Fall is one of our favorite times to visit the Yosemite area.
The summer crowds begin to thin, mornings get cooler, fall colors start appearing across the Sierra, and the surrounding Gold Country towns come alive with local festivals, art events and community celebrations.
If you’re planning an October 2026 Yosemite getaway, here are some upcoming fall events worth adding to your trip.
Sierra Art Trails | October 2–4 & October 9–11, 2026
Yosemite Foothills | 10 AM–5 PM
One of the best ways to explore the Yosemite foothills in fall is to let local artists show you around.
The Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour takes place over two weekends, October 2–4 and October 9–11, with participating studios open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Artists and artisans throughout eastern Madera and Mariposa counties open their studios, homes, galleries and other creative spaces to visitors.
You’ll find painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography, woodworking and plenty of other work while driving through some beautiful Sierra foothill communities.
It’s part art tour and part road trip, which is what makes it fun.
If you’re looking for a locally made piece to remember your Yosemite trip, this is also a much better hunting ground than the typical souvenir shop.
Visit the official Sierra Art Trails website for tickets, participating artists and maps.
Old West Days | October 10–11, 2026
Downtown Groveland & Mary Laveroni Park
This one is especially convenient for guests staying at our Pine Mountain Lake vacation rentals.
Old West Days returns to Groveland on October 10 and 11, bringing a little Gold Rush-era personality back to town with historical reenactments, Old West scenes, live music, artisan vendors, cook-offs and plenty of food.
The event takes place around downtown Groveland and Mary Laveroni Park.
One important 2026 update: the Old West Days parade has been cancelled, but the main Old West Days weekend is still scheduled to take place.
It’s an especially easy event to pair with a stay at The Peninsula Lake House, The Cove Lake House or The Epic Aat Pine Mountain Lake.
Spend the morning exploring Yosemite, stop in Groveland for Old West Days, then head back to the lake for dinner and a quiet fall evening.
Visit the official Old West Days website for updated event itinerary and participating vendors.
Mariposa Farm & Ranch Tour | October 10, 2026
Mariposa County | 10 AM–5 PM
If you’d rather spend the day exploring farms, vineyards and Sierra backroads, the 14th Annual Mariposa Farm & Ranch Tour takes place Saturday, October 10.
The self-guided event gives visitors an opportunity to explore local farms, ranches, vineyards and conservation lands throughout Mariposa County.
Stops feature activities such as tastings, agricultural demonstrations, nature workshops, children’s activities, art and tours led by the people who work the land.
A Farm-to-Fork Dinner is also scheduled for the evening of October 9.
This is a great option if you’ve already spent time inside Yosemite and want to experience another side of the region.
Make a Fall Weekend of It
One of the reasons we love Yosemite in fall is that you don’t have to make the entire trip about checking attractions off a list.
Visit Yosemite one day. Explore a local festival the next. Take a scenic drive through Gold Country. Find a local restaurant. Then head home, open a bottle of wine and enjoy a cool Sierra evening.
For a lakefront fall getaway, The Peninsula Lake House sleeps up to eight guests directly on Pine Mountain Lake with panoramic lake views, a private dock, paddleboards and canoes.
The Cove Lake House sleeps up to 12 and is a great choice for families, while The Epic A accommodates groups of up to 24 in a distinctive lakefront double A-frame.
If you’d rather disappear into the wilderness for the weekend, Kowana Valley Lodge and Kowana Valley Cabin offer an entirely different experience on a private 300-acre wilderness property surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest.
Whichever you choose, fall gives you a chance to experience a quieter side of the Yosemite region.
Before You Go
Fall conditions around Yosemite can change quickly, particularly as you move between the foothills and higher elevations.
Check current Yosemite road and weather conditions before heading into the park, bring layers for cool mornings and evenings, and confirm event details with organizers before making a special trip.
Most importantly, leave some room in the itinerary.
Some of the best fall days around Yosemite are the ones where you explore the park in the morning, discover something interesting in a nearby town in the afternoon, and make it home in time to enjoy the sunset.
Planning an October Yosemite getaway? Explore Epic Yosemite vacation rentals and find your home base for national park adventures, local events and a few quiet fall days in the Sierra.