Calaveras County California Fairgrounds Events

The Calaveras County Fairgrounds, widely known as Frogtown, is the home of one of California’s most distinctive county fairs: the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee. Located in Angels Camp in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the grounds bring together the county’s agricultural community, livestock exhibitors, local organizations, carnival attractions, and the famous frog-jumping contest inspired by Mark Twain’s story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.

For families planning a spring visit, local residents looking for upcoming events, or vendors and exhibitors hoping to participate, Frogtown is more than a four-day fair venue. It operates as a year-round event property with rental facilities and an RV park.

Overview of Calaveras County Fairgrounds

Location and address

The fairgrounds are located at:

Calaveras County Fairgrounds (Frogtown) 2465 Gun Club Road Angels Camp, CA 95222 Phone: (209) 736-2561

Angels Camp sits along Highway 4, a key route through Calaveras County’s Gold Country. Gun Club Road leads to the fairgrounds, so visitors should follow the official event directions and parking instructions rather than assume every entrance is open during a major event.

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Who operates the fairgrounds?

The property is managed by the 39th District Agricultural Association, a state agricultural district within California’s Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Fairs and Expositions. An appointed board oversees the association, while the fair management team handles daily operations, exhibits, commercial programs, and event coordination.

That structure connects Frogtown to California’s wider network of agricultural fairs while keeping the annual event rooted in Calaveras County.

Why Frogtown matters locally

Calaveras County’s identity includes Gold Rush history, ranching, small agricultural operations, foothill communities, and tourism. The fair brings those interests together in one place. Livestock exhibits give young people a public setting to demonstrate animal-care and showmanship skills, while local vendors and community groups connect with visitors from across the Mother Lode and surrounding counties.

The Jumping Frog Jubilee gives the fair a cultural identity that is difficult to confuse with any other county event in California.

Upcoming Events at Calaveras County Fairgrounds

The annual fair and other events

The best-known event is the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee, held each spring. Outside fair week, Frogtown makes its grounds, buildings, and RV facilities available for selected events and private rentals.

Depending on the published calendar, visitors may find agricultural activities, livestock-related programs, community gatherings, private celebrations, and specialty festivals. The venue has also hosted the Calaveras Celtic Faire, which brings its own entertainment and festival audience to Angels Camp. Event dates and arrangements can change, so an event that has used Frogtown in the past should not be treated as confirmed for the next season.

Seasonal patterns

Spring is the main period to watch for the county fair and other large outdoor gatherings. The fair’s combination of animal exhibits, frog jumping, carnival attractions, and entertainment makes that week the busiest and most recognizable part of the grounds’ calendar.

For the rest of the year, check the official Frogtown facility schedule for confirmed dates. The venue also offers rental space for private gatherings such as weddings, quinceañeras, reunions, and business or community functions. Not every rental is a public event, and some events may require advance registration or separate tickets.

How to check upcoming events

The most reliable source is the official Calaveras County Fairgrounds/Frogtown schedule. For a specific event, confirm the date, opening hours, ticket arrangements, parking directions, and whether admission is available at the gate. The fair office can also clarify venue rental and commercial-program questions at (209) 736-2561.

The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee

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When is the 2027 Calaveras County Fair?

The next scheduled Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is May 13–16, 2027. The fair traditionally takes place during the third full weekend in May. Visitors should confirm daily opening times, performance schedules, and ticket information before traveling, as those details can vary by year.

The 2026 fair ran May 14–17. The fairgrounds’ published 2027 dates provide a firm planning reference for families, exhibitors, vendors, and people booking accommodation in Angels Camp.

Frog jumping: the Jubilee’s signature event

The Frog Jump is the event that makes this fair nationally recognizable. Its modern history began in Angels Camp in 1928, and it became part of the annual fair during the 1930s. The fair and frog-jumping events merged in 1937.

Competitors encourage frogs to jump from a platform, with distances measured across their jumps. The longest-performing frogs can qualify for the International Frog Jump Grand Finals on Sunday afternoon. Visitors can also watch the process around the frog area and learn about the event’s frog-care practices.

The current world-record jump is credited to Rosie the Ribeter, who leaped 21 feet, 5¾ inches in 1986. The fair advertises a $20,000 prize for breaking the record, but prospective competitors should confirm the current rules and prize terms before entering.

Visitors exploring Calaveras County California Fairgrounds Events can also discover regional activities through Butte County California Fairgrounds Events. Exploring both locations helps visitors find community gatherings, learn about local traditions, and enjoy seasonal celebrations throughout California.

Livestock, exhibits, carnival, and entertainment

The Jubilee combines the frog contest with the traditional parts of a county fair. Agricultural exhibitors bring animals and projects for judging, while the midway, food concessions, commercial booths, arena activities, and live entertainment give visitors reasons to spend a full day on the grounds.

