Stay up-to-date with the vibrant community events happening in the Sierra with Sierra Rec Magazine as your go-to source. Explore our comprehensive coverage of recreational travel destinations, highlighting the exciting community events that make each location truly unique. From lively music festivals to thrilling outdoor competitions, immerse yourself in the local culture and embrace the spirit of the Sierra. Discover a calendar full of engaging activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, foodies, and adventure seekers alike. Let Sierra Rec Magazine be your guide to experiencing the dynamic community events that enrich the recreational travel destinations of the Sierra. Plan your next trip and immerse yourself in the heart of the Sierra’s vibrant community spirit.
5th Annual Plein Air Festival – Quincy California Quincy, CA — March 12, 2026 — The 5th Annual Lost Sierra Plein Air Festival takes place May 9 through May 17, hosted by Bear Creek Frames in Quincy, California. The week-long event welcomes artists of all skill levels to paint outdoors while capturing the scenic beauty … Read more
Anyone who spends time exploring the Sierra Nevada knows that the farther you travel from the trailhead, the more important self-reliance becomes. A twisted ankle miles from help, dehydration on a hot climb, or an unexpected weather shift can quickly turn a great day on the trail into a serious situation. This spring, the Tahoe … Read more
TICKETS ON SALE FOR 51st FATHER’S DAY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Four Days of Music, Jamming, and Family Fun GRASS VALLEY, Calif. – One of California’s longest-running and most beloved music gatherings is back. The California Bluegrass Association (CBA) has announced the lineup and ticket sales for the 51st Annual Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, taking place June … Read more
Nevada Day Weekend and Día de los Muertos Followed by The Ferris 50 The Sierra is showing off this time of year. Golden cottonwoods line the Carson River, crisp mornings give way to bluebird afternoons, and the peaks above Carson Valley are dusted with early snow. It’s that rare overlap when fall color meets winter … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine | Sierra Rec Now Podcast This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we’re taking listeners to the southern gateway of Yosemite National Park, where community spirit, heritage, and mountain adventure come together for something entirely new — the first-ever Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games, happening November … Read more
From Tahoe to Sicily: Filmmaker and Clean Up The Lake Director Colin West Premieres New Documentary “SICILIA” at Newport Beach Film Festival By Sierra Rec Magazine StaffLake Tahoe, NV – October 15, 2025 Known across the Sierra as the driving force behind Clean Up The Lake, filmmaker and conservation leader Colin West is stepping into … Read more
Carson City, NV — September 26, 2025 Carson City is preparing to welcome home one of its most inspiring adventurers. Audrey Payne—trail name Glowstick—will return on Friday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trailhead to celebrate the completion of her 1,600-mile Carson City to Canada Quest, a journey that was also … Read more
Every fall, the quiet town of Genoa, Nevada—the oldest settlement in the state—transforms into one of the busiest places in the Sierra. Known for its historic charm, stunning Carson Valley setting, and small-town hospitality, Genoa is also home to one of Nevada’s most beloved festivals: the Candy Dance. In this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, … Read more
Studio 4, Story 1: A Local Lens on Lake Tahoe’s Art Scene By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Now Podcast Feature This week on Sierra Rec Now, I had the chance to slow down and talk art, photography, and passion with South Lake Tahoe’s own Jennifer Haran—a talented photographer whose work captures more than just … Read more
Enhancement) Builds Wildfire Resilience and Community Strength Plumas County, CA — California’s forests and communities are facing historic challenges — and a network of dedicated partners is rising to meet them.The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment’s Sierra to California All Lands Enhancement (SCALE) project is a statewide forum uniting local collaborative groups, Tribes, state … Read more
Olympic Valley, CA – July 2, 2025 — Ready to align your breath with mountain air and your spirit with wild places? The Wild Lotus Yoga Festival returns to Palisades Tahoe on July 11–13, 2025, inviting yogis, seekers, and wild hearts to rise with the Sierra sun for a weekend of yoga, music, movement, and … Read more
A Spirited Start to a Mountain Town Celebration Every year, as the flags wave and parade crowds gather along the streets of Truckee, a familiar energy builds—not from fireworks, but from fast feet and community cheer. The Firecracker Mile is back for 2025, and it’s the kind of local tradition that captures everything we love … Read more
