​The map features are in layers and I recommend expanding the map using the frame icon on the top right: 

Green items are outdoor activities including parks, scenic overlooks and recreation.  These include Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees, Donnell Vista, Rainbow Pool, Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Columbia, Bodie and Moaning Cavern Adventure Park.

Red items are some of our favorite places to eat including Yoshoku, The Rock of Twain Harte, CiBO, and of course, Alicia's Sugar Shack. 

Historic downtown areas are in gold and include Jamestown, Murphys, Groveland, Sonora and more.

Blue items are the local lakes and rivers for fishing, swimming or boating.  Boat launches are marked and streams and rivers with good fishing are also indicated.  Some of these include New Melones, Pinecrest and the West Walker River.

Wineries and apple ranches are designated in purple including Ironstone Vineyards, Covers Apple Ranch and Indigeny Reserve.

Live entertainment in the Sonora Pass region will be found on the map in orange.  These include our local casinos, Ironstone Amphitheatre and of course the popular Sierra Repertory Theatre.

Trailheads for our many trails are indicated with brown markers.  Groceries and services near the cabin are marked in gray.  

​I have included website or Google links where I can.  Enjoy!

In addition to the many year-round recreational activities the central Sierras have to offer, there are a large number of planned events throughout the year. These include fairs, concerts, arts and crafts, wine and food, contests, exhibits and so much more. Many of the events occur annually, some only during a specific season, some repeat each week or month or other interval. Some happen just once.

Regardless, it may be difficult to be aware of the variety of events within a given timeframe.  I hope to consolidate many of the more popular events and return often to update the calendar. 

The list will not be limited to Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties. Essentially anything within half a day's drive of Highway 108 will be considered. Events in Oakdale, Modesto, Bridgeport, Lee Vining, etc., are reachable and worth including.  Feel free to comment with activities that may be worthy of the calendar.

You will find a list of recurring events as well as links to other events calendars at the bottom of this article.

Feb 14
Valentine’s Dinner & Paint Party – Fire and Ice at Brush & Cork
Enjoy a playful painting together, paint your own or trade off painting on each others – the choice is yours. The…
Location: 226 W Jackson St, Sonora, CA 95370

​Valentines Dinner For Two at the Historic National Hotel
Take in the romantic ambiance at Jamestown's Historic National Hotel. A special holiday menu to enjoy with that special someone.
Location: 18183 Main St, Jamestown, CA 95327

Feb 16-17
The Buck Stop Gun Show
$10 admission for adults, kids free
​Location: Mother Lode Fairgrounds

Feb 16-17
Presidents Wine Weekend
This event opens the doors to discovering wineries, wine experiences and special events in the Gold Rush town of Murphys, CA. Weekend visitors will be given a map to explore the tasting rooms of their choice with the purchase of a $25 commemorative glass where they can enjoy a limited flight of award-winning wines at over 24 participating wineries. All-Weekend passes and One-Day tickets are pre-sold online with a limited amount of passes available on the day of the event. ​
Location: Murphys
Website

Feb 23
Wild West Bass Trail Tournament at Lake Don Pedro
Anglers get ready! The Wild West Bass Trail Pro/Am Tournament is coming to Tuolumne County's Lake Don Pedro.
Location: 11500 Bonds Flat Rd, La Grange, CA 95329
Website

Feb 23
Annual Sonora Crab Feed
The Senior Center’s annual Crab Feed is coming up on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. at the Senior Center.…
Location: 540 Greenley Rd, Sonora, Ca 95370
​Website

Mar 8-10
Sonora Celtic Faire
The big Annual Sonora Celtic Faire returns, celebrating the cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, and Wales.
Location: Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Sonora
Website

March 9
The Calaveras Ragin Cajun Festival
Live music and vendors lining Main Street in San Andreas.  Louisiana Crawfish Boil. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the gate. Proceeds to benefit the Hospice of Amador and Calaveras.
Location: Downtown San Andreas
Website

