September 27, 2025, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Columbia State Historic Park
Gazebo
Columbia, CA
Free to see, visitcolumbiacalifornia.com
$15 contest registration begins at 9 a.m. and all levels of talent are
encouraged to participate.
Fiddle & Bango Contest (yes, bango) More than 40 musicians compete for prizes in the following categories: fiddle, banjo, vocal, guitar, mandolin and miscellaneous. Nearly 50 vendors dressed in 1850s attire offer handmade arts and crafts for sale, including pottery, jewelry, apparel, home decor, wood furniture, baked goods and more. Attractions include demonstrations of spinning and weaving by the Mother Lode Weaver & Spinners, face painting, and entertainment by various local groups of musicians and dancers.
Held in conjunction with the Poison Oak Show and Chili Cook-off, the bango contest offers a grand prize --usually a gold nugget, and there are cash and gift certificate prizes in each category.
There is an entry fee to compete in each category.
The Fiddle & Bango Contest is free to the viewing public. Bring lawn chairs, hats and sunscreen. Souvenir T-shirts that support the cause cost $20.
ll ages and music genres are represented in this contest, which is sponsored by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Competition begins promptly at 10:30 a.m. and continues all day, except for a lunch break, which features a Chili Cook-off columbiacalifornia.com
July 12, 2025, 6-10 p.m.
Columbia State Historic Park
Main St.
Columbia, CA
Free, friendsofcolumbiashp.com
Big Band Street Dance invites the public to put on your dancing shoes to boogie down to the music of Rod Harris and his Orchestra.
Main Street
Columbia, CA
Free, visitcolumbiacalifornia.com
July 4, 2025, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a patriotic concert by the Great Mother Lode Brass and Reed Band, dance in the street.
Celebrate our nation's birthday the old-fashioned way! Come to Columbia State Historic Park on the 4th of July and participate in the many activities the 49ers enjoyed way back when, especially a parade on Main Street at noon. Try your skill at the many contests popular in the early days of Columbia, including the greased pole climb, egg relay race, watermelon eating, bucket brigade, cake walk, nail pounding, egg toss, and a five-way tug-of-war. Come early for the best parking and bring lawn chairs. The festivities begin with a ceremonial flag raising and black powder musket salute at 11 a.m.
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.