Top 5 Yosemite Activities and Events Happening in Mariposa

Some call this time of year shoulder season; others call it the offseason. Here in Yosemite, we think of it as the best season, because late winter/early spring affords you the full splendor of Mariposa and Yosemite Valley without all the crowds.

Take, for instance, the lineup of events set to take place across Mariposa County over the coming months, as well as the variety of outdoor activities our area offers. Let’s check out the top five activities and events you won’t want to miss in Mariposa.

1. Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort Hosts the Irishfest
   The Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is home to this annual celebration of Irishfest. The all-things-Irish festivities kick off on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. The evening will be filled with live Irish music and dancing in the great Celtic tradition. And, when you’re hungry, there will be traditional Irish foods at the resort’s June Bug Café.Quietly nestled in the bend of a stream, the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is just 26 miles from the Yosemite Valley along scenic Highway 140.Book at room at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort for Irishfest today.
2. Mariposa Storytelling Festival
   There’s something special about hearing a story told in person. The long tradition of oral storytelling may appear diminished in the era of social media, but it remains as strong as ever at the 30th annual Mariposa Storytelling Festival, presented March 10-12 at Mariposa County High School.The all-ages festival is sponsored by the Mariposa County Arts Festival and will feature performances from renowned storytellers Bill Lepp, Marylin McPhie, David Novak Tim Tingle and many others. See the full lineup and weekend schedule here.If you’re looking for a place to stay during the festival, be sure to visit our Places to Stay page, which lets you filter by accommodation type, stay length, area and price range. Recommended accommodations include: Best Western Mariposa, Comfort Inn Mariposa, Mariposa Hotel Inn, River Rock Inn and Mariposa Lodge.
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3. Mariposa Butterfly Festival
   Further out, there’s the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, set for May 5-7 at the Mariposa Arts Park. This celebration features live butterfly releases, live music, arts and crafts, a parade and is held in conjunction with the Taste of Mariposa Event on the Friday of the festival in downtown Mariposa.Of course, there’s nothing like a little variety in a vacation, so while you’re here, why not check out a few of Mariposa, Midpines, Cathey’s Valley and Yosemite Valley’s top outdoor events?
4. Get Airborrn in Yosemite
   It’s one thing to explore the terrain at ground level, and Yosemite certainly offers plenty of options for doing so, but there’s something extra special about getting the bird’s-eye view of a place. When you take to the sky, you’re gaining a unique perspective and total appreciation for the enormity of a region like Yosemite.Get the lay of the land from high above on a scenic flight over the park with Airborrn Aviation Services, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences from the air. Airborrn also offers flight training, airport fuel services, air taxi and air charter services for aspiring and experienced aviators alike.
5. Hike the Main Fork of the Merced River
   Once you have your bearings, set out for a hike along the Main Fork of the Merced River, which is at a low enough elevation for perfect winter and spring day hikes. This 6-mile round trip is of moderate difficulty and takes about two to three hours to complete.

Whatever you decide, there’s always something for everyone in Mariposa County. Let us help you plan your trip today.