​Mar 16
Murphys Irish Day
Murphys' picturesque Main Street is filled with booths offering hand crafted items, original art, photographs, tasty food, wine, and other beverages.  The day begins with a pancake breakfast.  At 11 a.m. the swirl of bagpipes heralds a parade of marching bands, classic cars, horses, community organizations, novelty entries, and some of the finest children in the land.  Throughout the day, there is continuous entertainment featuring singers, dancers, musicians, and jugglers.  And some lucky raffle ticket buyer will win an exciting trip for two to Ireland.
Location: Downtown Murphys
Website

​Mar 25
​Oakdale Testicle Festival
Yeah, you read that right.  And you don't have any balls if you're unwilling to try the menu items.  
Location: Oakdale
Website

Apr 6-7
Opening weekend for the regular steam train operating season at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Grand Opening festivities with the No. 3 steam engine operating on both days. This weekend only, everybody rides FREE! Arrive at 7 a.m. and watch the crew prepare the train for the day in the historic roundhouse. Departure times are 10:30 a.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Steam engine on Saturday and diesel engine on Sunday.
Location: 18115 5th Ave., Jamestown, CA 95327
​Website

Apr 9-14
Oakdale Rodeo
Location: Oakdale Rodeo Grounds
Website

Apr 13-14
Home & Garden Show
Location: Mother Lode Fairgrounds

Apr 26
Kennedy Meadows opens for 2019
Location: Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station
​Website

May 4
Annual Fireman's Muster
Volunteer fire crews from around the western United States will take part in the competition, presented by Columbia Volunteer Fire Department Engine Co. No. 1. The muster parade begins at 10 am (Columbia time) on Main Street in Columbia. Other events include hose cart races, bucket brigade, skills competition, hand pumper contests. Free!
Location: Columbia State Historic Park
Website

May 11-12
Mother Lode Round-up Parade and Rodeo
The County's biggest annual event, sponsored by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse. Saturday features one of the longest-running parades in California & Sunday’s events include Mother’s Day Brunch, Western dancing & Rodeo competitions.
Location: Downtown Sonora and Mother Lode Fairgrounds
Website

May 16-19
Columbia Diggins Tent Town 1852
Each year, the docents and staff of Columbia State Historic Park strive to recreate the early tent town that gave rise to Columbia. Thousands of hours of research goes into recreating the material culture and the activities of the town. On your visit you’ll see a working bakery, hotel, saloons, theater, blacksmith, wheelright, livestock and of course,active mining using recreated tools and equipment from the time. You’ll even have an opportunity to try it yourself!
Location: Columbia State Historic Park
Website

May 16-19
Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee
Location: Calaveras County Fairgrounds
Website

​May 18-20
Twain Harte A La Carte
Sip wine and enjoy gourmet food under the canopy of mountain skies in downtown Twain Harte at Soroptimist International of Twain Harte’s - Twain Harte a la Carte! Includes a delightful selection of baskets, trips, gift certificates and more for silent auction selection, an opportunity raffle for a barrel of wine and more, plus a very lively live auction and live music! It will be held at Meadow Plaza, from 5pm to 7pm. Tickets are $35.
Location: Twain Harte

May 25
Twain Harte Chili Cook-Off
Memorial Day Weekend Twain Harte Chili Cook-Off Saturday: 9am-3pm Tastings: 11:30am-2pm Kids activities too! For contest information contact Twain Harte Area Chamber of Commerce.
Location: Twain Harte 2300 Meadow Plaza

May 25-26
Spring Peddler's Fair (Arnold)
​​woodwork, metal sculpture, yard art, pottery, jewelry, quilts, chain-saw sculptures,  soaps & spa essentials, fine art, clothing, scarves, dolls, birdhouses/feeders, fused glass plates & wind chimes, hand-painted furniture, photography, kid’s toys, hats, purses, succulents, leather, and much more!
Location: Downtown Arnold (Hwy 4) on the grounds around Bristol’s Ranch House Café.
​
May 27
Twain Harte Memorial Day Parade
It is time to dress in your Red, White and Blue and make sure to bring your flag to wave. This is the day when we honor our military personnel; both those who are serving and those who have served. The day starts off with a small military parade who present the colors followed by a presentation and the changing of the flag. Each year we honor a local veteran by dedicating the flag raising in there name and that name is added to the plaque sitting at the base of the flag pole. It is always a very moving ceremony and we would encourage everyone to come out to this event. The day continues with a hot dog feed at Eproson Park so don’t miss out on the fun. Come join the community of Twain Harte as we honor our military veterans.
​Location: Twain Harte​

