Black Mountain Open Space Park to Gravity Heights Brewing in Mira Mesa
Electric mountain bikes are allowed on the Half Arch

Both rides are designed for intermediate riders with appropriate conditioning, and require riders to tackle serious terrain and elevation gains. The ride concludes with a Finish Line Luau held at Gravity Heights Brewing in Mira Mesa, where riders can socialize, enjoy food and drinks, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Note: Registration for the Archipelago Ride fills up quickly, so it’s recommended to sign up early to secure a spot.
Here’s a video from SDMBA video from the 2022 ride:

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2026 - Irvine
2026-04-26 00:00 | CA

Big Bear Spartan Race
2026-05-16 - 2026-05-17 | Big Bear Mountain Resort, 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315, United States
The Big Bear Spartan Race is set to take place at the Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake, CA. This event is part of the Spartan Trifecta Weekend and features various race formats designed to challenge participants of different skill levels.
The event will include the following races:

Spartan Sprint (5K): This is the shortest course with 20 obstacles and a significant elevation gain of 1732 feet. It serves as an introduction to the Spartan race world.
Spartan Super (10K): A more challenging course with 25 obstacles, set in rugged terrain and high-altitude.
Spartan Beast (21K): This is a grueling 21K course with 30 obstacles, designed to test both physical strength and mental toughness.
Spartan Kids Race: Catered to children aged 4-13, this race offers different distances based on age, allowing young Spartans to experience the thrill of the race,

Spectator passes are available for those who wish to watch the event. Additionally, the weekend offers a chance for participants to complete the Spartan Trifecta by finishing the Sprint, Super, and Beast races.
Located at Big Bear Mountain Resort, the venue is known for its challenging climbs, taking participants as high as 8,200 feet above sea level. Besides the race, the area offers a range of entertainment, local culture, food, and lodging options.
The Spartan Race is a series of obstacle races of varying distance and difficulty, ranging from 3 miles to marathon distances. These races are known for their physically and mentally challenging obstacles, which test a participant’s endurance, strength, and agility.
Here’s a video from a past race:

SoCalTrail: Pacifico Ultra 2026
2026-05-30 07:30 | Angeles National Forest
The Pacifico Ultra takes place at Mill Creek Summit in the Angeles National Forest, offering a 50k and half-marathon through pine forests and high-desert terrain above the Mojave. The 50k covers 31.8 miles with 5,621 feet of elevation gain, spending most of its miles between 5,000 and 7,100 feet — expect real mountain conditions, including temperatures that can swing from the mid-50s to the mid-80s on race day. The half-marathon charges straight to Pacifico Summit and back with 2,510 feet of gain. The 50k is the only Silver Ticket qualifier for the Angeles Crest 100-mile Endurance Run, with the top two male and female finishers earning guaranteed entry.
Register at ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129412

Switchfoot Bro-Am 2026
2026-06-11 - 2026-06-13 | CA
The Switchfoot Bro-Am is an annual surfing and music festival held in San Diego that raises money to provide grants to organizations that provide services to homeless, at-risk and disadvantaged youth.
The summer festival is two events a benefit party and a concert/beach party. The benefit party brings together professional athletes, musicians, artists, and philanthropists to raise money for the charity.

SoCalTrail: Tough Topanga 2026
2026-06-20 07:30 | CA
Tough Topanga has been sending runners up this mountain since the 1970s, and it hasn’t gotten any easier. The classic 10k climbs 1,198 feet through oak forests and chaparral to Hub Junction before a fast descent back to Trippet Ranch — with a timed Downhill Mile that pays $250 to the fastest female and male splits. New for 2026, the 15k Garapito course adds 4 miles of singletrack through the canyon before rejoining the 10k route, with a $500 winner-take-all prize purse. A 1k kids race and a non-timed Hiker’s Delight option round out the morning. Both courses are fully supported with aid stations, post-race tacos, and a beer garden.
Register at UltraSignup.

