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Colfax Events

Stay up to date with events in Colfax, CA. From our famous 3rd of July fireworks and Winterfest holiday celebration to live music, pancake breakfasts, and community fundraisers, there’s always something happening in our historic downtown. Colfax brings small-town charm to every gathering — browse upcoming events and plan your visit to the Sierra Foothills.

Free outdoor concert in Colfax CA — Historic Colfax Summer Concert Series May 30 2026 at Art Park on Main Street

Free Concert in Colfax CA This Saturday — And It’s Going to Be a Good One

May 30, 2026 · Art Park · South Main Street, Colfax CA · Free Admission

We’ve told you why we built this series. Now let’s talk about Saturday.

Concert One of the Historic Colfax Summer Concert Series kicks off May 30th — and if you’re anywhere in Placer County this weekend, this is where you want to be. Two artists. One stage. South Main Street closed to traffic and open to everyone, from 5PM to 9PM. Free.

Whether you’re coming up from Auburn, making the drive from Roseville, or you’ve been watching this thing come together right here in Colfax — Saturday is the night it all starts.

Here’s who you’re going to hear.

Michael James Cox | Opener · 6:00 PM

There are a lot of ways we could have opened this series. We chose a kid from Colfax.

Michael James Cox was born in the Ozarks, found his way to the gold-dusted hills of Colfax, California, and has been building something honest here ever since. His sound lives where outlaw country meets bluegrass — raw, road-worn, and real. He writes songs that sound like they’ve already lived a thousand lives.

But here’s what matters most on Saturday night: when the Historic Colfax Summer Concert Series plays its very first note — on Main Street, in front of this community, in the town he calls home — it’s going to come from him.

That’s not an accident. That’s a statement. This series belongs to Colfax, and we wanted the first voice you hear to prove it.

Michael James Cox opens the entire 2026 Historic Colfax Summer Concert Series at 6:00 PM.

Wayward Buffalo | Headliner · 7:30 PM

Wayward Buffalo is a roots-driven band out of the Gold Country of California — and they are exactly the right band to kick this series off.

Their sound blends Americana, country, and folk in a way that feels weathered and alive. Songs about hard days, honest lives, and the kind of grit that doesn’t photograph well but sounds incredible loud. They play for people who work for things. People who know what a foothill town actually looks like from the inside.

They’re from here. They sound like here. And on Saturday night, they’re playing free on Historic Main Street in Colfax — no cover, no tickets, no catch.

Wayward Buffalo headlines at 7:30 PM.

Event Details — Free Live Music in Colfax CA

Saturday, May 30, 2026 Art Park · South Main Street, Colfax CA 95713 · Full Street Closure

  • Gates: 5:00 PM
  • Michael James Cox (opener): 6:00 PM
  • Wayward Buffalo (headliner): 7:30 PM
  • End: 9:00 PM

Free. All ages. The seating area is grass — bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Easy off I-80 at Colfax. Free parking downtown.

This Doesn’t Happen Without These People

Free doesn’t mean it fell out of the sky. The Historic Colfax Summer Concert Series exists because a group of local businesses and community partners decided Colfax was worth betting on — before the first note was ever played.

We are grateful to the City of Colfax for their early and unwavering support, and to our sponsors who made this possible: Pioneer Energy, BLM Lending, Hills Flat Lumber, Smarter Broadband, and the Placer County Arts Council. This is a community effort in every sense — and these are the people who showed up first.

If your business wants to be part of what’s coming this summer, there are still sponsorship opportunities available. Learn more at liveincolfax.com/become-a-sponsor.

Four More Free Concerts This Summer in Colfax

Saturday is Concert One. We’ve got four more coming to Historic Downtown Colfax — June 20, July 25, August 15, and September 26 — with a lineup that includes a two-time Sacramento Area Music Award winner, an internationally touring folk duo, and a Nashville Star top-10 finalist.

Five free concerts. All summer. Right here in the Sierra Foothills — close enough to Auburn, Grass Valley, and Roseville that there’s no excuse not to make the drive.

Full schedule at liveincolfax.com.

Get your butt up to Historic Downtown Colfax. We’ll see you Saturday.

Live in Colfax is produced by the Historic Colfax Downtown Association — a community-built 501(c)(3) dedicated to bringing Historic Main Street back to life. We launched this series with a belief that Colfax deserves world-class live music. Turns out, we were right. Learn more at HistoricColfax.com.

Historic Fruit Exchange Building at 229 Railroad Street in downtown Colfax California with grand opening signage for three new vintage and antique shops

Three New Businesses Open at Colfax’s Historic Fruit Exchange Building

Historic Downtown Colfax is celebrating. Three new businesses are opening inside the Historic Fruit Exchange Building at 229 Railroad Street — and for the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, this moment is years in the making.

