5 Top Events in Lake County, California

For those who would like to attend a special festival or event when you come to Clear Lake Campground, these are five of Lake County's most popular events. Remember that the campground, and other lodging options, may fill up quickly on these weekends, so be sure to reserve your camp site well in advance. Note: check in advance to see if the event will be taking place.

Heron Days:
Sponsored by Redbud Audubon Society, Heron Days usually takes place the last weekend of April in Kelseyville and the first weekend of May in Clearlake, right at Clear Lake Campground. The highlight of Heron Days is the pontoon boat tours into Anderson Marsh for a close-up look at the birds of Clearlake. These boat tours sell out quickly and Clear Lake Campground may fill up too so be sure to make your reservations early.

Enjoy this short video of a pontoon boat tour at the 2017 Heron Days event. This part of Anderson Marsh is also accessible by kayak, available for rent at Clear Lake Campground.

Lake County Wine Adventure:
Later in May, Lake County Wine Adventure is a 2-day event with more than 25 participating wineries. You can buy a passport good for one day or both days and there's a special ticket for designated drivers who can enjoy the food and fun (without the wine). Wineries offer tastings and food and sometimes music, tours or other special activities. It's a great opportunity to visit Lake County wineries.

If you don't want to come for the Wine Adventure weekend, there are still many opportunities for wine tasting. Most Lake County wineries are open on weekends and some are also open during the week, especially in summer.

Fourth of July:
Independence Day is a great time to come to Clear Lake Campground. Fireworks are spread out over several nights at different locations around the lake. Lakeport holds a big street faire at Library Park on July 4 with arts and crafts, music and food and a fireworks display over the lake at dusk. Downtown Clearlake celebrates with a small parade in the morning, followed by the unique International Worm Races at Austin Park and a fireworks display in the evening, usually on the Saturday before July 4. Clearlake Oaks holds a boat parade, also often on the weekend, with fireworks the night of July 3.

The CDFW usually schedules a free fishing day on the weekend before July 4, too, so it's a great time to try fishing if you don't want to buy a license. Clear Lake Campground is on Cache Creek so you can fish right from the campground. Be sure to reserve your spot at Clear Lake Campground in advance as July 4 is a popular time for camping!

Lake County Fair:
The Lake County Fair is held in Lakeport on Thursday through Sunday of Labor Day weekend, the first weekend in September. There's lots going on at the fair from animals, contests, and educational displays to food, music, rides, and entertainment. Saturday night, featuring top musical entertainment, is the most popular time to come to the fair but families will find lots of fun things to do during the day on Saturday and Sunday.

Kelseyville Pear Festival:
The Kelseyville Pear Festival, celebrating Lake County's agricultural heritage, is one of the county's most popular events. Held on the last Saturday of September, Main Street Kelseyville hosts more than 100 food and craft vendors and a wine pavilion featuring Lake County wines. Three stages feature a variety of music and entertainment well into the evening. A pear dessert contest, pear pie eating contest, and horse fair round out the events.

There's something happening in Lake County most weekends from spring through early fall so check the Lake County Events Calendar or the calendar tab on Lake County News for the dates you plan to visit.

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