Catalina Island has a long history with Hollywood. Its convenient location just off the Southern California coast have made it a popular option with location scouts, who have chosen the island to stand in as the Wild West, the South Pacific and even – on occasion – as itself. During Hollywood’s gilded age, the industry’s elite found Santa Catalina’s many charms irresistible and it was a playground for everyone from Johnny Weissmuller and John Wayne to Charlie Chaplin and Humphrey Bogart. Avalon Harbor continues to draw Hollywood’s elite, with stars from both the big screen and the small screen appreciating an anonymous getaway to Catalina Island.
With Catalina Island’s deep connections to the Hollywood, it’s not a surprise that the movie industry’s biggest night is celebrated with a black tie gala in the Casino Ballroom. An Evening With Oscar on Catalina features dinner, a live auction, Oscar balloting and viewing the Academy Awards telecast on the largest screen on the island. It’s all a fundraiser for the Catalina Island Medical Center Foundation, which raises funds for Catalina Island’s only hospital. An Evening With Oscar is black tie optional and tickets start at $125. For more information, visit their website.