It’s never too early to start making plans to attend various festivals and events around Northern California, especially considering there’s just SO many of them. Wine festivals, cheese festivals, crab festivals, beer festivals—there’s a celebration for everything here in our state. However, one of the most iconic NorCal festivals is Gold Rush Days. This beloved annual event is put on every year to celebrate our Gold Rush heritage and pay homage to the Northern California spirit. We’re definitely looking forward to this popular festival so be sure to save the date.
Located just 22 miles south of the Oregon border, the small town of Yreka is as Northern California as it gets. It only makes sense that this charming little town would hold one of the most iconic celebrations in the entire state: Gold Rush Days.
Every June in historic Downtown Yreka, the community starts buzzing with activity as the celebration of our state's Gold Rush heritage begins. The popular festival was founded to pay homage to an era that was important in the development of California as a state, and it's an event that's not to be missed.
Attending the festival almost feels like stepping back in time to the days of prospectors, cowboys, and of course, gold. You'll likely see many people dressed in appropriate Western garb, so don't forget your cowboy boots.
One of the most exciting parts of the festival is the Old Time reenactments in front of the historic Franco American Hotel. Watch in awe (and maybe cover your ears) as cowboys face off in a real-life gun duel. Don't worry, though—it's all in good fun!
And yes, there's always plenty of delicious food being sold by local street vendors, along with a beer garden for relaxing in between activities. Yreka may be a quiet little town every other day of the year, but they definitely know how to party during Gold Rush Days.
There's a ton of fun to be had at this beloved small-town festival, including plenty of activities for the kiddos. Live music and special guests often make an appearance, so prepare for a day filled with entertainment. You can even try your hand at gold panning to see just how far you would've made it back in the Gold Rush era.
Gold Rush Days is one of those iconic events that you simply have to experience for yourself, especially if you have an appreciation for our state's history. This quintessentially NorCal event is not to be missed. The date for the 2020 festival is yet to be announced, but you can keep up to date on the Yreka Gold Rush Days Facebook page.