Yosemite Film Festival 2026
2026-06-25 - 2026-06-26 | CA
The Yosemite Film Festival & Storyteller Summit is an educational and cultural program of the Yosemite Climbing Association. The festival brings together filmmakers, climbers, artists, historians, and land stewards to share stories connected to Yosemite and public lands.

Curated film screenings focused on climbing, stewardship, and public lands
Conversations with filmmakers, climbers, historians, and land stewards
Storytelling that explores Yosemite’s past, present, and future
Educational programming rooted in ethics, interpretation, and care for place
Informal opportunities to gather, connect, and reflect as a community

SoCalTrail: Tough Mugu 2026
2026-07-18 07:00 | Point Mugu State Park
The Tough Mugu runs the PCH-side trails of Point Mugu State Park in the heart of summer, climbing from sea level up the Ray Miller Trail to coastal mountain fire roads and chaparral singletrack before looping back around Mugu Peak with views of the Channel Islands. The 25k covers 15.75 miles with 2,427 feet of gain; the 10k turns around at the Ray Miller Trail midpoint. Both courses are fully supported with aid stations, chip timing, post-race tacos, and a beer garden. The 25k overall winners take home a $500 cash prize. This event historically sells out — register early.
Register at ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132550.

International Surf Festival
2026-07-29 08:00 - 2026-08-02 17:00 | CA
The International Surf Festival, held annually in the South Bay beach cities, promotes physical fitness and celebrates the world’s top lifeguard service. Organized by BEACHSPORT.org, the Chambers of Commerce, and local city departments, the festival features participants ranging from ages 8 to late 80s.
Signature events include the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, and the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament. Additional activities include surfing and bodysurfing contests, beach runs, paddleboard races, dory races, and youth events. The festival also hosts international lifeguard teams.
The festival kicks off with a dinner featuring the Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Medal of Valor award ceremony. The International Surf Festival is a non-profit 501(c)(4) corporation.

SoCalTrail: Bulldog Ultra 2026
2026-08-15 06:00 | Malibu Creek State Park
Southern California’s oldest 50k has been running through the Santa Monica Mountains since 1992, and the 2026 edition adds a 75k distance to the existing 50k and 25k. All three courses run fire roads and singletrack through Malibu Creek State Park with views of the ocean and untamed coastal terrain — but don’t let the scenery distract you. Temperatures regularly hit triple digits in the canyons, and the climbs are steep and long.
The 50k covers 29.4 miles with 5,784 feet of gain; the 25k runs 14.87 miles with 2,947 feet. The 75k is three loops of the 25k course with a 10-hour cutoff and is already sold out for 2026. A $3,500 prize purse is on the line for 50k finishers, plus a $500 course record bonus for the 25k. All three distances count toward the Bulldog Challenge Series.
Register at UltraSignup.

Bike the Bay 2026
2026-08-23 | CA
Bike the Bay is an annual fun ride where riders cruise around San Diego Bay and cross over San Diego’s iconic Coronado Bay Bridge.

The 25-mile ride is open to everyone, non-competitive, and mostly flat, making it accessible for riders of a wide range of fitness levels. San Diego Mountain Biking Association also hosts an optional off-road option of the ride, an 8-mile loop around the Otay Valley Regional Park.

Bike the Bay Route

The ride starts and finishes at Embarcadero Marina Park in downtown San Diego. Riders follow Bayshore Bikeway and travel through the towns of National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and Coronado along the route.

For the mountain bike option, mountain bikes or cross bikes are recommended as there is gravel and loose dirt on this optional route. Proceeds from off-road option go to SDMBA to help improve trail access for mountain biking around San Diego County.

Grizzly 100 & Big Bear Mountain Biking Gran Fondo 2026
2026-09-05 | Big Bear Lake, CA, United States
The Grizzly 100 & Big Bear Mountain Biking Gran Fondo comprise a single-day mountain biking event in the San Bernardino Mountains at Big Bear Lake. The event offers races for all levels of riders.
The Big Bear Gran Fondo Mountain Bike ride offers five different routes to fit all levels of riders. From the tame 20k Skyview which takes you up the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair to the 50k Skyline course, you’ll enjoy the best riding that Big Bear has to offer.