Jun 1
Throw Down in the Vineyards
Cornhole Tournament and State BBQ Competition
Location: Ironstone Vineyards
Website

Jun 6-9
SoulPlay Festival
Dance, Yoga and Workshops.
Location: Pinecrest
Website

June 8
Twain Harte Community Yard Sale
Location: Twain Harte

June 17
Pinecrest Fish Fair
Activities, educational booths, prizes, and special appearances by Smokey Bear, and Woodsy Owl, all geared towards kids and fishing.  A hot dog lunch is included—free for kids and $3 for adults.
Location: Pinecrest Lake
Website


June 20
Tuolumne Lumber Jubilee
4-day festival celebrating the historic lumber industry in the area, ending with a historic tug-of-war on Sunday. Includes a carnival, parade & vendors.
Location: Tuolumne, Tuolumne Memorial Park
Website

​Jun 22
BFEF Fishing Tournament (Bridgeport)
A family-oriented fishing tournament put on annually by the Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Foundation.
Location: Bridgeport
Website

July 4-7
Mother Lode Fair
​Thursday July 4, 3 pm to 11 pm
Friday, July 5, 3 pm to midnight
Saturday, July 6, 3 pm to midnight
Sunday, July 7, 3 pm to 11 pm
(Exhibit buildings close at 10 pm each night)
Location: Mother Lode Fairgrounds
Website

July 20
Big Band Street Dance
Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the music at the Big Band Street Dance! Come in your everyday wear or get in the mood and dress in 1940s clothing. Prizes are awarded for best ‘40s outfits, best dancing couples, and much more. As locals will tell you, it’s one of the most popular events in Tuolumne County. Free!
Location: Columbia State Historic Park
Website
​
July 20
Westside Tribute Band Brewfest
The 4th Annual Westside Tribute Band Brew Fest will kick off on July 21st at the new Westside Pavilion in Tuolumne (also home of the 2015-2017 Strawberry Music Festival and Black Oak Concert Series). The event will include country tribute band Left of Centre featuring the music of Kenny Chesney and many others. Local favorite Harvest Gold will be this year’s opening act. Brew tasters will be able to choose from more than 30 of California’s top craft breweries featuring more than 50 different craft brews and ciders. VIP tasting begins at 1:15 PM and General admission begins at 2. Taps close at 6 p.m. Festival closes at 7 p.m. This event will be shaded. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the Summerville Bears’ Quarterback Club. This non-profit event is being presented by the Summerville Bears Quarterback Club for the benefit of the Summerville High School football program. You must be 21 or over to attend and you must have a photo I.D. to be admitted.
Location: Tuolumne, 17807 Tuolumne Rd
Website

July 27
Twain Harte Hot Rod Show
Free!
​Location: Twain Harte

Aug 2
Magic of the Night
Downtown Sonora comes alive with street entertainment from the Red Church to the Sonora Opera Hall. Classic and Antique cars and Merchant specials. Street dancing and kids fun.
Location: Downtown Sonora

Aug 2-3
Fish Fest (Bridgeport)
Every year Twin Lakes Resort hosts its annual Fish Fest fundraiser.  This event brings people together for 2 days of fishing, music, fun and more.  All of the proceeds from this event go towards the stocking of fish in Twin Lakes.
Location: Bridgeport, Twin Lakes
Website

Aug 4
Hank Williams Jr. with the Moonshine Bandits
Location: Ironstone Vineyards
Website

