Calaveras County Events Calendar

Frogs, Music & Wine . . .

The Calaveras Arts Council has many great events, including their free summer concert series "Music in the Parks". Besides the Calaveras Wine Association's major events, visitors flock to the Valley Springs PowWow in May, Murphys Irish Days, Living History Days in Angels Camp, and the Murphys Homecoming in July.

This calendar of events is brought to you as a courtesy to help keep you up-to-date on the latest events. We will do our best to validate the accuracy of the information provided, but cannot be responsible for inaccuracies. Check with the contact names and website links of event sponsors for the latest information. If you don't see your event listed - use the Add Your Event form to submit it.

Saturdays: Murphys Historical Walking Tour, Murphys, 728-3404, 10am
Step back into the era of gold-laden creek beds and rowdy saloons. Return to the time of bustling trading posts and quiet, shady porches. The Mother Lode legend comes alive as your guide takes you on a free, one-hour tour of Murphys, featuring:
• An up-close look at one of the Gold Country's most charming, best-preserved mining towns.
• A history of the area and its people, from the MiWok Indians to the pioneers. Gold Rush landmarks, including hotels, saloons, storefronts, even the Murphys "pokey". 19th Century homes of the Gold Country pioneers. Historic Walking Tour of Murphys, California

1st Monday (each month): Poets Night – Hotel Leger in Mokelumne Hill. 7:30 pm. Open to all aspiring Poets and all genre of poetry from Cowboy to Haiku. For more info call Antoinette 286-1320.

Wednesdays (June 15 - August 10): Music in the Parks, various towns
Every consecutive Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.: Free "Music in the Parks", presented by the Calaveras County Arts Council. Call 209-754-1774 to find out the town park and the performers at each concert.

1st Thursday (each month): CREATIVE RUSH - Featured Poets + Open Mike- Alchemy in Murphys. 7:00 pm. All are welcome. FREE. contact Nila Northsun 209.533.2251 for bookings or info or nila1@prodigy.net

Jan 21, 2005: Silent Movie Night - Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys

Enjoy a fun evening at Silent Movie Night at Ironstone Vineyards. Featuring and Evening of Mack Sennett Silent Comedies. Call 209-728-1251 for more information.

Jan 22, 2005: Calaveras County Arts Council presents "Ovations"

7:30 pm Savage Dance Company, Reginald Ray-Savage, Artistic Director. This is the 24th season of the Calaveras County Arts Council presenting a series of high quality performing artists. Called "Ovations", the 2005 series will feature four performances in the Bret Harte Theatre, 323 Highway 49, Angels Camp. Season tickets are $80 for adults; $30 for youth 12 and under. Single tickets are $23/adult; $10 youth. For tickets, call 866-463-8689 or online at www.highsierratickets.com. For information, call the Calaveras County Arts Council at (209)754-1774.

Jan 28-Feb 27, 2005: Murphys Creek Theatre presents "Marry Me A Little" at the Black Bart Playhouse, in Murphys. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Tickets are $20 on Fri/Sat and $18 on Sunday; students are $13. Info and tickets at www.murphyscreektheatre.org or call MCT at 728-8842 or High Sierra Tickets (866) 463-8659 (soon!).

Feb 13, 2005: Calaveras County Arts Council presents "Ovations"

3:00 p.m., Rolando Morales Group, Latin jazz fused with Afro-Cuban and Flamenco. This is the 24th season of the Calaveras County Arts Council presenting a series of high quality performing artists. Called "Ovations", the 2005 series will feature four performances in the Bret Harte Theatre, 323 Highway 49, Angels Camp. Season tickets are $80 for adults; $30 for youth 12 and under. Single tickets are $23/adult; $10 youth. For tickets, call 866-463-8689 or online at www.highsierratickets.com. For information, call the Calaveras County Arts Council at (209)754-1774.