June 21–22 & June 28–29, 2025 | Camino, CA When it comes to sensory-rich summer adventures in the Sierra foothills, few experiences rival the fragrant beauty and pastoral charm of Lavender Blue Harvest Days in Apple Hill. Hosted across two weekends—June 21–22 and June 28–29, 2025—this blooming celebration is far more than a farm event; … Read more
June 12–15, 2025 | Minden & Gardnerville, Nevada There’s something special about a town that still shuts down its main street for a parade, fires up the grills in the park, and welcomes neighbors and visitors alike for a weekend of music, laughter, and old-fashioned community spirit. This weekend, we’re inviting you to experience just … Read more
4 Days of Music, Magic & Mountain Vibes Fourth Of July Weekend 2025 By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff This July, the Sierra comes alive with rhythm, color, and community as the 33rd Annual High Sierra Music Festival returns to Quincy, California, from July 3–6, 2025. Set in the scenic heart of the Feather River Canyon, … Read more
May 20–25, 2025 | Bishop, CA It’s that time of year again—when the rhythm of hoofbeats echoes through the Eastern Sierra and the town of Bishop throws open its doors to celebrate the legendary animals that helped build the American West. That’s right, Mule Days is back! For over 50 years, Mule Days has been … Read more
May 16–18, 2025 – Carson Valley, NV There’s something undeniably magical about seeing a hot air balloon rise into the early morning sky — the colors, the calm, the slow-motion lift that makes your heart float a little too. This weekend, that magic returns to the Eastern Sierra’s most peaceful front porch as the Hot … Read more
May 17, 2025 — Lake Almanor, CA Looking for something reel-y exciting to do this weekend in the Sierra? Head to Lake Almanor for a splash of high-stakes action and laid-back lakeside fun as the Bass Angler Magazine (BAM) Kayak Series drops anchor for a one-day West Coast Championship Qualifier, hosted by Plumas Pines Resort, … Read more
Rodeo, Red Hills & the Spirit of the Sierra – It Motherlode Weekend in Sonora There’s something about rodeo weekend in Sonora that brings the soul of the Sierra to life. Maybe it’s the dust kicking up behind a wild bronc at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Maybe it’s the parade horses clopping down Washington Street … Read more
Podcast Feature with Amanda Johnson Carson Valley’s skies are ready to light up again as the Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival returns for its third year, May 16–18, 2025. And we’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast featuring Amanda Johnson, one of the event’s passionate co-founders and … Read more
Celebrate 50 Years of Bluegrass in the Sierra Foothills By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff It’s time to grab your lawn chairs, tune up your banjos, and circle June 12–15 on your summer calendar—because the sounds of mandolins, fiddles, and family harmonies are about to echo once again through the pines of the Sierra Nevada foothills. … Read more
May 2–4, 2025 | Genoa, NV | Carson Valley There’s no better way to celebrate spring in the Sierra than with a spirited blend of cowboy culture, trail adventures, and small-town charm—and Genoa Western Heritage Days delivers all that and more. Set in Nevada’s oldest pioneer settlement at the base of the Carson Range, Genoa … Read more
Spring has a way of waking up the foothills, and in Calaveras County, there’s no better way to welcome the season than with a little Zydeco music, a lot of crawfish, and the joyful hum of community. This April 26th, Main Street in San Andreas transforms into a lively slice of Louisiana at the Calaveras … Read more
Spring 2025 Lineup Announced for Strawberry Festival in Grass Valley May 21–26, 2025 | Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA Get ready to dance beneath the pines! The iconic Strawberry Music Festival is making its much-anticipated return this spring, bringing together world-class Americana, folk, and roots artists for a six-day musical campout in the heart … Read more
Banff Mountain Film Festival Lands in Downieville, CA This Weekend By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine This weekend, April 4–6, the quiet mountain town of Downieville, California, comes alive with stories that soar — on the screen and on the trails. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is rolling into the Yuba Theatre, … Read more
Kickstarting Adventure Season in the Eastern Sierra As the Sierra Nevada shakes off its winter coat and spring sunshine starts to hint at adventure season, Virginia City, Nevada, offers the perfect way to dive into the festivities with its 34th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Nestled just a scenic drive … Read more