​Aug 17
Eproson Park's Annual Deep Pit Barbeque
Annual Deep Pit BBQ. Held at Eproson Park in conjunction with the Concert in the Pines. Great food, no host bar,silent auction and raffle prizes. Excellent summer Family event. Tickets are $25.00.(price Subject to change) for adults
Location: Twain Harte, Eproson Park

Aug 31
Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival (Arnold)
Arnold’s popular end-of-summer celebration features over 50 booths of original crafts & art of all kinds. You’ll find woodwork, metal sculpture, yard art, pottery, jewelry, quilts, chain-saw sculptures,  soaps & spa essentials, fine art, clothing, scarves, dolls, birdhouses/feeders, fused glass plates & wind chimes, hand-painted furniture, photography, kid’s toys, hats, purses, succulents, leather, and much more!  Get face painting & henna for the kids and young at heart, and sample gourmet foods all while enjoying live music from popular Modesto band, Home Grown.
The  Ebbett’s  Pass Volunteer Fire Department always serves local Calaveras County beers, and a variety of home-made, hot prepared food booths, kettlekorn, pre-packaged foods of all kinds for you gourmet chefs, and baked goodies to round out the deliciousness! The Arnold Lion’s Club holds their all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast of ham, eggs, & pancakes both days from 7:30 am – 11:00 am.
The Festival runs from 10am – 5pm on Saturday and from 10 – 4pm on Sunday and is free.
Location: Downtown Arnold (Hwy 4) on the grounds around Bristol’s Ranch House Café.

Aug 31
Annual Western BBQ and Concert Fundraiser (Bridgeport)
This annual and often sold out event features a night of great live music as well as a delicious barbeque from Billy & Sue Ruiz of Cowboy Flavor, a premier California-based catering company.  The event includes raffles for thousands of dollars worth of great prizes.  The event is put on to benefit the Fishin' Mission Foundation, who's goal is to raise money through the contributions of its members as well as the contributions of others for assistance with a variety of needs in the community of Bridgeport, California.
​Location: Bridgeport
Website

Sep 1
Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival (Arnold)
Begins Aug 31 (See details above)

Sep 14
Exotic Bird and Animal Show
See the unusual and exotic birds and animals at this annual exhibit.
Location: Mother Lode Fairgrounds

Sep 14-15
Me-Wuk Indian Acorn Festival
The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians invites you to the Annual Acorn Festival, a traditional celebration of the black oak acorn harvest with traditional dancers, hand games tournament, Native arts & crafts, more. Deep Pit BBQ Dinner, Indian Tacos (11am to 4 pm), and Inter-tribal Pow Wow. No pets, drugs or alcohol allowed.
Location: Tuolumne Rancheria

Sep 28
Concours d’Elegance
Classic car show also featuring also vintage trailers, motorcycles and wooden boats.
Location: Ironstone Vineyards
Website

Sep 28
Bridgeport Autumn Festival and Wrecks & Rods Car Show
Autumn Festival: Food, drinks, live music, vendors, pumpkin patch and kids games.
Car Show: Featuring both custom finished rides and works in progress, this is the time to cruise and see the Fall Colors and stop in to the historical Bridgeport Court House to show your Car.  Benefits Bridgeport Elementary PTO.

• 10am - Car Show and Vendors
• 11:30am - Live Music, Food and our Oktoberfest Beer Garden
• 1pm - Main Street Cruise
• 4pm-8pm - First Responder Chili Cook off held by the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department​

Location: Bridgeport
Website

Oct 5
Oktoberfest
Enjoy artisans, crafters, live entertainment, and food, beer tasting (24 different beers) and wine tasting. Get your commemorative mug and fill your belly with traditional German food.
Location: Twain Harte, Eproson Park 10am-3pm

Oct 5
Calaveras Grape Stomp and Street Faire
 The Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp takes place in picturesque Murphys Park. The day’s events include energetic stomp competitions every half hour, live and silent auctions, team costume contest and wine tasting. 
Location: Murphys
Website

