< PreviousJANUARY Polar Dip Three Rivers Thrill seekers jumping into the icy Kaweah River at the Gateway Restaurant and Lodge in Three Rivers has become an annual New Year’s Day welcome. gateway-sequoia.com Sequoia Symphony Orchestra Visalia Concert season runs October through April at the Fox Theatre. Since its founding in 1959, it’s been the mission of the orchestra to promote and foster appreciation of symphonic music, further adult participation in creative music activity, and promote the education and development of young musicians. The current orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Kiesling, has about 70 members. sequoiasymphonyorchestra.org Tule Gem and Mineral Society Gemboree EXETER Annual gem and mineral show at the Exeter Veterans Memorial Building. This free event has educational display cases, vendors, fun activities for children of all ages and much more. Always the 3rd weekend of January. Tule Gem and Mineral Society on Facebook First Saturday Three Rivers Each first Saturday of the month, artists, restaurants and merchants invite all to a town-wide celebration. There is a different theme each month. Pick up maps at Historical Museum or Art Center. 1stsatudaytr.com First Friday: Visalia VISALIA A multi-sensory art and entertainment crawl in downtown Visalia brings musicians, performers, vendors and more together on the first Friday of each month. The family-friendly community event is free. artsconsortium.org/firstfriday FEBRUARY World Ag Expo Tulare This is one of the world’s largest agricultural expositions, with as many as 1500 exhibitors showing the latest in farm equipment, chemical, communication and tech offerings, in 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space at the International Agri-Center. worldagexpo.com MARCH Sprint Car Races Tulare The races take place March through October at the “Lightning-Fast” 1/3-mile, clay oval high-banked sprint car racetrack at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. thunderbowlraceway.com Viva Tulare Tulare Friday Night Street Fair held in Downtown Tulare from March through early November. Enjoy food, music, vendors and entertainment. For more information, call (559) 737-3223. St. Patrick’s Day Parade Visalia Celebrate Ireland and other cultures with a parade, live music, food and vendor booths. visaliabreakfastlions.org South Valley Art Tour Countywide On March 26-27, 2022, a collection of artists from Visalia, Exeter, Three Rivers, and Woodlake — both nationally recognized as well as aspiring greats — invite you into their personal workspaces for a behind-the-scenes tour. Get to know the faces and places behind Tulare County’s best artwork! April California Antique Farm Equipment Show Tulare An annual show featuring antique trucks and showcasing the agriculture industry’s heritage at the International Agri-Center. Visitors will enjoy viewing hundreds of antique trucks, tractors and farm equipment exhibits from throughout the United States. antiquefarmshow.org Tulare Car Show Tulare Hosted by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, this event brings out the finest hot rods, tricked-out cars, trucks, and bikes in the area. The event will be held in Downtown Tulare. tularechamber.org Best of the Valley Quilt Show Lindsay For over 25 years, quilters from throughout the Valley have displayed their handcrafted quilts at McDermont. botvquilts.com Taco Truck Challenge Visalia Food trucks and taco contests, what cold be better than that!? Visit the Visalia Mall for the Annual Taco Truck Challenge and other contests along with a beer garden, live music and prizes. Contact the mall office at (559) 697-4930 Team Roping Three Rivers The Three Rivers Lions Club hosts this annual four-day event features roping, barrel racing, branding, pee wee roping, a pig scramble, activities for the children, food and music. Held on the last Thursday-Saturday in April. Iris Festival Porterville The annual festival, presented by the Porterville Chamber of Commerce, has grown to feature more than 150 vendors and has drawn more than 10,000 visitors. In the past, it has included a chili cook-off, kids’ zone and free entertainment. portervillechamber.org Jackass Mail Run Springville In a whimsical tribute to the region’s Gold Rush-era pioneer days, this annual event features delivery of specially stamped mail from Porterville to Springville by a mule-driven wagon accompanied by horseback riders. Make sure that the mail isn’t waylaid by bandits! jackassmailrun.com Jazzaffair Three Rivers The annual April music festival, features bands from all over the United States. This is the