Placer County's rich gold mining, railroading, and diverse cultural history provides its communities with ample opportunities for signature events.
The arts play a significant part in Foothill life. Symphony orchestras, art walks, clay festivals, art shows, and much more are available for the interested traveler.
These vary from Mountain Mandarin Festival to Auburn's Festival of Lights Parade. Throughout the year local towns bring their relationship to gold mining, or railroading to life. Newcastle also hosts the work of early aviation pioneer R.G. Fowler as well as its railroad history. Foresthill steps back in time each summer with a pioneer day festival that boasts a qualifying round for the final National Gold Panning Championships, site of the 1848 gold discovery. The arts play a significant part in Foothill life. Symphony orchestras, art walks, clay festivals, art shows, and much more are available for the interested traveler.
Contact the California Welcome Center in Auburn for more detailed information regarding literally hundreds of events, festivals, and parades that occur annually in Placer County. Our staff can provide you with information leading to events and times that correspond to your travel plans. They can often refer you to a local Chamber of Commerce to secure reservations where needed as well as good places to eat and stay.
Regardless of your particular interest, Placer County will provide the themes, places, and events to create a truly memorable vacation.
The Valley
Placer County Fair
Placer County Fairgrounds
800 All America City Blvd.
Roseville, Ca
916 786-2023
Visit a traditional old-fashioned country fair - the kind you remember. The Placer County Fair is held in June at the Placer County Fairgrounds in Roseville. For more information about the fair, visit their website at www.placercountyfair.org
One Root Festival
Royer Park off Douglas Boulevard
Roseville, CA
Celebrate unity and family at the One Root Festival in downtown Roseville. This annual celebration held on the 3rd weekend in September is a multicultural festival that honors diversity in Placer County and the greater Sacramento area. Enjoy food, music and art representative of cultures around the world. The Youth Village is a dedicated children's area where kids can participate in hands-on activities that introduce them to various cultures. While savoring delicious world cuisine, enjoy the rhythmic tunes of live jazz, Latin fusion, reggae, hip-hop and more. For more information about the One Root Festival, visit their website at www.oneroot.org.
The Gold Country
Cinco de Mayo Festivities
Old Town Auburn
Main Street
Auburn, CA
530 823-3836
The annual celebration held in May incudes craft and food vendors, dancing horses, the Folkloric Dancers, raffle prizes and a street dance. For more information about Cinco de Mayo Festivities, visit their website at www.oldtownauburnca.com.
Cain's Crossing Renaissance Faire
Auburn Regional Park
3770 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA
530 885-8461, ext. 20
Searching for a place where the whole family can mingle with royalty and cheer dueling swordfighters and enjoy entertainment fit for a king? If so, you won't want to miss the Cain's Crossing Renaissance Faire. "Take a day off to another time...." This event is held on Mothers Day Weekend, for more information about the Faire, visit their website www.cainscrossing.org.
Spring Street Antiques Fair
Old Town Auburn
Auburn, CA
530 823-3836
In the spring, on the 3rd Sunday in May, the Spring Street Antiques Fair is host to over 200 vendors selling antiques and collectibles. For more information about Spring Street Antiques Fair, visit their website at www.oldtownauburnca.com.
Spring Green Festival
Main Street
Colfax, CA
530 346-7250
Join your family and community to have fun and learn more about keeping our earth green. This event is held in May and for more information about Spring Green Festival, visit their website at www.colfaxarea.com.
American River Confluence Festival
American River Overlook Park
Pacific Ave
Auburn, CA
530 887-9314
This event is held in June and features a Haute Trash Recyclables Fashion Show, jugglers, storytellers, musical and other family-themed entertainment. For more information about American River Confluence Festival, visit their website at www.parc-auburn.org.
Auburn Family Night Out
Old Town Auburn
Auburn, CA
530 823-3836
Auburn Family Night Out is held annually in June on the 3rd Saturday Night. The event includes 15 locations such as the Chalk-A-Lot Art contest, historic craft making, pony rides, climbing wall and activities for families. For more information visit their website at www.oldtownauburnca.com.
Auburn Black and White Ball
Gold Country Fairgrounds
1273 High Street
Auburn, CA
530 885-5616
What a way to end the summer, it features several bands playing simultaneously on different sound stages. The Black and White Ball normally takes place on the 3rd Saturday in August. For more information visit their website at www.auburnchamber.net.
Gold Country Fair
Gold Country Fairgrounds
1273 High Street
Auburn, CA
530 823-4533
Carnival rides offering thrills, farm animals with their 4-H families, junior livestock auctions, arts and crafts, exhibits, food, fun and stages of entertainment. For more information about the Gold Country Fair, visit their website at www.GoldCountryFair.com.
