Arts and Culture

The people of the Sierra Nevada are as diverse and magnificent as the mountains they call home, and their independent and fun loving spirit is reflected in the bountiful music and arts scene that the High Sierras are known for. If you’re looking for local flavor, inspiration, and a good time, here is a list of popular annual music and art festivals that you don’t want to miss….

 

  • Sierra Nevada World Music Festival – Held annually at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Booneville, the SNWMF is one of the premier world music festivals in the world. Enjoy dozens of bands, including the likes of Chronixx, Macka B, the Talking Dreads, and others over the course of this 3 day festival of peace and love held on the Summer Solstice.

 

  • High Sierra Music Festival – Fans come to the town of Quincy from all across the country every July to hear the best rock, jam, bluegrass, and funk bands in the world. If names like the Trey Anastasio Band, J.J. Grey and Mofro, Leftover Salmon, Umphrey’s McGee, the Del McCoury Band, and Widespread Panic get your attention, then this festival is one that you definitely want to get on your calendar.

 

  • Snow Goose Festival – Enjoy this annual celebration of one of the greatest mass bird migrations on the planet (and other avian frequenters of the Pacific Flyway) every January in Chico, CA. With banquets, speakers, educational opportunities, avian inspired art, and more, this four day festival draws birdwatchers from all across the world to witness the mass migration of Snow Geese to their traditional wintering areas up and down the Sierra Nevada.

 

  • Bear Valley Music Festival – If musical diversity is your thing, the Bear Valley Music Festival is your thing. Located in Bear Valley, halfway between Tahoe and Yosemite, the Bear Valley Music Festival hosts acts as diverse as the pianist Vladislav Kern, the Bear Valley Orchestra, the Mama’s and the Papas, Hal Ketchum, and the Big Bad VooDoo Daddies. From wine tastings to rock concerts, this festival has it all.

 

  • Sierra Nevada Arts and Crafts Festival – An annual four day celebration of arts and crafts at Bristols Café grounds in Arnold, the Sierra Nevada Arts and Crafts festival has been showcasing Sierra inspired artists for 45 years and running!

 

  • Eastern Sierra ATV and UTV Jamboree – If Yamahas make you think of off-roading rather than guitars, then the Eastern Sierra ATV and UTV Jamboree in Coleville/Walker should be on your bucketlist. Held for four days every September, the Jamboree features good times and group rides for off-road enthusiasts all across the country.