longest, continually offered jazz festival in the western U.S. There are four venues, motorhome parking and free shuttles. Great food and breathtaking scenery at the base of the Sierras make for a memorable experience. jazzaffair.info Springville Rodeo Springville Entertainment, food and world-class rodeo action are offered at this annual April event. springvillerodeo.org Music on Main- Spring PORTERVILLE Friday nights at Centennial Park on Main Street in April and May featuring local talent, a makers market and local food vendors. portervillechamber.org Junior Ranger Day SEQUOIA/KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK Explore, learn and protect your national parks – become a Junior Ranger! Free events throughout the park. Visitors enjoy free entrance to the park. nps.gov/kids/become-a-junior-ranger.htm Orange Blossom Festival & Parade Lindsay An annual, multi-day event, which includes a parade and queen’s coronation, a carnival, tours, bike rides, walks and exhibits. lindsayorangeblossom.org Renaissance Festival Visalia The annual Elizabethan Faire, featuring renaissance guilds, stage shows, battle reenactments and jousting, provides fun for the entire family. Scicon Barbecue & Wildflower Festival Springville The Friends of SCICON hold this event every April. SCICON staff are available to lead wildflower, bird-watching and nature hikes for the public. The museum, planetarium, tree nursery and observatory are open all day. tcoe.org/scicon/news.shtm Downtown Visalia Wine Walk Visalia Grab your wine glass and make your way along Main Street to sample some of the best wines and cheeses around. downtownvisalia.com MAY Allensworth Old Time Jubilee Allensworth This annual family event features entertainment, free self-paced tours of historic buildings and the chance to talk to heirs of the pioneers. It also includes an arts and crafts market and ethnic food. friendsofallensworth.com Big L Ranch Blueberry Picking Woodlake The harvest starts Mother’s Day weekend and runs through mid-June. Come pick organic blueberries in the beautiful countryside. Open to the public. Located at 20899 Ave. 322, Woodlake. For more information call (559) 280-2767 or visit Facebook or Instagram @bigLranch . 28 | The Sequoia Visitor Events CalendarMemorial Day Parade Farmersville An annual parade honoring those who gave all to our country will travel along Farmersville Boulevard. Cinco de Mayo Tulare This annual celebration at Zumwalt Park is held the first Saturday in May. It features vendors with food, toys and clothing, live music, contests, bounce houses and dancing after dark. tularedowntown.org Cinco de Mayo Festival Dinuba This annual cultural event is celebrated with food, vendors, entertainment and carnival rides at Rose Ann Vuich Park the first Thursday through Sunday in May. A parade is held on Saturday. dinubachamber.com Arts Festival Dinuba The arts are celebrated the second Saturday in May at Heritage Square. Live performances and demonstrations, artist and student exhibits, mini-workshops, a sidewalk chalk art competition and vendors are included. dinubachamber.com Concerts in the Park Tulare Tulare’s Recreation Department hosts the concerts every Wednesday, May through July, at Zumwalt Park. tulare.ca.gov Full Bloom Garden Walk Exeter This annual event on Mother’s Day weekend is a self-guided tour of beautiful private gardens in the Exeter area. Call (559) 592-2919 for information. exeterchamber.com Go Native Sequoia National Park Organized annually in Tulare County since 2009, this family-friendly event highlights traditional local cultural practices and handi-crafts. Enjoy the opening cultural blessing and drumming, history of the Yokuts Tribe and other free activities. www.nps.gov/seki Great Western Fan Festival Visalia This yearly festival, held at the Visalia Convention Center, is a delight for lovers of Southern Gospel music. The festival packs a schedule full of entertainment. fanfestivals.com Porterville Fair & Junior Livestock Show Porterville Free entertainment, livestock exhibits, food, photography displays, vendor booths and amusement rides are offered at this annual fair. portervillefair.com Brews, Beans and Blues Chili Cook-Off Dinuba Enjoy a fun day with family at the Alta District Historical Society the last Saturday in May. Play games, listen to blues music, sample and vote for your favorite chili. Check out the craft beer tasting and home-made goodies in our country store. PRIDE Visalia VISALIA Pride Visalia is a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance for LGBTQ+ people and our entire community. Redbud Arts & Crafts Festival Three Rivers The