Foresthill's Heritage Festival
Foresthill, CA
530 367-2474
Every year at the end of summer the community of Foresthill remembers its colorful past seated in gold mining, timbering and outdoor recreation with California's State Gold Panning Championships, a Logging Contest, American Legion's Pig Roast, a Chili Cook Off and many activities for children. For more information about the Foresthill's Heritage Festival, visit their website at www.foresthillchamber.org
Railroad Days
Main Street
Colfax, CA
530 346-8888
The two day celebration for the whole family features a huge Antique Model Train display, living History Demonstrations, Pony, Wagon and Train Rides, Gold Panning, History Walks, Scarecrows, Stroll thru Town in Period Attire, Live Music, Art and Antique Show. For more informaiton about the Railroad Days, visit their website at www.colfaxarea.com.
Auburn Wine and Food Festival
Downtown & Old Town Auburn
Auburn, CA
530 885-9644
Wineries and restaurants from in and around Placer County pair up to showcase their finest vino and edibles held the second Saturday in October. For more information about the Auburn Wine and Food Festival, visit their website at www.auburnwineandfood.com.
Fall Antiques and Collective Street Fair
Old Town Auburn
Auburn, CA
530 823-3836
Held the third Sunday in October, many vendors are selling antiques and collectibles. For more information about the Fall Antiques and Collective Street Fair, visit their website at www.oldtownauburnca.com.
Auburn Community Festival
123 Racetrack
Auburn, CA 95603
Family fun at the Auburn Recreation District Park...giant pumpkin contest, scarecrow competition, music, lots of food and crafts are all included in this free event. For more details check the website at www.auburncommunityfestival.com
Eggplant Festival
Downtown Loomis
Loomis, CA
916 652-7252
The town of Loomis takes on a purple hue for the annual Eggplant Festival held the first Saturday of October. For more information about the Eggplant Festival, visit their website at www.loomischamber.com.
Loomis Cowpoke Poetry
Blue Goose Fruit Shed
Taylor Road
Loomis, CA
916 787-0878
The Cowpoke Poetry Fall Gathering is held in November. The cowboys and cowgirls share their poems and songs in the historic Blue Goose Fruit Shed. This event features well-known cowboy poets from all over the west.
Mountain Mandarin Festival
Gold Country Fairgrounds
1273 High Street
Auburn, CA 916 663-1918
The sweet and tangy citrus scent of Mandarin oranges permeates the crisp November air. Featuring fresh locally grown Mandarin oranges, food vendors serve up Mandarin infused drinks, salads, grilled meats, ice creams, marinades and syrups. For more information about the Mountain Mandarin Festival, visit their website at www.mandarinfestival.com.
Auburn Christmas Craft & Music Festival
Gold Country Fairgrounds
1273 High Street
Auburn, CA
209 533-3473
A Grand Showcase of Fine Craft work and Music for the Christmas shopping season. For more information about the Auburn Christmas Craft & Music Festival, visit their website at www.fireonthemountain.com.
Festival of Lights Parade
Downtown Auburn
Auburn, CA
530 885-5616
One annual tradition that Auburn residents do not let slip by quietly is the Festival of Lights Parade. Last year more than 100 entrants brought floats, carriages, or just themselves to the parade usually held on the first Saturday in the month of December. The Parade will travel from Gold Country Fairgrounds through downtown and end on Lincoln Way. For more informaiton about the Festival of Lights Parade, visit their website at www.auburnchamber.net.
Country Christmas in Old Town Auburn
Old Town Auburn
Auburn, CA
530 823-3863
Country Christmas in Old Town Auburn is scheduled for the second and third Thursday nights in December. Old Town regains an old-fashioned 1859s ambiance when vendors light their booths with lanterns. With holiday decorations and lights on historic buildings, it truly looks like a Currier and Ives painting. With over 75 crafts and food booths, a bonfire, hayrides and pony rides, carolers and lots of entertainment, Country Christmas promises to have something for every visitor. For more information, visit their website at www.oldtownauburnca.com.
Colfax Parade of Lights
The annual Colfax Parade of Lights proceeds down Grass Valley and Main Streets. After the parade the traditional lighting of the tree at the corner of Main and Church Street,with music and the annual bonfire lighting is held near the historic Freight Depot Building. For more information, visit their website at www.colfaxprideinc.org/Winterfest.html
The High Sierras
SnowFest Winter Festival
Laugh, play and reminisce this winter at the North Tahoe SnowFest, a 10-day winter carnival celebration held in March. The SnowFest has truly become a part of the North Lake Tahoe culture with its many unique events. In the past, the festival has featured opening ceremonies and fireworks at Squaw Valley, Sunnyside Restaurant's luau, the Mardi Gras in the Mountains Parade, SnowFest Dog Pull, Gar Wood's Polar Bear Swim, Kings Beach SnowFest Winter Community Parade and much more. Activities and events are always designed to provide one-of-a-kind entertainment, For more information, visit their website at www.tahoesnowfestival.com.
Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance
The Lake Tahoe Wooden Boat Week is a 7 day festival honoring classic wooden boats. The Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance, which takes place during the first three days of Wooden Boat Week, is a gathering of over 100 classic wooden boats with many dating from the late 19th century. It is the premiere wooden boat show in North America. It is held in June at the Sierra Boat Company on North Lake Boulevard and within Carnelian Bay. For more information, visit their website at www.laketahoeconcours.com.