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 grown and transformed into many different entities. But, at its soul, it has always been a fun get together for the community.  This annual event that started in the 1990s (seems like a long time ago) is always the 2nd weekend in October.  It's a 3-day event with special entertainment each day.   You'll find thrilling midway rides & games and popular interactive evening events like the Jedi Academy for the kiddos (and Star Wars fans of any age), plus the new Yosemite Movement Arts with their aerialist  demonstration show.  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 pm.  Paired with gorgeous weather, live music, an assortment of vendors to find that perfect locally made gift, and a beautiful park setting, you got yourself the best recipe for fun.

Nocturnal... yet both feared and loved. Tarantulas and arachnids are some of the most misunderstood creatures out there. To help debunk some of these myths, the annual Coarsegold Tarantula Awareness Festival is held every October. Along with providing some facts of their importance in the ecosystem, expect to have lots of fun with a scream-off, pie eating competition, costume contests, pumpkin carving, and even a 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 one 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 on the last Saturday in October each year.

Stop by the Pines Village in beautiful Bass Lake on the last Saturday in October and join in on 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:  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, 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.

For a long time, this yearly tradition was focused on everything Pomegranate. As of 2018, the region changed the name to the Madera Pomegranate Fruit & Nut Festival to also celebrate the world-renowned nut products coming out of the Central Valley. Get ready for a full day of all things pomegranate & nut related. Expect to enjoy delicious pomegranate food and nuts while listening to live entertainment. Learn tips & tricks via cooking demonstrations from local chefs alongside educational briefings on pomegranates. It’s truly a great outing for the entire family and all your friends.  This festival is held on the 1st Saturday in November. 

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.