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Brightly colored paintings on exterior of Yosemite Gateway Art Center, in Oakhurst, Ca
ARTober in Oakhurst
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ARTober in Oakhurst
Blog ARTober in Oakhurst: A Month of Art, Culture, and Fun for All in the Sierra Region

ARTober in Oakhurst: A Month of Art, Culture, and Fun for All

Oakhurst, California is a vibrant town with a rich arts and culture scene. And in October, that scene comes alive with ARTober, a month-long celebration of all things art.

Oakhurst is a hub for creativity, home to chainsaw-carved bears, vibrant arts and crafts fairs, and inviting open studio tours. Join us to celebrate artistic expression in all its forms. Everyone is welcome! 

FIND Art the Bear:

One of the highlights of ARTober is the FIND Art the Bear scavenger hunt. Hidden all over Oakhurst are little chainsaw-carved bears made by Nate's Kustom Carving. Follow the clues on the ARTober Oakhurst Facebook page or @ARToberOakhurst Instagram account to find your own bear! The bears will be hidden each day throughout October... sorry ARTober..., so check those social pages daily for updates. 

Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour:

The Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour is a great way to meet local artists and see their work in progress. This year, trail goers can visit over 70 artists at their home studios or at several of the galleries and host businesses throughout the foothills region during the self-guided tour over two weekends. Artists will be open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm on October 4 - 6 and October 11 - 13.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the different art forms in the Sierra region and to meet the artists who create them. Visitors can also purchase art directly from the artists.

Here are some of the types of art that you can expect to see on the Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour:

  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Photography
  • Jewelry
  • Glass art

  • Textiles
  • Woodworking, and much more!

The Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour is a great way to spend a day in the Sierra region. It is a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. So come out and meet the artists who make the Sierra region unique!

Visit the Sierra Art Trails website for more information about where to purchase the event catalog. For $25, it is your ticket (for two) for the event, your road map to all the artists, and a great collector's piece showcasing the wonderful breath of creativity here in the foothills.  See you out on the trail!

Artist demonstrates a wood block printing in their studio.

Oakhurst Fall Festival:

The Oakhurst Fall Festival is a great way to celebrate the fall season in Oakhurst. This "small town festival" features a variety of activities for people of all ages, including:

  • Midway rides: There are thrilling rides for all ages, including small roller coasters and a Ferris wheel.
  • Shopping:  With arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry & collectible vendors
  • Local music: Enjoy live music from local bands all weekend long.
  • Food trucks: A variety of food trucks will be on-site, serving delicious food, from burgers and fries to tacos and ice cream.
  • Wine and beer tasting: Sample wines and beers from local wineries and breweries.

The Oakhurst Fall Festival is a great place to spend a day with family and friends. It's a fun and festive event celebrating Oakhurst's fall season.

The festival will be held at Oakhurst Community Park

Friday, October 11th - 3 pm to 9 pm
Saturday, October 12th - 10 am to 9 pm 
Sunday, October 13th - 10 am to 4 pm

Here are some additional details about the festival:

  • Admission is $5 - good for all three days! 
  • Parking is free
  • The festival is on, rain or shine
  • There are a variety of food and drink vendors on site
  • There are no ATMs on site, but many vendors accept cards. But... it is recommended to bring cash

The Oakhurst Fall Festival is a great way to spend a weekend in Oakhurst. It's a fun and festive event that celebrates the fall season in Oakhurst. So come on out and enjoy!

Go to:  www.OakhurstFallFestival.com for all the details.

large shady tree with brightly colored foliage in foreground, vendor booths and visitors in background.Oakhurst Fall Festival

Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop is a monthly opportunity to engage with local artists to learn about their creative process and explore their beautiful artwork at various galleries. For $20, you can purchase a keepsake Art & Wine Hop wine glass at Yosemite Wine Tails, Bodys by Boyd, and The Elderberry House and enjoy sipping and art at various locations along the route. Hop on the FREE Oakhurst Trolley on Thursday, October 17, from 5 pm—8 pm, explore eight stops featuring different artists, and sample local wine!


Live Music:

Not to be missed in ARTober, there will be two Music by the River concerts at the wine bar, located at Queen's Inn by the River adjacent to Idle Hour Winery & Kitchen in Oakhurst, California. Get ready to vibe with Natural Bridge on Saturday, October 5, and What Comes Next on Saturday, October 12. Live music starts at 6:30 PM and the wine bar and beer garden opens at 4:30 PM. These bands play a variety of music, including rock, country, pop, and originals.

On Saturday, October 5, South Gate Brewing Company will host their annual Oktoberfest and 11th anniversary celebration. Boha and Trey Tosh will perform.

Live music as an art form is a unique and shared experience that creates lasting memories for the audience and the musicians.

That is why ARTober is a great time to visit Oakhurst and experience the vibrant arts and culture scene. With something for everyone to enjoy, ARTober is the perfect way to spend a month in the Sierra region.


South Gate Brewing Lot Party


In addition to these major events, many other art-related events are happening in Oakhurst during ARTober. Check our full list of events to learn more.

Nearby in Madera, the 31st Annual Exhibition of Circle Gallery's "Celebrate Agriculture with the Arts" returns: 

Experience the fusion of creativity and agriculture at the annual Celebrate Agriculture with the Arts Competition and Exhibition! This vibrant event draws talented artists from across the region, each sharing a unique perspective on the beauty and significance of agriculture through their stunning artworks. It’s not just a competition; it’s a celebration where art meets agriculture, giving artists a fantastic platform to shine and be recognized for their incredible talents. Immerse yourself in a world where art enriches appreciation of California's agriculture. 


So what are you waiting for? Discover Oakhurst's thriving arts community this ARTober! 

Our annual Visit Yosemite | Madera County Visitors Guide can answer all your questions about visiting California's Gateway to Yosemite. From the park itself to the museums, wineries, art galleries and more throughout Madera County, our guide can help you plan the perfect vacation. Please note that we mail to the USA only, but anyone can download the guide.
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