Feb 19-20, 2005: Calaveras Wine Association Annual President's Wine Weekend

Celebrating two great Presidents and Calaveras wineries. Each of the Calaveras Wineries will be open Saturday and Sunday with a number of special offerings including live music, All-American hors d’oeuvres, special discounts, food and wine pairing with recipes, new release and barrel tastings and surprise visits by Abe Lincoln and George Washington. Admission to the event is free of charge. For more information, call 209/736-6722 or 866/806-WINE or visit our web site: www.calaveraswines.org

Mar 6, 2005: Calaveras County Arts Council presents "Ovations"

3:00 p.m., The Sons of San Joaquin, Traditional Western harmonies. This is the 24th season of the Calaveras County Arts Council presenting a series of high quality performing artists. Called "Ovations", the 2005 series will feature four performances in the Bret Harte Theatre, 323 Highway 49, Angels Camp. Season tickets are $80 for adults; $30 for youth 12 and under. Single tickets are $23/adult; $10 youth. For tickets, call 866-463-8689 or online at www.highsierratickets.com. For information, call the Calaveras County Arts Council at (209)754-1774.

Mar 12-13, 2005: Calaveras Celtic Faire
Location: Calaveras County Fairgrounds, Highway 49
Contact: Refer to Contacts page on website for various needs

Music: There will be 4 stages. Two large stages will host big bands, dance, and the nightly parties; a session stage for improv sessions; and finally a smaller, more intimate stage for quieter groups and story telling.

Reinactment: A 2 day tournament will pit armored knights against one another, competing for real prizes such as weaponry, armor and a grand prize. From jousting to a knighting to the firing of a civil war gatlin gun, there is always something going on. The many guilds who visit our faire highlight Celtic culture throughout history. From the 1st century BCE through the late 1860s. As you pass through the faire, you will see barbarians with painted faces, the queen and her court, and civil war soldiers.

A Gathering of the Clans: Celtic culture is not just history, it is alive today and the clan tents can help you become a part of it. Find you clan and continue keeping Celtic culture and traditions alive.

Mar 19, 2005: Murphys Irish Days
Location: Murphys, California
Contact: Event Coordinator: Caroline Schirato, phone: 209-736-1507, email: info@murphysirishdays.org

Murphys Irish Days, celebrates the impact on California history by the Martin Murphy Sr. family, as well as the importance of the Irish heritage in the Mother Lode, since the Gold Rush. The day starts with a robust pancake breakfast. Festivities take place on historic Main Street in Murphys and begin at 10 am and continue all day until 5 pm. The event features two main stages of lively Irish music and dance, booths of fine art and crafts, delectable food, drink from our Calaveras County wineries and breweries, a grand silent auction. A country parade, at noon is always one of the many highlights of the day. The event filled day ends with the announcement of the grand prize winner of the Trip for Two to Ireland and the winners of the four Murphys' gift packages.

Apr 9, 2005: Butterfly Ecology in the Sierra Nevada - A public program presented by Jim Mori, butterfly expert. 10am Jack Knight Hall at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Free.

Apr 9, 2005: The Mother Lode Friends of Music Orchestra- Presented by the Calaveras County ARts Council. Bret Harte Theatre, Angels Camp. 7:30 pm - Tickets $23 at the door. 754-1774

Apr 19, 2005: Calaveras County Arts Council presents "Ovations"

7:30 p.m. Mother Lode Friends of Music Orchestra, Henrik Jul Hansen, Conductor This is the 24th season of the Calaveras County Arts Council presenting a series of high quality performing artists. Called "Ovations", the 2005 series will feature four performances in the Bret Harte Theatre, 323 Highway 49, Angels Camp. Season tickets are $80 for adults; $30 for youth 12 and under. Single tickets are $23/adult; $10 youth. For tickets, call 866-463-8689 or online at www.highsierratickets.com. For information, call the Calaveras County Arts Council at (209)754-1774.

Apr 23, 2005: Luncheon/Fashion Show Fundraiser for Calaveras Big Trees State Park Interpretive Center

The Calaveras Big Trees Association will be putting on a fashion show and luncheon at Snowflake Lodge. The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with lunch at noon. This event will help to promote and raise funds for the new Interpretive Center at Big Trees State Park. For more information call 209-795-7539.

May 19-22, 2005: Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee
Location: Calaveras County Fairgrounds, Highway 49
Contact: Frogtown 209-736-2561

In the fall of 1865, the young 'Mark Twain' spent time on Jackass Hill near Angels Camp. On one of his regular visits to the bar at the Angels Hotel, he overheard the tale that he later penned. The short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" became his first published work and made Mr. Twain a household name.

