Mendocino County is known for its many unique festivals and events, particularly during the busy summertime months. There’s something for everyone – from kid-friendly events to wine and music festivals to the World’s Largest Salmon BBQ. Many lodging properties also offer fantastic summer packages, specifically designed to help the visitor enjoy the warm summer months to the fullest. There really isn’t a better time to experience the local culture and lore that make Mendocino County so unique!
And here’s a sampling of some of the fantastic festivals and events taking place this summer:
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival
June 18-20 • Boonville
The yearly Summer Solstice celebration brings the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, a virtual global village where people gather in a beautiful setting to enjoy a diverse lineup of new and legendary artists from around the world. Set in the picturesque Anderson Valley, attendees will enjoy three days of music performed on two stages, convenient camping, an eclectic group of ethnic food and cultural craft vendors, fire dance troupes, fun and educational children's activities, and more.
http://www.snwmf.com/, (916) 777.5550
A Taste of Redwood Valley
June 18-20 • Redwood Valley
Celebrate Father’s Day by whisking Dad up to one of California's oldest viticultural areas, Redwood Valley, just north of Ukiah. The festival kicks off Friday evening with the legendary Winemaker's Dinner and will continue through the weekend with delicious food, barrel tasting, live music, fine art, and artisanal crafts. Highlights include a stop off at an antique distillery that produces the best brandy in the world, a rustic, home-built winery where Mendocino County's first organic and biodynamic wines were produced, and an architecturally exquisite tasting room.
http://www.atasteofredwoodvalley.com/, (800) 760.3739
Willits Frontier Days
July 1-5 • Willits
Willits Frontier Days is California’s oldest continuous rodeo celebration, and has something for everyone! From rodeos to horseshows, truck pull contests to a parade, and a week-long carnival to street dances, young and old alike are invited to join in the festivities for a memorable 4th of July weekend. Festival highlights include the Annual Beef BBQ, Main Street Parade, and Willits Jr Rodeo. http://www.willitsfrontierdays.com/, 707-459-6330.
World’s Largest Salmon BBQ
July 3 • Fort Bragg
Help support the restoration and preservation of wild pacific salmon resources by attending the World’s Largest Salmon BBQ! Sponsored by the Salmon Restoration Association, this annual event takes place in Noyo Harbor and raises money to restore salmon to our rivers and streams.
http://www.salmonrestoration.com/, 707-962-0548
The Mendocino Music Festival
July 10-24 • Mendocino
The Mendocino Music Festival is a magical blend of exceptional music by outstanding performers in one of the most enchanting sites in Northern California. Each year in mid-July, a concert hall is built from the ground up in the Festival’s 16,000 square foot performance tent, just outside of Mendocino Village, on Mendocino Headlands State Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This year, the festival will include three orchestra concerts, two evenings of opera (Carmen), classical chamber concerts, jazz, bluegrass, world music, dance and Big Band. Daytime concerts include four Piano Series lecture/recitals, five Village Chamber Concerts, a Children’s Matinee, an Emerging Artists concert and a special jazz/pop concert.
http://www.mendocinomusic.com/, (707) 937-2044
Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival
August 14 • Yorkville Highlands
To celebrate the appellation’s birthday, the Yorkville Highlands Appellation hosts their annual Wine Festival each year at a different winery. This year, it’s at Meyer Family Cellars, between Boonville and Yorkville. Features fun events, such as grape stomping and hoop throwing, a BBQ (boar and lamb!), live music, a silent auction, and lots and lots of great local wine (over 30 will poured!).
http://www.yorkvillehighlands.org/, (707) 895-2341
Art in the Redwoods
August 19-22 • Gualala
The 49th Annual Art in the Redwoods Festival is held in the charming seaside town of Gualala. Kick things off on Thursday evening with a "Top Hat" opening dinner & wine celebration at the Gualala Arts Center, where diners will get a sneak peek of the indoor art before it is judged. Only 100 tickets, which include a VIP Festival pass, are available for this premier event. Cost: $150. Reservations recommended. Friday night features a “Champagne Preview,” where outdoor artists’ booths will be open for a sneak preview, followed by the official Awards Presentation. Saturday and Sunday the festival is open to the public and will showcase a host of handmade items, including jewelry, ceramics, wood, tiles, weavings, specialized apparel, leather goods, photographs, textiles and artwork (most of it will be for sale!). Live music will be presented on the auditorium stage, in the outdoor amphitheater and by strolling musicians throughout the festival weekend – with most of it performed by local musicians.
http://www.gualalaarts.org/, (707) 884.1138
Round Valley Blackberry Festival
August 21-22 • Covelo
Don’t miss the 28th Annual Round Valley Blackberry Festival in Northern Mendocino County, featuring arts and craft booths, oodles of blackberry delicacies, food booths, live music, children's activities, and Mendocino wine tasting. Also features a 5k and 10k footrace on Sunday (benefiting the local library), followed by a Country Breakfast and Classic Car Show!
(707) 367-8393, http://www.roundvalley.org/
For more information about these and other events taking place this summer in Mendocino County, or to make a reservation at any one of our romantic bed and breakfasts, quaint country inns, luxurious 4-star resorts, relaxing retreat centers, or charming hotels and motels, call (866) 466-3636 (866 GO-MENDO) or visit http://www.visitmendocino.com/.
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