ANNUAL EVENTS

Cache Creek Lavender Festival, Rumsey

• June 10-11; Cache Creek Lavender Farm, 3430 Madrone St., Rumsey

• www.cachecreeklavender.com

An annual celebration in June of all things lavender. During the festival you’ll find live music, wine tasting with local vineyards, food, lavender products and u-pick lavender, field tours and talks, craft demonstrations and more!

Davis Music Festival

• June 16-18; Various venues

• davismusicfest.com

Davis Music Festival (DMF) is a three day multi-venue multi-genre live music event showcasing local, regional and touring artists — all to benefit local arts nonprofits. It’s like our own version of SXSW in a single weekend.

4th of July Criterium, Davis

• July 4; Downtown Davis

• davisbikeclub.org/4th-of-julycriterium

Bikes race through downtown Davis, starting as early as 7:45 a.m. The Fourth of July Criterium is a local classic: a Northern California institution started in 1976. The event features all-day racing in downtown Davis, including most categories, plus cargo bike and a fun kid’s race. Spectators enjoy the thrill of the races as well as the many food and vendor offerings downtown.

Albariño Wine Stroll, Winters

• August 5; Downtown Winters

• www.discoverwinters.com

In celebration of the International Albariño Grape Day, walk through the streets of charming Winters to experience wine and food pairings, specials at local retail stores and enjoy live music.

Yolo County Fair, Woodland

• August 16-20; Yolo County Fairgrounds, 1250 East Gum Ave., Woodland

• yolocountyfair.net

One of the last remaining free-admission fairs in California. Every August this five-day fair features music, a rodeo, destruction derby, rides, food and livestock.

Farm to Fork Uncorked Weekend, Clarksburg

• Sept 1-4; Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg

• oldsugarmill.com/events.html

The Old Sugar Mill is excited to join the Sacramento Region in their loving support for all things “Farm to Fork” with “Farm to Fork Uncorked.” Farm to Fork Uncorked weekend is a celebration at the Old Sugar Mill where local wine, wine makers and growers are highlighted. We will be offering wine tastings, along with local Farm to Fork vendors from around Sacramento and the Delta region.

Stroll Through History, Woodland

• October 7; Various locations downtown Woodland

• strollthroughhistory.com

Take a step back in time to experience the history of Woodland. Enjoy a street fair, tour of historical homes and buildings, exhibits, vintage vehicles, entertainment and people dressed in period costumes.

Winters Festival de la Comunidad & Carnitas Festival

• Sept. 30, 4:30 to 10 p.m.; Downtown Winters

A community celebration of cultures featuring a carnitas cook-off, live music, a cultural show of folklorico and Mariachi vocalists, Native American dance performances, and family-friendly activities — all for a good cause, bringing ethnic traditions together.

Davis Beat and Jazz Festival

• October; John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 First St., Davis

• natsoulas.com/davis-jazz-andbeat-festival

Celebrating the spirit of collaboration and creativity that flourished in California during the 1950s and early 1960s. Every October, musicians, filmmakers, scholars, historians, painters and poets converge on Davis for this premier creative-arts event. Experience an intimate festival filled with poetry readings and painting improvisation set to the rhythm of live jazz. This is a unique opportunity for attendees to experience exclusive performances by well-known jazz musicians, jazz painters and poets.

Tractors & Brews, Woodland

• October 27; California Ag Museum, 1962 Hays Lane, Woodland

• californiaagmuseum.org

“Guests will delight in seeing tractors unveiled, engines started, and see a trio of smoke rise to the ceiling accompanied by old time showmanship,” said Doug Veerkamp, a member of the board of directors. This traditional watering hole features music, food tasting and a variety of brews and wines.

Holiday Weekends, Clarksburg

• Every weekend Nov. 24 through Dec. 23

• Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg

• oldsugarmill.com/events.html

A monthlong celebration of “all things holidays.” Shop local holiday vendors, sample delicious wines that are perfect for your holiday celebration, enjoy food trucks and listen to fun festive holiday music.

Tractor Parade, Winters

• First Saturday in December

• discoverwinters.com

The Holiday Tractor Parade features dozens of farm tractors and heavy equipment decorated in twinkle lights and holiday decor representing local businesses and community organizations. Visitors can watch this year’s Tractor Parade from anywhere along Main Street.

