Photos from 2009Date and Time
Family Day: Friday March 12th, 9am - 3pm
Opening Night Concert: Friday March 12th, 7pm - close
Saturday March 13th, 10am - 10pm
Sunday March 14th, 10am - 5pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at the faire?
No, sorry. Most dogs are great and would have a great time at the faire, but we can't really enforce a "good dogs only" (or a "responsible owners only") policy - there's just no way to tell. So sorry, no dogs, except for assistance animals.
Where can I park at the new site?
There are two parking lots at the fairgrounds for paid parking, $10. The lots fill up fast, so get there early. You can usually find free parking on Forest Street across from the fairgrounds as well, but be sure to obey any posted parking restrictions about parking in front of businesses and such. We also run a free shuttle service to downtown Sonora and to the Wal Mart parking lot.
Where and when is the shuttle?
We are running a free shuttle from downtown Sonora in front of the Umpqua Bank (under the time and temperature sign), in fron of the historic Opera Hall, and in front of the old Mervyn's in the Wal Mart parking lot off Sanguinetti Rd. The free shuttles run 10am - 10pm Saturday, and 10am - 6pm Sunday.
What if it rains?
The Sonora Celtic Faire is an all weather event. All music stages are indoors as are about half of our merchant booths. For 2009 we've rented a huge tent to put even more of the faire under cover. The tent will house the Highland Stage, a beer booth, and vendors and will be the second largest building at the faire! The arena seating is covered, so you even stay dry while you watch the joust. So if it rains, who cares. Take in the fun indoors and poke outside between the showers. We're sure you'll have a great time, rain or shine!
When is my favorite band playing?
The entertainment schedule is online here
Where can I find out about lodging?
Check with our lodging sponsors on the main page, or call the visitors bureau at 800-446-1333.
Is jousting, music, stage acts an extra charge?
No. Saturday or Sunday admission includes all events, including the Joust, all stage acts, street performances, and music. Stay all day and take it all in.
Do you allow "ins and outs"
Yes. Just make sure to get your hand stamped on the way out.
Why is there a shipping charge for online "e-ticket" purchases
This is a handling charge that covers the transaction fees we pay to process the online orders. The charge is $3 per order. I wish the store software would show it as a "handling" charge instead of "shipping", but hey, if we bought more expensive shopping cart software we'd have to charge $4 per order to pay for it :)
Do you have a phone number?
We have an information line with recorded information only. If you need to contact us to ask a question then email is much better. Our email address is info@sonoracelticfaire.com.
Vendor Information
If you are interested in being a vendor at the Sonora Celtic Faire, you can apply here or email Bill Watters for more information.
Location and Directions
The faire takes place at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, CA. The fairgrounds is on Highway 49 (a.k.a. "Stockton Street") just outside downtown Sonora. The fairgrounds address is 220 Southgate Dr., Sonora, CA 95370.
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Lodging
Lodging is available in downtown Sonora, as well as in Jamestown and Columnbia. There are four motels in Sonora within one mile of the fairgrounds, and we plan to have a shuttle bus running from the fairgrounds to downtown. Jamestown and Columbia are each about 10 minutes from the fairgrounds, but will have no shuttle service. The nearest R.V. parks to the fairgrounds are in Columbia.
Lodging information for is available from the Tuolumne Visitor's Bureau.
Closest Motels
Inns of California
In downtown Sonora, less than a mile.
Sonora Days Inn
In downtown Sonora, less than a mile.
Gunn House Hotel
In downtown Sonora, less than a mile.
Best Western, Sonora Oaks
In East Sonora, about 5 miles / 15 minutes from the fairgrounds. A bit farther than the other lodging,
but a quick drive to the Wal Mart parking and our free shuttle. The Best Western Sonora Oaks is also just a few miles
from another of our sponsors, Black Oak Casino, in case you were planning on a fun day at the faire followed by a late night trip to the casino.
RV Parks and Camping
49er RV Park
In Columbia, about 10 minutes away.
Marble Quarry RV Park
Also in Columbia, but about 15 minutes away.