About Blue Mountain Event Center
Blue Mountain Event Center is a sprawling 217-acre private venue nestled in the Sierra foothills near Wilseyville, California (www.zillow.com ). Owned by the Georgia A. Bowman Trust (www.doplaces.com ), it was created to support veterans and community causes. The site was originally an 1882-era sawmill, and original cabins and waterwheels remain as features (www.eventsfy.com ). Surrounded by forests, meadows and a mile of the Mokelumne River, it offers scenic mountain views and rustic charm (www.zillow.com ). A large barn houses a concert stage and there are outdoor restroom and shower facilities on site (www.zillow.com ). Miles of trails wind through timber and grass, making the property ideal for hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding and other recreation (www.zillow.com ). The terrain ranges from valley floor to rolling hills, providing panoramic vistas from all directions (www.zillow.com ). In short, Blue Mountain combines a working ranch with event infrastructure: camping fields, stages and basic utilities (water wells, generators), all set against historic 19th-century remnants (www.eventsfy.com ) (www.zillow.com ). It easily accommodates large gatherings (festivals often draw hundreds of guests) while preserving a laid-back, country atmosphere.
The venue caters to all seasons (summer events, spring rallies, fall workshops), though the bulk of activity occurs in warmer months. Large Ventura eyes pointed that it keeps the “country park” feel through year-round events and campouts.
Events and Programming
Blue Mountain is best known as a music and outdoor festival site. Its marquee annual events include the Mountain Vibe Music Festival (a 3-day camping festival in late May/early June) and the Stilldream Festival (an electronic dance/camping campout each summer) (mountainvibemusic.com ) (stilldreamfestival.com ). Mountain Vibe typically features over 30 live acts with full camping and off-road trail riding on the property (mountainvibemusic.com ). Stilldream (now in its mid-20s) moved to Blue Mountain in 2022 and continues as a secret-lineup, community-focused weekend (stilldreamfestival.com ) (www.eventbrite.com ). Both festivals sell weekend passes and often sell out early.
Between those headliners, the venue hosts a variety of concerts and gatherings. Concert Archives lists past shows like the 2017 reggae-themed “Fyah On The Water” with Don Carlos and electronic duo The Crystal Method (www.concertarchives.org ), or 2018’s “Shinerfest” featuring the Long Beach Dub Allstars (www.concertarchives.org ). In 2023 it hosted “ShredFest” (a punk/rock festival) and a Yak-Attack trail festival (www.concertarchives.org ). Other organizers have run community events such as an Owl-themed nature festival, an electric unicycle “One Wheel” festival, and drumming/arts gatherings (“Fire Drum”, “Starvibes”) (bippermedia.com ). Small local concerts, worship nights or biker rallies also appear on the calendar (often charging $10–$20 an evening (stilldreamfestival.com )).
All events share a broad style: they use the open fields and the barn stage, feature camping and vendors, and tend to emphasize DIY culture and camaraderie. The property provides room to blow up inflatable art or set up DJ rigs. (Even the official venue listing acknowledges its “income potential through events, camping, glamping, filming, and eco-tourism” (www.zillow.com ).) In short, expect Blue Mountain’s schedule to offer mostly outdoor music festivals with rustic charm, supplemented by varied niche events reflecting the region’s creative community.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for events at Blue Mountain are sold through each event’s official channels (websites or authorized outlets). There’s no year-round box office. Major festivals announce sales months ahead: for example, Mountain Vibe 2025 opened Early Bird tickets in December 2024 (mountainvibemusic.com ). Tickets are usually also available at the gate if the event isn’t sold out, and one-day passes often include one night of camping (mountainvibemusic.com ). Because many events fill to capacity, it’s wise to buy early: Stilldream’s organizers explicitly warn that “once tickets] are gone, that’s it” ([stilldreamfestival.com ) and discourage scalping. Prices vary by event – small local concerts might be ~$10–20 per night (stilldreamfestival.com ), whereas multi-day festival passes can be in the $150–$300 range.
Some events offer VIP upgrades or add-ons (such as reserved RV spots or premium camping). For instance, Mountain Vibe sold a limited VIP RV camping pass (near the barn) for \$240 (mountainvibemusic.com ). Payment is typically by credit card on the event site. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable (Stilldream’s policy states “your ticket is your responsibility… we are not able to refund… if it is lost or stolen” (stilldreamfestival.com )). Always keep confirmation emails or printed tickets secure (screenshots of QR codes are usually accepted). If an event does sell out, occasionally promoters may release extra day-of tickets or add a venue capacity, but don’t count on it. In summary: buy tickets from official sources, heed any presale codes or waitlists, and double-check show dates/times after purchase.