If you’re looking for a suffer fest, the Grizzly 100 might be up your alley. The Grizzly National Ultra Endurance Race course offers epic technical riding on some of Southern California’s best single track right in the heart of the San Bernardino mountains. This race draws some of the top mountain bikers from around the world.

Big Bear Tough Mudder 2026
2026-09-12 | CA
The Big Bear Tough Mudder brings obstacle course racing to Bear Mountain at 8,200 feet elevation in the San Bernardino Mountains, with 5k (12+ obstacles) and 10k (20+ obstacles) distances on the mountain’s rugged terrain. Named obstacles include Block Ness Monster, Funky Monkey, and Devil’s Beard — all with the altitude working against you. There’s no competition and no timing; it’s a team-oriented event focused on getting through the course together. Finishers earn a medal, shirt, and the iconic orange headband, plus a beer or seltzer at the finish. A Mudder Village with spectator access and live entertainment runs alongside the event.
Register at toughmudder.com/events/big-bear

Sand Sports Super Show 2026
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20 | Orange Count Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, United States
The Sand Sports Super Show is an annual off-road expo that takes place at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, typically held in September. Organized by Bonnier Corporation, the event is the world’s largest expo dedicated to dune and dirt sports.
This three-day event gathers hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees, showcasing various sand rails, ATVs, UTVs/Side x Sides, and related accessories and apparel. It provides a platform for enthusiasts to explore the latest in off-road sports technology and gear. Exhibitors at the event include manufacturers of vehicles, safety gear, and performance parts, along with various service providers from the sand sports industry.
The show not only highlights the products but also serves as a networking hub for both trade professionals and recreational users, offering numerous opportunities for attendees to engage directly with leading brands and experts in the field. The event is also known for its dynamic atmosphere with live demonstrations and interactive sessions, making it a notable date in the calendar for anyone passionate about sand and off-road sports​

Temecula Spartan Race 2026
2026-09-26 00:00 | Lake Elsinore Raceway, 20700 Cereal St, Lake Elsinore, CA, United States
The Temecula Spartan Race weekend takes place at Lake Elsinore in September, offering Sprint (5K/20 obstacles), Super (10K/25 obstacles), and two endurance formats — the HH12HR (12-hour) and HH4HR (4-hour) — for those who want to go longer. It’s the last SoCal Spartan weekend of the year, making it the final shot at a Trifecta if you’re still chasing one.
The venue is a flat, fast course compared to Big Bear, which makes it a solid option for first-timers or anyone going for a PR.
Register at spartan.com/en/races/southern-california.

The Boardroom International Surfboard Show 2026
2026-10-10 - 2026-10-11 | Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA, United States
The Boardroom International Surfboard Show is an annual event held in Del Mar, California, focused on the history, craft, and culture of surfboard making.
The Board Room Surf Show attracts surf enthusiasts from all over the world and provides a platform for surfboard shapers, manufacturers, and designers to showcase their products and interact with surfers, fans, and industry professionals. Attendees can expect to see a wide range of surfboards, from classic longboards to high-performance shortboards, and everything in between.
In addition to surfboard displays, the event features live shaping demonstrations, seminars, and workshops on surfboard design and technology, surfboard auctions, and a swap meet. The show also includes an art exhibit showcasing surf-inspired artwork, photography, and memorabilia.
The Board Room Surf Show is a great opportunity for surfers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals to come together to share their passion for the sport and stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in surfboard design and technology.

San Diego Surf Festival
2026-10-14 - 2026-10-18 | CA
The San Diego Surf Festival celebrates surf culture through various activities including the screening of international surf films, art shows, and surfing events.
The festival has grown significantly since its inception in 2012, evolving from a grassroots event to one of the most respected and longest-running surf festivals in the world. It focuses on highlighting the creative talents within the surfing community, including filmmakers, surfers, shapers, and artists, rather than the red-carpet hype. The festival’s success is attributed to the deep bonds and community spirit within the surfing world in San Diego.