​Oct 12-13
Harvest Festifall (Columbia)
A cornucopia of crafts, comestibles, demonstrations of skills, and music and dancing on the shady streets of the Park decorated for the harvest season. Almost fifty vendors, dressed in 1850s attire, will display their handmade arts and crafts for sale, including pottery, jewelry, apparel, home décor, wood furniture, baked goods and many others; some will demonstrate their skills. Attractions include demonstrations of spinning and weaving by the Mother Lode Weavers & Spinners, face painting, petting zoo & entertainment by various local groups of musicians & dancers.
Location: Columbia State Historic Park

Oct 14
Kennedy Meadows closes
Location: Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station
​Website  

Oct 26-27
All Hallows Fantasy Faire
The original modern themed costume Play Fantasy Festival in the Mother Lode of California "where imagination can become your reality!" Deeply rooted in the beliefs of the Celtic people but combined with all the fun and excitement of modern Halloween. Includes, music, food and drink, vendors, jugglers, magicians and more.
Location: Mother Lode Fairgrounds
Website

Oct 26
Boo Boulevard (Columbia)
Columbia welcomes children in costume for Trick or Treating from 3pm to 6pm. Wagon rides, games, and more! This free event is sponsored by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Columbia. Fun for all ages!
Location: Columbia State Historic Park
Website

Nov 2
Murphys Day of the Dead
Participating businesses will be offering authentic cultural art, food, sugar skulls, face painting, and live music, as well as displaying altars celebrating the lives of those who have passed on but are with us in heart and spirit on the Day of the Dead.  We’ll once again include a Catrina and Catrin Dress Contest at 4:30 pm Saturday afternoon in the Park followed by a Storyteller in the Park.  Mexican hot chocolate and pan de muertos will be available for purchase during & after the ceremony.
Location: Downtown Murphys
Website

Nov 11
Veterans' Day Remembrance (Columbia)
On Veterans' Day in Columbia's historic cemetery at 10:55 am, the Columbia Foot Dragoons explain the significance of Veterans' Day and how it became into being, and fire a single volley.
Location: Columbia State Historic Park

Nov 11
Railtown 1897 Complimentary Train Rides and Park Admission for Veterans
To honor their service and celebrate the patriotic holiday, California State Parks, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (SHP) and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation are proud to offer veterans and active military personnel with complimentary excursion train rides plus complimentary Park admission on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Veteran and active military personnel are encouraged to wear their uniforms with pride while enjoying a special excursion train ride behind diesel locomotive No. 1265, a 1952 former Army diesel which last served at the Riverbank Army Ammunition Plant. The special diesel locomotive will be operated by a number of crew members who are also military veterans. Excursion train rides are available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. In addition, Railtown 1897 SHP is also offering complimentary admission for veterans and active military personnel during this celebratory holiday. Veterans and active military personnel must show their current military ID or proof of discharge under conditions other than dishonorable or bad conduct.
Location: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Website

Nov 29-30
Sonora Christmas Craft and Music Festival
This highly regarded festival features over 150 great quality craft artists, up tempo and varied music, street performers, costumed elves and twinkle trees, carolers, a wide selection of home-cooking style festival kitchens and bake shops, all in festive, brightly colored craft halls. 
Location: Mother Lode Fairgrounds

Nov 29
Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade
RAIN OR STARS! Sounds of Christmas will fill the air with this night time parade with bright lights, floats, antique cars, and sounds of the holidays with marching bands and dancers. Starts promptly rain or shine at 6 p.m. Merchants will hold open houses with warm cider and Santa will greet little ones after the parade.
FOR THE PARADE: The Tuolumne County Transit Holly Trolley will operate free shuttles every 15 minutes between The Junction Shopping Center and downtown from 3:30 until 5pm and from 6:30 until 8pm.
Location: Downtown Sonora

Nov 29-30
Polar Express Train Rides (Railtown 1897)
Very special trains for Christmas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 17.  Relive the magical journey of The Polar Express™ on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as you ride along with many of the story's characters. When you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf- Santa himself - will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, "the first gift of Christmas". Tickets go on sale in October and are very popular!
Location: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Website