Three Rivers Arts Alliance presents this annual event featuring artists, artisans and crafters. Proceeds provide scholarships for local art students and support art-related events in Three Rivers. artsalliancethreerivers.org/redbud-festival Woodlake Botanical Garden Berry Festival Woodlake Visitors can pick and purchase organic berries grown at the Botanical Garden and by local farmers the last Saturday in May. woodlakebotanicalgardens.com Woodlake Rodeo & Parade Woodlake Over Mother’s Day weekend, this annual event features activities that include a parade in downtown Woodlake and the famed Lions Rodeo at the Woodlake Rodeo Grounds. woodlakelionsrodeo.org JUNE Cruise Night Concert and Car Show Dinuba This annual two-day event offers great cars, live music and street vendors. A free concert and cruise night are held the second Friday in June. Car show is held at Rose Ann Vuich Park the second Saturday. dinubacarshow.com Parish Pride Car Show Porterville This free family event takes place the second Friday in June. There are displays of cars and bikes, vendors, food and entertainment. parishpridecarshow.com Summer Night Lights Dinuba Starting in mid-June through August, check out the Friday night fun at Entertainment Plaza. The free family event features live bands, vendors and fun activities for kids. dinubachamber.com Tule River Youth Pow Wow Porterville Tribal youths from throughout the state gather at the Tule River Indian Reservation for this Saturday-Sunday event. The rich history and culture of Native Americans is celebrated with dancing, drumming, storytelling, sweat ceremonies and food vendors. Contact the Tule River Tribe Recreation Department at (559) 782-5554 Freedom Fest Porterville This annual family festival is held at the Sports Complex and includes live music, kids’ zone, local vendors and beer garden, ending with a fireworks display. ci.porterville.ca.us/depts/ parksandleisure/freedomfest.cfm JULY 3rd of July Blast Woodlake This free event at Woodlake City Park is hosted by the Woodlake Kiwanis Club. There is a kids’ area, live music, horseshoe tournament sponsored by the Homegrown Project, food vendors and a fireworks show. Admission is free. woodlakekiwanis.com Independence Day Celebration Dinuba Enjoy live music, food, activities and games for the kids at Ridge Creek Golf Club. At dusk, watch a musically choreographed aerial fireworks display. dinubachamber.com Tulare Kiwanis Fireworks Tulare The Tulare Noon Kiwanis will hold their annual fireworks show on July 3 at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. tularenoonkiwanis.org Exeter 4th of July Celebration Exeter The Exeter Lions Club presents its free fireworks show at dusk at Lions Stadium. During the day at City Park, enjoy such annual festivities as a pancake breakfast, 10k run and horseshoe tournament. exeterchamber.com • exeterlions.org Free Movies in the Park FARMERSVILLE One night per month from July through September, bring your blankets and lawn chairs to Veterans Memorial Park and enjoy free popcorn, snowcones and a movie. For dates and times, call (559) 747-0458. SEPTEMBER Dark Sky Festival SEQUIOA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS This September event brings one of the great experiences of seeing millions of stars wheeling in a sky free of unnatural light. The weekend of events is designed to inform and delight, including meeting astronomers and using large telescopes for deep sky viewing and making solar observations. sequoiaparksconservancy.org Miss Dinuba Pageant DINUBA Since 1982, Dinuba Woman’s Club has honored young women in Dinuba who have excelled in the areas of academics and community service. Raisin Day Harvest Festival & Carnival Dinuba Celebrate more than 100 years of harvests at this five-day festival that incorporates the last full weekend in September. Included are Ministerial Night at the Park, Youth Night, a multi-club parade, multicultural foods, crafts and carnival rides. dinubachamber.com SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 29 Events CalendarWoodlake Car Show & Cruise Night Woodlake Sponsored by Woodlake Lions, this event happens on the second Friday and Saturday in September woodlakelionsclub.com Brewfest Lindsay This annual event will be held at Sweet Briar Plaza. Tickets are sold in advance and include food and music. thelindsaychamber.com Music on Main- Fall PORTERVILLE Friday nights at Centennial Park on Main Street in September and October featuring local talent, a makers market and local food vendors. portervillechamber.org Tulare County Fair Tulare Held annually in September. Enjoy all the sights and delights