Woodland Holiday Parade

• December; Woodland Main Street

• woodlandchamber.org

Sit along Main Street in historic downtown Woodland and enjoy one of the largest parades in Northern California featuring holiday cheer. More than 150 entries entertained parade watchers in 2016. Santa Claus riding on an antique fire engine is counted on as one of the highlights; the Ben Ali Shrine is a crowd favorite. As a California State Horsemen’s Association judged parade, many fine horse entries participate from throughout California and surrounding states.

Wine Lover’s Weekend

• Feb. 3-4, 2024

• Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg

• oldsugarmill.com/events.html

Bring your Valentine to the Old Sugar Mill to celebrate Wine Lover’s weekend. Enjoy wine tasting, food trucks, live music and more!

Capay Valley Almond Festival

• February; Various venues

• www.espartoregionalchamber.com

Started in 1915, this is the only event in Northern California held simultaneously in six towns (Madison, Esparto, Capay, Brooks, Guinda and Rumsey). It’s an outstanding showcase of the riches you can find in the Capay Valley region. Enjoy all things almond blossom, plus great food, music and wine!

California Duck Days

• April; Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area HQ, 45211 County Rd 32B, Davis

• yolobasin.org/california-duck-days

Duck Days Festival is a family oriented, community-based outdoor festival with activities for people of all ages. Field trips are let by some of the region’s most experience birders and naturalists. On-site activities for families include interactive exhibits, marsh exploration, and wetlandthemed arts and crafts.

NORCAL Celtic Festival

• April; Downtown Woodland

• www.norcalcelticfestival.com

This free NorCal Celtic Festival, in beautiful and historic downtown Woodland, showcases Celtic music, dance, food and culture. Kilted Pipe Bands, Solo Pipers and Drummers, Drum Majors and Scottish Highland Dancers compete throughout the day along Main Street, in Historic Downtown Woodland, culminating in the much anticipated gathering of the Massed Pipes and Drums playing “Scotland the Brave.” The Nor Cal Celtic Festival hosts the Sacramento Valley Highland Dance Championships which will showcase the skills and athleticism of the dancers, as well as being a celebration of Scottish heritage.

Picnic Day, UC Davis

• April; UC Davis campus & Downtown Davis

• picnicday.ucdavis.edu

This family-friendly event is free for all to come and experience the richness of diversity and achievement at UC Davis and the surrounding community. Picnic Day is produced by students and is believed to be the largest student-run event in the country.

California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art, Davis

• April; Various venues, Davis

• natsoulas.com

The John Natsoulas Center for the Arts continues the largest sculptural ceramics conference in the world. Conceived by the need for dialogue and direct interaction between artists and students, it brings the ultimate ceramic sculpture event to Davis. In an intimate setting, you can interact with top artists in a way not possible at other venues. UC Davis, home to the late sculptor Robert Arneson, was instrumental in defining a new direction for ceramic art. Enjoy delightful downtown Davis and be inspired by nationally recognized ceramic art talents.

Youth Day, Winters

• April; Downtown Winters

• wintersyouthday.com

Winters Youth Day was founded in 1933 to teach the aspects of city government to a group of high school students. Each year, the high school elects mock city officials who “take over” the city offices in Winters for a hands-on experience and participation in a council meeting.

After a week of training, everyone is honored with the annual Youth Day Parade and a daylong celebration. After the parade the city park fills with booths, crafts, music, food and entertainment. Pre-celebration events, such as the Duck Derby on Putah Creek, start on Friday evening.

Pence Gallery Garden Tour, Davis

• May; Various venues

• pencegallery.org

For more than 25 years, the Pence’s Garden Tour has provided the public with the opportunity to view up to 10 beautiful local gardens. Visitors have enjoyed Japanese gardens, art-filled yards and xeriscapes filled with native grasses. This self-guided tour is a ticketed event. Tickets are sold at the Pence, Redwood Barn and Newsbeat, and include access to the gardens.