Filthy Fifty Mountain Bike Race 2026
2026-10-31 | CA
The 12th Annual Filthy 50+ is a mountain bike ride scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, taking place in and around San Dieguito River Park and Black Mountain Park in northern San Diego County. The event features two primary distance options—a 30-mile route and a 50-plus-mile route—both starting from the San Pasqual Staging Area near Bandy Canyon Road in Escondido. The 30-mile course follows an out-and-back format, while the longer route continues into Black Mountain Park and includes additional trail segments arranged in a lollipop-style loop.
The course travels across a mix of wide multi-use trails and narrower singletrack, with terrain described as generally fast and flowing and suitable for a range of riding abilities. Routes are fully marked, and multiple feed stations are positioned along the course. Because the trails remain open to the public during the event, riders are expected to share the route with hikers, equestrians, and other trail users, particularly in areas with switchbacks and limited sightlines.
In addition to the main rides, the event includes a short kids’ ride held earlier in the morning, with on-site and online registration available. The Filthy 50+ typically offers multiple rider categories based on distance, age, and equipment, as well as timing and results tracking. Registration is expected to open in summer 2026 and will close once capacity is reached or shortly before the event date.

Here’s a video about the 2022 race:

Jeep Jamboree Death Valley 2026
2026-11-05 - 2026-11-07 | CA
The Jeep Jamboree in Death Valley is an annual off-road event that brings together Jeep enthusiasts from all over the world to explore the rugged terrain and scenic vistas of Death Valley National Park. Joining a team of expert guides, participants visit points of interest such as Titus Canyon, Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, Badwater Basin, The Racetrack, and Harmony Borax Works. The journey will include some great low-range off-roading as they travel across the back roads of this unique and rugged landscape.
The event is fully guided, with experienced Jeep Jamboree guides leading the way and providing support and assistance as needed. The Jeep Jamboree in Death Valley covers a variety of terrain, including rocky trails, sandy washes, and steep climbs, with views of the park’s unique geology and natural features. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the history and geology of Death Valley National Park, with guided tours and educational sessions throughout the weekend.

Quadrantids Meteor Shower 2026 - Southern California
2026-12-02 - 2026-12-03 | CA
The Quadrantids meteor shower, often one of the year’s most intense, is active from December 28, 2025, through January 12, 2026, with peak activity expected during the night of January 2–3. The Quadrantids are known for their brief but potentially intense peak, which can last as little as six hours. Under ideal dark-sky conditions, the shower can produce relatively high meteor rates, though this potential is often limited by winter weather and timing.
In 2026, viewing conditions will be significantly affected by a full moon on January 3, which will greatly reduce visibility. Moonlight is expected to obscure all but the brightest meteors, bringing expected viewing rates to fewer than 10 meteors per hour even in dark locations. While Quadrantid meteors typically do not leave long-lasting trails, the shower is known for producing occasional bright fireballs that may still be visible despite the moonlight.
The Quadrantids are visible from Southern California, which lies well within the Northern Hemisphere viewing range for this shower. The radiant is located high in the northern sky, making the shower best observed after midnight and into the pre-dawn hours. Observers in Southern California may still see some activity during the peak window, particularly brighter meteors, weather and moonlight permitting.

While the peak is relatively short-lived, it offers a spectacular celestial show, with the potential for up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. These meteors are known for their bright, colorful fireballs that can streak across the night sky.
Tips for Optimal Viewing:

Find a Dark Spot: Head to a location away from city lights, such as a local mountain or desert area.

Look Northeast: The radiant point of the shower, from which the meteors appear to originate, is in the northeastern sky. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible

Be Patient: Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for the best viewing experience.

Where Do Meteors Come From?

Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids. When these objects come around the sun, the dust they emit gradually spreads into a dusty trail around their orbits. Every year the Earth passes through these debris trails, which allows the bits to collide with our atmosphere where they disintegrate to create fiery and colorful streaks in the sky.