of a county fair: fun, food, carnival, livestock, concerts and motorsport events at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. tcfair.org National Public Lands Day, Success Lake PORTERVILLE/SPRINGVILLE This is a nationwide event held at Success Lake every year in September. Come be a part of a nationwide cleanup effort to beautify public lands. Be a part of this rewarding event. For more information and to sign up, visit www.neefusa.org Woodlake Mariachifest Woodlake This event sponsored by the Homegrown Project will be the second Sunday in September, featuring live music, dancing, food and fun. Free admission www.facebook.com/thehomegrownproject Tule River Pow Wow Porterville The annual September pow wow presented by the Tule River Band of Yokuts brings Native Americans from throughout North America to compete in tribal dances and drumming. Visitors can also enjoy demonstrations of flint knapping, basket weaving and language. Vendors display clothing, jewelry and other items. tulerivertribe-nsn.gov OCTOBER Allensworth Rededication Allensworth This event helps preserve the history of the ethnically diverse contributions made in development of the state and nation. Visitors enjoy a day of historical activities, square dancing, self-guided tours, historic games, story telling, entertainment, arts and crafts, and vendors. friendsofallensworth.com Apple Festival Springville The annual two-day festival is traditionally held the third weekend in October and offers food, crafts and family-oriented fun. Special events include the Apple Run and Fat Tire Classic Mountain Bike Race. springville.ca.us Dinuba Dog Days & Bark for Life Dinuba This pet parade and carnival is held at Jimmie Low Community Dog Park at Nebraska Park. Contests, prizes, raffles, vendors, licensing and vaccination clinic are included. dinubachamber.com Fall Festival Farmersville This is a great way to welcome fall and start the holiday season. Join us at Veterans Memorial Park and celebrate the season with homemade crafts, food and music. Woodlake Brewfest Woodlake The annual Brewfest invites you to enjoy local craft beers, gourmet food and live music. For information and tickets, visit: woodlakelionsclub.com Fall Festival & Car Show Exeter Welcome the change of seasons with a parade and entertainment on the second Saturday of October. Browse the unique arts, crafts and food displayed at City Park. The Car & Bike Show features custom vehicles, classic cars, hot rods and bikes. exeterchamber.com Harvest of the Handwovens Exeter Held the fourth Saturday in October at the Exeter Veterans Memorial Building. This event features weaving demonstrations, fashion boutique and yarn shop, as well as hand-woven garments and household items for sale. Call (559) 561-4048 or visit www.hwotv.org Menudo and Pozole Cook-Off Lindsay Enjoy food and craft booths, live entertainment, best salsa contest, family fun activities, and best-costume, pie-eating and jalapeno-eating contests the first Saturday of the month. thelindsaychamber.com Oktoberfest Visalia Celebrate the fall season at the Central Valley’s largest Oktoberfest. Enjoy live entertainment, local cuisine, wine and beer. visaliachamber.org Pioneer Days & Rib Cook-Off Porterville Downtown is transformed into the Old West with a live shootout, interactive cowboy encampment, gold panning, saloon, historical displays and reenactments. There are also live music, food and craft vendors, and kids’ activities at this free event. ci.porterville.ca.us Jack O Lantern Jubilee TULARE Trick or Treating and family friendly activities in the Downtown Tulare. tularedowntown.org Scarecrow Contest Exeter During October, businesses and organizations will line Exeter’s streets with artistic, creative and lively scarecrows. exeterchamber.com Taste of Downtown Visalia Visalia Downtown Visalia restaurants open their doors to event ticket holders and offer tastes of their most popular menu items. Event-goers are treated to wine and beer sampling, and spend the evening strolling through downtown, enjoying these tasty experiences. downtownvisalia.com Annual Crush Party Tulare An evening featuring local eateries, wine, beer, and cocktails presented by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce and the College of the Sequoias Foundation. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of gourmet food selections along with premium California wines. The event also features a silent auction and opportunity drawing for a wine collection. tularechamber.org The Raven Festival Three Rivers October is one big Raven Festival to celebrate the Kaweah River’s namesake (Kaweah means raven in the local Yokuts language). The festival includes art and writing contests, poetry readings, a Rave’n Run at Lake Kaweah, a masquerade dinner and old-fashioned Halloween Carnival. Call (559) 561-4373 for information. 