About Calaveras County Fairgrounds
Calaveras County Fairgrounds (often nicknamed “Frogtown”) is a multi-purpose agricultural fairground in Angels Camp, California, famed for hosting the historic Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee. Founded in 1893, it is one of California’s longest-running county fairs (www.frogtown.org). The venue sits on roughly 71 acres of rolling foothill terrain (www.gocalaveras.com), complete with barns, an outdoor rodeo arena and an RV park. It’s unique for its signature frog-jumping contest (inspired by Mark Twain’s story), lively rodeos and family entertainment, all set against a scenic Gold Rush–era backdrop. The Fauita’s officials describe the fair as a “blend of entertainment, exhibits, livestock, arena events, great food and our signature event, the International Frog Jump” (www.calaveras.org), illustrating its classic small-town-fair charm. Each May thousands of people attend – for example, 36,305 visitors over four days in 2022 (www.mymotherlode.com) – making it an important cultural and economic gathering for the region. In short, the Fairgrounds combines rural California heritage with spirited community festivals and concerts, giving it a special place in the local scene.
Events and Programming
The fairgrounds host a wide range of events year-round, from the big spring fair to niche music festivals. Its marquee event is the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee, a four-day festival held the third weekend in May (www.gocalaveras.com). That celebration includes livestock exhibits, rodeos, carnival rides, classic fair food, local wine tasting and, of course, frog-jumping contests every day (culminating in the International Frog Jump finals on the final Sunday (www.gocalaveras.com)). Besides the fair, regular highlights include:
- Blues & Bones Festival (September): A one-day blues and barbecue festival featuring top blues bands (e.g. guitarist Eric Gales) and award-winning BBQ. (www.bluesandbones.com) Visitors describe it as “laid back and family-friendly,” with gates opening mid-morning (VIP entry at 10:30 AM, general at 11:00 AM (www.bluesandbones.com)).
- All Hallows Fantasy Faire (October): An elaborate Halloween/Celtic-themed two-day event. Thousands of costumed participants attend live music on two stages (featuring Celtic rock bands like Tempest and The Black Irish Band (mymotherlode.com) (mymotherlode.com)), stage shows, artisan vendors, kids’ activities, food booths (including Guinness and Celtic beer pubs (mymotherlode.com)), and spectacular fire performances such as the “Kevin Axtell Fire Extravaganza” – billed as a world-class fire show (mymotherlode.com).
- Celtic Faire (March): A spring festival of Scottish and Irish culture, often featuring medieval tournaments and full-contact jousting shows (The “Imperial Knights Tournament of Champions” boasts full-contact jousts with no break-away lances (calaverascelticfaire.com)) as well as folk music, dancing and crafts. A related “History Day” is geared toward school groups at the fairgrounds each March (calaverascelticfaire.com).
- Rodeos and Horse Shows: The on-site arena hosts professional and amateur rodeos, especially during fair season. (Historic note: the arena’s rodeos were even depicted in the 1970s movie *J.W. Coop* (www.frogtown.org).) Events include junior horse shows, queen competitions, and buckaroo/stampede events during fair week. For example, in May 2022 the Fairgrounds presented the Rockin’ M Rodeo on the Saturday of fair week (www.frogtown.org).
- Concerts and Standalone Events: Smaller live performances and community events take place throughout the year in the outdoor arena or pavilions. Past concert highlights (outside major festivals) have included country-rocker Shooter Jennings (2019) and Scottish folk-rock group Skerryvore (March 2022) (www.concertarchives.org). Pop-up craft fairs, swap meets and seasonal gatherings (like a Calaveras wine or motorbike rally) also use the space.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets vary by event. For the annual Frog Jubilee fair, tickets can typically be purchased online in advance or at the fair office/box office during the event (www.gocalaveras.com). The fair offers both one-day passes and 4-day passes, and even carnival ride wristbands (www.gocalaveras.com). Notably, children 12 and under enter free on Thursday (Kids Day), and adults get discounted admission that day (www.gocalaveras.com). For large festivals like Blues & Bones or All Hallows Faire, tickets are usually sold through the event’s official channels (for example, Blues & Bones uses its own ticket vendor and often separate VIP versus General Admission tickets (www.bluesandbones.com) (www.bluesandbones.com)). To avoid lines, buy tickets early online. Popular shows (sold-out concerts or the fair’s biggest events) may require advance purchase – waiting for door sales can be risky. Most events accept both advance web sales and on-site box office sales (except special festivals that mandate advance tickets). If attending the County Fair, know that parking fees are extra and often cash-only (for example, Blues & Bones charged $10 cash for parking (www.bluesandbones.com), and the fair’s own parking profits support local youth sports (www.gocalaveras.com)). In summary, plan ahead: check each event’s website for release dates, buy online when possible, and arrive early on big days to pick up any tickets or passes you ordered.