Whole Earth Festival, UC Davis

• May; UC Davis Quad

• wef.ucdavis.edu

With morning tai chi and nighttime fire twirling, the annual Whole Earth Festival will samba and sway onto the UC Davis Quad Mother’s Day weekend. Whole Earth began in 1969 when an art class taught by José Argüelles organized an “art happening” at UCD. The students used art to involve visitors in the ultimate goal of learning about activism, wellness and the environment. The Whole Earth Festival aims to ignite passion, propel creativity and leave visitors with inspiration. Circling the Quad are food vendors and crafts booths selling jewelry, art glass, clothing, toys and more. Bands, yoga classes, spoken word and dance are abundant at the three-day WEF.

Woodland Winefest

• May; Downtown Woodland

• www.soroptimistofwoodland.org/ winefest

The annual Woodland Winefest returns to historic downtown Woodland’s Heritage Plaza. Along with a variety of great wines, attendees will be able to taste local honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and locally brewed beer. Food will be available for purchase.

Woodland Street Cruisers Back to the Street Car Show and Cruise

• May, Main Street, Woodland

• woodlandstreetcruisers.com

Hot rod, classic car, custom car, rat rod, Bonneville racers and classic motorcycle owners and enthusiasts show their cars in downtown Woodland. Proceeds are donated back into the local community, supporting groups such as the Woodland Care Car (Meals on Wheels), local food banks, Toys-for-Tots, and many other charities.

Celebrate Davis!

• May; Starting at 4:30 p.m. and ending at dark with a fireworks display

• Community Park (14th and F streets)

• davischamber.com

Festival and business expo: family fun, music and fireworks. Live music with local youth bands. Food, beer and wine garden. Raffles and prizes. Attendance is free.

Bat Talk and Walk with Yolo Basin Foundation

One of the largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in the State of California lives under the Yolo Causeway in the expansion joints of Interstate 80. As the weather warms, more bats return and become active with summertime peaks of approximately 250,000 bats. Ribbons of bats are seen exiting the bridge around sunset as they exit each evening to hunt for crop pests and mosquitoes.

Join Yolo Basin Foundation on a summer Bat Talk and Walk. The family-friendly experience takes about three hours, and there are many dates to see the bats between June and September. Adult tickets are $15 each, children are $5 each.

• More information: http://yolobasin.org/ battalkandwalks

Bicycling

Davis takes its reputation as the bicycle capital of the country seriously, and there are many ways this town proves its loyalty to pedal power.

It has earned the title of “America’s Best Bicycling City” because of its high volume of bicycle use, its renowned system of bikeways and cyclist-friendly facilities, and supportive city and university programs.

There are 125 miles of bike lanes and bike paths within city limits. Bike paths along greenbelts, in city parks, on campus and along the UC Davis Arboretum make bicycling a pleasant, leisurely activity with beautiful scenery.

The Davis Bike Club also has created route maps, offering more than 20 bike rides, with routes including Davis, Winters, Woodland, Clarksburg, the Capay Valley and beyond. The route maps and “cue sheets” — the detailed descriptions of how to ride from here to there — are available through the Davis Bike Club website — davisbikeclub.org.

• More information: For even more bike-related information, resources and laws, plus a detailed bike map, call UC Davis Transportation and Parking Services at 530-752-8277; visit the city of Davis Department of Public Works, 23 Russell Blvd.; or visit Yolo County Visitors Bureau, 132 E St., Suite 200, Davis

Boating

Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs, east of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers year-round recreation opportunities.

Berryessa’s water reaches temperatures of up to 75 degrees in the summer, making it an ideal place for water sports.

Anglers enjoy fishing for coldand warm-water species, such as rainbow trout, bass and catfish. One of the largest bodies of fresh water in California, Lake Berryessa is 26 miles long by 3 miles wide, with 165 miles of shoreline. An unusual feature of the lake is the spillway or “glory hole” above the Monticello Dam, a concrete funnel that drains excess water.

The Bureau of Reclamation provides two large day-use areas (Oak Shores and Smittle Creek), Capell Cove launch ramp and many smaller dispersed day-use areas. The seven resorts around the lake are managed by concessionaires under contract with Reclamation and provide camping, day-use and boating facilities.

The Monticello Dam area at the southeast corner of the lake is one of the best local birding areas. The best time to visit for birding is in early spring and late fall during migration and nesting seasons. Look for eagles, hawks, songbirds, wild turkeys, Canada geese, pelicans and great blue herons, among others.

