Yosemite Mariposa County’s September Festivals & Events

It’s not every day that a sports analogy is used to describe a national park, but what the heck.  Just like a hot shot cleanup hitter is followed by an equally talented — yet often overlooked — number five hitter, Yosemite’s renowned summer season is followed by an unsung “secret” season of its own. The name on the back of the jersey?  September.

Granted this might be a little “inside baseball” but Yosemite’s gatherings, celebrations and revelries bring locals and visitors together in a high-spirited way that’s hard to beat.  From fairs and fests to voluntourism and vibing with live music, September Yosemite events are guaranteed to — you guessed it — knock it out of the Park.

Hey, Hay: Mariposa County Fair

Attracting 30,000 guests to its neon midway and hay-strewn stalls, the Mariposa County Fair perfectly captures the Western spirit of this Yosemite gateway. Families can enjoy agricultural events and competitions, authentic rodeo, demolition derby, and live music, not to mention great food! The Fair has been yee-hawing since 1939 and occurs every Labor Day Weekend.  Got a thing for three-wheelers and/or wiener dogs? Check out the Tricycle and Dachshund Races for silly fun.

Yippee-Ki-Yay: CoyoteFest

A visit to Coulterville is like saloon doors swinging open at high noon to reveal a welcoming cast of kind-hearted locals.  As the hub of Northern Mariposa County, this historic Gold Rush town hosts the annual CoyoteFest — a lively shindig where kids face-painting and petting zoo two-step with its famous car show and frothy beer garden. Feeling competitive? Sign up for the Howling Contest and let your inner prairie pup sing!

Rock Polish: Yosemite Facelift

Every September outdoor enthusiasts of all ages come together for the celebrated Yosemite Facelift. Launched in 2003 by Ken Yager, President of the Yosemite Climbing Association, this multi-day cleanup follows the Park’s busy summer season and preps it for autumn when vivid fall colors and quiet strolls take center stage. This is Yosemite voluntourism at its best! Park entry — and big gratitude — included for all registered participants.

Mountain Vibes: Live Music

In addition to September fairs & fests, the live music scene in Yosemite Mariposa County hits the right notes at many of its local watering holes.  The high ceilings at The Grove House invite barn dance hoedowns, while the historic nooks & crannies at The Hideout Saloon lend themselves to an outlaw vibe. For a private concert feel, clack down the back steps of The Alley and groove to the tunes at their outdoor beer garden stage.

September Savings: Perks, Deals & Freebies

As summer fades in the rearview and Yosemite slows down, the deals start dangling like autumn leaves in the Sierra breeze.  A perennial favorite is National Public Lands Day.  Held every fourth Saturday of September, entry is free for all visitors to Yosemite National Park. Special Offers can be found in September as well, with deals on everything from lodging to activities and tastings. Let savings ring!

Now Batting

With Yosemite Valley’s monthly average high of 84 degrees and low of 50 degrees, September lends itself to extended outdoor fun for just about any excursion, expedition or Yosemite Mariposa County event. The crowds begin thin, the deals begin to drop and the local flavor shines.  Now batting in the number five position…September!