The turning of the calendar to fall creates excitement. That might be why this time of year holds so many amazing get-togethers. Here are some fun fall festivals in or near Yosemite to have one last hurrah before we celebrate the coming of old man winter.

Get ready to dance and sing at the Oakchella Family Music Festival on Saturday, September 5, 2026! This community celebration features talented local musicians, delicious food, unique vendors, and entertainment for all ages, including a kids' activity area! Tickets are on sale now for the 3rd annual Oakchella at the Oakhurst Community Center. 

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 features a range of attractions and entertainment, including thrilling rides, games, and live music performances. There is something for everyone to enjoy. The fair also showcases the region's rich agricultural traditions through livestock exhibitions, farm produce competitions, and educational displays that highlight the area's farming expertise. Local artisans proudly display their crafts, while vendors entice fairgoers with delectable treats, including funnel cakes, corn dogs, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, among others. Mark your calendar for September 10 - 13, 2026, and enjoy a classic county fair with your family and friends. 

Brand new in 2026, the No-Bull Equipment Rodeo is a one-of-a-kind community event that celebrates and highlights the contractors, heavy equipment operators, and hardworking people who call this area home. Expect precision challenges using excavators, backhoes, and skid loaders, delicious food, and plenty of fun at the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds on September 12, 2026. 

Over the years, the Oakhurst Fall Festival has always been a fun get-together for the community.  This annual event, which began over 30 years ago, is always held in October.  This three-day extravaganza is the 2nd weekend in Oakhurst (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) , featuring special entertainment each day.  Find thrilling midway rides and games, popular bands throughout the days and evenings, 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, music, an assortment of vendors to find that perfect locally-made gifts, and a beautiful park setting, you've 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 both locals and tourists. 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.  

Mark your calendars for the second annual Yosemite Celtic Festival and Highland Games, October 17 & 18, 2026, at the Oakhurst Community Center. This one-of-a-kind celebration brings the traditions of Scotland to the Sierra, with bagpipes, Highland games including the ca-"bear" toss, whiskey tastings, Celtic music, vendors, and a healthy dose of kilted revelry. This is the must-see event of the season, featuring two days brimming with excitement, competitions, and community fun. 

Lend a hand at the third annual Oakhurst Facelift on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Since 2024, the Oakhurst Facelift has removed over 2,500lbs of trash and debris from the Oakhurst River Parkway Trail, the Lewis Creek Trail, and Bass Lake. More information about the 2026 Oakhurst Facelift is coming soon. To learn about previous Oakhurst Facelift events, please visit this link.

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 on the last Saturday of 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 hosted by the Coarsegold Historic Village and the Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce.

Join The Pines Village at beautiful Bass Lake for the 10th Annual Bass Lake Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 31, 2026. This family-friendly event features Lawn Games, a Dunk Tank, Inflatables (bounce houses, slides, games), and top Craft Vendors. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating in the Village and participating in a Costume Contest (ages 0-12), and everyone can enjoy Music, Food, and a Beer Garden for the grown-ups!

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. 

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. Discover more events and exciting reasons to visit "California's Gateway to Yosemite!"