There is no month that lends itself to festivals and events like October. You can feel the change in the air as winter is fast approaching. It won’t be long before the “snow seekers” make their trek, so why not make the most out of October and enjoy these one-of-a kind October events in California High Sierra.
Vossler Farms Corn Maze
Opening Sept. 23, 2023
Nothing says October more than a pumpkin patch and corn maze. And one of most exciting ones is the Vossler Farms Corn Maze. In its 23rd year, the design is already thought out when they plant the corn in the spring using a GPS tracker. Built across ten acres, the design is based on a theme. For example, in 2015 it was landmarks. So, the maze was filled with interesting landmarks covering the map of the USA. The farm also features hay rides, train rides, a haunted trail, and a petting zoo on the weekends.
Calaveras Grape Stomp
October 7th
The opportunities for a weekend getaway to explore California’s diverse wine culture is almost limitless. And the culmination of the year’s hard work is harvest season à la fall. Every year on the 1st Saturday of October, the adorable town of Murphys hosts the Calaveras Grape Stomp. Bring out your inner “I Love Lucy” and register for the grape stomp competition. Teams of two—a Swabber and a Stomper—have exactly three minutes to try and stomp the most juice out of barrel of grapes for a chance to advance to the finals and win fabulous prizes. Even if you don’t enter spectating is just as fun as you wander in and out of the out of Murphys Community Park as you taste your way through as many wineries as you can get to in a day.
Made In Tahoe Festival
October 8th
Sometimes you just need to celebrate all things local. So when it comes to Lake Tahoe, nothing shouts that more than the Made in Tahoe Festival. Held every year within the Village at Palisades Tahoe, this is your chance to discover, explore, and experience all the things made on or near the shores of Big Blue. Within the festival’s plaza, you’ll find more than 100 local artists, businesses, chefs, and entertainment showcasing their products. If there’s ever been a time to support small business, it’s now.
Leaves In The Loop!
October 13th – 15th
Ahhh fall. There’s nothing like it. As the Sierra Nevada says goodbye to the dog days of summer and hello to the cool weather of autumn, it’s time to dust off those hiking boots and explore the Eastern Sierra’s bounty of fall foliage. Using nature’s colorful display as a backdrop, the Leaves In The Loop Festival features photography tours, painting classes, and even foods and drinks inspired by autumn’s full glory.
Truckee River Day & Fair
October 15th
The beating natural heart of Truckee is the river of the same name. Flowing through the center of town, it’s also the sole outlet of Lake Tahoe which then empties into Pyramid Lake. These waters are also the native home to the largest trout in the world – the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Back in 1996, the 1st ever Truckee River Day helped spawn today’s Truckee River Council. Over the past decades, thousands of nature-lovers in gumboots have helped restore meadows, planted native vegetation, and repaired our mountain home. For inspiration in joining them this year to help continue that tradition, take a self-guided tour of the 10 past Truckee River Day projects.
From spooky to fantasy filled, don’t miss out on these unrivaled October events in California all across the month in the High Sierra. We guarantee you’ll forget about your worries in the world and leave in a good mood.
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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