Plan Your Trip to Yosemite & the Chivalry & Fantasy Festival
Your Guide to a Perfect June Weekend in the Yosemite Gateway Region
June in California’s Sierra foothills is pure magic. Waterfalls thunder through Yosemite National Park, wildflowers bloom across golden hills, and the historic town of Mariposa comes alive with music, celebration, and adventure.
The Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival is more than a weekend event — it’s the perfect centerpiece for a full Yosemite getaway. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic escape, or a road trip with friends, this is your guide to building an unforgettable June experience.
From castle jousts and Celtic music to breathtaking national park views and charming downtown restaurants, here’s how to plan your perfect weekend.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
• Why June is one of the best times to visit Yosemite National Park
• How to combine Yosemite National Park with a unique local festival
• A suggested 3-day weekend itinerary
• Where to stay in Mariposa and nearby communities
• Family-friendly experiences near Yosemite
• Travel tips for visiting in peak waterfall season
Why Visit Yosemite in June?
Why June Is One of the Best Times to Visit Yosemite
June is peak waterfall season in Yosemite National Park. Snowmelt feeds Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and Vernal Fall, creating dramatic views and cooler mountain air.
In the gateway community of Mariposa, June offers warm days, comfortable evenings, and vibrant local energy — including the Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.
If you’ve ever wanted to combine Yosemite’s natural wonder with immersive entertainment, June is the moment.
• Top Things to Do Near Yosemite in June
• Visiting Yosemite National Park During Festival Weekend
What You’ll Experience in June
• Peak waterfall season in Yosemite National Park
• Live jousting and Celtic music in Mariposa
• Historic Gold Rush charm downtown
• Warm days and cool Sierra evenings
• Family-friendly immersive entertainment
Make the Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival the centerpiece of your June getaway.
The Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival takes place June 6–7, 2026 at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds — just an hour from Yosemite Valley along historic and scenic Highway 140.
Build your June Yosemite getaway around one of the most immersive and distinctive events in California’s Sierra foothills..
Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM / Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM
Make the Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival the centerpiece of your June getaway. Secure your tickets early and plan your weekend with confidence.
Ready to map out your weekend?
Build a 3-Day Yosemite Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Yosemite National Park
Spend your first day inside Yosemite National Park during peak waterfall season.
Visit Yosemite Valley, photograph Yosemite Falls, and take in the view from Tunnel View.
Enjoy an easy hike to Bridalveil Fall or Vernal Fall before returning to Mariposa for a relaxed evening.
—
Day 2: Experience the Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival
Spend the day at the Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.
Watch live jousting, enjoy Celtic music, and explore interactive performances throughout the grounds.
Wander the artisan marketplace, Fairy Village, and themed taverns before heading into downtown Mariposa for dinner.
—
Day 3: Discover Historic Mariposa
Stroll through Mariposa’s Gold Rush–era downtown filled with local shops, tasting rooms, and welcoming cafés.
Drive scenic Highway 140 along the Merced River canyon.
Take in one final view of the Sierra foothills before concluding your weekend adventure.
What You’ll Experience at the Festival
Step into a realm of knights, queens, fairies, artisans, and live medieval combat. The Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival transforms the Mariposa County Fairgrounds into a living fantasy village filled with:
• Live jousting and armored combat
• Celtic and fantasy music
• Fairy Village and family activities
• Artisan marketplace
• Themed taverns and evening entertainment
• Interactive performances throughout the grounds
Festival Hours:
Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM
Plan your park visits in the morning or on Friday, then immerse yourself in the festival experience. Explore our Family Guide to the Festival or plan a Romantic Getaway Weekend for additional ideas.
Where Yosemite Begins: Mariposa
Mariposa County is home to Yosemite Valley and the iconic landscapes that define Yosemite National Park.
Mariposa rests at the threshold to Yosemite — where foothill charm gives way to towering granite, wild rivers, and open sky.
Located along Highway 140 — one of the most scenic routes into Yosemite — Mariposa offers a historic and welcoming base for exploration.
The name “Mariposa” means “butterfly” in Spanish — a quiet reflection of the region’s natural beauty.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay Near the Festival
Mariposa offers charming inns, boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and nearby camping options — making it an ideal base for exploring both Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra foothills.
Options include:
• Hotels in Mariposa
• Yosemite-area lodges
• Oakhurst accommodations
• Vacation rentals and cabins
• RV and camping options
see: Places to Stay near Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival
Best Restaurants & Local Experiences in Mariposa
Historic downtown Mariposa is filled with character. During festival weekend, guests can enjoy:
• Locally owned restaurants
• Breweries and tasting rooms
• Coffee shops and bakeries
• Unique boutiques and galleries
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed brunch or a celebratory dinner after the joust, Mariposa offers welcoming small-town charm. Located along Highway 140, Mariposa’s historic downtown offers a walkable and welcoming stop between Yosemite adventures.
See:
• Best Restaurants in Mariposa During Festival Weekend
Travel Tips for Visiting in June
• Book park reservations if required by Yosemite National Park
• Arrive early for Yosemite parking
• Bring sunscreen and water
• Evenings cool down — bring layers
• Purchase festival tickets in advance
See:
• What to Pack for a June Festival in the Sierra Foothills
Frequently Asked Questions
Is June a good time to visit Yosemite?
Yes. Waterfalls are at their peak flow and the weather is ideal for hiking.
How far is Mariposa from Yosemite Valley?
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Is the Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival family friendly?
Yes. The festival is designed for all ages with dedicated family areas, interactive entertainment, and live performances.
Can I visit Yosemite and attend the festival in the same weekend?
Absolutely. Many guests build a full 3-day experience around both.
Start Planning Your Adventure
The Yosemite region is one of California’s most breathtaking destinations — and June offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and immersive entertainment.
Make the Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival part of your next Sierra getaway.
Plan Your Stay
Explore the Full Itinerary
