Catalina Buzz – May Catalina Events

As if Catalina’s alluring seaside charms weren’t enough to entice you to visit the island this spring, there are several May Catalina events you won’t want to miss.

Film Premiere – May 21: The Catalina Museum for Art & History has set out to document the lives of Catalina residents who have had an outsized impact on life on the island. The latest documentary subject is Jani Eisenhut, who grew up living in the Casino Building, spent years driving a bus in the interior and brings a smile to residents and visitors alike with her periodic playing of the Chimes Tower chimes.

The museum will premier the movie at a special celebration May 21 at 8 p.m., but there will be other opportunities to view the documentary.

80s Beach Party – May 27 -29: Generation X is forgotten no more! Relive your youth – or find out what your parents are talking about — at Lost at Sea, a weekend-long celebration of all things 1980s.

Two days of beach parties at Descanso Beach will feature a totally rockin’ line up of ‘80s faves. A Flock of Seagulls, The English Beat, Dramarama, Missing Persons and Bow Wow Wow are just a few of the blast from the past performers. It’s all hosted by ’80s legendary DJ Richard Blade, who will get the party started at 12:30 each afternoon.

The fun also includes three nights of movies in the Avalon Theatre, with Gen X favorites Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Valley Girl, Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off just a few of the classics you’ll get to see on the big screen.

Memorial Day Tribute – May 30: Avalon’s VFW Post 4682 will present a tribute to those who sacrificed all during military conflicts at the Avalon Cemetery starting at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day.

Taste Around of Avalon – June 2: Okay, we admit it, this one isn’t technically a May Catalina event, but it’s our favorite event so we had to bring it up. The 16th Annual Taste Around of Avalon is the perfect opportunity to wander around Avalon from 5 to 9 p.m., sampling appetizers, cocktails, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages?

You’ll also get the opportunity to vote for your favorite in each category and take part in a drawing for a $50 Catalina Island Gift Card. Restaurant winners get bragging rights for the year. The event kicks off Avalon Restaurant Week, June 3-9, when you’ll have even more opportunities to sample Catalina’s culinary creativity.