When you say the word “October”, most parts of the country shiver. Not so in California’s Nevada County. Alongside a colorful canopy of fall foliage, you should expect glorious sun-filled weather to go along with it. Need a push to take a trip? Here’s some of the many things to do in October in California Nevada County.
Heart Of Gold
October 5th
Not a new concept, the original Tour de France was pretty much a gravel grinder. They consisted of a big serving of gravel roads, a dash of singletrack, and a whiff of smooth pavement. Less of a race and more of a community gathering of like-minded enthusiastic cyclists. The Heart of Gold is a true tour of Nevada County’s quieter side. Pedal past old-growth trees. Take in historic parks and the cozy towns of Bloomfield and Washington. And most of all, get challenged by nearly 10,000 feet of climbing across its 70 miles. They know this race is tough but it shouldn’t be pure misery. This year, you get to race three timed segments which contribute to the overall placings. Too much? They’re offering a shorter version that still has 36 miles and 5,719 feet of climbing.
Open Studio Tour
October 12th,13th,19th, & 20th
The Center for the Arts presents their annual Fall Colors Open Studio Tour. Visit 70+ local artists in 47 studios this October and see where art is made, displayed, and appreciated in Nevada County. The tour features painters, printmakers, photographers, ceramicists, illustrators, jewelers, designers, woodworkers, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists, view new work, and buy original art in a wide range of media and styles. See their workspace, watch live demonstrations, observe works in progress, and learn about an art process from concept to completion. Beyond an art sale, Open Studio is a chance to experience first-hand how, where, and why art is created. Start your tour at the Center for the Arts to get your guide and visit as many locations as you like.
Truckee River Day & Fair
October 20th
Do you love Nevada County’s great places and want to ensure that your great, great, great grandkids can enjoy them too? Then the annual Truckee River Day & Fair is the perfect way to do it. Since 1996, thousands of like-minded and passionate nature lovers meet to celebrate as well as take on restoration projects throughout the Truckee watershed. Over the years, volunteers have helped restore meadows. Invigorate riparian areas and plant native vegetation. But don’t just take our word for it. The Truckee River Watershed Council has created a self-guided tour to show all the hard work that has been done with your own two eyes.
Halloween
October 31st … And More
If there’s an excuse to celebrate, Nevada City goes out of their way to make sure there are festivities to enjoy for both young in age and in heart. Amongst the magnificent fall foliage, you’ll find a great selection of tours including a cemetery hike, spooky tales of haunted historic sites, and celebrations all topped off with pumpkin ice cream. Not to be left out of the spooky fun, downtown Grass Valley is hosting on Thursday, October 31st from 10am-1pm the Safe Trick or Treat for preschoolers. And last but not least, for those up in the “high country” near Truckee, don’t miss the Halloween Parade which is happening on Friday, October 25th from 4:30-8pm.
Camping Halloween-Style
Another unique option is to go camping in October amidst the magic of Halloween (all the charm but none of the scariness!) at the Inn Town Campground. Throughout the month, the campground is decorated with skeletons climbing trees, an outdoor skeleton yoga installation, and zombies in a camping tent. Keeping with the festive theme, the Inn Town Campground encourages campers to decorate their campsites to get into the season as well. Costumes are recommended but not required. And on weekends, they play kid-friendly Halloween movies so bring a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa to enjoy the autumn camping vibes. Be aware that this is limited to campers only (i.e. get your reservations in advance because they sell out).
As you can see, October is a BIG month of celebrations. For more fun ideas of things to do in October in California Nevada County, be sure to visit our event calendar. And for a list of our biggest annual events of the year, check out our Festivals & Special events page.
