CAPAY VALLEY EVENTS
The Almond Festival
A CELEBRATION OF BLOSSOMS, COMMUNITY, AND A CENTURY OF TRADITION
Every February, Highway 16 is lined with clouds of white almond blossoms — a sign that spring has arrived in the Capay Valley.
Sunday, February 22
Hosted by multiple towns along Highway 16, Capay Valley
*Tickets & admissions vary by location
The Capay Valley Almond Festival is a beloved California tradition dating back to 1915, honoring the almond’s deep roots in the region and the people who continue to steward this land.
As the only six-town, day-long festival in Northern California, the Almond Festival invites visitors to explore the valley town by town, experiencing food, music, farms, and community along the way.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Capay Valley Almond Festival is a self-guided, multi-town celebration that brings together food lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and agriculturalists alike.
The Almond Festival showcases the full breadth of the Capay Valley — from orchards in bloom to historic town halls — with stops throughout Esparto, Guinda, Capay, and Rumsey. Each location offers its own unique mix of activities, local vendors, music, and food.
Whether you visit one stop or spend the entire day exploring the valley, the Almond Festival is a joyful way to experience Capay Valley at its most vibrant.
Festival Stops & Highlights
Esparto
Location: Downtown Esparto
Esparto kicks off Almond Festival weekend with two days of celebration hosted by the Esparto Chamber of Commerce.
On Saturday, enjoy Music in the Park at Esparto Park, featuring the newly crowned Almond Queen, local food vendors, and live music.
On Sunday, the festivities continue downtown with local makers, food, live entertainment, a petting zoo, a classic car show, and plenty of small-town charm.
Western Yolo Grange (Guinda)
Location: 16787 Forest Ave B312, Guinda, CA 95637
The Guinda Grange offers a classic community gathering with something for all ages. Enjoy a lively vendor fair, a 4-H petting zoo for kids, and a silent auction featuring local art. Food highlights include crowd favorites like hearty chili and Grammy Wyatt’s famous Almond Rocha, making this stop both festive and deeply rooted in local tradition.
Capay Hills Orchard
Location: 24155 Co Rd 22, Esparto, CA 95627
Step into the heart of almond season at Capay Hills Orchard, a certified organic almond farm and longtime Capay Valley Grown participant. Visitors are invited to tour the orchard, walk among the blossoms, and learn more about how almonds are grown in the valley. Don’t leave without sampling their smoked almonds and raw almond butter — local favorites for a reason.
Tour Hours:
Saturday, February 21 | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, February 22 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Rumsey Town Hall
Location: 14380 Manzanita St, Rumsey, CA 95679
The final stop along the route, Rumsey Town Hall delivers a vibrant celebration that’s well worth the drive. Guests can enjoy wood-fired pizza, a bustling farm and artisan market, live music and dancing, local beer and wine, and seasonal desserts. The beloved annual silent auction showcases regional artisans and farms while supporting the preservation of this historic community gathering space.
Planning your Day
The Almond Festival is self-guided — visit stops in any order and at your own pace
You may choose to explore one town or travel the full length of the valley
Distances between towns vary; expect scenic drives along rural roads
Each stop offers different activities and hours
We recommend planning your route ahead of time to make the most of your day.
Why it Matters
For over a century, the Almond Festival has celebrated more than a crop — it celebrates the people, traditions, and small towns that make the Capay Valley what it is.
By attending, you’re supporting local farms, community organizations, and the continued vitality of this unique agricultural region.
Questions?
For general festival information, visit individual stop listings, reach out to the hosting organizations directly, or connect with the team at Capay Valley Grown .
