Frequently Asked QuestionsDid the faire move?Yes. The 2008 Sonora Celtic Faire has moved to the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, CA.
Why did the faire move?We considered a new site in March when our rental agreement at the Calaveras Fairgrounds expired. Before locking into a multi-year agreement we wanted to step back and decide if the Calaveras Fairgrounds was really the best place for the event, or if we could put on a better quality show at another venue. After looking at a few different locations we decided that the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora had the best facilities for this event. Specifically, the buildings at Sonora have better acoustics than we had at Calaveras, and this is primarily a music event after all. Sonora also has covered arena seating in case of too much sun or a little rain, and the fairgrounds are right in town with closer lodging. We also got a lot of support from the local community, businesses and the visitors bureau - the faire started in Sonora in 1986 and everyone wanted it back. Parking is the obvious downside, but we hope to alleviate that with the free shuttle bus both days of the event. Ultimately we felt this venue lets us put on a better show.
Where is the new siteThe fairgrounds is at 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, CA 95370. Check out the map here. The map shows the two paid parking lots, the shuttle bus route and the closest lodging options.
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.
I bought advance tickets for one day, but found out I can only come the other day. Can I still use my ticket?Sure. If you got a Saturday ticket you can use it on Sunday. If you bought a Sunday ticket then you can go to a ticket window and pay the $2 difference in the advance price and use it on Saturday.
Do you have a phone number?We have an information line with recorded information only. It is 800-350-1814. If you need to contact us to ask a question then email is much better. Our email address is info@sonoracelticfaire.com.
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. There is a free shuttle running from downtown Sonora and from the Wal Mart parking lot near the theatre. If you park in downtown Sonora you can catch the shuttle at the stoplight intersection of Washington St. and Stockton St., or in front of the Inns of California hotel. The shuttle route is here. It will run Saturday from 10am - 11pm, and Sunday from 10am - 6pm. On Sunday the shuttle will not run from 1pm-2pm while the driver breaks for lunch.
When is my favorite band playing?Check the schedule.
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.
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DirectionsThe 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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LodgingLodging 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. Here are the closest motels to the fairgrounds. Sonora Gold Lodge
Inns of California
Sonora Days Inn
Gunn House Hotel
Country Inn Sonora
And a couple RV parks, offering RV spots and camping. 49er RV Park
Marble Quarry RV Park
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Date and TimeFriday March 7th ~ Kickoff ConcertDoors open at 6:30, Entertainment starts at 7:00Saturday March 8th10:00am - 10:00pmSunday March 9th10:00am - 5:00pm |
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