May is a shoulder month between seasons. A time of year you can pretty much do anything. The mountain biking season is rolling along in the lower elevations while the mountains of the Sierra provide skiers and snowboarders one last hurrah via some of the best spring skiing on the planet. It’s even a great time to go birdwatching. The question isn’t should you go but how soon can you go. To help coax you on planning your next getaway, here’s some of the things to do in May in Nevada County this year.
Celtic Festival
May 2nd – 4th
Nevada City Spring Craft Fair
May 4th
Learn more about the Nevada City Spring Craft Fair
Inspired by Renegade Craft Fairs across Europe and the U.S., this beloved event is now in its 14th year—carefully curated by a juried collective of young local crafters, artists, and social do-gooders. Over the years, it’s connected more than 10,000 attendees with 600+ local and regional makers, designers, and artisans. Held inside the historic Miners Foundry, the event showcases over 70 of the region’s top creatives, offering everything from handmade home décor and apparel to bath products, stationery, art, food, drinks, and more. It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration of the freshest voices in the local handmade movement—all under one roof.
Hoot/Pioneer/Dascombe MTB Race
May 4th
For those who love to ride bikes, the 7th annual California Dirt MTB series hosted by Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County kicks off on the 1st weekend in May. The day starts at the Gold Country Equestrian trailhead and is a 5.6 mile showcase of the Parliament trail system. A true masterpiece of trail engineering. Expect twisty banked g-outs, tabletop kickers, and such perfect flow it’s unreal.
The Cushing Crossing
May 4th
This isn’t just another pond skim, but a time-honored tradition that other ski areas attempt to imitate but never duplicate. From Tahoe’s own iconic showgirl Debbie Dutton as the event’s “Vanna White” to the flippers, skippers, and snowboarders that spray the celebrity judges, there is no other way to finish off a season. It’s something that you must see in person.
Grass Valley Old West Show
May 9th – 10th
Have you ever seen Antiques Roadshow? This is your chance to see museum quality pieces from the Old West Era at one of the finest shows of its kind, the Grass Valley Old West Show at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Look in awe at Tiffany Lamps. Find rare silver, coins, and folk art to purchase. Rare books and political signs. Advertisements from the Central Pacific Railroad and books about Buffalo Bill Cody. So much and more that it’s impossible to list everything.
Penn Valley Rodeo
May 16th & 17th
Dust off your hat and grab your boots for the 66th Annual Penn Valley Rodeo. Hosted by Penn Valley Community Rodeo Association (PVCRA), across the weekend as many as 5,000 rodeo enthusiasts descend upon the fairgrounds. The event features a vast set of disciplines including saddle bronc riding, bare back riding, bull dogging, team roping, barrel racing, and the highlight of any rodeo – bull riding. Whatever you do, don’t miss the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls when they do some mutton bustin’ and calf scramble each night.
Made in Tahoe Festival
May 24th & 25th
Learn more about the Made in Tahoe Festival
Join the Truckee community in celebrating spring and all things local at the base of Palisades Tahoe in The Village. The Made in Tahoe Festival showcases a vibrant mix of goods and experiences made in or inspired by the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee areas. From local artisans and businesses to chefs, nonprofits, and entertainers, it’s a true celebration of regional talent. Come explore, discover, and connect while enjoying delicious local food and craft beer. Best of all, proceeds from the Made in Tahoe bars support the Tahoe Food Hub, helping strengthen our local food system.