1stsaturdaytr.com Taste the Arts Visalia For one day in October, arts and culture invade the streets of downtown Visalia as the many forms of art grown and cultivated in the Valley are celebrated. Visitors will experience a weekend of cultural and artistic immersion from theater, musical and dance performances to hands-on art experiences and dozens of booths where local artists are featured. artsconsortium.org NOVEMBER Candy Cane Lane Parade Visalia Thousands of visitors come out to watch this annual tradition. Enjoy decorated floats, vehicles and farm equipment, and high school bands. At the end, Santa makes his debut for the holiday. The parade is held the first Monday after Thanksgiving. downtownvisalia.com Chili Cook-Off Exeter Exeter’s Chili Cook-Off includes games, music and food, held the third Saturday in November at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Call (559) 592-1771 or visit www.foe.com Rib Cook-off Lindsay This annual competition is held the first Saturday of November. thelindsaychamber.com 30 | The Sequoia Visitor Events CalendarVeterans Day Parade & Band-a-Rama Porterville The annual Veterans Day Parade welcomes dozens of military, band and other entrants, and draws more than 20,000 watchers along Main Street. The Band-a-Rama follows, which features patriotic performances and competitions. portervillechamber.org Wine Walk TULARE Held in November. Taste wine and sample food in Tulare’s dowtown area. For more information, call (559) 685-2350. DECEMBER Christmas Parade Exeter Takes place the first Friday in December at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Exeter. Call (559) 592-5262 or visit cityofexeter.com Christmas Parade and Tree-Lighting Ceremony Dinuba On the first Saturday in December, Downtown Dinuba (Tulare and South L streets) is filled with Christmas as bands and floats parade by, preceded by the lighting of the Christmas tree. dinubachamber.com. Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Tulare On the first Thursday of December, downtown Tulare’s streets will be filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas as bands and floats parade by, preceded by the lighting of the Christmas tree. tularedowntown.com Christmas Tree Lighting Farmersville Held in early December at the Church Museum, 881 N. Farmersville Blvd. For dates and times, call (559) 747-0458. Porterville Children’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Porterville The Children’s Christmas parade route is on Main Street from Morton Avenue to Olive Avenue. The judging stage will be in front of the Porterville Chamber of Commerce office. The Rotary Club of Porterville, the city of Porterville and the Porterville Chamber of Commerce sponsor the parade. For more information, contact the chamber at (559) 784-7502. Trek to Our Nation’s Christmas Tree Kings Canyon National Park Since 1925, people have been making a trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree on the second Sunday of December. Join the ceremony held at the base of the General Grant Tree. sanger.org Woodlake Christmas Parade Woodlake Santa and his crew ride down Valencia Boulevard throwing sweets to eager viewers watching the parade. Santa’s Workshop will be held at Woodlake City Plaza. cityofwoodlake.com Downtown Visalia Holiday Open House VISALIA Celebrate the holiday season each Thursday in December with carriage rides, carolers, photos with Santa, shopping, and more.SEQUOIAS! TULARE COUNTY FILM COMMISSION oce: e-mail: TCFilmCommission@co.tulare.ca.us FilmTulareCounty.com 559-624-7021 Film the CELEBRATING 26 YEARS! 32 | The Sequoia VisitorGeneral Store Lodging Bar & Grill Restaurant • Bar • General Store • Business Center • Amphitheater • Lodging • Snacks www.PierpointBarAndGrill.com PierpointBarAndGrill FREE WiFi 801 Highway 190 Springville, CA 9265 16 miles east of Springville Sequoia National Forest 559-483-9110 4600 foot elevation Enjoy outdoor patio dining with a view VISITOR & RELOCATION INFORMATION 220 E. Tulare Ave, Tulare CA 93274 559.686.1547 | www.tularechamber.org • Wide Array of Lodging & Dining Options • Outlet & Boutique Shopping • Murals, Art & Local Historical Museum • Home to the Annual World Ag Expo • Live Theater & Luxury Movie Theater • Concerts in the Park • Fair & Seasonal Events • Recreation, Skate Park, and Golf Where the Dairy Industry Reigns, Agriculture is King, and Farm to Table is the NormNext >