Seating and Layout
The Fairgrounds are mostly open-air, without a fixed grandstand for general events. Audiences usually stand or sit on the grass in front of stages (or on portable chairs brought in). For example, the official fair guide advises visitors to “bring a blanket or lawn chairs” for comfort during shows and races (www.gocalaveras.com). Several smaller covered arenas and barns hold agricultural exhibits and rodeo shows, but even these have limited permanent seating (usually bleachers or folding chairs). If you attend a rodeo or demolition derby, there will be bleachers around the arena offering decent sightlines. For outdoor concerts or the Frog Jump, the ground gently slopes in places, so finding a spot on higher ground can improve the view. To sum up: most events are GA/standing-room. The “best seats” are often close to the stage or jump pond with an unobstructed view; avoid standing behind large equipment or deep in the crowd. Acoustics are typical for an outdoor venue – sound comes from portable PA rigs – so close-in seats or center alignments under any hanging speakers will hear best. (In practice, many folks sit back on the hillside relaxing with a good view (www.gocalaveras.com).)
Getting There and Parking
The fairgrounds are located at 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp, CA 95222 (www.gocalaveras.com), just off Highway 49 a few miles south of downtown Angels Camp. The main entrance is on Gun Club Road, adjacent to rolling hills and ranchlands. There is ample on-site parking in large lots next to the fairgrounds. During peak events (especially weekends of the county fair), these lots can fill up by midday (www.mymotherlode.com), so it’s wise to arrive early. Expect a parking fee on busy days (often around $5–$10 per vehicle, cash) – for example the Blues & Bones festival specifically charged $10 cash at the gate (www.bluesandbones.com). Rideshare drop-offs should check in with event staff at the entrance or use Highway 49 pull-offs, as traffic can get heavy.
Public transit options are very limited. Calaveras County’s regional bus (Calaveras Transit/Red Line) stops at Angel’s Camp town center (SaveMart station) but does not run directly to the fairgrounds. From that stop it’s about a 2-mile taxi/Uber ride south on Hwy 49. In practice, most visitors drive or carpool. Keep in mind: at large events there may be long lines to enter – as one organizer noted, “parking lots reached capacity” on a crowded Sunday (www.mymotherlode.com) – so plan extra time. For out-of-towners, note the nearest airports are Sacramento or Stockton (each ~80–90 miles away); Angels Camp has no train service. On-foot: the site is hilly, so if you walk in from downtown Angels it’s about 3 miles mostly along Highway 49 (not a pedestrian walkway). Overall, the easiest arrival is by car, with shuttles or taxis as backup if arranged in advance.
Inside the Venue
Once inside, expect a family-fair atmosphere. Multiple entry gates have security screening (bag checks, metal detectors) during big events. Visitors should leave prohibited items at home: firearms, explosives, or outside alcohol are banned. You may typically bring small cameras or phones for photos, but professional photo/video gear likely needs permission. Coat checks or storage are not standard, as most events are outdoors or in open halls. Restrooms (ADA-accessible portable and permanent restrooms) are spaced around the main grounds and near each arena or exhibit hall. There are also first-aid and lost-and-found stations at the main entrance area.
Food and drinks are abundant. Expect fast-food fairs-style vendors offering burgers, hot dogs, tacos, funnel cakes, and cotton candy throughout the grounds. At fairs and festivals you can sample local wines and brews (the Frog Jubilee often features Calaveras wineries and beer gardens (www.gocalaveras.com)). At the Blues & Bones Festival, barbecue and craft beer stands are part of the draw (www.bluesandbones.com). Festival merchandise booths sell T-shirts and souvenirs, and there will be exhibitor booths for local crafts or community groups. One special perk: children’s activities. For the Frog Jubilee, a Junior Frog Jump and kids’ parade start the celebration (with separate contests and prizes) (www.gocalaveras.com). The atmosphere is usually festive and family-friendly, with live music sets, animal shows and competitions, and even novelty contests like costume contests or demolition derbies (the Sunday destruction derby draws “thousands of happily entertained fairgoers” (www.calaverasenterprise.com)). Overall, expect a lively midway of games and shows, plenty of seating for eating, and a community fair feeling once you step in.
