Lake County Your Calendar This Summer

With so many unique festivals and events happening in Lake County this summer, just how many getaways is too many? 

The answer is never enough. Whether you’re taking Dad to see what’s sizzling at Baconfest, betting big on some Lake County wine, or dancing with some horses to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, every summer experience in Lake County is so unique, you’ll head into fall feeling as if you’ve had a hundred special moments in your time away.

And with so many exceptional, distinctive places to stay, you’ll never have the same trip twice. 

But where to start? Simply open up your calendar, and we’ll do the rest.  

Go Hog Wild 

This Father’s Day, take the guy who brings home the bacon straight to the source at the 6th Annual Lake County Beer, Wine & Swine Baconfest. Hit the strip (<–see what we did there?) in Downtown Kelseyville from 11am-4pm on Sunday, 6/16, to check out more 20+ chefs and food vendors frying up the best in bacon. Local wineries like Brassfield will be there to serve up some sizzlin’ pairings, alongside mainstreet wine staples like Fore Family Vineyards and Smiling Dogs Ranch, and beer from Kelsey Creek Brewing, North Spur Brewing, Nitty’s Cider, and more. Plus, live music from the Aki Kumar Band and Austin & Owens, arts and crafts, and a bacon-themed raffle! This may be the only time where you can proudly make bacon the main course, so bring Dad and treat him to some crispy goodness on his big day. 

Saddle Up

If you love mutton bustin’ but just haven’t had the chance this year, the 94th Annual Lake County Rodeo is for you. Oh, don’t know what mutton bustin’ is? It’s when junior cowpokes compete to stay the longest atop a rodeo sheep, and it’s just one of the seven super fun family events that takes place over the weekend. You can watch local team roping, barrel racing, and of course, classic rodeo. Got a cute cowgirl or boy of your own? Enter them in the Cutest Lil’ Cowpoke competition for a chance to be crowned by none other than the Rodeo Queen herself. All this, plus live music, great food, and lots of local wine and beer. So giddy-up! What are you waiting for? Friday, July 12th-Sunday, July 14th. Get your tickets here.

You’ll Be the Judge of That

No, really. You can try all of the delicious blackberry cobblers at the Lake County Blackberry Cobbler Festival on Saturday, August 24th, and determine your own winner among the incredible home bakers competing for the coveted first place ribbon. And while you linger over buttery pastry and fresh berries, enjoy live music, food, wine and beer, and even a kids corner. The festival runs from 11am-4pm, so don’t go home until you’ve had your fill. 

Go Round and Round

On the Ferris Wheel that is! There’s nothing like seeing a Lake County sunset from a seat in the sky, and your family can enjoy the Ferris Wheel and other classic carnival rides at the Lake County Fair, starting Thursday, August 29th through Sunday, September 1, from 6-11pm every night. Like the county fairs of your childhood, this one has everything you’re nostalgic for–carnival games with oversized prizes, delicious fried food, live music you’ll love–plus some adult additions like wine, beer and cocktails… Just make sure you hit the Scrambler first this time. What’s fair is fair. 

Celebrate Independence 

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in downtown Kelseyville on Sunday, September 8th, 11am-8pm, at Dia de la Independencia 2024. This traditional Mexican festival takes place on Main Street, featuring a family-favorite performance by the “dancing horses” of Los Amigos Dancing Horses. You’ll light up your taste buds with authentic Mexican cuisine to the tune of Mariachi bands and great live music, while the kids hit the bounce house, face paint, and the piñatas. Dress in traditional Mexican attire for the chance to win a prize! No tickets necessary; it’s free to the public. 

Sip And Give

Lake County might be wine country’s best kept secret and its fastest growing region. But did you know that once a year, you can buy some of its top-rated bottles at auction and help raise money for worthy causes across Lake County? Well now you do. In the past, this event has raised over $2M! Bonus, the 2024 Lake County Wine Auction will be held on September 21st from 5-10pm at The Mercantile by the Shannon Family of Wines–one of Lake County’s hippest destinations for tastings, gourmet food items, housewares, and gifts. So happily bid on a bottle knowing you’re giving yourself the gift of wine, and someone else the gift of what they truly need. But get your tickets now before the bottle goes dry.

Enjoy the Peary Best

Pear lovers unite! At the annual Kelseyville Pear Festival happening on Sunday, September 29th from 7am-4pm, you’ll enjoy the peary best of… well, pears. Not only does this event kick off with the Grand Pear Parade (a must see), but you can spend the day sampling music, food, arts and crafts, a kids’ town, and even an antique tractor and engine exhibit. The Pear Festival is a celebration of Kelseyville and Big Valley’s rich agricultural heritage, bookended by the Fire House pancake breakfast and the dessert contest. The key ingredient? You guessed it: pears. And don’t miss the Farm to Fork Dinner and Dance, happening from 5-10pm. Tickets sell out quickly! 

Whoever coined the phrase “something for everyone” must have been talking about Lake County, because our summer calendar is full. And now, so is yours. 

So ready your cobbler recipes, and warm up your rodeo ropin’ arm, because we’ll see you soon! 

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