Always call ahead to make sure events have not changed
Fireman’s Muster, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
May 2, 2008 - May 4, 2008
From Friday afternoon until Sunday evening, Columbia is the home of volunteer fire crews from around the western United States. These men and women travel to the park to participate in a variety of events designed to test their skills in modern and historic fire fighting endeavors. Hose cart races, bucket brigade competition and hand pumper contests are just a few of the events scheduled. There is a parade on Saturday and a dance that night. Free. For more information call (209) 588-9128. May 2, 3 & 4
Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Old Town San Diego SHP
May 3, 2008 - May 4, 2008
San Diego’s Old Town SHP will be the focal point of the city’s Cinco de Mayo celebration. Stop by this historic neighborhood for music and culinary events at the district’s restaurants and shopping at the Mercado. Sponsored by Old Town State Park and community merchants, San Diego businesses and California State Parks Dept. Events take place throughout the Old Town community, State Historic Park and Bazaar del Mundo courtyard. For information call (619) 296-3236 or visit www.fiestacincodemayo.com May 3 & 4
Celebrate 75 Years, Point Lobos State Reserve
May 3, 2008
During the entire month of May, California State Parks is celebrating the beauty and history of Point Lobos State Reserve and the 75th anniversary of becoming a State Park in 1933. Join us on May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 for five special Saturdays! Point Lobos State Reserve is located 3 miles south of Carmel on Hwy 1. For more information, call (831) 624-4909 or visit website www.pointlobos.org
Coming Home to Pío Pico, Pío Pico SHP, 6003 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier
May 3, 2008
Help celebrate Pío Pico’s birthday while learning about California history. Pío Pico State Historic Park features one of California’s few remaining 19th century structures made out of he massive sun-dried mud blocks called adobe. For more information call (562) 695-1217 x 102. May 3, noon-4pm
Spring Wildflower Trains, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
May 3, 2008
Special afternoon Wildflower Train departs from the Railtown Depot at 4:30 p.m. these two Saturdays only! Prior to boarding the train, passengers will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The train features Interpretive Park Rangers from the New Melones Recreation Resource Center, who answer questions and point out flower groupings along the way (subject to seasonal variations). En route, a stop will be made to allow guests to spread wildflower seeds along the tracks! Tickets are $10 adults, $4 youths ages 6-17, ages 5 and under ride free. Train capacity is limited, and reservations are suggested. Regular steam-powered excursion trains also depart on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this day. For more information call (209) 984-3953. May 3, 2008
“Bug Day”, Henry Cowell Redwoods SP, Hwy 9 in Felton
May 3, 2008
Come on kids, let’s go buggy! Make new discoveries about a wide variety of bugs through interactive games, puppet shows, art projects, nature walks, and displays. Kids can earn a degree in “Bugology” as they find out about the diversity of wildlife found in this park. For more information, please call (831)335-7077. May 3, 11am-4pm.
Heritage Day, Olompali SHP, 3 miles North of Novato on Hwy 101
May 4, 2008
This park is a crossroads of history and culture not to be found anywhere else; a place where Miwoks, Spaniards, early Americans and modern Americans have left a lasting contribution. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day's many activities. (415) 892-3383. May 4
Living History Day, Petaluma Adobe SHP, 0.7 miles East of Petaluma on Hwy 116, 2 miles North on Casa Grande Road
May 10, 2008
Enjoy family fun as 1840 era Mexican California comes to life. Living History volunteers dressed in beautiful authentic clothing demonstrate old crafts and present historical skits. Try your hand at making baskets, candles and tortillas. Bring a picnic lunch. Call for details. (707) 762-4871. May 10, 10am -5pm
“Mother’s Day Walk: Women of Big Basin”, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236
May 11, 2008
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the park by honoring the spirited women who live in, worked in and fought for the Basin throughout its history. Meet pioneer Alice Maddock, the Savior of the Redwoods, and Petey Weaver, the first female ranger. Meet at the park headquarters at 2pm. This is a one mile, two-hour walk of level, easy strolling. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. For more information, call (831) 338-3944. May 11, 2pm
Moms Ride Free!, Moms Ride Free!
