Special Events in Murphys

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Nearly every month, you will find some type of special event happening in Murphys, be it an old-fashioned street fair, a community-wide open house, winery and art gallery tours, concerts and live theatre festivals. Here are a few of the events that are very popular in Murphys.

Murphys Irish Day - A Celebration of the Irish

One of the premiere annual events in the Mother Lode is Murphys Irish Day.  Each year on the third Saturday in March, thousands of people from Northern California and beyond gather in the historic gold rush town of Murphys to honor its Celtic heritage and to celebrate as only the Irish can. Its picturesque Main Street is filled with booths offering hand crafted items, original art, photographs, tasty food, wine, and other beverages.

The day begins with a pancake breakfast.  At 11 a.m. the swirl of bagpipes heralds a parade of marching bands, classic cars, horses, community organizations, novelty entries, and some of the finest children in the land.

Throughout the day, there is continuous entertainment featuring singers, dancers, musicians, and jugglers.  There are pony rides for the young ones and Renaissance actors encamped in the park.  And some lucky raffle ticket buyer will win an exciting trip for two to Ireland.

All this in addition to the charming shops, fine restaurants, and tasting rooms that line historic Main Street and help create what is nationally recognized as one of the finest small towns in America.

The Murphys Business Association creates Irish Day each year with the knowledge that if you visit Murphys once you will return again and again.

Sponsored by the Murphys Business Association, Murphys Irish Day is a fundraiser for many community projects and non-profit organizations. For more information, contact info@visitmurphys.com or visit www.murphysirishdays.org.

Press Releases and Media Photos Available Here!

Murphys Heritage Day & Homecoming

Everyone is invited to the Murphys Homecoming the third Saturday in July, in the cool confines of the town’s historic and much enjoyed park.  There is no admission charge.

Activities will kick off at 10:30 a.m. with a Promenade to the Park that will wind its way down Main Street starting at The Arbors, making a turn by the Murphys Hotel, and ending at the celebration.

“Since we have issued a ‘you-all-come’ invitation we don’t know who will show up,” states JoAnna Reagan, who along with her husband Bob is putting the promenade together.  “We know it will be led by our faithful cub scouts color guard of Pack 343, followed by Mic Harper and a truckload of Calaveras Community Band musicians.  After that, it’s anybody’s guess. We think there will be kids on decorated vehicles, people showing off their classy cars, fire engines, and lots of families and groups walking together.  Whatever the makeup, we encourage people to come out and cheer them on.”

In the park, there will be a concert at 11:30 a.m. by the Calaveras Community Band, 90 minutes of rousing music ranging from Sousa marches to Broadway show tunes.

At noon, the traditional Old Timers Luncheon will be served free of charge to anyone who has attained the age of 70 and has lived in the Murphys, Vallecito, Douglas Flat area for at least ten years.  This popular event is made possible by a generous contribution from the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Ruby Parlor #46.  Lunch will include a main course, desert, and beverages.  There will also be prizes for the attendees. Anyone meeting the criteria who would like to be included should call organizer Mary Piumarta at 728-8392 by July 13 to make a reservation.

The Murphys Community Club will be serving barrel-roasted tri-tip sandwiches with a salad and watermelon, hot dogs for the kids, and a variety of beverages.  The proceeds from food sales will help maintain the park and the club’s other activities.

Throughout the afternoon there will be activities to entertain young and old. Starting at 1 p.m., the Murphys Volunteer Library will conduct its very popular duck races.  There will be three races for youngsters and two for adults.  Purchasers of the yellow duck will cheer them on as they make their way down the scenic Murphys Creek.  The winning entries will secure for their owners attractive prizes provided by local merchants.  Proceed will go to support the library.  For further information contact the library at 728-3036.

 “Murphys Homecoming has been a popular area event for six decades,” states Michal Houston, president of the Murphys Community Club.  “We think this years 60th anniversary celebration will be extra special and we encourage everyone to come out and join in the fun.  It is a great way to enjoy the park and interact with your many friends and neighbors.”

Calaveras Grape Stomp and Street Faire

Who, in their right mind, would dress up like Bacchus or Lucy Ricardo and jump up and down like a banshee in a wine barrel with 25 pounds of grapes? Answer: No one in his or her right mind.

Gold Rush Day gives everyone the rare pleasure of getting un-serious in a serious world. Every first Saturday in October the historic town of Murphys transforms into a frenzy of activity with two renowned events - the Calaveras Grape Stomp and the Gold Rush Street Faire. Both events run simultaneously between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and benefit Feeney Community Park on Highway 4 in Murphys.

Organized by the Calaveras Wine Association, the Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp takes place in picturesque Murphys Park. The day's events include energetic stomp competitions every half hour, live music in the gazebo, silent auction, BBQ, team costume contest, back and neck massage, children's games and face painting, belly dancing performances, and wine tasting.

Teams of two, one stomper and one swabber who collects the juice, stomp 25 pounds of grapes for three minutes. Out of the eight teams each half hour, the team that collects the most juice wins the heat and is eligible for the 4 p.m. finals. Cash awards and prizes are given to the first, second, and third place teams.

Competitions are highly encouraged between businesses, organizations, friends, and schools, and pre-registration is strongly recommended as stomp competitions sell out well before the event.

Just half a block away, shopping is to "live for" at the Annual Gold Rush Street Faire, as Main Street fills with over 100 booths of quality arts and crafts, antiques, handcrafted goods, jewelry, clothing, collectibles, and food booths, in addition to Murphys' multitude of one-of-a-kind specialty shops. The event is hosted by the Feeney Park Foundation, and has been a valued tradition in Murphys for many years.

One of Calaveras County's most popular pair of events, the Grape Stomp and Street Faire guarantee a good time for all ages, and general admission is free.

Murphys Holiday Open House

Every year on the first Friday in December, Murphys celebrates the holiday season with a community Open House. Admission is free. The Open House is a great time to peruse Murphys' wonderful shops and restaurants, visit with old friends, light the community tree, and experience an old-time community holiday spirit. Musicians and carolers fill the streets with holiday cheer. A favorite of locals, the annual event is an old-fashioned community celebration featuring holiday treats, and local wines hosted by Main Street merchants and the Murphys Business Association.

The evening begins at 5 p.m. with Main Street being closed from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. If the weather permits, Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive at 5:30 p.m. by carriage down Main Street accompanied by many children. They make a stop at “The Tree House” to light the community tree, and continue on to the Native Sons Hall to visit with little girls and boys until 8:30 p.m. Parents may purchase a photo of their children with Santa for $5.00.

The following day the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance hosts it’s own Open House at each of the Calaveras wineries from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The wineries offer special wine discounts and a fine selection of private special and gourmet food products, clothing, and specialty gift items.

Come experience the holiday spirit of Murphys for an evening of pure enchantment.