MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — October can be a vibrant time in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With fall colors, cooler weather, and a variety of community events to bring residents and visitors together. From seasonal celebrations to local markets and cultural performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month. Here are a few of the October “Happenings” in the mountain area.
1. Oakhurst Fall Festival (Oct. 11-13)
Oakhurst celebrates the 31st Annual Fall Festival, setting the tone for the fall season.
To begin, the Fall Festival is a weekend packed with activities for the whole family. From carnival rides and live entertainment to a pumpkin patch and wine tasting, this liked event draws visitors from all over the mountain.
- Location: Oakhurst Community Park
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Highlights: Pumpkin patch, costume contest, live music, food vendors, carnival games
2. Mariposa County Fairgrounds Flea Market (Oct. 14)
Moreover, the Mariposa County Fairgrounds is a perfect event to browse antiques, vintage items, and handcrafted goods. The flea market offers a wide range of vendors selling everything from collectibles to home décor.
- Location: Mariposa County Fairgrounds
- Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Why attend: A chance to discover unique, one-of-a-kind items while supporting local vendors
3. Oakhurst Tractor Supply Pet Photos (Oct. 19)
In addition, get your furry friends ready for some Halloween fun at the Oakhurst Tractor Supply Halloween Pet Photo Event. Bring your pets, in costume or not, for a professional photo session. The first 25 participants will receive a free magnetic photo frame.
- Location: Oakhurst Tractor Supply
- Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Highlights: Free photo frame for first 25 guests, trick-or-treating, live music
4. Mariposa Art Walk (Oct. 21)
Also, the Mariposa Art Walk is an annual event allowing guests to immerse themselves in Mariposa’s local art scene. Thus, turning the towns street’s into a gallery of live music, artist demonstrations, and displays of locally crafted artwork. Explore the creativity of Mariposa’s art community while enjoying the scenic downtown atmosphere.
- Location: Downtown Mariposa
- Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- What to expect: Artist showcases, live performances, and interactive art activities
5. Bass Lake Halloween Carnival (Oct. 26)
In addition, Pines Resort at Bass Lake hosts the Annual Halloween Carnival. With activities from a bounce house to a palm reading, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. Not to mention, there will be a costume contest offering exciting prizes, and classic carnival food and drinks will be available for purchase.
- Location: Pines Resort, Upper Parking Lot
- Time: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free, with a cost for games and food/drinks available for purchase
- Highlights: Bounce house, games, dunk tank, face painting, palm reader, costume contest, carnival food/drinks
6. Coarsegold Tarantula Awareness Festival (Oct. 26)
Detailed overview of hourly events during the Tarantula Festival, offering many different activities.
Next, one of the more “quirkier” events of the season, the Coarsegold Tarantula Awareness Festival is a celebration of the area’s tarantula population. Learn about these misunderstood creatures through educational talks and join in on the fun activities like tarantula races and “hairy leg” contest.
- Location: Historic Coarsegold Village
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free (Parking: $2)
- What to expect: Tarantula races, kids’ games, food booths, live music
7. Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds Trunk or Treat (Oct. 26)
Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds, hosts annual Trunk or Treat, bringing together families from around the community.
Furthermore, for those looking for a spooky-family friendly event, head to the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds for their annual Trunk or Treat. Thus, offering a safe and fun environment for families to enjoy Halloween festivities. Locals decorate their cars with creative themes, and kids can go trunk-to-trunk to collect candy and treats.
- Location: Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds
- Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Decorated cars, candy for kids, family-friendly Halloween games, food trucks, vendors, costumes
8. Oakhurst Fall Crest Fest (Oct. 26)
Additionally, enjoy another event for the family during the Oakhurst Fall Crest Fest. This event offers live music, hayrides, and a variety of hands-on activities that capture the spirit of fall.
- Location: 45800 Calvin Crest Rd, Oakhurst, CA
- Time: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- What to expect: Live music, apple cider press, chili cook-off, homemade pie auction, axe throwing, zipline and climbing wall
Experience a day of community and celebration at the Fall Crest Fest in Oakhurst.
9. Mariposa Harvest Festival (Oct. 30)
Celebrate fall during Mariposa’s Annual Harvest Festival, with fun for the whole family.
Next, New Life Christian Fellowship is excited to invite the entire community to its annual Harvest Festival. This family-friendly event promises fun and entertainment for all ages and has a perfect picturesque area for capturing a fall family photo.
- Location: New Life Christian Fellowship in Mariposa
- Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Highlights: Trunk or treat, games and activities, emergency services display, food
10. Oakhurst Farmers Market (Every Thursday)
Moreover, if you are interested in fresh produce and locally made goods, Oakhurst’s weekly Farmers Market is a fall staple. Held every Thursday, it offers a variety of seasonal products from pumpkins to handcrafted goods.
- Location: Bryant’s Ace Hardware parking lot, Oakhurst
- Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Why attend: Enjoy the best of fall harvest while supporting local farmers and artisans
11. Mariposa Annual Trunk or Treat (Oct. 31)
Enjoy your Halloween at the Mariposa Trunk or Treat, this year at a new location.
Lastly, celebrate Halloween with the 11th Annual Trunk or Treat hosted by Mariposa Safe Families. This year’s event has a new location, ensuring plenty of space for decorated trunks, candy collecting, and spooky fun.
- Location: Mariposa Safe Families Block (Entrance is at corner of 8th and Jones Street)
- Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Vote for best decorated trunk, safe trick-or-treating, Halloween themed activities
All in all, these events are just a few to choose from during October “Happenings”. From art walks to tarantula festivals, October in the Sierra foothills offers a variety of events that highlight the area’s community spirit. Whether you’re in Oakhurst, Coarsegold, or Mariposa, these events provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the autumn season with family and friends.