In 1928, the Angels Camp Boosters Club organized a celebration in honor of the first paving of Main Street and chose to use Mark Twain's famous story as the focus for their event. The first Jumping Frog Jubilee drew over 15,000 people to Angels Camp. They came from all over the countryside on foot, in wagons, and on horseback.

Today, thousands of frog jump contestants from all over the world give this event unique international acclaim. Plan to attend the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee held annually the third week in May at "Frogtown". Breathtaking rodeos, live concerts, exhilarating midway rides, country crafts, professional and amateur art and exhibits, lots of food, a beautiful setting, and much more make this a fun weekend for the entire family. For more information, take a look at the official frog jump site at www.frogtown.org.

Jun 17-19, 2005: Passport Weekend

Treat Dad to a special Father’s Day Wine Weekend in Calaveras County, the Heart of the Gold Country! Calaveras Wineries open their doors to wine aficionados and everyone for a special weekend. Sample and savor our excellent local wines and gourmet delicacies, meet the winemakers, and help support the Calaveras Wine Association’s High School Scholarship Program. For more information, call 209/736-6722 or 866/806/WINE or visit our web site: www.calaveraswines.org

Jun 22-24, 2005: 28th Annual Mountain Heirloom Quilt Faire (209) 795-2172 Avery

Independence Hall Quilters presents this annual event at Ironstone Vineyards. With over 250 Quilts, Wall Hangings, Wearable Art, Dolls and many other exhibits for the public to view, this event will sure to draw a crowd. Door prizes, Live Music, Demonstrations, Vendor Booths along with an opportunity quilt drawing will take place on Sunday, July 24 at 3:30 p.m.

This fun filled event takes place on Friday & Saturday, July 22-23 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, July 24 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Ticket prices are $7 at the door, $6 Advance Tickets, 3-day ticket at the door is $18 & Advance 3-day tickets is $15. To purchase tickets, please call 209-795-6243, email ihqinfo@goldrush.com or send payment to JoAnn Fall at P.O. Box 3095, Arnold, CA 95223. For more information, please call the Calaveras Visitors Bureau at 209-736-0049 or 800-225-3764. All profits benefit scholarships and Community Donations.

Jul – Aug (exact 2005 date TBA): 38th Annual Bear Valley Music Festival • July - Aug (exact date TBA)
Location: Bear Valley, California
Contact: Tickets & Information (800) 458-1618
The Bear Valley Music Festival is a 16 day celebration of fne classical music, fine wine, and fine art. Held at 7,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada at Bear Valley, California, it runs from the last weekend in July through the second weekend in August.

The Festival has 8 to 10 classical performances each year, including two performances of an opera, a pops concert, a chamber music night, two recital nights, a children's concert, and full symphonic concerts with name soloists. Interspersed among the classical performances are non-classical concerts, which include jazz, bluegrass, rock, and country music, as well as a swing dance night and a masquerade ball.

Sprinkled among the many concerts are many parties. Official Festival events include: a party for new are home and condo owners, Gala Opening Night Party, Teddy Bear Picnic for kids, Opera Cast Party, Auctions, and a Farewell Party for musicians, volunteers, and staff.

Fine wine is part of the Festival tradition. The Calaveras Wine Association is a sponsor, donating at least a dozen varieties of fine Foothill wine (including champagne) for sale during the Festival.

Aug 13, 2005: 12th Annual Cajun Fete Dinner Dance

Join in the fun at the 12th Annual Cajun Fete Dinner Dance with live zydeco music, silent auction, local wines and beer. Pioneer Hotel in Sheep Ranch. Advance reservations required! Call the Calaveras County Arts Council at 209-754-1774 for tickets and more information.

Aug 20, 2005: Family Day at Calaveras Big Trees State Park - Family Day at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. 10 am to 4 pm. Free with park entrance admission.

Sep 3-4, 2005: 10th Annual Logging Jamboree - White Pines Lake, just one mile from Arnold. 10am - 5pm.

