Millie the sheepadoodle

Free events on the 4

No ticket, no cover. Every event here is one the organizer lists as free.

A lot of the best stuff up here doesn't cost a dime: parades, farmers markets, gallery nights, trail workdays, and plenty of patio music where the band plays and the hat maybe gets passed.

One honest note on how this list works: an event only shows up here when the organizer states it's free. If a listing shows no price at all, that means unconfirmed, not free, so check the event page before you drive.

Wednesday, September 2

Red Cross Blood Drive at Ebbetts Pass Moose Lodge
Wed2Sep

Red Cross Blood Drive at Ebbetts Pass Moose Lodge

CommunityFree

Give blood with the American Red Cross at Ebbetts Pass Moose Lodge in Arnold. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins are welcome. Book a time at RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM66°Arnold·Ebbetts Pass Moose Lodge

Thursday, September 3

Bird Walk @ Big Trees State Park
Thu3Sep

Bird Walk @ Big Trees State Park

Hike & WalkFree

A level, roughly one-mile morning walk around the North Grove, campground, and meadow, looking and listening for birds. No experience or gear required. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Free with the $10/vehicle park entrance.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM60°Arnold·Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole
Thu3Sep

Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole

Live MusicFree

The Watering Hole hosts a free weekly summer concert series on Thursday evenings from 5-7 pm, featuring local bands and rotating featured breweries on their outdoor lawn. Running from late May through October 2026.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM72°Murphys·The Watering Hole
Tarantula Hawk
Thu3Sep

Tarantula Hawk

Live MusicFree

Tarantula Hawk plays live at Lake Alpine Lodge, right across the road from the water up at 7,000 feet. Music starts at 6 p.m. The deck bar and restaurant are open, so settle in with a drink and a bite. No cover, and it's a gorgeous spot to catch a set.

Tarantula Hawk
6:00 PM53°Bear Valley·Lake Alpine Lodge

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Friday, September 4

South Grove Guided Hike @ Big Trees State Park
Fri4Sep

South Grove Guided Hike @ Big Trees State Park

Hike & WalkFree

A moderate five-mile hike to the park's larger, quieter grove of giant sequoias. Bring water and a snack or lunch; there is no food or water at the trailhead. Meet at the South Grove trailhead parking lot. Free with the $10/vehicle park entrance.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM59°Arnold·Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Saturday, September 5

54th Annual Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival
Sat5Sep

54th Annual Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival

Fine ArtsFree

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in the Beautiful Pines of Arnold!Join us for the 54th Annual Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival on September 5 & 6, 2026, at the historic Bristol’s Ranch House Café (961 Highway 4, Downtown Arnold)!Spend the weekend shopping from 65+ talented artists, crafters, antique vendors, and specialty vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, woodwork, fine art, chainsaw carvings, leather goods, home décor, vintage treasures, and so much more! Live Music Saturday, Sept. 5 – Nathan Ignacio Sunday, Sept. 6 – Scott Patrick Enjoy delicious food, gourmet treats, fresh MacDoogle’s Kettlekorn, and locally brewed beer served by the Ebbett’s Pass Volunteer Fire Department. Festival Hours Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM FREE Admission FREE ParkingBring your family, invite your friends, and celebrate Labor Day weekend with shopping, great food, live music, and mountain charm at one of Arnold’s longest-running traditions!For vendor information or event details: macdoogleskettlecorn@gmail.com 209-355-3465We can’t wait to see you in the pines!

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM64→72°Arnold·Unknown Venue
South Grove Guided Hike @ Big Trees State Park
Sat5Sep

South Grove Guided Hike @ Big Trees State Park

Hike & WalkFree

A moderate five-mile hike to the park's larger, quieter grove of giant sequoias. Bring water and a snack or lunch; there is no food or water at the trailhead. Meet at the South Grove trailhead parking lot. Free with the $10/vehicle park entrance.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM64°Arnold·Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Craig Fletcher Band
Sat5Sep

Craig Fletcher Band

Live MusicFree

Craig Fletcher Band plays live at Lake Alpine Lodge, right across the road from the water up at 7,000 feet. Music starts at 1 p.m. The deck bar and restaurant are open, so settle in with a drink and a bite. No cover, and it's a gorgeous spot to catch a set.

