Lumberjack Day, West Point – First Saturday in October
Lumberjack Day takes place the first Saturday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm in October each year and celebrates the history and traditions of the Calaveras County lumber industry. Start the day at 7:00 am at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall with their pancake breakfast, followed by the Soap Box Derby at 8:30 AM, and then the spectacular small town parade at 11:00 AM. Festivities will also include the crowning of the King and Queen Scholarship, singing of the National Anthem, the car and motorcycle show, the flower show, the $5 entry to the children’s play area includes a climbing wall, face painting, bouncy house, and petting zoo and will open after the parade, and lumberjack competition with big timbers, axes and chainsaws. Live music, firehouse BBQ, horseshoe throwing, food and beverage vendors, and craft vendors will be available all day. Admission is free. Parking is $5 with the proceeds benefiting Calaveras High School FFA.
Entry Forms at www.lumberjackday.info
West Point Lumberjack Day Committee, Parade entries Angel O’Meara 209-293-7657, Booths/Vendors Karan Bowsher 209-293-7809, Logging Show Dorrie & Mike Klith 209-293-2207, Information Danielle Bianchi 209-293-3100, or Diana Inslee 209-293-7135
Calaveras Grape Stomp and Gold Rush Street Fair in Murphys, CA – First Saturday in October
Every first Saturday in October the historic town of Murphys transforms into a frenzy of activity with two renowned events – the Calaveras Grape Stomp and the Gold Rush Street Faire. Both events run simultaneously between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and benefit Feeney Community Park on Highway 4 in Murphys.
Organized by the Calaveras Winegrape Association, the Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp takes place in picturesque Murphys Park. The day’s events include energetic stomp competitions every half hour, live music in the gazebo, silent auction, BBQ, team costume contest, and wine tasting. Sign up your stomping team today at www.calaveraswines.org early ‘cuz this crazy, costumed, competition fills up FAST!!!!
Mark Twain Wild West Festival – Second Weekend in October
This family-fun favorite is back! Now it’s located at the Angels Camp Historic Museum where you can check out the exhibits, and still watch the Wild West gun show, meet Mark Twain and hear him talk about some of his favorite stories, learn how to pan for gold from a real-life miner 49er, and even compete in the Gold Rush costume contest – just dress in your favorite gold miner outfit! Admission at the door is only $10 for adults and kids are free!
Guided Sunset Hike, Arnold Rim Trail, Arnold, CA – October 12, 2024 at 4:00 SHARP!
Watch the sunset from the top of Cougar Rock on this intermediate hike led by members of the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Distance is about 4 miles total, with 730 feet of elevation gain. If you haven’t done one of these hikes, you owe it to yourself to join the fun. They are scheduled on weekends near or on the day of the full moon each month, and they are special! No sign-up needed, hike proceeds even if cloudy, but rain cancels. Bring layers, snack, water, bug repellant and flashlight as return hike is in the dark. Visit Arnold Rim Trail site for more information about the level of experience needed for these hikes.
Murphys Gathering – Third Weekend in October
Murphys Pourhouse and Hovey Winery pictured above
Brand new this year, bring the family to Murphys for some lighthearted fun to get you in the mood for Halloween. Lots of pop-up vendors and special themes throughout all of the quaint shops in this picturesque village. Stroll down Main Street under colorful autumn foliage, grab one of those spiced lattes, and enjoy all that the harvest season brings.
Mountain Heirloom Quilt Faire, Murphys – Third Weekend in October
See beautiful, hand-crafted quilts and wearable artwork at the Independence Hall Quilt Faire held at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp October 18-20, 2024 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Plenty of quilting vendors will be on hand, and you get to vote for your favorite quilts! For more information, contact the friendly Independence Hall Quilters at www.ihquilters.com.
All Hallows Fair – A Celtic New Year Samhain Celebration, Angels Camp, CA – Last weekend in October
October 27th 11:00 am-10:30 pm; October 28th 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Calaveras County Fairgrounds, Angels Camp
This fun, family-friendly two-day event on the last weekend of October celebrates All Hallows Eve, Celtic New Year Samhain Celebration in a blend of harvest and Halloween fantasy. Usher in fall with this festival that includes Live Music, Stage Shows, Fire Show, Costume Contests for all ages and costume designs, Craft Vendors and more. Located at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds at 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp. To find more information about purchasing tickets, contest categories, dates and times, or being a vendor, visit their website www.allhallowsfaire.com.
SATURDAY NIGHT ONLY: Check out the Burning of the Harvestman Fire Extravaganza brought to you by Phoenix Fire Family.
Dia De Los Muertos, Murphys, CA – Saturday after Halloween
Dia De Los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead” is traditional festival honoring family and friends, keeping them in our thoughts with a vibrant and celebratory spirit. Murphys Community Park will be filled with artisan vendors, food, drink, and a community altar, and, as always, businesses will be displaying ofrendas honoring those who we have lost but are still with us in spirit. Live entertainment along with the Catrin/Catrina contest make this a beautiful day to remember loved ones and keep their spirit alive in our hearts.
For complete details about events in Calaveras County, visit our Calendar of Events. Planning an extended stay? Click here for a list of lodging in Calaveras, give us a call at 209-736-0049, or drop us an email info@gocalaveras.com here at the Calaveras Visitors Bureau for help planning your stay in Calaveras County!