• Location: Lake Berryessa is 40 miles west of Sacramento. Nearest towns are Napa to the southwest or Winters to the east. Nearest highways are state Highways 121 and 128.

• More information: 707-966-2111; recreation.gov

Camping

Yolo County’s public parks, which total 2,300 acres, are spread out over the county’s 1,024 square miles. Some span hundreds of acres, offer dozens of campsites and boast oak trees older than the United States.

“It’s everything from Elkhorn Regional Park along the Sacramento River to parks on Cache Creek, parks on Putah Creek, parks in the mountains, parks in the grasslands,” said Andrew Fulks of Tuleyome, a Woodland-based environmental group. “They really showcase all that Yolo County is. There’s a little bit of everything.”

For campers, 685-acre Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park has 45 individual campsites, four large group camp sites, two restroom buildings, a general store, large turf areas, a playground, numerous picnic tables, a day-use parking area (parking fee required), and rural pedestrian access to Cache Creek.

These public parks offer the county’s 217,000 residents — and the 2.7 million people in the Sacramento region — a way to relax, play and adventure. County officials want more people, including outsiders, to camp, fish, hike and boat in Yolo County.

• More information: yolocounty.org; www. yolocounty.org/government/ general-governmentdepartments/parks

Dog parks

Toad Hollow Dog Park generally is the place to be for Davis’ four-legged friends. This 2.5-acre fully fenced park — at 1919 Second St., Davis — provides plenty of room for your dog to play, and it includes a fenced small-dog area, too.

Parking is available at the park and along Second Street next to the park. Your dog must be on leash from the parking area until you enter the park. Drinking fountains and trash stations with plastic bags are provided.

Another fenced, off-leash dog run is at Community Park, 1405 F St. (west of the skate park). There are also several unfenced off-leash areas throughout Davis.

• More information: Call 530757-5656 to check the status of the dog parks, as they close in wet weather; www.cityofdavis. org/city-hall/parks-and- community-services/parksand-open-space/dog-parks

• Woodland Dog Park: 2001 E Street and Road 24A

• Winters: Willow Canal Dog Park, 703 County Rd 90, Winters

Double-decker buses

In 1968, Unitrans, UC Davis’ bus system, purchased vintage doubledecker buses from London and brought them to Davis to start a bus system. Over time, Unitrans added 10 more of the vintage AEC Regent III RT buses, although only three remain today.

These iconic buses currently operate on select, limited trips and may be expanded to serve more routes in 2023-2024. If you’d like to ride one of the vintage buses, call Unitrans at 530-752-2877 and ask our office staff when one is scheduled.

You can also ride one of our four modern double decker buses which operate on weekdays on the V West Village and J Anderson/ Alvarado/Sycamore bus lines.

• More information: For upto-date schedules, visit the Unitrans website: unitrans. ucdavis.edu

Farm Tours

Yolo County is agricultural land, and there are many ways to get out and experience it.

As former Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor explained, “Yolo County plays a unique role in our region. When we talk about a ‘farm to fork’ effort in the Sacramento region, more often than not, the farm is in Yolo County.

“Our county’s climate, soil, talent and research create one of the finest agricultural settings in the world. Many of us are fortunate to shop at some of the best farmers markets in the nation, shop at grocery stores that stock produce from local farms and subscribe to Community Supported Agriculture programs.”

So if you want to harvest your own summer fruits or find the best Halloween pumpkin, explore the world of gourds, channel your inner cowboy, and learn how a working farm operates, there are many farm tours offered in Yolo County.

• More information: The Yolo County Visitors Bureau has a listing of more than 20 farms and ranches that participate in tours and offer a wide variety of seasonal events. visityolo.com/listing_cat/ agritourism/?tab=farm-tours

• Or visit the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources’ comprehensive site for the California agricultural tourism directory at www.calagtour. org.

Hiking

Spring-fed waterfalls cascading over shadowy caverns, pockets of wetlands with turtles floating undisturbed and the fur of black bears shimmering in the sunlight as they move swiftly along river banks.