Craig Fletcher Band
1:00 PM61°Bear Valley·Lake Alpine Lodge
Cameo Plaza Summer Concert: Fabulous Off Brothers
Sat5Sep

Cameo Plaza Summer Concert: Fabulous Off Brothers

Live MusicFree

Free outdoor concert at Cameo Plaza featuring the Fabulous Off Brothers. Bring lawn chairs and snacks. 4,000 ft elevation — bring a light layer for after sunset. Dogs and kids welcome.

Fabulous Off Brothers
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM69°Arnold·Cameo Plaza
Night Skies with Doc Nancy @ Big Trees State Park
Sat5Sep

Night Skies with Doc Nancy @ Big Trees State Park

OtherFree

Doc Nancy shares the science, constellations, and stories of the night sky. Meet at the Scenic Overlook. Parking is limited, so carpool, and bring chairs and blankets. Free with the $10/vehicle park entrance.

8:00 PM63°Arnold·Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Sunday, September 6

54th Annual Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival
Sun6Sep

54th Annual Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival

Live MusicFree

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in the Beautiful Pines of Arnold!Join us for the 54th Annual Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival on September 5 & 6, 2026, at the historic Bristol’s Ranch House Café (961 Highway 4, Downtown Arnold)!Spend the weekend shopping from 65+ talented artists, crafters, antique vendors, and specialty vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, woodwork, fine art, chainsaw carvings, leather goods, home décor, vintage treasures, and so much more! Live Music Saturday, Sept. 5 – Nathan Ignacio Sunday, Sept. 6 – Scott Patrick Enjoy delicious food, gourmet treats, fresh MacDoogle’s Kettlekorn, and locally brewed beer served by the Ebbett’s Pass Volunteer Fire Department. Festival Hours Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM FREE Admission FREE ParkingBring your family, invite your friends, and celebrate Labor Day weekend with shopping, great food, live music, and mountain charm at one of Arnold’s longest-running traditions!For vendor information or event details: macdoogleskettlecorn@gmail.com 209-355-3465We can’t wait to see you in the pines!

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM65→70°Arnold·Bristols’s Cafe Parking Lot
South Grove Guided Hike @ Big Trees State Park
Sun6Sep

South Grove Guided Hike @ Big Trees State Park

Hike & WalkFree

A moderate five-mile hike to the park's larger, quieter grove of giant sequoias. Bring water and a snack or lunch; there is no food or water at the trailhead. Meet at the South Grove trailhead parking lot. Free with the $10/vehicle park entrance.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM65°Arnold·Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Live Music @ Stevenot Winery
Sun6Sep

Live Music @ Stevenot Winery

Live MusicFree

Labor Day Weekend Sunday Live Music Presents: Blue Oak Band FREE Live Music Sunday, September 6th 1:00-4:00pm The Blue Oak Band has played at many venues in Tuolumne and Calaveras County over the years, bringing classic rock along with country rock, R&B and Blues tunes for your listening and dancing pleasure. wine by the glass…

Blue Oak Band
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM77°Murphys·Stevenot Winery
Craig Fletcher Band
Sun6Sep

Craig Fletcher Band

Live MusicFree

Craig Fletcher Band plays live at Lake Alpine Lodge, right across the road from the water up at 7,000 feet. Music starts at 1 p.m. The deck bar and restaurant are open, so settle in with a drink and a bite. No cover, and it's a gorgeous spot to catch a set.

Craig Fletcher Band
1:00 PM60°Bear Valley·Lake Alpine Lodge

Tuesday, September 8

Tuesdays Tasting for Two
Tue8Sep

Tuesdays Tasting for Two

WineFree

Come by Marisolio’s Tuesdsays with a friend for a free tasting!Our tastings consist of 12 Olive Oils and Balsamics of your choice with a side of bread! Enjoy your tasting on our lovley patio soaking up the sun before Winter weather sets in!