Nearby Amenities
Dining: A short drive (3–4 miles) north on Highway 49 brings you to downtown Angels Camp, where several casual restaurants and cafes are located. Options include family-style diners (e.g. Bank Café in an old bank building), pizza and Italian eateries (Fresco Trattoria), Mexican grills (El Jardin), and burger/BBQ joints (e.g. Firehouse Saloon). A few saloons and sports bars (with draft beer) are also in town if you want pre- or post-show drinks. Basic fast-food chains (Subway, McDonald’s) are on the highway corridor. If you prefer staying very close, note the fairground itself has vendor food stalls, but no full sit-down restaurant on-site.
Hotels/Lodging: There are no hotels on the fairgrounds property, but several are nearby. In Angels Camp you’ll find chain and independent motels such as the Best Western Cedar Inn & Suites, Travelodge by Wyndham Angels Camp, and the CourtWood (Redwood) Inn, all within a few miles (www.gocalaveras.com). Vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfasts (e.g. Cooper House B&B) are plentiful in the small towns of Angels Camp and neighboring Murphys (about 7 miles south). Importantly, the fairgrounds itself includes a full RV campground: Frogtown RV Park with water, power and sewer hookups (www.gocalaveras.com), which is often packed during fair week and festival weekends.
Getting to the Show: As a practical tip, it’s best to arrive early. Gates often open by late morning (10:00–11:00 AM) on festival days. Plan to give yourself extra time for parking and ticket scanning, especially for the fair’s Saturday/Sunday – in 2022, Sunday’s crowd (10,800 people) led to full parking lots (www.mymotherlode.com). If you’re driving, note that Highway 49 can be busy during events. For late-night departures, rideshares can be scarce in the region after hours, so a taxi or pre-arranged pickup is wise. Cell phone coverage is decent but can get spotty in heavy crowds, so coordinate meetup points in advance. Finally, if you’re traveling through rugged foothills (for example from Murphys or Sacramento) be aware weather changes quickly; summer events can be hot, while spring evenings can be chilly.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Calaveras County Fairgrounds stand out for their rich history and vibrant traditions. Culturally, they are inseparable from Mark Twain’s legacy: the annual Frog Jubilee directly commemorates Twain’s famous “Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” story (www.gocalaveras.com). The frog-jumping contest (dating back to 1928 (www.frogtown.org)) is legendary – winners are honored with brass plaques on Angels Camp’s downtown Frog Hop of Fame (www.gocalaveras.com) – making the event a piece of Americana recognized nationwide (even ESPN featured it (www.gocalaveras.com)). Architecturally it’s modest, but scenically it’s unique: the grounds are “nestled between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe” in rolling golden hills, where “majestic horses graze” and sunsets are spectacular (www.gocalaveras.com). The rural setting evokes gold rush days while hosting modern events, giving visitors a blend of nostalgia and community spirit. The rodeo arena itself has storied roots (it even appeared in the 1970s film *J.W. Coop* (www.frogtown.org)), and famous riders like Donnie Gay have competed here, underlining its Western heritage. What really sets it apart is the local pride: for example, the fair “draws visitors… all around the region” and is considered a “big economic revenue generator” for Calaveras County (www.mymotherlode.com). In short, it’s more than a venue – it’s the heart of Calaveras County’s cultural identity, celebrated for its quirky frog events, friendly atmosphere, and ties to Gold Country history.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The fairgrounds generally meet ADA standards. Expect designated handicap parking spots near the main entrance and ramp access to major exhibit buildings. Most ground surfaces are packed dirt or pavement at big events. If you or family members have mobility or sensory needs, contact the fair office ahead of time for details on wheelchair accessibility or services (e.g. accessible restrooms and companion seating spots are typically provided during large events). Service animals for guests with disabilities are usually permitted if registered.
What to Bring: Outdoor events call for preparation. All Hallows and the county fair are typically held rain or shine, so check the forecast. Sunscreen, a hat and layers are smart in spring or fall. Many attractions are on dirt, so comfortable shoes are a must. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on; as one guide advises, “be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs” to enjoy the shows (www.gocalaveras.com). Earplugs are wise for loud events (demolition derbies, fireworks, and rodeos can be noisy). Carry cash in case some vendors or parking only take cash (the Blues & Bones festival’s parking was explicitly “cash only” (www.bluesandbones.com)). Common items to avoid: large backpacks or coolers (security may ask you to leave them in your car), outside alcohol (not allowed), and large umbrellas (they block views). Portable phone chargers and water bottles (non-glass) are handy for long days.
