Regardless of when you’re planning to visit El Dorado County, our Northern California destination offers natural beauty and activities for everyone year-round. From holiday delight to wine and beer festivals, these spectacular Placerville events will make you want to return to the area time and time again. For a small city, Placerville certainly has plenty to offer visitors and Eden Vale Inn has quality accommodations for your stay! Discover the perfect home base for all of these events and so much more.
The Four Seasons of Placerville Events
Winter
One of the best things about Northern California is the mild winter weather. It’s the perfect excuse to get out and celebrate at these fabulous holiday events!
- The Placerville Christmas Tree Lighting takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving and officially marks the start of the Christmas season. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal downtown, festive carols, and gift shopping for their families.
- The Hangtown Christmas Parade is another community favorite holiday tradition. This themed parade makes its way through Main Street, featuring dogs, dancers, motorcycles, floats, and more. Luckily, the fun doesn’t stop once the holidays are over!
- Coloma’s Gold Discovery Day commemorates the day in 1848 when James Marshall discovered a gold nugget on the banks of the American River. Join locals at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park for a gold reenactment, period music, gold panning, and free wagon rides.
Get all your questions answered and more for your ideal winter vacation and experience all there is to do here. There’s hiking, skiing, and even some wine tasting here all during the colder months.
Spring
The sun is coming out, the birds are chirping, and the flowers are blooming. There’s no better time of year to enjoy outdoor recreational activities, local events, and other area adventures.
- It’s officially time for the El Dorado County Farmers Market to reopen! Come and savor fresh-picked produce from local farmers at one of the five different market locations.
- If you’re hoping to bask in some fresh spring air, the Placerville Art Walk is perfect for you. Every third Saturday of the month, Downtown Placerville’s Main Street features open studios, wine tastings, and extended shopping hours for visitors to enjoy.
- As the weather warms, so do the many rivers and lakes near Sacramento that are just waiting for intrepid kayakers. Go on an aquatic adventure with rentals and tours available with experiences for all types of skill levels.
Step outside and bask in the spring sun as it shines over a field of gorgeous flowers. This time of year is just perfect for capturing the sheer variety of flowers that blossom in the spring, like striking sunflowers and the distinctive state poppy.
Summer
It’s time to beat the heat! With gorgeous California sunshine comes some of the year’s most unique events and experiences.
- The El Dorado County Fair is fun for families, couples, and friends alike. Experience live entertainment, carnival rides, a homemade wine competition, and horse shows over the course of this four-day event.
- One of the most beautiful events in the area is the Bluestone Meadow Lavender Festival. The picture-perfect meadow features endless fields of lavender. Surround yourself with fragrant lavender, go on a train ride around the grounds, and take part in a free lavender seminar. Due to lavender’s short blooming season, the meadow is only open for a few days a season. Don’t miss the chance to experience the festival this summer!
- End your summer on a high note at one of the most exciting local events of the year, the Dry Diggings Festival. Spend the weekend splashing in the water park, drinking beer from featured breweries, and, of course, listening to live music.
Discover all there is to do and more during summers here in picturesque Northern California and plan the perfect getaway. The temperate warm weather and beautiful sunny days make for an unforgettable summery stay.
Fall
The leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisper as autumn arrives in Placerville. See the best that this season has to offer,
- The Placerville Art and Wine Festival gets closer. Sample dozens of selections from local foothill wineries and admire this year’s collaborative community art project.
- Continue the festivities at Main Street Oktoberfest in Placerville. Don’t miss the keg tapping, beer games, and polka dancing that occur every year. There will also be plenty of live Bavarian music and German cuisine to create an authentic atmosphere.
- Before you know it, it will be spooky season once again. The Hangtime Music Festival is an autumn-themed music festival that’s perfect for fall fun. Put on your favorite costume, indulge in food from local businesses, and check out the Sierra Nevada tent. There are plenty of activities to participate in, like games, yoga classes, and pumpkin carving.
See why Placerville is such an incredible place to visit for your very own ultimate fall getaway. Pick apples, see the fall foliage, and so much more surrounded by autumnal beauty.