Nov 30
​Lamplight Tours (Columbia)
Participants will be guided through the decorated town during the walking play while listening to snippets of the town’s happenings. Docent-led Lamplight Tours will run Friday, November 30th starting at 6:30pm leaving every 15 minutes. Tickets are on sale now. This year’s program titled, “A Christmas Calamity, or Aunt Martha’s Travelling Fruitcake” revolves around the year 1861 where Aunt Martha’s infamous fruitcake is passed from hand to hand; hoping someone (who has never tasted her fruitcake) will blindly accept it. Participants will be led by kerosene lantern down the streets of Columbia to visit various vignettes in a walking play.  Tickets are adult (18 and over) $25, Junior (9-17) $15, and children 8 and under are free.  Tickets may be purchased at the linked website.
Location: Columbia State Historic Park 
Website

Dec 1
​Lamplight Tours (Columbia)
Participants will be guided through the decorated town during the walking play while listening to snippets of the town’s happenings. Docent-led Lamplight Tours will run Saturday starting at 5:30pm and leaving every 15 minutes. Tickets are on sale now. This year’s program titled, “A Christmas Calamity, or Aunt Martha’s Travelling Fruitcake” revolves around the year 1861 where Aunt Martha’s infamous fruitcake is passed from hand to hand; hoping someone (who has never tasted her fruitcake) will blindly accept it. Participants will be led by kerosene lantern down the streets of Columbia to visit various vignettes in a walking play. Tickets are adult (18 and over) $25, Junior (9-17) $15, and children 8 and under are free.  Tickets may be purchased at the linked website. 
Location: Columbia State Historic Park 
Website

Dec 1
Sonora Christmas Craft and Music Festival
This highly regarded festival features over 150 great quality craft artists, up tempo and varied music, street performers, costumed elves and twinkle trees, carolers, a wide selection of home-cooking style festival kitchens and bake shops, all in festive, brightly colored craft halls. 
Location: Mother Lode Fairgrounds

Dec 1
Polar Express Train Rides (Railtown 1897)
Very special trains for Christmas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 17.  Relive the magical journey of The Polar Express™ on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as you ride along with many of the story's characters. When you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf- Santa himself - will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, "the first gift of Christmas". Tickets go on sale in October and are very popular!
Location: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Website
​
Dec 6
Murphys Open House
Murphys celebrates the start of the holiday season with a community Open House from 5 to 8 pm. Admission is free.  Murphys' streets are closed and the Open House is a great time to peruse Murphys’ shops, tasting rooms and restaurants.  A favorite of locals, the annual event is an old-fashioned community celebration featuring a holiday parade, treats, and local wines hosted by Main Street merchants, restaurants, wineries, and the Murphys Business Association.  Musicians and carolers fill the streets with the sounds of the seasons, Santa arrives with the parade and stays for photos with the kids in the Native Sons Hall.  Chestnuts will again be roasting on an open fire at the Spice Tin. Make sure to stop by and try one so you can tell everybody you’ve actually tasted a chestnut roasted on an open fire.  
Location: Downtown Murphys
Website

​Dec 6-7
​Lamplight Tours (Columbia)
Participants will be guided through the decorated town during the walking play while listening to snippets of the town’s happenings. Docent-led Lamplight Tours will run Friday and Saturday leaving every 15 minutes. Tickets are on sale now. This year’s program titled, “A Christmas Calamity, or Aunt Martha’s Travelling Fruitcake” revolves around the year 1861 where Aunt Martha’s infamous fruitcake is passed from hand to hand; hoping someone (who has never tasted her fruitcake) will blindly accept it. Participants will be led by kerosene lantern down the streets of Columbia to visit various vignettes in a walking play. Tickets are adult (18 and over) $25, Junior (9-17) $15, and children 8 and under are free.  Tickets may be purchased at the linked website. 
Location: Columbia State Historic Park 
Website

Dec 6-8
Polar Express Train Rides (Railtown 1897)
Very special trains for Christmas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 17.  Relive the magical journey of The Polar Express™ on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as you ride along with many of the story's characters. When you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf- Santa himself - will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, "the first gift of Christmas". Tickets go on sale in October and are very popular!
Location: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Website