Some wins are quiet. A grant approved. A permit signed. A spreadsheet that finally balances.

And then there are the wins you can see from the street.

Entrepreneurs chose Colfax. Chose our downtown. Chose a building that has been standing on this block since 1910 — and for too many years, standing mostly quiet.

That changes on June 6th.

A Building With a Story

The Historic Fruit Exchange Building isn’t just old. It’s woven into the DNA of this town.

Built in 1910, the building was the nerve center of Colfax’s agricultural boom. The Colfax Fruit Growers Association used it to organize, inspect, pack, and ship the region’s harvests to markets across California. Growers brought their fruit here. Packers prepared it for shipment. The Southern Pacific line, just steps away, carried it west. By the 1920s, Colfax was exporting thousands of crates of fruit every season.

In 1926, Colfax became one of only 23 icing locations in the entire Pacific Fruit Express network — a massive operation that kept refrigerated railcars cold with blocks of ice cut straight from the Sierra snowpack. This building was part of that. This block was part of that.

Then time moved on. Mechanical refrigeration replaced the icing platforms. Larger Central Valley operations took over distribution. The orchards went quiet. And the building — architecturally intact, historically significant — faded into the background while tens of thousands of cars rolled past it every day on I-80 without stopping.

For years, that’s how it stayed.

A Partnership Built on a Shared Vision

The story of what happens next starts with a conversation.

Todd Saylor owns the Historic Fruit Exchange Building. When the Historic Colfax Downtown Association came knocking, we weren’t just being neighborly. Activating dormant historic buildings is core to what we do. The Fruit Exchange had been on our radar. A landmark sitting quiet while thousands of cars rolled past it every day on I-80 wasn’t something we could ignore.

Saylor had an idea he’d been talking about for years. A market. Something that would give people a reason to get off the highway and walk through those doors again. When we sat down together, the pieces clicked into place. He brought the space, the history, and a vision that had been waiting for the right partner. We brought the infrastructure, the marketing, and the network to finally make it real.

The Colfax Bazaar was born out of that conversation.

What followed is what genuine community partnership looks like.

Three successful Colfax Bazaars. Hundreds of people flooding into Historic Downtown Colfax on market days — not just into the Fruit Exchange, but spilling out onto Main Street, into the antique shops, into the restaurants. Local business owners told us they tripled their sales on Bazaar days. Some had to bring in additional staff just to handle the volume. A building that had been largely invisible for years suddenly became the reason people drove to Colfax on purpose.

That’s not a small thing. That’s exactly what downtown revitalization is supposed to look like.

The momentum is real. And it didn’t stop at the Bazaar.

“This building has been part of Colfax’s story for over a hundred years,” says Saylor. “It deserves to be part of its future too. That’s what we’re building here.”

This Is What Main Street Revitalization Looks Like

HCDA isn’t just throwing events. We are building the infrastructure for a living, breathing downtown.

The Main Street America approach — the framework we are working toward as an organization — is built on a simple premise. When you invest in historic commercial districts, you create the conditions for private investment to follow. You don’t just fill a building for a day. You change the perception of what’s possible. You make entrepreneurs believe that opening a business here is a good idea.

That’s exactly what happened at the Fruit Exchange.

We activated a dormant building with a quarterly market. The market drew people downtown. People downtown changed the story about Colfax. And that changed story attracted exactly the kind of entrepreneurs who look at a historic building in a Sierra Foothills town and see an opportunity instead of a risk.

Three businesses. One building. One partnership. One event at a time.

This is the work.

Meet the Tenants

On June 6th, three incredible new shops open their doors inside the Historic Fruit Exchange at 229 Railroad Street.

The Wildlands Vintage brings carefully curated vintage clothing for the adventurous soul. If you’ve been hunting for pieces with character — clothing that tells a story — this is your place.

Ms P’s Oddities is exactly what it sounds like. Antiques, curiosities, and one-of-a-kind finds for your home and garden. The kind of shop you walk into for twenty minutes and come out two hours later with something you didn’t know you needed.

Liberator’s Emporium rounds out the lineup with vintage treasures and unusual pieces that belong in a home, a garden, or a collection. Finds with history. Objects with soul.

Three unique shops. One historic building. Open year-round.

Come Celebrate With Us

The Grand Opening is Saturday, June 6th from 11am to 7pm. There will be food, drinks, and live music starting at 4pm. It is free to attend. Come early to shop. Stay for the music. Bring someone who hasn’t been downtown in a while and show them what’s happening here.

This is a milestone for Historic Downtown Colfax. We are proud of it. And we are just getting started.

