Home > Special Events in Downtown Nevada City, California: Summer Nights, Victorian Christmas & More!

Nevada City, California
2015 Special Events

Summer Nights, Victorian Christmas
Mardi Gras, Bicycle Classic & More!



Plan your next trip to downtown Nevada City, California to coincide with one of Nevada City's showcase Special Events that have become a favorite of people both locally and abroad.

(Scroll down to view all of the fine events
occurring in downtown Nevada City, California.)
Click for Grass Valley Events

Nevada City, California "Mardi Gras"
February14-15, 2015 from 8- midnight / 11:00 - 6:00pm

A downtown parade and masquerade ball are featured as this colorful Sierra foothills town again celebrates Mardi Gras in Nevada City. Weekend activities open Saturday night (Feb. 14, 2015) with a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball in historic Miners Foundry at 325 Spring Street. The masquerade ball is scheduled from 8pm to midnight. Prices will be announced. Advance tickets are recommended and may be obtained through the Chamber of Commerce office at 132 Main Street in Nevada City. Call (530) 265-2692 or (800) 655-NJOY. The Mardi Gras Parade begins at 11:00am Sunday (Feb. 15, 2015) and moves down Broad Street through the center of town. It is a rain or shine event. Merry spectators of all ages line the parade route while gaily masked societies parade through the historic district handing out beads, toys, trinkets, bangles and more. Everyone is encouraged to attend in festive Mardi Gras attire.

53rd Annual Nevada City Classic Bicycle Race
Sunday, June 21, 2015 from 1:00 - 6:30pm

The Nevada City Classic is one of the premiere sporting events in the Sierra foothills, the largest and oldest bike race on the West Coast, and the second-oldest race in the nation. Historic Nevada City is draped with flags and bunting and provides a colorful backdrop as cyclists whiz through the downtown area, spokes flashing and crowds cheering. Several thousand spectators attend the traditional Father’s Day event. Senior and professional riders representing top U.S. cycling teams are expected to race in the men's 40-lap main event. Women’s, Junior’s and Master’s races also are planned. Action begins in downtown Nevada City Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 1 p.m. and is usually complete by about 6:30 p.m.

Fourth of July Celebration for Nevada City, California
July 4, 2015 from 10:00am - 5:00pm

Main Street America is very much in evidence during this charming “small town celebration” attended by thousands of residents from Nevada County and beyond. Rotated yearly between the cities of Grass Valley & Nevada City, this year's festivities kick-off with a wonderful parade down the historic streets of downtown Grass Valley, California. This wonderful event includes a day long celebration at the Nevada County Fairgrounds with food, musical entertainment and a fantastic fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. Come celebrate our country’s independence and have a wonderful old-fashioned small town experience with big town quality!

Nevada City, California "Summer Nights"
Wednesday Evenings, July 15, 22 & 29, 2015 from 6:00 - 9:30pm

The 22nd annual Summer Nights in Nevada City celebration, an outdoor festival of art and music, will be held three Wednesday evenings in this colorful Northern Sierra foothills town. During Summer Nights, Nevada City’s landmark historic district is closed to motorized traffic and filled with arts, crafts, classic cars, food, drink and music. Leading Sierra foothills musicians perform on outdoor stages throughout the downtown Nevada City area. Hours are 6-9:30 There is no admission charge.

49th Nevada City Constitution Day Parade & Celebration
Saturday-Sunday, September 12-13, 2015

Nevada City's 47th annual Constitution Day Parade & Celebration on Saturday & Sunday has been a local tradition since 1967 and is reported to be the oldest and largest Constitution observance in western America. The 2pm Sunday parade features more than 100 entries and culminates other activities including Civil War reenactments in Pioneer Park on Saturday and a band concert and pre-parade ceremonies on Sunday. The parade through the downtown Nevada City historic district includes marching bands, floats, antique autos, equestrians, politicians and perennial crowd favorites such as the Ophir Prison Marching Kazoo Band and the Marching Presidents of Nevada City, a humorous but reverent group that portrays each U.S. president. Members of the American Civil War Association will offer living history and battle reenactments at 1pm and 4pm Saturday and at 11am Sunday in Pioneer Park. More than 200 military and settler reenactors are expected to take part.

Nevada City, California Fall Colors
October - Nevember, 2015

The Nevada City-Grass Valley area, with outstanding Gold Rush history and good choices in lodging and dining, has become known as one of California's best areas to view autumn foliage. The best fall colors in Nevada City and Grass Valley are located in the old-fashioned Victorian neighborhoods surrounding the downtown historic districts. The most spectacular displays are in century-old Red Maple trees planted by early settlers. Fall weather conditions at 2,500 feet in the Sierra foothills favor formation of brilliant colors in the landscape. As days grow shorter, photosynthesis slows and pigments other than green become more visible. Cool nights prevent the movement of sugar from the leaves, forming a red pigment called anthocyanin. It is often thought that Jack Frost is responsible for the color change, but he really isn't. Leaves often begin to change before the first frost.

Nevada City, California Victorian Christmas
Sun: Dec. 6, 13 & 20, 2015, 1:30-6pm • Wed: Dec. 16 & 23, 2015, 5-9pm

Holiday celebrants fill the downtown Nevada City streets, sampling the outdoor fare of friendly hawkers and vendors and food and goods offered by downtown restaurants and specialty shops. Victorian singers, bagpipers, a living nativity scene and visits with Santa Claus are among the attractions. Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire and enjoy strolling minstrels, brass bands, hay wagon rides and much more. Nevada City's Victorian Christmas 2015 is featured Sunday afternoons, Dec. 6th, 13th and 20th from 1:30-6 p.m., and on two Wednesday evenings, Dec. 16th and 23nd, from 5-9pm. There is no admission charge.

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