Dec 8
Los Posadas Nativity Procession
Las Posadas is a Spanish tradition that re-enacts the biblical story of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Since 1983 the people of Columbia have put on their own version of Las Posadas each December - with a distinctive 1850s flavor. Characters in this re-enactment include Mary and Joseph and their donkey, three Wise Men, tax collector, innkeeper, miners, musicians and other costumed townspeople. Columbia's Main Street is decorated for the Christmas season, and luminaries light the way for the procession, while onlookers hold candles and join in singing Christmas Carols.
Location: Columbia State Historic Park
Website

Dec 8
All-Equestrian Christmas Parade (Columbia)
Sunday at 11 am. This parade is open to all ages of equine riders/drivers. Everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the toy drive benefiting ATCAA's Housing Families Program. Sponsored by the Mid Valley Unit, Backcountry Horsemen of California.
Location: Columbia State Historic Park
​Website

​Dec 13-15
Polar Express Train Rides (Railtown 1897)
Very special trains for Christmas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 17.  Relive the magical journey of The Polar Express™ on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as you ride along with many of the story's characters. When you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf- Santa himself - will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, "the first gift of Christmas". Tickets go on sale in October and are very popular!
Location: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Website

2nd Saturday Art Night
​Enjoy an evening of strolling, viewing, sipping, and dining every 2nd Saturday from 5 to 8 pm. Art galleries, live music, live theatre, friendly eateries, distinctive shops... a lovely way to spend an early evening in Historic Downtown Sonora. 
Address: Historic Downtown Sonora
Website

Concerts in the Pines
Enjoy warm summer evenings in Twain Harte.  Concerts in the Pines is every Saturday night at 6pm.
June 15 until the end of August.
Location: Twain Harte, Eproson Park
Website

Columbia State Historic Park
Enjoy an hour-long walking tour of town led by a park staff member or docent. See the actual gold discovery site, learn about the buildings and early merchants of Columbia. Sponsored by The Friends Of Columbia SHP. Visit their website for more information. Town Tours are every Saturday & Sunday starting at 11 am. Meet at the office on Main Street & State St Columbia, CA 95310
Website
​
Columbia Farmory
​Year-round, indoor farmers' market open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11am to 5pm.
Address: 10800 Airport Rd., Columbia, CA 95310
Website

A great source for upcoming activities including fairs, concerts and shows in and around Sonora.
Website

Here's where you'll find upcoming events located at the fairgrounds.
​Website

Go Calaveras is a great website for our neighboring county to the north.  They have both a visitor's guide and a calendar of events on the site.
​Website

An events calendar for Murphys.  A former gold mining settlement, the main street today is lined with over two dozen wine tasting rooms and surrounded by local vineyards. The town is popular among tourists.  Murphys is also known by its colloquial nickname as "Queen of the Sierra" and is one of the more affluent communities in Calaveras County.
Website

​At Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, history comes to life with vintage steam trains, a working roundhouse, and the timeless Sierra Railway Shops, a designated California Historical Landmark.  The park is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day) April-October: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and November-March: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.  Admission is $5 adults, $3 children 6-17, Free 5 and under.  
Website

One of my favorite venues in the area.  Everything from car shows to big name entertainment and of course some great wines.  
Website

Black Oak Casino, in addition to gambling, dining, bowling and other activities plans a number of entertainment acts throughout the year.  Check their calendar often.
Website

Sonora's local newspaper with a very comprehensive list of upcoming events.
Website

The Bodie Foundation puts on some fun tours and events all to raise money to preserve this incredible ghost town.
​Website

Website

A comprehensive list of all the major festivals, fairs and events within California.
Website​

Chris and I love finding places like this. After an incredible trip to both Hong Kong and Japan last year we often find ourselves disappointed with Asian food in the States. That's not to say fresh, authentic Asian food can't be found, but often if it's good it's also very expensive. What we noticed about restaurants, especially in Japan, is they are both plentiful and quite small. Another commonality is these small neighborhood restaurants typically specialized in just one or two dishes or styles of cooking. It was easy enough to find exactly what you were looking for, you just needed to find the right restaurant. These places specialized in udon, or sushi, or steak, or ramen, or Indian curry, it didn't matter, but it was unlikely you were going to find sushi in the restaurant that served udon. One major advantage I found to these small restaurants is the food was very high quality with fresh ingredients often prepared right in front of you.

