Visit Visalia has announced a stupendous lineup of summer, fall and winter events. Here are a few.
California Speedweek and Independence Day! The perfect time for RACING & FIREWORKS! Join us for an evening full of the BEST racing action, great food, cold šŗ beer, and FIREWORKS! It all takes place on July 3 at Plaza Park Raceway, with racing at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission fees apply.
The Great American Race 10k & 5k Run/Walk
Welcome to the 4th annual Great American Race. Let's kick off July 4th with a 5k, 10k, and Costume Contest! The event will take place at Visalia's Riverway Sports Park and the new paved trails along the St. Johns Trail.
Join us as we celebrate America's Birthday! Kids 8 and under registration fees are discounted to $25 at registration.
The 11th annual Dark Sky Festival runs from September 12-14th, 2025.
Join us for the 12th Annual Dark Sky Festival, presented by the Sequoia Parks Conservancy and National Park Service. This acclaimed festival in Central California will unfold in the breathtaking settings of the parks, including the Foothills, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Grant Grove. Prepare for an unforgettable experience with special tours, captivating stargazing sessions, enlightening guest speakers, and much more. It's an opportunity to rekindle our connection with the cosmos and immerse ourselves in the natural splendor surrounding us. We invite you to join us in celebrating our shared bond with the universe at the Dark Sky Festival!
Sequoia Parks Conservancy, in partnership with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, is excited to once again host the much-anticipated Dark Sky Festival set to return to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, renowned for their towering sequoia trees and breathtaking vistas, are among the few places left in California to experience natural darkness. The Dark Sky Festival celebrates the beauty and wonder of the night sky while raising awareness about preserving dark skies. Normal park entry fees apply. However, the festival activities and speaker sessions are free and open to the public. The festival will offer a keynote address and engaging educational presentations to foster a deeper understanding of astronomy and the importance of preserving natural darkness. Families and individuals of all ages will have the chance to engage with astronomy enthusiasts, scientists, and park rangers, learning about the significance of reducing light pollution to safeguard the pristine dark skies within the national parks and their communities. The festival will conclude with star parties featuring dozens of telescopes in areas throughout the parks, including Foothills, Wuksachi near Lodgepole, and Big Stump in Grant Grove.
The talented Eric Tan designed the artwork exclusively for our Dark Sky Festival. āDiscover the Darkā merchandise is available for preorder at https://bit.ly/2024DSFMerch. All proceeds from merch sales go into our Dark Sky Festival Fund to help keep this event free to the public. Dark Sky Festival shirts, posters, and stickers will be available at park visitor center stores while quantities last.
Keep an eye on our website for this year's event guide set to drop in the coming weeks. www.sequoiaparksconservancy.org/darkskyfestival
Visitors should make lodging and camping reservations in advance at www.recreation.gov
Hike to the Nationās Christmas Tree
The annual Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree takes place the second Sunday of December each year at the base of the General Grant tree in Kings Canyon National Park.
This year, the event runs from December 8-14.
This beautiful ceremony includes a wreath laying in honor of the men and women of the Armed Forces, carolers and more. Event starts at 2:30. Admission to the park is waived. For more things to do, go to https://www.visitvisalia.com/visit-the-park
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