Rules & Policies: Typical policies apply. No smoking indoors; smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Re-entry depends on the event – usually once daily-admission tickets are stamped at the gate, but check each festival’s rules. Photography for personal use is fine; drone use over crowds is banned. Children and pets: Service animals only under ADA rules. Note that kids under 12 get free admission on Thursday (Kids Day) (www.gocalaveras.com), making that a good day for families. Outside food and drinks are generally prohibited during paid events, so sample the on-site concessions. Attempting to “train” a frog or tamper with wildlife contests is against the spirit of the contests – enjoy the Frogs as contestants do! (www.gocalaveras.com)
Timing: During the county fair, public gates often open by late morning (around 10–11AM). If attending midweek (Thursday-Friday) you can expect fewer crowds than the busy weekend, but the last two days (Saturday-Sunday) are peak attendance. At that point, arriving early is important to find parking and avoid lines. Quiet weekdays (like school-year weekends) see much smaller crowds. For other events, check the schedule: Blues & Bones typically starts late morning (gates at 11AM (www.bluesandbones.com)), while All Hallows runs 11AM–10PM each day (mymotherlode.com). Whatever the event, plan a full day – attractions run steadily from early afternoon into the evening (not just a couple of hours). Lastly, remember that kids’ parade and Junior Frog Jump kick off the fair on Thursday morning (www.gocalaveras.com), so if you want to join family activities, show up early that day.
Are children admitted free at the fair?
Yes – the fair observes a “Kids Day” on Thursday. Children aged 12 and under get free admission on that opening day of the fair, and adult tickets are also discounted on Thursday (www.gocalaveras.com). After Thursday, children must have a regular ticket like adults. (Other events like Blues & Bones or Halloween festivals may have their own youth pricing.)
What parking options are available at Frogtown Fairgrounds?
The Fairgrounds provides large on-site parking lots right next to the venue. During big events, parking is charged (typically a cash fee of around $5–$10 per vehicle). For example, the Blues & Bones Festival and the Fair both required paid parking at the gate (www.bluesandbones.com). There’s ample space, but lots can fill up by the afternoon on busy days (the 2022 fair noted parking lots reached capacity on Sunday (www.mymotherlode.com)). Carpooling or arriving early is recommended. There are no official overflow lots offsite; once the site is full, some visitors use nearby field parking or public parking in town (if available).
Is Calaveras County Fairgrounds easily accessible by public transit?
Public transit is very limited in Angels Camp. The nearest bus stop is in town (the SaveMart Transit Center on Main Street), which is about 2–3 miles north of the fairgrounds. Calaveras Transit’s Red Line runs along Main Street, but does not go all the way to the venue. There is no direct train service. Most visitors drive or carpool. If using public transit, you’d likely take the Red Line to Angels Camp and then catch a taxi or rideshare for the short ride to the fairgrounds. On-site valet or shuttles are not provided.
Are events at the fairgrounds mostly general admission?
Yes, nearly all events here are open general admission. The outdoor concerts, frog jumps and rodeos have standing-room or open grass viewing areas rather than reserved seats. In practice, spectators sit on the lawn or bring folding chairs. A few events (like a rodeo) use temporary bleachers, but these fill up quickly on popular days. The best viewing spots are usually close to the stage or the arena. No fixed VIP boxes or numbered seats exist, so arriving early to claim a good viewing area is advised.
What items are NOT allowed inside the fairgrounds?
Standard venue rules apply. Prohibited items typically include weapons, fireworks or firearms, and any outside alcoholic beverages. Guests cannot bring large coolers or glass containers. Most fairs also forbid pets (except service animals) and drones. Personal cameras and phones are usually fine. Bag searches are common at the gates. If you plan to attend with special equipment (like professional camera gear) or have questions about specific items, contact the fair office ahead of time for clarity.
What food and drink options are available on site?
There are many vendor stands and booths across the fairgrounds. You’ll find typical fair foods – burgers, hot dogs, tacos, candy, funnel cakes, etc. Local food trucks and specialty booths also appear during festivals (for example, BBQ ribs at Blues & Bones, festive treats at All Hallows). The fair encourages tasting local products: vendors often include Calaveras wineries and Canadian breweries, so you can sample award-winning wines and beers on site (www.gocalaveras.com). With so many options, bringing cash or cards for quick purchases is wise. Expect prices similar to other county fairs.
Are there restrooms and other facilities available?
