Autumn creeps in while summer tries to hang on just a little bit longer. School has started and the holidays are just around the corner. So, what do we do in this in-between time? Check out all the fun things going on in Calaveras!
Music in the Park in Mokelumne Hill – September 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2025
Every Saturday, catch free live music in Shutter Tree Park from 6:00 – 8:00 pm organized by the Mokelumne Hill Community Historical Trust. Donations are welcome to support this music series and children’s summer art camp. Bring a picnic and welcome in fall in Moke Hill!!
Ironstone Summer Concert Series Wrap-up featuring Train on September 12th & Ringo Starr on the 21st
The Ironstone Concert Series in Murphys, CA is one of Northern California’s premier live music experiences. Set at the stunning Ironstone Amphitheatre at Ironstone Vineyards, this outdoor concert series brings world-class performers to the heart of Calaveras wine country. Visitors can sip award-winning local wines, enjoy gourmet food, and choose between reserved seating or relaxed lawn spots while taking in breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada foothills. As the sun sets and the music fills the vineyard air, guests experience the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-name entertainment. For unforgettable summer nights filled with live music in Murphys, the Ironstone Concert Series is a must-see.
Astronomy Nights @ Calaveras Big Trees State Park – September 18th, October 2nd & 23rd
Experience the wonder of the universe under the towering giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park during their unforgettable Astronomy Nights. Visitors can gaze at the night sky through telescopes guided by expert astronomers, spotting planets, constellations, and distant galaxies far from city lights. Set in the serene Sierra Nevada foothills, these star-viewing events offer a magical blend of natural beauty and cosmic discovery. Perfect for families, stargazers, and nature enthusiasts, Astronomy Nights provide a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos while surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of California’s ancient forests.
Oktoberfest @ Murphys Park – September 20, 2025
Set in idyllic Murphys Community Park, this family-friendly festival brings the spirit of Germany to Calaveras wine country with craft beers, local wines, traditional Oktoberfest foods, and live music. Guests can enjoy fun contests, dancing, and plenty of small-town hospitality, all surrounded by the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills. Oktoberfest here includes German beer on tap, Lockeford sausages, Oompa-style music, and a corn hole tournament. Whether you’re raising a stein, sampling local flavors, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, Murphys Oktoberfest is the perfect autumn tradition in Calaveras County. Grab your lederhosen and accordion, and let’s get to Schuhplattlering!!
Concours D’Elegance @ Ironstone Vineyards – September 27, 2025
Antique and classic cars shown each September at the Ironstone Vineyards’ Concours d’Elegance featuring over 300 cars, vintage trailers, house cars, antique trucks and motorcycles, race cars, and wooden boats. Vehicles marques from past years include names such as Packard, Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow, BMW, Corvette, Studebaker, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce.
Friday evening kicks off this two-day event with the Cars & Star wine tasting, dinner, and auction to benefit Central and Northern California youth in agriculture, notably Future Farmers of America and 4-H as well as local high school scholarships. The concours itself takes place on Saturday showcasing all the classic vehicles and guest speakers from throughout the classic car industry. Regular participating auto industry experts hail from Reno’s National Auto Museum, the California Automotive Museum in Sacramento, the Blackhawk Museum in Dublin, and San Francisco’s Academy of Art University auto collection.
Blues & Bones Festival – September 27, 2025
Every September, the Calaveras County Fairgrounds come alive with the soulful sounds of the Blues & Bones Festival, one of Calaveras County’s most celebrated fall events. This vibrant festival combines mouthwatering barbecue, craft beer, and world-class live blues music, drawing visitors from across Northern California. Held in the heart of historic downtown Angels Camp, guests can enjoy sizzling ribs, tender brisket, and local brews while tapping their feet to soulful blues performers like Chris Cain and Chicken Bone Slim. With its lively atmosphere, family-friendly activities, and small-town charm, the Blues & Bones Festival is a must-attend experience for food lovers, music enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a true taste of Calaveras County culture.
Arnold Rim Trail Sunset Hike – October 3, 2025
Experience a breathtaking sunset hike at Cougar Rock on this intermediate trail led by the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Covering approximately 4 miles with 730 feet of elevation gain, the equivalent of climbing a 73-story building, this hike offers spectacular panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and stunning scenery, participants should come prepared with water, snacks, layers, bug repellent, and a headlamp or flashlight. The hike begins promptly at 4:25 PM from the parking lot (arrive by 4:15 PM), and it continues even if cloudy, though rain cancels. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy one of the most scenic sunset hikes near Arnold, California. **NOTE FROM THE ARNOLD RIM TRAIL ASSOCIATION – Please assess your level of conditioning. If you would struggle with a seventy-three-story building, even with stops, please take a few weeks of regular training to make yourself ready. It’ll be worth the investment!
TWO One-of-a-Kind Festivals – October 4th
West Point’s Lumberjack Day: Every October, the small mountain town of West Point, CA comes alive with the excitement of Lumberjack Day, one of Calaveras County’s most beloved annual festivals. This family-friendly event celebrates the region’s rich logging history with thrilling lumberjack competitions, a lively parade, chainsaw carving, and old-fashioned games. Visitors can browse arts and crafts vendors, enjoy delicious food, and experience small-town charm in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills. With its mix of history, entertainment, and community spirit, West Point Lumberjack Day has become a must-see tradition and one of the most unique things to do in Calaveras County each fall.
Calaveras Grape Stomp & Gold Rush Street Fair: The first Saturday in October for the past 30+ years, Murphys, CA hosts the iconic Calaveras Grape Stomp, one of the most popular wine country events in Northern California. This festive tradition brings thousands to historic downtown Murphys, where teams compete to stomp grapes in barrels while cheering crowds celebrate the region’s winemaking heritage. Beyond the stomp, visitors enjoy award-winning Calaveras wines, delicious local food, live music, and artisan vendors—all set against the charm of Calaveras wine country in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Perfect for families, wine lovers, and festival-goers, the Calaveras Grape Stomp is a must-do experience and a highlight among the top things to do in Murphys, CA.
For more great Calaveras events, check out our Calendar of Events or call us at 209-736-0049!