Competitive exhibits may include livestock and small animals, youth projects, arts and crafts, and other categories specified in the annual premium book. Exact classes and schedules should be checked in the current year’s guide rather than assumed from a previous fair.

The grounds’ event history includes arena entertainment and a Sunday-evening Destruction Derby. The specific grandstand or arena lineup changes each year, so check the current schedule before planning around a particular performance.

Admission, parking, and children’s activities

Admission prices, parking arrangements, and any discounted days should be confirmed using the current fair information. Do not rely on old ticket prices posted on third-party sites. The frog-jumping contest may have its own participation fees, which are separate from general fair admission.

Families can check the daily schedule for children’s activities and the fun-jump option. The fair’s downtown Angels Camp children’s parade is another part of the Jubilee tradition, but parade details and route arrangements should be confirmed for the year of attendance.

Facilities and Grounds

Size and layout

The fairgrounds cover approximately 71.5 acres of rolling foothill terrain. The venue’s natural slopes, open lawns, and separate event areas accommodate both outdoor gatherings and indoor exhibits.

Published facility information lists four exhibit halls, a clubhouse and meeting room, five livestock barns, an arena, two ponds, a grandstand, a natural amphitheater, and an RV park. The layout is designed to support everything from livestock judging to community meetings and larger outdoor events.

Halls, arena, and livestock barns

Several facilities are available for rental, with suitability depending on the event’s size and requirements:

• Tom Sawyer Hall: approximately 9,800 square feet, with nearby outdoor restrooms.
• Becky Thatcher Hall: approximately 1,800 square feet, suited to smaller gatherings and seminars.
• Ranch House: a rustic building with a small kitchen, air conditioning, patio, and small stage.
• Frogtown Arena: approximately 290 by 125 feet, with an announcer’s box, chute gates, and holding pens.
• Livestock facilities: five covered barns, a permanent show ring, lighting, offices, a cattle scale, and bleachers.

Barns and arena spaces may be used for livestock activities or other approved events. Availability, fees, equipment, maintenance, and insurance requirements depend on the rental arrangement. Contact the fair office before assuming a facility is available for a particular date.

RV camping and accessibility

The Frogtown RV Park offers full hookups, including water, power, and sewer. The venue’s published general RV information lists nightly rates, with different pricing for seniors and tent sites. Availability can be limited during special events, and the fair uses separate arrangements for fair-week camping. Confirm current rates and reservations directly with the office.

The grounds include natural hills and outdoor areas, so visitors with mobility needs should ask about accessible parking, routes, restrooms, and the best entrance for their event. Do not assume every lawn, slope, or temporary event area is fully accessible.

Parking arrangements may differ between the annual fair and smaller events. Follow signs and event-specific instructions, and allow extra time on busy fair days.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial vendors

Businesses, artisans, food vendors, and organizations interested in selling or exhibiting at the fair should contact the fair’s commercial-program staff. The fair publishes vendor applications and event-specific requirements, which can include booth dimensions, electricity arrangements, admission and parking passes, fire-safe tent requirements, and proof of general liability insurance.

The fair has published a local-vendor discount in some application materials, but applicants should check the current year’s terms rather than assume that past rates or discounts still apply. Space is limited, and approval depends on the event and the type of product or service offered.

Competitive exhibits and premium books

Exhibitors should use the current premium book for categories, rules, forms, deadlines, delivery schedules, and judging requirements. Livestock entries and small-animal entries may have different submission dates, and late entries may be restricted or subject to fees.

For youth livestock exhibitors, the county’s 4-H program specifically identifies annual Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification as a requirement. Exhibitors should complete the required training and submit proof by the deadline established for that fair year.

Contact the fair office at (209) 736-2561 or [email protected] for current forms and directions.

Getting to Calaveras County Fairgrounds

Driving from Angels Camp and nearby communities

The fairgrounds are on Gun Club Road in Angels Camp, near the Highway 4 corridor. Visitors coming from San Andreas can generally travel south toward Angels Camp on Highway 49 and connect to local roads leading to the grounds. From Murphys, Highway 4 provides the main approach toward Angels Camp. Visitors arriving from the Central Valley can use regional highways toward the Mother Lode and then follow Highway 4 or Highway 49 according to their starting point.

Because event traffic and road conditions can affect the best approach, use current navigation and follow temporary fair-week signs. Do not assume that a gate used for a previous event will be open.

Public transportation and rideshare

Do not count on a dedicated fair shuttle or direct public transit service without checking the current event information. Rideshare availability may be more limited in the foothills than in a major city, particularly late at night after a large event. Agree on a pickup point that complies with event traffic instructions, and consider arranging a return ride in advance.

