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.

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!

To mark America's 250th anniversary, owners Ray and Tammy Krause have crafted a first-ever wine that co-ferments all eight red Bordeaux varieties grown at Westbrook into a single, unified expression — a wine whose very name echoes the nation's founding motto, "Out of many, one." E Pluribus Unum will be released on Saturday, July 4, 2026.  The eight varieties in this historic blend:  Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot Malbec Petit Verdot Carmenère Gros Verdot Saint Macaire

Westbrook also produces Malmsey Dearest, a dessert wine made from the Malvasia grape in the authentic tradition of Madeira, the rich, fortified wine that was ubiquitous in Colonial America and deeply beloved by the men who founded the nation.

Benjamin Franklin was a well-documented admirer of Madeira wines throughout his life. And Thomas Jefferson, also k ept careful records of his Madeira consumption and considered it among the finest wines. Malmsey, the sweetest and most prized style of Madeira, is credited as the wine used to toast both the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the ratification of the Constitution of the new United States. Westbrook Wine Farm is believed to be the only winery in California currently producing an authentically crafted Malmsey-style wine. Raise a glass of history this summer.

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.

Don't miss the final stop at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in Fish Camp — a train ride followed by storytelling around the firepit, under the pines.

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

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.

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.

The Eastern Madera County Foundation is helping every community in the region get dressed up for the 250th, providing each town with $1,500 to deck out in 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.

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 the Valley. Check out our handy map resource for hidden gems throughout Yosemite Country. (NEED)