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Whether dancing to live music in Old Town or enjoying a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the vineyards, Temecula is a dream destination during the Spring. Wisteria blooms are a stunning indication that Spring has finally arrived, and the highly anticipated “bud break” in Southern California Wine Country signals the birth of a new growing season. Several gardens have burst into bloom and offer a beautiful and peaceful oasis.
Many of Temecula Valley’s wineries, restaurants, and businesses will host a variety of activities and events for all ages. Visitors can enjoy historic Old Town Temecula, spectacular golf courses, al fresco dining, wine tours and tasting, swoon-worthy sunsets, and many outdoor recreational activities.
As the season comes into bloom, guests can sip and savor everything the Temecula Valley has to offer. Here are seven suggestions:
Fly High at the 41st Annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival
The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival runs from May 17-19 at Lake Skinner Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy three days of hot air balloon flights, exquisite local wine, craft beer, and top-name entertainment including George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stone Temple Pilots, Chase Bryant, Lauren Alaina, Tyler Rich, Lit, Fuel, and more. Guests can enjoy hot air balloon flights over Lake Skinner in the early morning hours (rides subject to weather conditions). An evening Balloon Glow, held both Friday and Saturday night under the stars, features tethered balloons dancing and glowing to live music. More than 100 vendors and fair-inspired food will also be available.
Celebrate Temecula Valley’s Beer and Mead Scene During Craft Brew Month
Well known as a premiere destination for wine lovers, Temecula’s brewpubs have become a popular stop for beer fans, as well. There is also a growing interest in mead. In fact, the total number of commercial mead producers in the U.S. has more than doubled over the past decade. Celebrate both during the month of May as Visit Temecula Valley celebrates the seventh annual Craft Brew Month. Guests can enjoy a variety of specials, featured flights, and an opportunity to chat with the brew and mead masters. It is recommended that visitors plan a mid-week, two-night stay for the best experience.
Eat, Shop, and Dance at Temecula Sunset Market in Old Town
Held in front of City Hall on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 5-9 p.m., the Temecula Sunset Market features live entertainment, a gourmet food court, and a variety of beautiful and unique hand-crafted goods made by Southern California artisans. More here.
Enjoy the Rod Run, Southern California’s Premiere Classic Car Show
Definitely a dream come true for classic car aficionados, the highly anticipated Temecula Rod Run will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4. The event will kick off with the famous “Friday Night Cruise,” with hundreds of classic vehicles cruising on Old Town Front Street. On Saturday, the vehicles will be lined up on the streets of Old Town for a closer look and an opportunity to chat with their owners.
Channel Your Inner Cowboy (or Cowgirl) at The Stampede
Located on the South end of Old Town, The Stampede is the West Coast’s largest country music venue, with a 4,000 square-foot dance floor that offers plenty of room for line dancing, two stepping, or any style. The Cowboy Kitchen offers small bites, pizza, and more. Line dancing classes are provided for guests every Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm. Open evenings, Thursday-Saturday.
Tour, Taste, and Savor at Temecula Olive Oil Company Ranch
Spring is a great time to visit the Temecula Olive Oil Company’s beautiful and serene Olive View Ranch in Aguanga (about 25 minutes from Old Town Temecula) and experience every detail at the farm where they grow, harvest, and press their olives. Tours include tastings, and they are held every other Saturday at 10 a.m. More here.
Spring into Live Entertainment
From rock and pop to jazz and country, Pechanga Resort Casino offers an elite assortment of headline acts, including concerts and comedy shows. The Spring lineup includes Gladys Knight, Jon Stewart, Heather McDonald, Pete Davidson, Boys II Men with Robin Thicke, and more. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, go here.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa will kick off its Rhythm on the Vine Concert Series soon, with a lineup that includes familiar faces as well as a few performers taking the stage for the first time. Visitors can enjoy great music while sipping on award-winning wines. The schedule will be released here soon.
Thornton Winery kicks off its Champagne Jazz Concert Series on May 18, featuring Peabo Bryson and Jackiem Joyner. Additional Series headliners include Gerald Albright, Jeffrey Osborne, Chris Botti, and more. For more information and tickets, go here. For Friday Night Music, go here.
Wilson Creek Winery offers pristine grounds, beautiful vistas, and a great venue for live music, including Friday Night Late Nights. Several nationally known acts will perform on the Wilson Creek stage throughout the Spring and Summer. For more information, go here.
Nom Nom! Food Fests at Pechanga Resort Casino
The 4th annual Sushi & Sake Festival will be held at Pechanga Resort Casino on May 11. A wide range of sushi creations paired with sake, including sushi-making demonstrations and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. More here. The 13th Annual Microbrew Craft Beer & Chili Cook Off Festival will be held on June 8; more information here.
For continuously updated information the best things to do in Temecula this Spring, check the Events calendar at https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/things-to-do/events/.