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM81→83°· patio weatherMurphys·Marisolio Tasting Bar

Wednesday, September 9

Thursday, September 10

Bird Walk @ Big Trees State Park
Thu10Sep

Bird Walk @ Big Trees State Park

Hike & WalkFree

A level, roughly one-mile morning walk around the North Grove, campground, and meadow, looking and listening for birds. No experience or gear required. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Free with the $10/vehicle park entrance.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AMArnold·Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole
Thu10Sep

Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole

Live MusicFree

The Watering Hole hosts a free weekly summer concert series on Thursday evenings from 5-7 pm, featuring local bands and rotating featured breweries on their outdoor lawn. Running from late May through October 2026.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PMMurphys·The Watering Hole
Optical Astronomy Nights @ Big Trees State Park
Thu10Sep

Optical Astronomy Nights @ Big Trees State Park

OtherFree

Telescope viewing with park astronomers. Start times shift with sunset and the moon. Meet at the Scenic Overlook, a few minutes down the Parkway road from the entrance station. Parking is limited, so carpool, and bring chairs and blankets. Free with the $10/vehicle park entrance.

7:30 PMArnold·Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Sunday, September 13

Andy & Tarantula Hawk
Sun13Sep

Andy & Tarantula Hawk

Live MusicFree

Andy & Tarantula Hawk plays live at Lake Alpine Lodge, right across the road from the water up at 7,000 feet. Music starts at 1 p.m. The deck bar and restaurant are open, so settle in with a drink and a bite. No cover, and it's a gorgeous spot to catch a set.

Andy & Tarantula Hawk
1:00 PMBear Valley·Lake Alpine Lodge

Wednesday, September 16

Thursday, September 17

Bird Walk @ Big Trees State Park
Thu17Sep

Bird Walk @ Big Trees State Park

Hike & WalkFree

A level, roughly one-mile morning walk around the North Grove, campground, and meadow, looking and listening for birds. No experience or gear required. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Free with the $10/vehicle park entrance.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AMArnold·Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole
Thu17Sep

Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole

Live MusicFree

The Watering Hole hosts a free weekly summer concert series on Thursday evenings from 5-7 pm, featuring local bands and rotating featured breweries on their outdoor lawn. Running from late May through October 2026.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PMMurphys·The Watering Hole
Thirsty Thursday Trivia
Thu17Sep

Thirsty Thursday Trivia

GamesFree

Our Trivia is 3 rounds, all Multiple Choice. Crafted by and presented by our own Doug Conrad. Come out for a night of learning and laughter! Every 1st and 3rd Thursday. Starts at 5:00 Three rounds, 10 questions each. Play 1 or 2 or all 3 rounds!

5:00 PM - 7:00 PMMurphys·Murphys Wine & Beer Garden

Saturday, September 19

Cameo Plaza Summer Concert: Flashback
Sat19Sep

Cameo Plaza Summer Concert: Flashback

Live MusicFree

Free outdoor concert at Cameo Plaza featuring Flashback — closing out the 2026 Summer Concert Series. Bring lawn chairs and snacks. Dogs and kids welcome.

Flashback
6:00 PM - 9:00 PMArnold·Cameo Plaza

Wednesday, September 23

Thursday, September 24

Bird Walk @ Big Trees State Park
Thu24Sep

Bird Walk @ Big Trees State Park

Hike & WalkFree

A level, roughly one-mile morning walk around the North Grove, campground, and meadow, looking and listening for birds. No experience or gear required. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Free with the $10/vehicle park entrance.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AMArnold·Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole
Thu24Sep

Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole

Live MusicFree

The Watering Hole hosts a free weekly summer concert series on Thursday evenings from 5-7 pm, featuring local bands and rotating featured breweries on their outdoor lawn. Running from late May through October 2026.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PMMurphys·The Watering Hole

Wednesday, September 30

Thursday, October 1

Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole
Thu1Oct

Thursday Summer Concert Series @ The Watering Hole

Live MusicFree

The Watering Hole hosts a free weekly summer concert series on Thursday evenings from 5-7 pm, featuring local bands and rotating featured breweries on their outdoor lawn. Running from late May through October 2026.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PMMurphys·The Watering Hole

Good to know

Are there free things to do in Calaveras County?

Yes, most weeks have several. This page lists every upcoming corridor event with stated free admission, updated daily. Community events and markets are usually free; concerts at wineries and theaters usually are not.

How do you know an event is free?

We only mark an event free when the organizer or source states it outright. Nothing on this page is guessed, and anything unclear stays off it.

Want a Thursday heads-up?

One email Thursday morning with what's coming up across the corridor, Angels Camp to Bear Valley. No spam, no ads.

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