Seating and Layout
Blue Mountain’s stages are set in open, flat clearings (plus one converted barn). There are no permanent seats – most performances are general admission. People stand or bring camping chairs on the lawn (www.ticketsqueeze.com ). As one ticket listing notes, the venue can “accommodate up to 0 guests, spread out throughout the venue” (www.ticketsqueeze.com ), meaning capacity depends on how densely it’s packed. The best viewing is usually just a bit back from the front center of the stage (the ground is level, so you’ll see well if you’re not behind tall speakers). Avoid standing immediately next to floor monitors or large PA columns, as sound can be one-sided there. The on-site barn stage (an enclosed metal shed) is used for daytime or smaller acts (mountainvibemusic.com ); there you will stand on a concrete floor, and seating (if any) is in folding chairs. Because seating is unassigned, arrive early for a good spot, and carry a flashlight if you’re deep in the crowd at night when it’s dim. In general, dress/code is totally casual – treat it like a big backyard party. There are no VIP balcony sections or reserved box seats. The focus is on community and camping, not formal seating charts.
Acoustically, the open setting means sound disperses widely – organizers bring professional sound systems and stage lighting for concerts. There is little echo since it’s outside, but wind or open space can make it feel quieter up front, so the crews compensate with large speaker arrays. If you have any sensitivity, bring earplugs (kids often do). At night the stage lighting can be quite bright course, but audience areas are mostly dark – urban-level earthen grounds. Overall, seating/viewing is very flexible: you’ll likely move with the crowd, so be mindful of others. If you need guaranteed seat (for mobility or small children), the barn’s early shows offer sit-down space, but generally treat it all as first-come, first-served open areas (www.ticketsqueeze.com ).
Getting There and Parking
Blue Mountain Event Center’s address is 7250 Mitchell Mill Road, Wilseyville, CA 95257 (www.shooting.org ). It lies about 20 miles east of Jackson (Calaveras County), deep in the foothills. From Sacramento or the Bay Area, the trip is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours: take I-5/I-205 to I-580 over the Altamont Pass (or I-80 east to CA-49 south), then route east via CA-26 through San Andreas and CA-4 through Mokelumne Hill. From Stockton/Modesto, CA-26 to San Andreas→CA-49/4 east is typical. Organizers note it’s ~2h from Sacramento or Modesto, <2h from Stockton, ~3h from Reno (stilldreamfestival.com ). Once on CA-49/CA-4 near San Andreas, look for the turn onto Mitchell Mill Road (signage may be limited). For navigation, you can search “Blue Mountain Event Center” in Google Maps (stilldreamfestival.com ). The final stretch on Mitchell Mill Road is narrow and winding, so drive slowly and cautiously (15 mph is advised) (stilldreamfestival.com ). Large rigs should take wide turns; pull off to let others by in blind curves. A one-lane bridge also requires care.
Parking is on-site in grassy and gravel lots. Event staff will guide you into fields or leveled areas for cars and campers once inside the main entrance. Parking is typically free/included with tickets – for example, Mountain Vibe had voluntary unlock of VIP parking (solely premium RV spots) (mountainvibemusic.com ). If you see parking attendants, follow their directions. Keep the roadway clear (don’t block it). There’s no paved shuttle lot; assume a short walk from parking to stages. Because this is a remote area, ride-sharing and buses are not practical – virtually everyone drives. Ensure your car has enough gas (the nearest major gas pumps are back in Jackson or Mokelumne Hill). Remember, the Meadow and parking areas have no cover – bring a sunshade or tarp if you plan to hang out by your vehicle all day. Finally, signal can be patchy on the way here – plan your route in advance or download offline maps. Once you arrive, the venue’s signs will direct you to camping zones and lots (stilldreamfestival.com ); from there it’s easy to camp next to your vehicle or walk to the concert areas.
