Old West Days 2026: A Wild West Weekend Near Yosemite
October 10–11, 2026 | Downtown Groveland, California
Planning an autumn getaway to Yosemite? Add a little Gold Country history to your trip.
This October, Old West Days returns to historic Groveland, California, bringing a weekend of Western fun, local food, artisan vendors and community festivities to one of the most characterful mountain towns near Yosemite National Park.
Even better, Old West Days takes place close to three Epic Yosemite vacation homes: The Cove Lake House, The Peninsula Lake House and The Epic A-Frame, making it an easy addition to an October weekend in the Yosemite region.
Old West Days 2026
Dates: Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location: Downtown Groveland & Mary Laveroni Park
Start time: 9:00 am
Admission: FREE (donations encouraged)
Old West Days celebrates the colourful history and character of California’s Gold Country with a weekend gathering in the heart of Groveland.
Visitors can expect festivities centred around downtown and Mary Laveroni Park, with artisan vendors and food competitions among the attractions planned for the weekend.
For the latest program, times and event announcements, visit the official Old West Days website before your trip.
Discover Historic Groveland
Old West Days is also a good excuse to spend some time exploring Groveland itself.
Long before it became one of the gateways to Yosemite National Park, Groveland was a California Gold Rush town. Originally known as Garrotte, the community grew during the mining era before later becoming an important base for construction of the Hetch Hetchy water system. Today, historic buildings, shops and restaurants still give downtown Groveland plenty of Old West character.
Take a walk through town, visit the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, browse the local shops or simply enjoy the atmosphere along historic Main Street before heading back into the mountains.
Make It an Autumn Yosemite Weekend
October is a wonderful time to experience the Yosemite region.
The summer crowds begin to ease, temperatures turn cooler and the Sierra landscape starts settling into autumn. A weekend at Old West Days can easily be combined with a day exploring Yosemite National Park, a scenic drive through the surrounding Gold Country or a relaxed afternoon back at your holiday home.
Instead of treating Old West Days as the entire trip, make it part of a longer Yosemite escape.
Spend the morning exploring Yosemite. Wander through Old West Days in the afternoon. Then head home for dinner, a glass of wine and a quiet evening beneath the Sierra stars.
Stay Near Old West Days with Epic Yosemite
If you’re travelling to Groveland for Old West Days, Epic Yosemite offers three distinctive holiday homes in the surrounding Yosemite region.
The Cove Lake House
A family-friendly lakeside retreat at Pine Mountain Lake. Sleeping up to 12 guests with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, it’s ideal for 2 to 3 families travelling together. Spend your days exploring Yosemite or stay home for swimming, paddleboarding, ping pong, bocce and BBQs. The Cove is a great choice for families and groups looking to combine Old West Days with a longer Yosemite and lake getaway.
The Peninsula Lake House
Escape to your own lakefront retreat at Pine Mountain Lake near Yosemite. The Peninsula Lake House sleeps 8 with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, panoramic lake views and a private dock. Swim straight from the property or explore the lake with complimentary paddleboards and canoes. Spend your days adventuring in Yosemite, then come home for an afternoon on the water, dinner overlooking the lake and sunset from your own private waterfront.
Book now!
The Epic A-Frame
For travelers looking for a quintessential mountain escape, The Epic A-Frame was designed specifically for unforgettable group getaways. The striking double A-frame brings together modern mountain design, generous gathering spaces and resort-style amenities in one of the most desirable locations at Pine Mountain Lake. With **6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and space for up to 24 guests**, The Epic A is made for extended families, multi-family holidays, reunions, celebrations and groups looking for an exceptional home base for exploring Yosemite and the surrounding Sierra Nevada.
Turn Old West Days Into a Yosemite Getaway
One of the best parts of visiting Yosemite is discovering everything beyond the park gates.
Historic Gold Rush towns, mountain communities, local festivals, lakes, forests and scenic back roads are all part of what makes this corner of California worth exploring.
Old West Days is a perfect example.
Come for the Western festivities in Groveland. Stay for Yosemite, the lakes and the Sierra Nevada.
Old West Days 2026
October 10–11, 2026
Downtown Groveland & Mary Laveroni Park
Groveland, California
Plan your autumn escape and book your stay directly with Epic Yosemite at EPICYOSEMITE.COM.