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Petroglyph festival ring master performing.

Events

Discover
Ridgecrest & Nearby Local Events

From the annual Desert Empire Fair in Ridgecrest, CA to the Old West Days at nearby Randsburg, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular annual events below. 

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If you would like to see all the local events held in the city of Ridgecrest, CA, please use the link below.

Desert Empire Fair.

Fair

Desert Empire Fair

Fair, Exhibits, & Entertainment

The largest annual event in the area, the fair features rides, arts/crafts exhibits, livestock shows, local and professional entertainment, carnival, and commercial vendors.

Demolition derby car

Derby

Demolition Derby

Demolition Derby, Rodeo, & Food

Sponsored cars crash into each other to the cheer and delight of fans in the stands as drivers compete to be the last one moving. This event draws more than 2,000 people annually, packing the stands to the point of standing room only.

Hoop dancer

Derby

Regional West Coast Hoop Dance Championship

Celebrating Native American Culture Through Dance

Experience the artistry and tradition of hoop dancing at Ridgecrest’s Regional West Coast Hoop Dance Championship. Enjoy talented dancers, cultural activities, food, vendors, and a community Social Pow Wow

kid running through flags

Parade

Parade of 1000 Flags

Patriotic Tribute to Unity, Remembrance, and Service

The Parade of 1,000 Flags is a Ridgecrest tradition honoring the victims of September 11, 2001, and recognizing the sacrifices of military personnel and first responders through a patriotic community procession and ceremony.

Halloween costumes

Halloween

BOOs on Balsam

Spooktacular Downtown Halloween Celebration

BOOs on Balsam brings Halloween fun to downtown Ridgecrest with food vendors, live entertainment, music, costume contests, and festive activities for the community.

Christmas tree

Christmas

City Tree Lighting

Holiday Celebration for the Whole Family

Celebrate the holiday season at the City of Ridgecrest’s annual City Tree Lighting! Enjoy live music, photos with Santa, festive activities, kids’ crafts, hot cocoa, cookies, and more as the community gathers to light up the season.

City of Ridgecrest Events

In addition to the annual Boo’s on Balsam and the City Tree Lighting, the City of Ridgecrest hosts a variety of events whose schedules may vary each year. These include Ridgecrest City Nights and Movies in the Park—outdoor events held at the Kerr McGee Community Center and Freedom Park—as well as A Night on Balsam and Food Truck Friday gatherings along the historic Balsam Street in downtown Ridgecrest.

Father and daughter at a festival
road trip

Just
A Short Drive Away

Besides the events that can be enjoyed in town, there are a variety of things to experience nearby. 

Man oicking an apple.

Festival

Tehachapi Apple Festival

Festival, Live Music, & Vendors

The Tehachapi Apple Festival is two days of “Applie Goodness” that features tons of new apple related items and food. Enjoy live music, games, robotic demos, food, and much more. 

Whisky flat days ribbon winners.

Festival

Whisky Flat Days

Festival, Live Music, & Vendors

Take a leap back to the good ol' wild west days when the area was settled by gold miners, cattle ranchers and trappers. This festival is held in Kernville every President’s Day Weekend, and you will find something fun for the entire family.

Oktoberfest t-shirt.

Festival

IWV Brewery Oktoberfest

Festival, Live Music, & Beer

Enjoy beer, soda, live music, raffles, games, and much more at the annual Oktoberfest held at the Indian Wells Valley Brewing Company. 

Old West Days cowboys.

Festival

Old West Days

Festival, Live Music, & Vendors

The Randsburg Annual Old West Day & Bluegrass Jamboree, sponsored by the Rand Desert Museum, is held annually on the 3rd Saturday of September.

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