Inside the Venue
Inside the gates, expect a relaxed festival atmosphere. Staff or volunteers will check tickets and distribute wristbands at the entrance. The site has basic amenities: there are permanent outdoor restrooms (including showers) for campers (www.zillow.com ) – a big plus compared to pop-up porta-potties. In addition, events usually bring extra portable toilets for crowds. Food and drink options vary by event: at music festivals you’ll typically find multiple food trucks and stalls (e.g. burgers, pizza, vegetarian wraps) and at least one barbecue stand (a past festival attendee commented that “the BBQ is so good” here (bippermedia.com )). Many events also set up a beer/wine garden or bar; for instance, Mountain Vibe ran a daytime bar in the barn venue (mountainvibemusic.com ). However, there are no permanent stores or vineyards on site – come with any snacks or specialty dietary items you might need.
The overall vibe is highly casual. Past visitors noted that the owners and crew are very friendly (bippermedia.com ); people often compare it to a big outdoor party or family reunion. There is no coat check, so pack jackets or rain gear in your tent. Cellphone reception is weak (Verizon is recommended (www.doplaces.com )), and there is no public Wi-Fi, so don’t count on connectivity. The venue enforces a strict no-fire rule: during dry months you cannot have campfires (and even camp stoves may be restricted) (stilldreamfestival.com ). Smoking is only permitted in clearly denoted green zones (generally open grass areas) (stilldreamfestival.com ); the barn and stage are always no-smoking. Event security will remind people to leash dogs (if there) and watch out for noise ordinances late at night. First-aid services are usually on standby for large events. Finally, keep the place clean: trash cans are provided but limited, so pack out any garbage you can (recycling may be scarce). In short, feel free to mingle and dance but be prepared to rough it a bit. Many say if you leave something behind, it’s by design – real campsite style, not luxury.
Nearby Amenities
Blue Mountain is in a remote area, so planning ahead is key. There are virtually no facilities on-site or in Wilseyville itself (no shops or restaurants). The closest services are a few miles down the highway: northbound on Hwy 26, you reach West Point (gas station and the Cozy Cabin Café at 22642 Hwy 26 (www.yellowpages.com )); westbound on Hwy 49/88, Jackson (about 20 mi away) is the main hub. In Jackson you’ll find grocery stores, pharmacies, several restaurants and bars, and motels. For example, local favorites include Rosebud’s Cafe, Mel & Faye’s Diner, and the Highway House Tavern (www.tripadvisor.com ). These are good spots to fuel up before heading to the venue. Lodging options are also in Jackson and the surrounding gold-rush towns: inexpensive motels and inns line Hwy 88/49, or boutique B&Bs in historic Murphys (30–40 mi away). If you’ve reserved a hotel, plan to drive each day or arrange carpools. Note that cell service (especially late at night) can be unreliable for call-a-ride, so you may prefer to leave a car near your lodging. In practice, most festival goers camp on-site; otherwise, arrive in town early enough for dinner, or bring picnic supplies. In summary: expect to drive 15–30 minutes to find food and lodging (Jackson has the most choices), and stock up on essentials in advance.
What Makes This Venue Special
Blue Mountain Event Center stands out for its blend of rugged nature, history and community focus. First, the setting is extraordinary: thousands of pine trees and the Mokelumne River frame the stages, and distant peaks make a stunning backdrop. As reviewers note, it truly feels “like an amazing place in the woods with great people” (bippermedia.com ). It’s not a corporate arena: the owners and staff treat visitors like extended family – people often praise the “really friendly folks” who run the operation (bippermedia.com ), and say the atmosphere is more like a big backyard party than a commercial concert.
Second, the venue preserves California heritage. The ranch is a Georgia A. Bowman family trust property, so profits go to veterans and local charities (www.doplaces.com ) – a rare mission for an events venue. On-site one can still see 1880s sawmill cabins and even old hydropower installations, with staff sometimes explaining how isolated life worked before grids (www.eventsfy.com ). This commitment to history gives the festivals a unique twist. Lastly, Blue Mountain has become a cultural hub in a quiet region: it brings independent music, art and outdoor adventures to an area that otherwise sees little entertainment. Notable musicians and DJs have played on its stages, often remarking on the view and vibe. In fact, the property listing even highlights its suitability for filming or eco-tourism (www.zillow.com ) – it’s that picturesque. In short, artists and audiences alike love Blue Mountain for its stunning open-air experience, the feeling of community, and its authentic mountain-charm – qualities that make it unlike any typical concert hall.
