The turning of the calendar to fall creates excitement or urgency, depending on what’s your favorite season. That might be why this time of year holds so many amazing get-togethers to enjoy.  Here are some fun fall festivals in or near Yosemite to have one last hurrah or celebrate the coming of old man winter.

Over the years, the Oakhurst Fall Festival has always been a fun get-together for the community.  This annual event that began over 30 years ago is always held in October.  It's a three-day extravaganza with special entertainment each day.  Find thrilling midway rides and games, popular interactive evening events like the Jedi Academy for the kiddos (and Star Wars fans of any age), and artistic demonstrations.  For the wine and craft brew lovers, Saturday in the Pavilion is wine and beer tasting along with our local hard cider from noon to 5 p.m.  Paired with gorgeous weather, live music, an assortment of vendors to find that perfect locally-made gifts, and a beautiful park setting, and you got the best recipe for fun.

South Gate Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Oakhurst, California. The brewery was founded in 2013 by Casey and Lindsay Hawkins. Known for its award-winning beer, like Oaktown Brown and the Glacier Point Pale Ale. The brewery also offers a variety of other beers, including stouts, porters, and sours. South Gate Brewing Company is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The brewery offers a spacious taproom with a large outdoor patio. South Gate Brewing Co. hosts various events throughout the year, including live music and food trucks.  

On Saturday, October 7 — South Gate Brewing Company is turning 10! Join us for our Oktoberfest party beginning at Noon. There will be live music from Boha and Trey Tosh. Plus, enjoy food specials and a stein-holding contest. Admission is free. We hope to see you there!

Both feared and loved, tarantulas and arachnids are some of the most misunderstood creatures. To help debunk some of these myths, the annual Coarsegold Tarantula Awareness Festival is held every October. Along with providing some facts about their importance in the ecosystem, expect to have lots of fun with a scream-off, pie-eating competition, costume contests, pumpkin carving, and even the hairiest leg contest for men and women. Of course, the furry eight-legged creatures steal the show as part of the race to see which is the fastest in Coarsegold. And don’t worry... no tarantulas are harmed during the race.  This event is put on by the Coarsegold Historic Village, and Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce happens each October on the Saturday before Halloween. 

Stop by the Pines Village in beautiful Bass Lake on the last Saturday in October and enjoy lots of fun for the whole family at the annual Bass Lake Fall Festival and Halloween Carnival! Families can participate in a variety of activities, games, and crafts. Both free and paid. 

Kids activities at the Halloween Carnival include a Digital Photo Booth, Trick or Treat in the Village, Inflatables (bounce houses, slides, games), Costume Contest (children only; age 0-12), Face Painting, Caricature Artist, and DJ Music.

Plus, there is a Beer Garden for grownups, a Craft Fair in the Pines Village (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), and Carnival Food.

(Please note that for the safety of the guests, pets are not allowed to participate.)

Get ready for a full day of all things pomegranate and nut-related at the yearly tradition of the Madera Pomegranate Fruit & Nut Festival. When we celebrate the world-renowned agricultural products from California's Central Valley, expect to enjoy delicious pomegranate-themed foods while listening to live entertainment. Learn tips and tricks via cooking demonstrations from local chefs alongside educational briefings on pomegranates from growers and master gardeners. It’s an excellent outing for the entire family and all your friends.  This festival is held on the first Saturday in November. 

As the summer transitions into fall, the fairgrounds come alive with a bustling atmosphere filled with laughter, excitement, and the aroma of delicious treats. The Madera District Fair takes place in September and captures the essence of the community spirit and agricultural heritage of Madera County. The vibrant and lively event has various attractions and entertainment, from thrilling rides and games to live music performances. There is something for everyone to enjoy. The fair also showcases the region's rich agricultural traditions with livestock exhibitions, farm produce competitions, and educational displays highlighting the area's farming prowess. Local artisans proudly display their crafts, while vendors entice fairgoers with delectable treats like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, to name a few. Mark your calendar for early September and enjoy a classic county fair with your family and friends. 

From enjoying the “fruits and nuts” of the region’s hard work to learning more about arachnids, there’s an assortment of fun fall festivals that should be on your to-do list this year.