May 11, 2008
All Moms ride free aboard regular steam-powered excursion trains when accompanied by a child. Regular steam powered excursion trains depart on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, enjoy an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social both days this weekend, in the Railtown Depot. For more information call (209) 984-3953. May 11 (Mother's Day)
Springtime Open House, Empire Mine SHP, Grass Valley
May 11, 2008
Visit the Boum Cottage, the two story country home of William Bourn, Jr., styled after the noble estates of nineteenth century England, that was built in the late 1890’s. This event also includes the Clubhouse, Mineyard Living History programs and features the grounds and gardens at their best. Call for additional information and tour times. (530) 273-8522 May 11, 11am-4pm
Old Time Jubilee, Colonel Allensworth SHP, 8 miles West of Earlimart
May 17, 2008
Every year the town of Allensworth had a big bash. This is the time of year when the carnival came to town. The Friends of Allensworth provide a great family festival atmosphere with entertainment featuring...gospel, jazz and drama. There are even activities strictly for the young and even the toddlers. In addition to the free self paced tours of the historic buildings, you can talk to some of the original pioneers and their heirs. This is the best family bargain in the state, because there is more. You can even shop at the open air arts and craft market. When you get hungry, you can eat some of the best variety of ethnic food for miles around. (661) 849-3433. May 17 10am-4pm
Doheny Heritage Music Festival, Doheny SB, off Hwy 1, at Dana Point Harbor at Del Obispo
May 17, 2008 - May 18, 2008
This year the featured artist is Bonnie Raitt! This popular 2-day event attracts thousands of music lovers featuring 2 stages of live music, a variety of food, and various booths. For additional information, please visit www.omegaevents.com. Location: the north-end grassy lawn at Doheny State Beach. May 17 & 18, 11am-8pm.
Annual Mountain Play, Mt. Tamalpais SP, Marin County
May 18, 2008
Please join us for a magical production of the “Wizard of Oz”! Bring friends and family for a day of extraordinary music and enjoyment in the natural beauty of Mt. Tam’s Mountain Theater. Visit www.mountainplay.com or call (415) 383-1100 for ticket sale information.May 18, 25, June 1, 7, 8 and 15, 1pm
17th Annual Grunion Night, Doheny SB, off Hwy 1, at Dana Point Harbor at Del Obispo Street
May 23, 2008
Don’t miss out on this once-a-year evening annual event! Celebrate the return of the grunion as they come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand. The Visitor Center opens at 8:30pm and the slide show begins at 9:30pm….so make sure to take a nap during the day! Dress warmly. Call for details. (949) 496-6172. May 23
Sacramento Jazz Jubilee! , California State Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento
May 23, 2008 - May 26, 2008
The Sacramento Jazz Jubilee takes place throughout Sacramento all four days. The Railroad Museum will be open daily during Jubilee, with jazz musicians performing inside the museum and free admission offered to Jazz Jubilee badge holders. A free children’s stage and activity area will be outside the museum during this special weekend. Steam-powered Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion trains operate Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only; regular ticket prices apply. Jazz musicians are regular guests aboard the trains this weekend! For 24 hr. information call (916) 445-6645 or visit www.sacjazz.com May 23-26 (Memorial Day Weekend).
Columbia Diggin’s 1852, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
May 29, 2008
Hundreds of volunteers and the staff of Columbia State Historic Park put a great deal of effort and research into this event, to depict as accurately as possible, the original town. Live music, gambling and games of the period provide the visitors the opportunity to travel back to 1852. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the early tent town that sprung up as gold was discovered in a local streambed, later to become the town of Columbia. There is no other event like it in California! . For more information call (209) 588-9128. May 29 through June 1, 10am-5pm
Bidwell Bar Day Celebration, Lake Oroville SRA, 7 miles East of Oroville via Hwy 162
This annual event is great fun for the entire family, featuring continuous live entertainment, gold panning for real gold, pioneer and Native American crafts and activities, historical personalities in period clothing. Follow Hwy 162 east from Oroville about 8 miles, then turn left onto Kelly Ridge Road for two miles to Arroyo Drive. Turn right onto Arroyo Drive to the entrance station. Free. (530) 538-2219.Call for date and time
