Downieville Gold Rush Days 2026
Dust off your boots and get ready to step back in time! The iconic 1849 California Gold Rush is coming alive once again as Downieville Gold Rush Days returns for three packed days from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Presented by Comstock Gold Prospectors (Reno, NV), this year’s festival expands across Sierra County, stretching through the canyon to incorporate the Kentucky Mine Road Click to open side panel for more information in nearby Sierra City. Nestled at the scenic confluence of the Downie and North Yuba Rivers, the mountain town of Downieville Click to open side panel for more information invites history buffs, prospectors, families, and outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend of living Western history.
Event Highlights & Daily Attractions
Sheriff’s Gallows Tour with Lee Adams: Join local historian Lee Adams for an immersive historical tour of the famous Downieville Sheriff’s Gallows, sharing fascinating real-life tales from Sierra County’s law enforcement past.
Sierra City, Kentucky Mine, & Big City Rod Run & Car Show: Hop on the convenient shuttle or take a scenic drive up the canyon to Sierra City for guided tours of the historic Kentucky Mine Museum and Stamp Mill, paired with the classic automotive horsepower of The Big City Rod Run.
Gold Prospecting & Hands-on History: Master gold panning with expert-led workshops, explore mining exhibits, connect with regional gold vendors, and enter the Annual Gold Raffle hosted by the Sierra County Historical Society.
Live Action & Demonstrations: Catch live re-enactments by The Nevada Gunfighters and watch professional wood sculptor Ricky Magiera of Tiny Bear Carving turn raw logs into works of art during live carving sessions on Maiden Lane.
Speaker Series & Mining Lore: Hear from featured guest speakers, including veteran miner and preservationist Rick Solinsky (co-founder of the Western Mining Alliance), ghost town enthusiast Tami Force (Eastern Sierra Ghost Towns), and the legend Ray Mills (Electronic Prospecting & Training).
Community Festivities: Enjoy a town-wide pancake breakfast, live music, a vendor village, and family activities throughout the weekend.
Event Schedule & Hours
Friday, September 18: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 19: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 20: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Central event HQ and indoor activities will take place at the Downieville Community Hall (327 Main St, Downieville, CA), with outdoor activities spanning across downtown.
Ticket Information
One wristband provides all-access entry for all three days of the festival. Advance presale tickets offer discounted pricing online via the online portal:
Adult All-Access Weekend Pass (Presale): $10.00
Family/Group Weekend Bundle (Presale): $25.00 (Covers up to 4 people, just $6.25 per person)
Youth Pass (Teens 13–17): $5.00
Children 12 & Under: FREE
Veterans, Seniors, Students, & Comstock Members: $8.00 at the door with valid ID
Attendees can redeem their purchase receipts for official event wristbands at the gate upon arrival.
Get Involved & Plan Your Trip
Vendors, craft makers, and historical display creators are invited to apply for booth spaces in the expanding Vendor Village.
To purchase tickets, apply as a vendor, view full schedule details, or explore lodging options in Sierra County, visit the official event page at www.discoverdownieville.com/gold-rush-days-2026.
About Discover Downieville
Discover Downieville is dedicated to honoring and preserving the rich heritage, vibrant community spirit, and natural beauty of historic Downieville, California. Located along Highway 49 in the Sierra Nevada, Downieville offers world-class outdoor recreation, historic charm, and year-round mountain adventures.
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