Much like the restaurants we visited in Japan, Yoshoku is very much the same. "Yoshoku" translated is a style of Japanese cooking in which a Western dish is modified with Japanese influence.

​Also much like the restaurants we visited in Japan, I have to give fair warning, this place is small! It appears to be a resurrected 50's soda fountain with a counter that may seat 7 or 8. Behind those seated at the counter are several booths, two of which will comfortably seat two, and two of which will seat 4. There is a single booth at the front window which could possibly seat 6 and it has been occupied each time we’ve been there. The restaurant is deservedly popular. Don't arrive with 7 or 8 friends expecting to be happy about your seating arrangements.

What Yoshoku lacks in space, it makes up for in quality.  You essentially have two choices, ramen or a poke bowl.  The menu is laid out in such a way that you will select one or the other (there are several appetizers and specialty dishes also) and fill in a card you are provided when you are seated.  Once you select your ingredients, the server collects the cards and your food is prepared in the kitchen.  And you don't need to wait long; you'll have your bowl in front of you often within a few minutes.  The menu includes a wide variety of vegetarian options and a good selection of Japanese and domestic beverages including soft drinks, beer, tea and sake.  

Yoshoku has well-earned 4.8+ star ratings on Yelp and Google.  They have a business website but even better is their Facebook page where you can read the comments and preview the menu.  It's a great place for lunch when visiting downtown Sonora.  

An activity Chris and I recently found to be very rewarding when it comes to exploring the beauty of Sonora Pass is off-roading.  Much like backpacking or horseback riding, trail riding in an OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) can bring you to places not many people get to see.  A trip off the pavement takes you away from the crowded fishing holes, vista points and campgrounds and brings you to places you didn't know existed.  I was an avid backpacker in my twenties and it was one of my favorite recreational activities.  As I grew older and occupied my life with a career and family, I found it much easier to use conventional campgrounds and ultimately an RV.  In a way, choosing an off-road vehicle and dispersed camping in the forest is much more like the adventure of backpacking and trail riding on a horse.  No crowds or noise, just solitude and new adventures.    

There are many different types of off-road vehicles, ranging from Jeeps and other sport utilities, to ATVs to motorcycles.  Each has advantages and disadvantages including restrictions on where they may travel.   Our recent purchase of a UTV (commonly referred to as a side-by-side) turns out to be a happy middle ground for the two of us.  California has much stricter regulations regarding off-highway vehicles and although the UTV is not street-legal, it can share many of the roads a Jeep or pickup can off-road and often with more capability and less harm to the environment.  Because of California's more restrictive laws, it's important to obtain a US Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).  For the Sonora Pass area, these are available free of charge at the Summit Ranger Station located on 108 at the Pinecrest turnoff.  

Chris and I have gone from visiting RV parks to visiting the wilderness again.  We make both day trips from our cabin, or we will instead plan an overnight trip in the mountains.  We've traded a queen size bed for a couple of army cots and a bedroll.  We have watched a sunrise while preparing a pot of coffee.  We have fished and swam, and relaxed in the sun.  We have made some incredible meals in the middle of nowhere.  It may sound like a step backward to some people, but not to us. ​

UTVs and other off-road vehicles have become increasingly popular and may be rented if you are not an owner.  Some of the popular places for off-road trail riding and dispersed camping on and near Sonora Pass are Niagara OHV near 108 and Eagle Meadow Road, Hull Creek and Trout Creek near Long Barn, and Crandall Creek and Deer Creek north of the Stanislaus River and west of Strawberry, and Ebbets and Carson Passes north of Sonora Pass.  Information may be readily found on the internet or by contacting the US Forest Service.