Catalina Swing Dance Festival

A truly magical all-​weekend event, with more than 300 swing dancers swinging out to the tunes of multiple bands in the majestic Avalon Casino Ballroom. Used to be an annual event, but due to lower attendance year 2014 was skipped. Organizers are looking forward to 2015, CSDF will happen again if enough dancers sign up until June 2015. Typically includes two days of workshops geared toward different levels of skills and three evening dances (DJ on Friday night, and bands on Saturday and Sunday).
Definitely not cheap at a $ 250 full-​ticket price (significantly cheaper one-​night-​dance-​only alternatives used to be available). Add in the cost of a ferry to Catalina and back as well as meals and lodging, and the full attendance cost can easily top $ 500 (budget $ 750-​$ 1000 depending on your tastes). In my opinion, it was worth every penny.
The crowd is quite mixed, from advanced beginners to true experts.