Spring has officially clocked in, and Nevada County is serving up a full buffet of local goodness this May. Whether you’re chasing Celtic beats, mimosas with your mama, or the rodeo scene with a side of funnel cake, there’s something happening in every corner of this cozy little patch of California.
So toss that winter coat back in the closet, grab your favorite sun hat, and let’s dive into the can’t-miss events coming to Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Penn Valley in May!
Grass Valley is Going Full Bloom
KVMR Celtic Festival | May 2–4 @ Nevada County Fairgrounds
Bagpipes, fiddles, kilts—oh my! This festival kicks off the month with toe-tapping tunes, sword fights (the safe kind), and the kind of community vibes that make you proud to be a local. There’s even a Friday night Ceilidh Dance if you’re in the mood to spin around with strangers and pretend you’re in a fantasy novel. Trust me, it’s a blast.
Dates:
May 2–4, 2025
Location:
Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road
Tickets:
Available here
children under 5 are free
Strawberry Music Festival | May 21–26 @ Nevada County Fairgrounds
Think Coachella, but swap influencers for harmonicas and toddlers in flower crowns. This five-day musical escape is pure magic. Big names, campfires, and sing-alongs are guaranteed, and the campground is basically a second home for folk music lovers.
Family-friendly event with camping available
Location:
Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road
Tickets:
Available here
**Reservations required**
Garden Party | May 24 @ The Grass Valley Museum
Live harp music, vintage clothes, tacos, and psychic poetry? Say less. This isn’t your grandma’s garden party (but yes, bring grandma—she’ll love it). It’s basically the perfect Saturday outing.
Free admission; all ages welcome
Time:
11AM – 3PM
Location:
Grass Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 410 S. Church Street
Nevada City, Always Artsy, Never Boring
The Foundry Sings: Beatles & Beyond | May 14 @ Miners Foundry
It’s a big ol’ group karaoke night—minus the awkward bar mic and plus a whole crowd belting out “Hey Jude.” Family-friendly and joy-filled.
Time:
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
Location:
Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street
Admission:
$10 at the door
Spring Craft Fair | May 4 @ Miners Foundry
Over 70 local artisans packed into one charming space. If you’re hunting for handmade soaps, quirky jewelry, or one-of-a-kind gifts, this is your jam. (Mother’s Day is around the corner, just saying.)
Time:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:
Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street
Admission:
$7 at the door
Moms & Mimosas | May 11 @ Miners Foundry
Because sometimes we deserve bubbly in a glass and in our personality. Come toast to moms with live music by Lolo & The BroBros featuring Lorraine Gervais and get plenty of “you time.”
There will be a no host full bar featuring specialty mimosas alongside appetizers and sweet treats for purchase.
Time:
Doors open at 3pm, Drinks start at 4pm
Location:
Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street
Tickets:
$35 General Admission (Cabaret Table for 1-4 patrons)
$50 Reserved Table (Reserved Tables can accommodate up to 10 patrons.)
Available here
Afroman Live | May 15 @ Miners Foundry
Yes, that Afroman. If you know, you know. If you don’t—go anyway. It’s bound to be a wild, one-of-a-kind night in our sweet lil’ city. This will be a standing show with limited seating available. All ages are welcome but please refrain from bringing strollers or infants (they don’t need to be hearing Afroman anyways.)
Time:
Bar opens at 6pm, Show starts at 7pm
Location:
Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street
Tickets:
$25 in Advance / $30 at the Door
Available Here
Penn Valley is Bringing the Yeehaw
Penn Valley Rodeo & Parade | May 16–17 @ Western Gateway Park
This rodeo is the real deal, y’all—bulls, broncs, and boots. Saturday’s parade is a must-see, with floats, local pride, and a guaranteed good time. Word to the wise: Saturday tickets are already sold out. Friday’s your chance to catch the action!
Time:
May 16 – 7PM
May 17 – Parade starts at 2PM
Rodeo starts at 5:30
Location:
Western Gateway Park, 18560 Penn Valley Drive
Tickets:
Friday Tickets Available Here
May in Nevada County is a full-on celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a dance floor regular, a brunch enthusiast, or just in it for the people-watching, there’s no shortage of fun around here. So get out there and make some memories—support your neighbors, hear some tunes, and maybe even sing a few yourself.
If you’re out enjoying a local event, there’s a good chance I’m there too—so don’t be shy, come say hello!
I’ll be the one chasing kids with one hand and holding a mimosa in the other.
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