Featuring family friendly entertainment as well as beer, food, wine and classic logging competitions out the wazoo the West Point Lumberjack Day is bound to become your next family favorite. As classic as pumpkin spice lattes and fall colors, no fall is complete without taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the annual Lumberjack Day in West Point, California, the first Saturday in October.

When: First Saturday in October every year 7:00am to 5:00pm
Where: West Point, California
Cost: Free. General Admission
Where to Stay: Staying overnight? We recommend Sugar Pine Cabin in West Point or the charming and historic Hotel Leger, just 15 miles from West Point.

The Lumberjack Day Setting: West Point, CA

Lumberjack Day, West Point Lumberjack Day, West Point's Lumberjack Day — West Point’s Lumberjack Day also known as the Best Day Ever I Courtesy of Instagrammer @rachaelbianchi

West Point was named by scout Kit Carson, who was searching for a pass over the Sierra. Previously inhabited by the Mi-wuk people, the town of West Point was established as a mining supply camp by 1854. As it was throughout the area, gold was the biggest draw of people to the area. Even though the mining continued to be successful, timbering and lumber production became more profitable into the 20th century. The railway never came through the area, so timber was all hauled by truck.

Playing in West Point is like having your own secret mountain getaway filled with awesome, warm, and friendly creative locals in a quaint mountain town setting. Located at about 2700′ elevation, West Point is close to ski resorts like Kirkwood and Black Chasm Cavern for more outdoor adventures!

Classic Lumberjack Day Competitions and Events

Festivals & Events: Lumberjack Day axe throwing compettion — Lumberjack Day, West Point

For over 40 years, this event has featured a day packed with fun, old-fashioned activities for the entire family. Highlights include the largest parade in the county (full of local color and humor), soap box derby (with contestants from all over Northern California), and The Lawn Chair Brigade (performing now for over a decade).

Unlike most festivals, the West Point Lumberjack Day goes all out with a supervised children’s play area. This awesome family friendly ups the fun with a supervised kid zone featuring bounce houses, climbing walls, a live Wild West Gunfighter show and a free petting zoo. However, it is the highlight lumberjack competitions of the festival (with big timbers, an axe throwing contest, Jack and Jill bucking, and chainsaw contests) that will really put some hair on your chest. Take your Lumberjack Day festivities to the next level this year with firehouse BBQ sandwiches, classic festival food, draft beer, wine, and fresh margaritas.

Soapbox Derby, Classic Car Show, and the Biggest Small-Town Parade

Lumberjack Day parade — Yellow Submarine entry

It’s called the “Biggest Little Celebration in the Mother Lode” for a reason. Float creations, California State Horsemen Association certified events, a classic car show (entry forms here), an old fashioned soap box derby (register now!), a petting zoo, horseshoe tournament, live music, and logging show make up this tiny, but mighty small-town, family-centric festival. Celebrate the heritage and history of West Point and surrounding areas throughout a fun-filled day.

Bustin’ Out the Lumberjack Day Flannel & Other Creative Costumes

West Point Lumberjack Day Parade I Courtesy of Instagrammer @kieferjoyce.jpg

You know it, I know it–we’re all looking for any and every opportunity to wear those Lumberjack Day flannels year round. Well this is your chance to rock your flannel loud and proud without the faintest hint of hipster stigma. Now that’s not a chance that rolls around just any old day. From whimsical forest creatures, to comedic wild west costumes, or classic lumberjack looks; with West Point’s Lumberjack Day right around the corner, there’s no need to wait until Halloween to flex your creative costuming potential. Even if you may not be brave enough to don a barrel, photo opportunities will abound at this family friendly event in West Point. Let your imagination run wild…

West Point Lumberjack Day, Calaveras October Events — West Point’s Lumberjack Day I Courtesy of Instagrammer @corey_matthew

BONUS: Can’t Get Enough Gold Rush Fun?

Lumberjack enthusiast unite! If you love all things Lumberjack, make sure to check out the annual Arnold Sierra Nevada Logging Jamboree every Labor Day weekend in September.
October is jam packed with awesome Gold Rush cultural events including the Lumberjack Day, the annual Grape Stomp and Gold Rush Street Faire, as well as the
Looking for additional annual events or mid-week happenings? Visit our Calaveras Annual Events page or check out our online Calaveras events calendar.

Find more Calaveras County lodging here. Or give us a call at 209-736-0049, and we’d love to help plan your next visit to Calaveras County!