California Rodeos
California Assoc. of RV Parks & Campgrounds
California’s campgrounds are not only terrific places to enjoy the Great Outdoors. With RV and tent sites as well as a wide range of rental accommodations, campgrounds can also serve as base camps for those who are interested in checking out California’s diverse range of weekend special events, which ranges from rodeos to taco and tequila and Zydeco music festivals.
“I don’t think there is any state that has as many diverse weekend activities and special events as we do,” said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
The Auburn-based association hosts Camp-California.com, the statewide travel planning website, which features information about a wide range of cultural and culinary events that take place each year throughout the state this year.
“We are constantly adding more information about food, wine and music festivals, rodeos and other special events because people are always looking for interesting things to do with their leisure time,” Sipe said.
Following is a sampling of the festivals and rodeos that take place across California during the coming weeks and months.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
— Redding Rodeo Championship Challenge, May 13 - 16, Redding Rodeo Grounds: This rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Visit www.reddingrodeo.com for more information.
— Marysville Stampede, May 23 - 24, Cotton Rosser Arena-Riverfront Park: This rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. www.marysvillestampede.com
— Isleton Cajun & Blues Festival, June 20 - 21, B & W Resort & Marina, Isleton: This event features Zydeco, Cajun and Blues music as well as Cajun food and dancing. www.isletoncajunfestival.net
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
— California Beer Festival, June 20, Stafford Lake Park, Novato: This event features more than 70 craft brewed beers on tap, live music, bocce ball and sliders. www.californiabeerfestival.com
— Sonoma Wine Weekend, Sept. 4 - 6 in Sonoma County: This is a charity event that brings together more than 200 top wineries. Special events include winemaker lunches, dinners and barbecues. www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com
— 20th Annual Sebastopol Cajun Zydeco Festival, Sept. 12, Ives Park, Sebastopol: This event features Cajun and Zydeco music and Cajun and Southern food, including gumbo and oyster shooters. www.winecountrycajun.com
SIERRA FOOTHILLS
— Mother Lode Roundup, May 9 - 10, Motherlode Fairgrounds, Sonora: This event includes a parade and rodeo. www.motherloderoundup.com.
— El Dorado County Fair, June 18 - 21, El Dorado Fairgrounds, Placerville: www.eldoradocountyfair.org
EASTERN SIERRA
— Mammoth Food & Wine Experience in Mammoth Lakes, June 26 - 27, in Mammoth Lakes: The event includes seminars with wine experts and chefs, a wine tasting event with more than a 100 wines, a “Great Outdoors Cooking Competition” for culinary arts students, and a “Best of the Best Burgers Battle.” www.mammothfoodandwine.org
— 20th Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza, July 30 - Aug. 2 in Mammoth Lakes: This event showcases the best craft breweries in the country along with top blues performers. This year’s entertainment lineup includes Taj Mahal, John Hiatt and Buddy Guy. www.mammothbluesbrewfest.com
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COAST
— Avila Beach Tequila Festival, May 23, Avila Beach Concerts at the Cove: This event features tequila tasting and live music. http://www.avilabeachpier.com/events/tequila-fest.html
— Castroville Artichoke Festival, May 30 - 31, Castroville: This event includes artichoke cooking demonstrations, tours of artichoke farms, artichoke inspired arts and souvenirs, an artichoke parade, a classic car show and wine exposition. www.artichokefestival.org
— Gilroy Garlic Festival, July 24 - 26, Gilroy: This event, held in the garlic growing capitol of America, features garlicky food and live music. www.gilroygarlicfestival.com
— California Beer Festival Santa Cruz, Aug. 8 - 9, Aptos Village Park.: This event features a “Craft Been Heaven” on Saturday with 85 craft beers on tap. Sunday the focus is a “Hamburger and Hops Music Festival” with tribute bands for the Rolling Stones and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. www.californiabeerfestival.com
SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES
— Tequila & Taco Music Festival, July 18 - 19, The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard: This event features top shelf tequila sampling, gourmet street tacos, craft beers, award winning margaritas, arts and crafts and live music. www.tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com
— Santa Barbara Tequila Harvest Festival, Aug. 29 at Elings Park, Santa Barbara: This event features more than 50 tequilas and mescals. www.agaveavenue.com
— California Beer Festival, Sept. 18-20, Mission Park, Ventura: This event features a blues and barbecue festival as well as several tribute bands. www.californiabeerfestival.com
GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
— California Beer Festival, Sept. 12 - 13, Frank G. Bonelli Park, San Dimas: Features over 60 craft beers, bocce ball and sliders. www.californiabeerfestival.com
INLAND EMPIRE
— Beaumont Cherry Festival, June 4 - 7, Stewart Park, Beaumont: This festival features arts and crafts, live entertainment, food vendors and exhibits as well as carnival games and rides. www.beaumontcherryfestival.org.
For more information on festivals and nearby campgrounds, RV parks and resorts, visit www.Camp-California.com.