Visiting Mono County in September or October for the fall colors? Tons of fantastic events happen ever year to compliment a trip to see the brilliant fall foliage - from beer festivals, to half marathons, ghost walks to fishing derbies, stewardship events to a three-day jamming music festival.
September
The Bags and Beans Cornhole Tournament and Chili Cookoff in Bridgeport on Sept. 1 is a guaranteed good time! What could be better than craft beer, chili and cornhole? And to top it off, the event is a fundraiser supporting The Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department.
The Mono Lake Committee offers Field Seminars all year long with wide array of topics. September and October are especially good months to participate – crisp mornings and fall colors make the outings extra enjoyable. Fire ecology, geology, fall colors, arborglyphs are just a few of the fall programs, or get more hands-on with the watercolor painting and photography workshops.
Convict Lake, just south of Mammoth Lakes, is certainly is one of the most popular rod and reel destinations in Mono County. Head there for Convict Lake Resort's Ambush at the Lake fishing derby anytime between Aug. 24 – Nov. 15, or shoot to get there on the Morrison’s Bonus Derby Weekend taking place Oct. 25-27.
Since its debut in 2015, the June Lake Jam Fest keeps getting better with age. A brilliant mix of music and scenery, the event will jamming from Sept. 6-8 in June Lake. Get your tickets, and book a campsite/accommodations early - the beloved fundraiser for the June Lake Loop Performing Arts Association (JLLOOPAA) sells out.
For over 20 years, the Tioga Pass Run in Lee Vining has boasted perhaps the best tagline of any event with "only one hill!". That "hill" is 3,200 feet of elevation gain over 12.4-miles along the shoulder of Tioga Pass, one of the most scenic highways in the country and the highest pass in California. Proceeds from the run benefit the Mono Lake Committee. This year, the climb...err...we mean run, is scheduled for Sept. 8
Locals, visitors and lovers of the land of all ages are invited to participate in Mono County Stewardship and Interpretive Events on a variety of dates from Jun - Oct with groups like ESIA, Mono County Recreation, Mammoth Lakes Recreation, and /or Friends of the Inyo. Meet other outdoor enthusiasts while giving back to the beautiful public lands or learn something new about this incredible place.
Crowley Lake Fish Camp hosts their annual fly-fishing catch-and-release tournament, the Stillwater Classic, on Sept.14. Fun for everyone with several categories: individual, ladies, juniors, and teams. All proceeds support the fishery and stocking Crowley Lake.
Local's favorite Crowley Lake Trail Run returns on Sept. 15. This community fundraising event is perfect for the whole family with 5k and 10k options, as well as a 1k fun run for kids.
Four fun-filled days of off-road adventure come Sept. 17-21 at the Eastern Sierra ATV & UTV Jamboree in Coleville and Walker. Head out on several guided trail rides through the beautiful backcountry for an exhilarating event.
Sept. 28 marks complimentary entrance to national parks in celebration of National Public Lands Day. This is a great opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park with FREE entrance - but please first check the Park's website for more information or any special alerts before your visit.
The last Bodie Ghost Walk Tour of the summer also takes place on Sept 28. What better way to visit California's official ghost town than for a ghostly night in Bode after-hours. You can enjoy one or two of the tour options in addition to a free astronomy talk after dark.
Challenge your stamina and grit during the Ridge Rambler Half Marathon in Twin Lakes just outside of Bridgeport on Sept. 30. The race begins at about 7,100 feet and stretches gradually downhill toward Buckeye Road, past alpine lakes and through rolling hills, finishing in Bridgeport at 6,600 feet. After the race, celebrate at the post-party with music, food, drinks, and more.
October
Craft beer lovers rejoice as the June Lake Autumn Beer Festival returns to Gull Lake Park on Oct. 5-12. Several breweries will have their suds on-tap in the ticketed beer garden (sells out fast!), while the music, food vendors and overall family-friendly festival fun will be free and open to the public.
Leaves in the Loop is a fall festival from Oct.11-13 in June Lake. Ever year, this event is timed to when colors should be peaking around the June Lake Loop and includes guided hikes, photography contests, painting workshops, a guided historical walk, and more - all great compliments to a weekend of leaf peeping. Stay tuned to the June Lake Loop's Facebook page for more information.
As the colorful fall color season comes to an end, join ESIA at their annual Eastern Sierra History Conference from Oct. 25-27 with Historian-led discussions coving everything from the people, culture and traditions of the Eastern Sierra region.
To see more great events happening throughout Mono County and throughout the year, please visit our full Events Calendar.