Virginia City spreads holiday cheer with annual Christmas on the Comstock celebration Virginia City, Nev. – This December, Virginia City spreads holiday cheer with its annual Christmas on the Comstock celebration. The month-long festivities blend the historic charm of the 1860s mining town with modern holiday magic. Starting Dec. 1, the city welcomes visitors to enjoy … Read more
Lace up the sneakers and join a fun new event in the foothills of Carson City. The Carson Valley Trail association invites all to the inaugural 5K Trail run at James Lee Park Saturday the 19th. Trail running enthusiasts and families alike will love the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Run the Valley event … Read more
Reno NV – This weekend, the skies above Reno Stead Airport will come alive with the thunderous roar of jet engines, marking the 60th anniversary of aviation history in Reno. But this year’s Reno Air Show isn’t just a celebration of local legacy; it’s a unique event that brings together milestones in aviation from around … Read more
Discovering the Power of Community with Outdoor Pal The outdoor community is a vibrant and passionate group of individuals who share a love for adventure, nature, and exploration. In today’s world, where technology often pulls us indoors, it’s more important than ever to find ways to connect with like-minded individuals who share our enthusiasm for … Read more
A Weekend of Thrills, Music, and Family Fun In The Carson Valley September in the Sierra is packed with unforgettable events, this week families have choices of Reno Balloon festival, the International Camel & Ostrich Races in Virginia City, plus the fun continues just down the road at the Douglas County Rodeo. Set against the … Read more
SEQUOIA PARKS CONSERVANCY AND SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS INVITE YOU TO “DISCOVER THE DARK” AT THE 11TH ANNUAL DARK SKY FESTIVAL THREE RIVERS, CA – Sequoia Parks Conservancy, in partnership with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Dark Sky Festival to Sequoia and … Read more
Get Ready for the Capital City Rodeo: August 2-3, 2024 Hold onto your hats, Carson City! The Capital City Rodeo is galloping into town on August 2-3, 2024, bringing with it a whirlwind of Wild West excitement and extreme sports thrills. Hosted at the Fuji Fairgrounds in Carson City, Nevada, this inaugural event promises two … Read more
Weekend events include firework show, parade and local merchant events Virginia City, Nev. – Virginia City celebrates Independence Day weekend with a series of events, from Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7, welcoming visitors to enjoy a full schedule of patriotic activities. The highlight of the festivities, the Fourth of July on the Comstock, will … Read more
Day One at the Bam Trail Pro Bass Tournament At Lake Almanor The Orange sherbet glow over the east mountain range, draped still in midnight black, stirred the crowded bay with palpable anticipation. Thirty Professional, single riders in their fancy Bass fishing boats came to attention as the American Flag trolled past them to the … Read more
Calling all music lovers and families in the Sierra Nevada foothills! The legendary Strawberry Music Festival returns to the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, California this Memorial Day Weekend, May 22nd through 27th, 2024. This annual reunion for music lovers of all ages features five days of live music, camping, workshops, vendors, and activities … Read more
Soaring Over Carson Valley: A Hot Air Balloon Adventure The crisp morning air crackled with anticipation as the first rays of light peeked over the eastern horizon at Lampe Park in Carson Valley. Today marked the exciting kick-off to the 2nd Annual Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival, and I, along with a team of … Read more
Calling all creative minds! Do you dream of waking up to breathtaking mountain vistas and spending your days immersed in the beauty of the Plumas National Forest? If so, then the Artist in the Lookout program is the perfect opportunity for you. The Plumas National Forest and Plumas Arts have joined forces for the eighth … Read more
Calling all history buffs and culture enthusiasts! This weekend, head to Genoa, Nevada’s oldest town, for a trip back in time at the Genoa Western Heritage Days! From April 26th to 28th, the town comes alive with a celebration of its rich heritage, offering a taste of the Wild West. Live Music and Entertainment: Family … Read more
Join us for a fun-filled 30-minute episode as we chat with Greg Nelson and Amanda Johnson, the leaders behind the Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival in Carson Valley! This incredible community event takes place May 17th-19th, 2024, and promises vibrant skies filled with over 30 hot air balloons. In this episode, you’ll learn about: … Read more