Recounted by Andrew Fulks, who manages UC Davis’ Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, these adventures actually are close to home. Fulks has worked

Spanning 12 miles in length, the loop comprises a series of bike paths, trails and bike-friendly roadways that pass through most Davis neighborhoods and their lush to inform, protect and expand opportunities in local nature. And the local outdoorsman shares his journeys from the Blue Ridge trail off Highway 16 to a route leading into Pierce Canyon Falls.

• More information: Detailed descriptions of nearby hikes are listed on the Tuleyome Trails page at www.tuleyome.org/trails or at yolohiker.org.

Paddling

Cache Creek is part of the wild and scenic California water system. It is one of the major rivers in Yolo County, flowing southeast from Clear Lake through U.S. Bureau of Land Management land and then along Highway 16. The wilderness area has the second largest populations of bald eagles and tule elk in California.

For most recreational boaters, Cache Creek is run in two sections in the upper canyon above Rumsey. The first section is known as the “Fun Run.” Boaters put in at Yolo County’s Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park Upper Site or just over the county line at the confluence with Bear Creek.

This segment of river is popular with people looking for Class II and III whitewater. The proximity to Woodland and Davis means the fun run can be done as a half-day outing. Time on the water is usually two to three hours.

The best place to take out from the water is at Camp Haswell County Park, upstream from Rumsey. Various outfitters rent all the gear needed, as well as provide transportation and lunch along the river.

• More information: californiawhitewater.com/rivers/cachecreek

Swimming

Bust out the sunscreen and floppy hat when the city pools are in full swing for the summer. Both Arroyo and Manor pools are expected to be open for recreational swimming through Labor Day weekend. Both pools have lap swimming, diving, water slides and play areas.

• Location: Manor Pool, 1525 Tulip Lane; Arroyo Pool, 2000 Shasta Drive

• More information: 530-757-5626; www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/parksand-community-services/aquatics-andcity-pools

Wetlands

The city of Davis wetlands is a unique project established for the dual purpose of wildlife habitat restoration and water quality enhancement. The 400-acre project is one of the largest constructed wetlands in the United States, relying on treated wastewater and stormwater runoff as water sources.

The Yolo Basin Foundation leads tours of the wetlands on the first Sunday of the month. Visit www. yolobasin.org for tour times; tours last approximately two hours. Or, visit them on your own time and see Canada geese, American avocets, Cooper’s hawks, sandpipers, barn owls, wood doves, songbirds, muskrats, jackrabbits, beavers, turtles, bullfrogs, toads and other species.

The four ponds are: the West Area Pond, 31 acres at Shasta Drive and Arlington Boulevard; the North Area Pond, 16 acres at F Street and Anderson Road; the Core Area Pond, 15 acres at Second Street and Pole Line Road; and the Evergreen Pond, 5 acres, across from Sutter Davis Hospital.

The Davis Wetlands are open every day from Feb. 15 through Aug 31, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are open Mondays only Sept. 1 through Feb. 15.

Another local wetland is the 16,000acre Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, one of the largest public/private restoration projects with 3,700 acres of land in the Yolo Bypass floodway restored to wetlands and other associated habitats, with more restoration in the works. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the Yolo Wildlife Area to promote an increase in waterfowl and other bird populations. The Yolo Basin Foundation leads tours of Yolo Wildlife Area as well.

• Location: Interstate 80 at the Yolo Causeway between Davis and Sacramento

• More information: 530-7573780; www.yolobasin.org

UC Davis

The largest University of California campus, UC Davis is known for standout academics, and is widely recognized for its specialties in agriculture, viticulture and enology, the biological sciences and veterinary medicine. UC Davis ranks high across the board, according to many outside measures that assess university reputation.

The university offers 100 undergraduate majors and 90 graduate programs among four colleges and six professional schools. Current enrollment is more than 34,000 students.

Founded in 1905, with the first students admitted in 1908, UCD began as the University of California’s farm school. After a half-century as a branch of UC Berkeley, UCD was declared an independent general UC campus in 1959. What began as an “ag” school now is ranked among the top 10 public universities in the nation.

With annual events like Picnic Day, three art museums, Division I athletics, departments of music and theater and dance performances at the world-class Mondavi Center and vast expanse of land (5,300 acres), there are many reasons to visit UCD.

• Take an organized tour, get tickets to an event or just wander the campus.

• More information: www.ucdavis.edu