4-H, FFA, and the Junior Livestock Auction

Agricultural education is a central part of the fair, not a side attraction. Calaveras County 4-H and local agricultural education programs help young people develop animal-care, project-management, recordkeeping, and showmanship skills.

The county’s junior livestock program is coordinated through the fair organization and its Junior Livestock Committee, working with the Friends of the Calaveras County Fair. Young exhibitors may show market animals and other projects under the rules for their organization or independent exhibitor status.

At the junior livestock auction, eligible exhibitors present animals they have raised and cared for throughout the project year. Buyers support the young participants by bidding under the auction’s rules. Proceeds can help exhibitors pay project expenses and support future educational or agricultural goals. Prospective buyers should contact the committee or fair office for registration instructions, sale order, payment requirements, and the current auction schedule.

The UC 4-H Program of Calaveras County provides fair-specific information, including certification and livestock-project requirements. FFA participation and eligibility should be confirmed with the exhibitor’s local chapter and the current fair rules.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Frogtown’s calendar extends beyond May. Its published schedule has included craft markets, gem and mineral shows, roller derby, school events, community gatherings, seasonal festivals, and private celebrations. The grounds have also hosted specialty events such as the Calaveras Celtic Faire, BMX activities, cross-country events, and a winter festival.

These events are not necessarily held every year. The official facility calendar is the best place to confirm whether a particular show or festival is scheduled for the upcoming season.

For organizers, the fairgrounds’ rental options make it possible to book selected buildings, the arena, livestock facilities, or outdoor areas for approved events. Rental applications, insurance, equipment, power, and setup requirements should be discussed with management before advertising a date.

History of Calaveras County Fairgrounds

The fair’s roots date to 1893, when a county fair was held in Copperopolis. The modern frog-jumping contest began in Angels Camp in 1928, inspired by Mark Twain’s famous Calaveras frog story. The fair was established at its current fairgrounds location in 1932, and the fair and frog-jumping events merged in 1937.

The result is a long-running event that combines California agricultural-fair traditions with a local literary connection. The Frog Jump has developed into an international competition, with teams traveling to compete and the Sunday finals drawing particular interest.

The fairgrounds have also grown into a multipurpose public venue. Its halls, barns, arena, outdoor stages, and RV park support activities outside the four-day fair. The Friends of the Calaveras County Fair, formed in 2008, provides additional community support for the event and its ongoing legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Calaveras County Fair in 2027?

The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is scheduled for May 13–16, 2027, at Frogtown in Angels Camp. Confirm daily hours and ticket details before visiting.

What time does Calaveras County Fairgrounds open?

Opening times vary by event and by day of the fair. Check the current official schedule for gate hours, exhibit times, arena events, and frog-jumping sessions.

Is there camping at Calaveras County Fairgrounds?

Yes. Frogtown RV Park offers full hookups, and the fair also has event-specific camping arrangements. Spaces may be limited during major events, so ask the fair office about availability, rates, and reservation requirements.

How do I enter livestock in the Calaveras County Fair?

Start with the current premium book and junior livestock information. Check eligibility, species-specific entry deadlines, required forms, animal-health rules, and YQCA certification requirements before submitting an entry.

Are dogs allowed at Calaveras County Fairgrounds?

Pet rules can depend on the event and venue policy. Check the current fair policy before bringing a dog, and do not assume pets are allowed in livestock areas or buildings. Service-animal requirements may differ from general pet rules.

Where do I park at Calaveras County Fairgrounds?

Follow the event’s posted parking directions and staff instructions. Parking arrangements can change during the Jubilee, and visitors should allow additional time for traffic on busy days.

Who do I contact to rent Calaveras County Fairgrounds?

Contact Frogtown at (209) 736-2561 or [email protected] to ask about buildings, grounds, arena, livestock barns, rates, insurance, and availability.

How much does it cost to get into the Calaveras County Fair?

Admission prices vary by year and ticket type. Check the current fair ticket information for general admission, any discounts, parking fees, and separate activity charges. Do not rely on older prices as current rates.

What is Frogtown famous for?

Frogtown is best known as the home of the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee. The International Frog Jump Grand Finals are the signature attraction, alongside livestock exhibits, carnival entertainment, arena events, food vendors, and youth competitions.

Can I rent a vendor booth at the fair?

Yes. Commercial vendors should contact the fair’s commercial-program staff for the current application, booth options, deadlines, insurance requirements, and fees. Approval and availability depend on the event and the type of booth.

Is the Calaveras County Fairgrounds open year-round?

The grounds host events and rentals outside the annual fair, but access depends on the facility schedule and whether a public event is taking place. Check the current calendar before making a special trip.