Yes. There are permanent restrooms in the main buildings and portable restroom trailers throughout the grounds. Accessible restrooms (and wheelchair ramps) are available near major attractions. You’ll also find hand-washing stations by food areas. For round-the-clock festivals, expect family restrooms and baby-changing stations too. There is no formal coat check; just secure your belongings. (Small lockers are not provided.) The venue usually has a first aid station and an information booth near the main entrance.
Is the Calaveras County Fairgrounds wheelchair accessible?
Yes, generally. Most of the main areas (arenas, exhibit pavilions and food courts) are either level or have ramps, and there are accessible parking spaces by the entrance. During big events, staff usually set up ADA-designated viewing areas near stages. The ground is mostly packed dirt/gravel – manageable with a wheelchair. If you need assistance, contact the fair office in advance to ask about available services (e.g. companion tickets or specialized shuttle). The Frogtown site was built to accommodate wheelchairs to meet current ADA standards.
When is the annual Calaveras County Fair & Frog Jubilee held?
The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is held every year on the third weekend of May (Thursday through Sunday) (www.gocalaveras.com). Specific festival dates are announced in advance, but typically it falls around the third Thursday–Sunday in May. Each morning often starts around 9–10 AM, and events run into the evening. Check the official Frogtown fair website or local news in spring for confirmed dates and opening times (“Kids Day” is Thursday, with free admission for kids 12 and under that day (www.gocalaveras.com)).
Where can I buy tickets and is there a box office?
For the county fair and most festivals, tickets can be purchased in advance online through the official Frogtown/Fairgrounds website (www.gocalaveras.com). During the event, an on-site box office/window also sells daily admission and multi-day passes. Many concerts and thematic events (like Blues & Bones or All Hallows) sell tickets exclusively through their own websites or authorized outlets, so buy those early. In summary: yes, there is a box office at the venue for walk-up sales, but it’s best to secure your tickets online beforehand to avoid sellouts or long lines.
Is re-entry allowed if I leave the fairgrounds?
Re-entry policies vary by event. For the County Fair & Frog Jubilee, one-day tickets typically allow re-entry on the same day (your hand or ticket will be marked). Other festivals may restrict re-entry, especially if admission is limited. If you need to go in and out (for example, to get something from your car), ask at security when entering. In general, assume fair passes mean first entry of the day and plan to stay once inside. Always keep your ticket or hand-stamp safe.
Does the venue provide Wi-Fi or cellphone service?
No event-wide Wi-Fi is provided. Cell service (4G/LTE) is generally available in Angels Camp, but it can become spotty or slow when tens of thousands of people congregate. It’s best to assume limited connectivity. You might receive texts, but streaming or calling could be difficult during peak hours. To be safe, snap screenshots of tickets or maps beforehand and arrange meet-up times with your group in advance. Some vendors may have payment machines, but carrying cash is recommended for backup.
How much do tickets cost for Calaveras County Fair events?
Ticket prices vary by day and event. For the County Fair, prices typically range from roughly $10–$15 for adults per day, with seniors and seniors discounts, and a 4-day pass up to around $30–$40 for adults. (Exact rates are set each year.) Multi-day passes and carnival wristbands can offer savings. (www.gocalaveras.com) The best approach is to check the official fairgrounds website for current pricing. Small kids and some youth may get in free (e.g. under 12 on Kids Day (www.gocalaveras.com)). Other festivals (like All Hallows or Blues & Bones) also publish their ticket prices online when tickets go on sale.
Is there camping or RV parking at the fairgrounds?
Yes. The fairgrounds include an on-site campground for RVs, called Frogtown RV Park. It offers full hookups (water, power and sewer) at each spot (www.gocalaveras.com). It’s popular with festival-goers and a convenient option if you have a trailer or camper. For tent camping or more rustic sites, nearby areas (like Stanislaus National Forest or local parks) are options, but Frogtown is the only on-site camping. No indoor lodging is on-site, but as one guide notes there are “several lodging options within a 10 mile radius” (Angels Camp and Murphys hotels and B&Bs) (www.gocalaveras.com).
What is the Frog Hop of Fame and where is it located?
The Frog Hop of Fame is a sidewalk monument in downtown Angels Camp (Main Street) celebrating winners of the frog jumping contest. Each year’s champion has a brass plaque embedded in the pavement with their name, the frog’s name and jump distance (www.gocalaveras.com). You’ll find it in the historic downtown area near Utica Park. It is not on the fairgrounds themselves, but many fair visitors stroll the Main Street during Frog Jubilee week to see the Hop of Fame markers and visit local shops.