Oct 1, 2004: 12th Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp and the Gold Rush Street Faire - Murphys

10 am to 5 pm in Historic Murphys. Both events run simultaneously. Presented by the Calaveras Wine Association, the day's events include stomp competitions every half hour, live music, a silent auction, BBQ, costume contest, bellydancing, and wine tasting from all Calaveras Wineries. Teams of two, one stomper and one swabber who collects the juice, stomp 25 pounds of grapes for 3 minutes. The team which collects the most juice wins that heat and is eligible for the finals. The Stomp is open to the public for a fee per team. The event is free of charge. Info: Call 209-736-6722 or 800-225-3764, ext. 25. Web site: www.calaveraswines.org.

Oct 1, 2004: October Fest Celebration at The Leger

8304 Main St., Mokelumne Hill October Fest Menu and Drinks to be served. Live Music and a good old fashioned party to be had. Join us for this great celebration every year. We look forward to having you with us. It is a great reason to throw a party. Call for more details 209-286-1401 or visit us on the web www. Hotelleger.com

Oct 26, 2004: Winter Fest

Bring the family to Tamarack Lodge to help us sing carols and decorate the tree. Let the kids make an ornament to take home and then continue on up to Bear Valley for the rest of the festivities. Get into the holiday spirit with these afternoon and evening activities in conjunction with Bear Valley Business Association. For more information please call 753-2080.

Oct 29, 2004: Halloween at the Haunted Leger 8304 Main Street, Mokelumne Hill Don’t miss our biggest bash of the year and the largest Halloween celebration in the county. Costume Only, Band and a DJ. Costume Contest, Bobbing for Apples and Much More, Excellent Dinner that night with a wine pairing and good times for hours into the night. Once you come you will return every year. The best party to be had…..Cover Charge $10.00 at the door after 8:30 and No charge for guests hotel or dining. Live Music by ALIAS- rock and Roll and a few creeps…. Call for details 209-286-1401 or visit us on the web www. Hotelleger.com

Nov 20, 2004: Victorian Ball - Held in Copperopolis. Call (209)785-1185 for more information.

Nov 19-20, 2004: Holiday Open House at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

This events takes place at the Calaveras Big Trees State Park Visitors Center 11am to 3pm Unique gifts, refreshments and music.

Dec 3, 2004 (2005 Date TBA): Murphys Annual Christmas Open House - Main street Murphys - Parade, Santa, refreshments, music. 5:30pm For information call 728-2126

Dec 3, 2004: Calaveras Wine Association Annual Holiday Open House A holiday wine open house with special offerings which include live music, caroling, festive treats, special discounts, new wine releases and of course, Santa. Free of charge For more information, call 209/736-6722 or 800.225-3764 ext.25 or visit our web site: www.calaveraswines.org

Dec 4, 2004 (2005 Date TBA): Calaveras Wine Association Holiday Open House

A Holiday wine open house with special offerings which include live music, carolling, festive treats, special discounts, new wine releases and of course, Santa. Free of charge. For more information, call 209-736-6722 or 800-225-3764, ext. 25.

Dec 4, 2004: (2005 Date TBA) 14th Annual Angels Camp Holiday Parade

The Angels Camp Business Association is sponsoring the 14th Annual Holiday Parade! The parade takes place from Utica Park through historic downtown Angels Camp. Starts at 4 p.m. and is followed by entertainment, Santa pictures and carolling around the tree at the Calaveras Visitors Center. Entries for the parade are available on line at www.angelscamp.net.

Dec 4, 2004 (2005 Date TBA): Valley Springs Christmas Parade & Craft Fair - Check back for details or call (209) 772-2136

Dec 19, 2004: Sounds of the Season -Ironstone Vineyards

Two performances of seasonal music, featuring the Singing Nuns, plus piano by Helen Kimzey Plowman and other musicians. The first show, a children’s matinee, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. $5.00 for adults, children 12 and under can bring in a non-perishable food item and get in free (food items go to the fire victims of this summer’s fire season). The second show, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, $10.00 each. 728-1251

Dec 25, 2004 (2005 Date TBA): Murphys Friends Free Christmas Dinner

Free community turkey dinner with all the trimmings, horse drawn carriage rides, story telling, carolling, live music, pictures with Santa and community fellowship. Transportation can be arranged in advance and meals can also be arranged to be delivered. For questions or for arrangements of transportation/delivery of meals call (209) 736-6177.

Dec 26, 2004 (2005 Date TBA): Winter Explosion - Bear Valley hosts fireworks, torchligh parade and dinner. For more information call 753-2310.