The Children’s Festival once again proved why it’s one of the most beloved family events in Nevada County. Held at Pioneer Park, the festival was a whimsical blend of Renaissance fair fun, hands-on creativity, and community spirit. From costumed performers to sword making crafts, the day was pure magic — not just for the kids, but for every adult who dared to step back into childhood for a few hours.

My kids personally couldn’t get enough of the Troll Toll Bridge, where a mischievous troll demanded a gift of a stick or rock before granting passage, and the Mermaid, who greeted little visitors like they were part of her underwater realm. Those two moments alone sealed the deal — this year’s festival was an absolute hit.

A Day of Creativity and Imagination

Each year, The Children’s Festival transforms Pioneer Park into a storybook village filled with laughter, music, and old-world charm. (Learn more here).

This year featured more than 20 themed activity booths, each hosted by local volunteers and artisans. Kids got to:

Craft their own swords, crowns, and wands

Visit the whimsical Pyrate Skool

Watch live performances, including strolling minstrels, magicians, and a royal parade led by Queen Elizabeth herself

Parents enjoyed watching their children fully immersed in hands-on fun — a welcome change from screens and gadgets. And with a steady rotation of entertainers, there was always something happening in every corner of the park.

What makes this event so special isn’t just the crafts or costumes — it’s the heart behind it. The Children’s Festival is completely volunteer-run, powered by over 200 community members who spend months planning the experience. The ticket price stays refreshingly affordable (just $3 per session), making it one of the most family-friendly events in Nevada County.

Even better, the festival offers two separate sessions — a morning and an afternoon — to keep crowds manageable and allow everyone plenty of time to explore.

Between the laughter echoing through the trees, and the glint of fairy dust on small faces, it’s impossible not to fall under the spell of this event.

If you missed it this year, mark your calendar now for next summer’s Nevada City Children’s Festival. It’s an event that defines what small-town charm is all about: imagination, laughter, and togetherness.