From a historic wine release to fireworks over Bass Lake, author talks at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, and communities painting themselves red, white, and blue! This is a summer you will not want to miss. Best of all, Yosemite National Park is not requiring reservations for day visitors this year, making it easier than ever to enjoy a famous American wilderness experience.

Look for our official USA 250th Yosemite Country logo. We've created a special logo to mark this historic milestone. Keep an eye out for it throughout the region all summer long — in the Yosemite Country Visitor Guide, at participating businesses, and across community celebrations.

The Eastern Madera County Foundation is helping every community in the region get dressed up for the 250th, providing each town with patriotic banners and bunting. The EMCF is also theming their beloved annual community Art Banners around the national celebration this summer — look for them lining the streets as you roll through.  Click HERE to see the banners and banner map

Bass Lake is turning up the volume this summer. Under the banner of The Summer of Celebration, the entire lake, the resorts, beaches, marinas, and communities are joining in on one of the most milestone-packed seasons in its history. Whether you're here for the Fourth of July fireworks, the lake's own 125th birthday bash, or simply a summer weekend on the water, there's something going on every time you visit.

Fourth of July Fireworks: July 4

Bass Lake's legendary fireworks display is always a showstopper — and this year, with the USA turning 250, it promises to be more spectacular than ever. Stake out your spot on the water or the shore and watch the sky light up over the lake.  Other Bass Lake 4th of July events include Patriotic Parade in the Pines Village on July 3rd at 7 pm, 4th of July Boat Parade around the lake starting at 7 pm, 4th of July BBQ at The Pines Resort and 4th of July Flip Flops and Fireworks BBQ at Marina Bar & Grill.  All Bass Lake events can be found at www.basslakechamber.com.

Bass Lake turns 125 — a Birthday Party around the Lake: August 15

On August 15, Bass Lake celebrates 125 years — and the whole lake is throwing a party. Every resort around the water will host its own special celebration, making this a truly lake-wide birthday bash you can explore from shore to shore.

Pick up a commemorative t-shirt and other keepsakes to mark the occasion — details are still being finalized, but this is one birthday you won't want to miss. More details coming soon.

The Forks Resort celebrates 99 years: All Summer

One of Bass Lake's most beloved institutions, The Forks Resort marks its 99th year in business this summer — a testament to everything that makes this lake so special. Stop in, raise a glass, and toast nearly a century of lakeside hospitality.

Full event details, schedules, and links for all Bass Lake Summer of Celebration events can be found at the bottom of this page.

Near Bass Lake in the foothills of O'Neals, Westbrook Wine Farm is doing something no other California winery has attempted: growing all eight of the historically approved red Bordeaux grape varieties in a single mountain vineyard and crafting a Malmsey-style dessert wine that connects directly to the birth of the nation. This summer, both sides of that story come together!

Join New York Times bestselling author Chris Epting as he shares stories from his book Theodore Roosevelt in California: The Presidential Adventure That Saved the Wilderness. Celebrate the anniversary of Roosevelt's legendary trip to Yosemite with John Muir, hear lesser-known stories about Lincoln's role in protecting the park, and learn about the brave Black soldiers who served as its early guardians.

Southern Yosemite area book signing & presentation schedule:

Fri May 15 | 11 am–1 pm - Raven & Pines Bookstore - 40044 Highway 49, Suite B1, Oakhurst

Fri May 15 | 5:30–7:30 pm - Fresno Flats Historic Village & Park - 49777 Road 427, Oakhurst

Sat May 16 | 10:30 am–12:30 pm - The Redwoods in Yosemite - 8038 Chilnualna Falls Road, Wawona

Sat May 16 | 4–6 pm - Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad - 56001 Highway 41, Fish Camp · Train ride & storytelling by the firepit

Each summer, on the last full weekend of July, dozens of riders on horseback retrace a 65-mile route through the San Joaquin Valley to honor Joaquin Murrieta — the Gold Rush-era figure celebrated as an outlaw by some and a folk hero and symbol of resistance by many. La Cabalgata is one of the most distinctive and moving cultural traditions in the Central Valley, blending living history with community pride.

Now in its fifth decade, the ride has been a tradition since 1978 and carries a powerful message: honoring immigrant heritage and farmworker dignity. Riders pass through Valley communities, including Firebaugh, Mendota, and Madera, before the journey concludes with a joyful celebration in Three Rocks, featuring mariachi music, dancing, and horsemanship displays. This summer's dates are July 25–27, 2026

Start your July 4th weekend with the festive Fourth of July Parade in Mariposa! Then make the most of your trip by entering Yosemite National Park via the scenic Highway 140 corridor, celebrating its own centennial this year.

Pro tip: Do the loop. Enter through Mariposa on Highway 140, explore Yosemite Valley, then exit south on Highway 41 through Wawona and Fish Camp back to Oakhurst. Two very different Yosemite experiences in one trip.

Let freedom ring! Big news for 2026: Yosemite National Park is not requiring a reservation to enter as a day visitor. That means spontaneous summer adventures are back. Here is how to make your visit smooth and stress-free:

1 - No reservation needed to enter. Just go.

2 - Sign up for text alerts to get real-time park updates before you head in.

3 - Buy your America the Beautiful or 7-Day Digital Pass in advance at Rec.gov to save time at the entrance kiosk.

4 - Go early — arriving before 8 am makes a world of difference in summer.

5 - Explore beyond Yosemite Valley. Explore Beyond Yosemite Valley Map. 

Annual Naturalization Ceremony at Glacier Point