Visitor Tips and Information
Dress for the outdoors: Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection (sunscreen, hat) during the day, and dress in layers for cool nights. The ground is uneven dirt, so avoid heels and bring a jacket for late-night chill.Bring essentials: Pack refillable water bottles, snacks or a picnic. While events have food trucks, it’s wise to have personal supplies. Many vendors take limited cards, so carry some cash. Also bring a flashlight or headlamp for after-dark movements.Tech supplies: Cell reception is poor; Verizon works best (www.doplaces.com ). Download any maps/tickets in advance and bring a portable phone charger. Wi-Fi is not provided to guests.Camping gear: If camping, bring a tent/sleeping bag and all camping gear (no equipment rentals there). Even if not camping, a lawn chair or blanket is helpful. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones are useful for sensitive ears at loud shows.Pets: Dogs (and service animals) are allowed (www.doplaces.com ). Keep pets leashed, give them shade/water, and clean up after them. The loud music can stress animals, so use caution.Prohibited items: For safety, open fires and fireworks are banned (stilldreamfestival.com ). Smoking is only allowed in designated grassy picnic areas (never inside the barn or tents) (stilldreamfestival.com ). Do not bring firearms, harmful substances, or glass containers. Check your specific event’s rules too.Arrival and parking: Gates and parking usually open by midday for festivals. Arrive early to secure easy parking or camping spots. Follow on-site signs to the correct lot (stilldreamfestival.com ), and remember parking is typically included with ticket. Backup parking may be a walk away, so coordinate with friends if carpooling.Other advice: Double-check your ticket information (many events are non-refundable (stilldreamfestival.com )). Keep your ID and ticket handy. Stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen as needed. Expect no ATM or pharmacy on site – handle any medical needs in town before arrival. With this prep, you’ll focus on enjoying the music and the mountaintop community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of events and performances are held at Blue Mountain Event Center?
Blue Mountain hosts a variety of outdoor events, especially multi-day music festivals and concerts. Major yearly festivals include the Mountain Vibe Music Festival (rock/reggae and camping) and the Stilldream electronic/dance campout (mountainvibemusic.com ) (stilldreamfestival.com ). It also sees smaller concerts, off-road rallies and creative gatherings (like drum circles or bike festivals) throughout the season. Consult the venue’s event calendar for details.
How do I purchase tickets for events at Blue Mountain Event Center?
Tickets are sold through each event’s organizers (typically online). For big festivals, buy early – they often announce presales months in advance (mountainvibemusic.com ). Gate sales are sometimes available if the event isn’t sold out. Avoid scalpers – the official site warns “once they are gone, that’s it” (stilldreamfestival.com ). Ticket prices vary (small shows ~$10–$20 (stilldreamfestival.com ); multi-day festivals $150+). Note that many events are non-refundable (stilldreamfestival.com ), so safeguard your ticket.
Where is Blue Mountain Event Center located and how do I get there?
The venue is at 7250 Mitchell Mill Road, Wilseyville, CA 95257 (www.shooting.org ). It’s about 20 miles east of Jackson, CA. From Sacramento or Stockton, drive east on CA-88 through Jackson and then follow directions north on Mitchell Mill Road. The site is listed on Google Maps (stilldreamfestival.com ), so use that or GPS coordinates (Lat 38.3677, Lon -120.4418). Note that Mitchell Mill Road is narrow and winding – large vehicles should be careful (15 mph recommended) (stilldreamfestival.com ).
Is parking available at the venue and is it free?
Yes. The property provides ample on-site parking fields for cars and RVs. Event staff will direct you to a parking area when you arrive (stilldreamfestival.com ). Parking is generally free/included with your event ticket. Some festivals offer premium parking passes (for example, VIP RV parking by the barn (mountainvibemusic.com )). The parking area is grassy or gravel – expect a short walk to the stage.
Is camping or overnight parking allowed at Blue Mountain?
Absolutely. Camping is a common part of Blue Mountain events. Attendees often set up tents or RVs on site. Many festival tickets include camping privileges; for example, Mountain Vibe’s single-day ticket includes overnight camping (mountainvibemusic.com ). There are no guest cabins, so plan to camp or stay off-site. If camping, bring all your own gear and check the event’s arrival/check-in times.
Are pets or service animals allowed at Blue Mountain Event Center?
Yes. Blue Mountain Event Center is pet-friendly – “Dogs are welcome at all events” according to the venue’s information (www.doplaces.com ). You may bring well-behaved dogs on a leash. (As always, service animals are also permitted.) Be sure to clean up after your pet and keep it under control. Since music can get loud, consider your pet’s comfort as well.
Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs or people with disabilities?
Blue Mountain is mostly outdoors on uneven ground, so accessibility can be limited. There is ADA parking and portable toilets at large events, and flat areas in front of the stage. The barn has ground-level access, but may not have formal ramps. While the venue offers restrooms and showers (www.zillow.com ), there are no paved paths. If accessibility is a concern, contact event organizers ahead of time. Some attendees with mobility issues do manage here, but it’s not a fully accessible indoor arena.
What facilities (restrooms, food, etc.) are available on-site?
The venue provides basic amenities. There are permanent outdoor restrooms and even hot-water showers for campers (www.zillow.com ). During events, additional portable toilets and wash stations are brought in. For food and drink, you’ll find vendors and food trucks selling items like barbecue and snacks (one reviewer praised the “amazing” BBQ (bippermedia.com )). Some festivals run a beer/wine bar in the barn (mountainvibemusic.com ). There are no regular restaurants or stores on site – food service depends entirely on the specific event.
What should I bring to an event at Blue Mountain?
Pack like you would for an outdoor camping festival. Essentials include sturdy closed-toe shoes, sun protection (sunscreen, hat), and layered clothing for cool nights. Bring refillable water bottles and snacks (water isn’t sold everywhere). A flashlight or headlamp is useful after dark. If camping, bring a tent/sleeping bag. Also carry cash (some vendors may not take cards), earplugs and insect repellent. Check the weather forecast too.
What items are prohibited inside Blue Mountain Event Center?
The venue has strict safety rules. Open flames and fireworks are completely prohibited (stilldreamfestival.com ). Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas; it is strictly banned inside the barn or near the stage (stilldreamfestival.com ). Do not bring firearms, weapons, or illegal drugs. Glass containers are discouraged. If unsure about a specific item, check your event’s official prohibited-items list, but generally follow all posted rules and staff directions.
Are there restaurants or hotels nearby?
Wilseyville itself has no restaurants or lodging. The nearest options are a short drive away. For example, the Cozy Cabin Café on Highway 26 (West Point) is about 5 minutes north (www.yellowpages.com ). The town of Jackson (20 miles west) has full-service restaurants and chains — reviewers often mention Rosebud’s Cafe, Mel & Faye’s Diner and Highway House Tavern (www.tripadvisor.com ). Jackson also has several motels/inns and grocery stores. Further out, Murphys and Arnold offer additional lodging. Most attendees either camp on-site or stay overnight in those towns.
What is the cell phone reception like at Blue Mountain?
Cell reception is generally poor. The site is very remote, so most carriers’ signals are weak or nonexistent on site. Verizon tends to have the strongest coverage here (www.doplaces.com ). Guests are advised to download any needed maps or tickets ahead of time, and carry a portable charger. Treat cell service as unreliable; there is no public Wi-Fi for attendees.
What is the history of Blue Mountain Event Center?
The property dates to the 1800s as a sawmill (built in 1882) (www.eventsfy.com ). In recent years it was developed by the Bowman family trust into an event venue. Its first major music festivals appeared around 2014 (Concert Archives shows a Mountain Vibe event then) (www.concertarchives.org ). Since moving Stilldream here in 2022, it has also hosted numerous other concerts and festivals. The ranch’s Gold Rush-era cabins and traditional lifestyle are still evident on site, tying events to the region’s history (www.eventsfy.com ).
How many people can Blue Mountain Event Center accommodate?
Blue Mountain does not have fixed seats, so there’s no official capacity. It’s essentially general admission open space (www.ticketsqueeze.com ). In practice, the large meadow and camping areas can hold several hundred people or more. Festival events here often draw in the high hundreds to low thousands overall. How crowded it feels depends on the event; a full multi-day festival might have 500–1000+ attendees spread over the property, whereas smaller shows are more intimate.
Why do artists and audiences love this venue?
Artists and fans praise Blue Mountain’s relaxed, scenic vibe. The open-air stage surrounded by pine trees and mountains makes concerts feel special. Attendees say performers here feel like part of the party – one fan noted it “felt like family” and the owners “really friendly folks” (bippermedia.com ). The venue’s community focus (supporting veterans through a trust) and historic setting also add to its charm (www.doplaces.com ) (www.eventsfy.com ). In summary, its combination of natural beauty, down-to-earth culture and a leave-your-shoes-on atmosphere is why many consider Blue Mountain unique.
