Started In 1962, This NorCal Almond Festival Celebrates The Abundance Of The Season
By Kate Freeman
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Published February 15, 2024
Celebrate the abundance of California’s Central Valley at the Almond Blossom Festival in Ripon. This year marks the 62nd year of this annual festival that takes place over four days– from Feb. 22 to 25. This Northern California almond festival promises a weekend filled with festivities, good food, and lots of fun things to do!
Initiated in 1962, the Almond Blossom Festival has transformed into more than just an event– it has become a multi-day celebration bringing together the community of Ripon.
Ripon is located northwest of Modesto. It has a charming tree-lined downtown with many coffee shops and restaurants.
Organized by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, many of this festival’s activities take place at the Mistlin Sports Park, an expansive 80-acre space just north of downtown Ripon.
There will also be a fun run at Mavis Stouffer Park, and a parade downtown.
Thursday marks the kickoff of the Almond Blossom Festival with "Two Dollar Ride Night" at the carnival.
On Friday, the park comes alive with vendor booths opening at 2 p.m., followed by the carnival at 4 p.m. Saturday promises a day packed with family-friendly events, including two breakfasts– the Ripon Grange Pancake Breakfast and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary 190 10th Annual Burrito Breakfast.
For those seeking some physical activity, the 42nd Annual Almond Blossom Fun Run takes place on Saturday at Mavis Stouffer Park.
The 1-mile run starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 8K at 9 a.m. The schedule for Saturday also features bake sales, vendor booths, the carnival, a Diaper Derby, and live music throughout the day. To see the full calendar of events, visit the
Almond Blossom Festival's web page.
A highlight of the festival is the Almond Blossom Festival Parade, taking place in downtown Ripon at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
As evening falls, the Ripon Swiss Club invites attendees to dance the night away at a special dance event starting at 7 p.m.
Sunday, the final day of the festival, invites visitors to enjoy the carnival and peruse the vendor booths at Mistlin Sports Park. What a fun way to end a weekend of celebration!
While you’re in Ripon, we recommend exploring some local historic attractions. The
Clarence Smit Museum features artifacts from cultures around the world as well as stories from early California. The museum is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk past the Historic Ripon Jail on 1st and Locust Streets. Constructed in 1925, the historic jail is open on the first Saturday of the month, so it will be closed during the festival, but it is worth walking by to admire the architecture.
As the 62nd year of this festival approaches, Ripon is gearing up to welcome visitors and create lasting memories in their community. You’ll find a lot to do at this fun festival !
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