📅 Saturday, June 6th | 11am–7pm 🎶 Live Music at 4pm 🍽️ Food & Drinks on site 📍 229 Railroad St, Colfax, CA 95713

Come Celebrate With Us

The Grand Opening is Saturday, June 6th from 11am to 7pm. There will be food, drinks, and live music starting at 4pm. It is free to attend. Come early to shop. Stay for the music. Bring someone who hasn’t been downtown in a while and show them what’s happening here.

This is a milestone for Historic Downtown Colfax. We are proud of it. And we are just getting started.

📅 Saturday, June 6th | 11am–7pm 🎶 Live Music at 4pm 🍽️ Food & Drinks on site 📍 229 Railroad St, Colfax, CA 95713

Three new businesses. One historic building. One community that refused to let its downtown fade.

This is what we came here to do. When the Historic Colfax Downtown Association started this work, Colfax was a town people drove through. Today it is a town people drive to. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens one partnership, one event, one grand opening at a time.

The Fruit Exchange has been standing on Railroad Street for over a century. It has earned its place in this town’s future. And on June 6th, that future walks through the front door.

We’ll see you there.

Rock the Frog: One Night to Fund a Whole Summer of Free Music

A 21+ BBQ fundraiser on April 25th at The Red Frog is the spark that keeps Downtown Colfax’s free concert series alive all summer long.

Here is what Colfax has learned in the last two years: when you give people a reason to show up downtown, they show up. Not just a handful of neighbors. Not just the usual crowd. Four hundred, five hundred people at a time — filling the Lots of Art Park, spilling out onto Main Street, packing local restaurants and shops until the register drawers won’t close. That’s what the Downtown Colfax Concert Series does.

We bet on Colfax — that this town deserves to be a destination, not just the place you stop for gas on the way to Tahoe. We were right. The proof is in the packed the park and main street, the doubled and tripled sales figures from downtown business owners, and a Levitt AMP Music Series finalist nod that put Colfax on the map nationally.

Now it’s time to fund the next chapter. And it starts with a plate of smoked pork butt and a cold drink at The Red Frog.

A special thank-you to Randy Brock and the entire team at The Red Frog for partnering with us to make this event possible. This is exactly what the revitalization of Downtown Colfax looks like in practice — local businesses and community organizations working side by side, investing in each other, and building something bigger together. Randy didn’t just open his doors. He leaned in. That’s the Colfax way.

🎟 GET YOUR TICKETS

Rock the Frog — April 25, 2026

On Saturday, April 25th, we’re hosting Rock the Frog, a 21+ BBQ fundraiser and live music event at The Red Frog (1007 CA-174, Colfax). Doors open at 4:00 PM. Dinner is served from 5:00–6:00 PM. Then the Holcomb Brothers Band takes the stage and plays all evening. No-host bar. Good people. Great food.

Smoked BBQ dinner supporting the Downtown Colfax free concert series 2026

The BBQ spread includes:

  • Smoked pork butt
  • Smoked chicken
  • Four cheese bacon mac & cheese
  • Beans with smoked ham hocks
  • Apple cabbage slaw
  • Jalapeño cornbread

Pre-sale tickets are required — there will be no day-of sales. Grab tickets now as they are very limited!

Can’t Make the Party? Still Support the Mission.

Not 21+? Want to say home but enjoy the food? No problem. We’re offering BBQ to-go packages so everyone can eat well and support the Colfax Music Fund at the same time. Individual plates are $30. Family packs (serves 4) are $100, with add-on meals available at $25 per person. All orders must be pre-purchased — no day-of sales.

Every meal sold — whether you’re seated at The Red Frog or picking up at the door — goes directly toward making the summer series happen.

What You’re Actually Funding

The Free 2026 Downtown Colfax Concert Series runs May through September — five concerts, free admission, bringing hundreds of people downtown on evenings that used to be quiet.

What does that mean in practical terms? It means downtown Colfax is alive. Businesses on Main Street are buzzing with foot traffic. Families are spreading out blankets in the park. Kids are running around while their parents catch up with neighbors. Everybody’s got a cold drink and a reason to stay out past sunset.

This is a town at the crossroads of everything California was built on — Gold Rush grit, railroad backbone, agricultural heritage, the spirit of the Sierra Nevada. The concert series is how we tell that story. Not with a museum. Not with a brochure. With music. With people. With a community that shows up for itself.

This is a town at the crossroads of everything California was built on — Gold Rush grit, railroad backbone, agricultural heritage, the spirit of the Sierra Nevada. The concert series is how we tell that story. Not with a brochure. With music. With people. With a community that shows up for itself.

🎟 GET YOUR TICKETS

Join the Mission

Rock the Frog is more than a fundraiser. It’s a proof of concept. It’s Colfax saying: we take care of our own. We build things together. We don’t wait around — we make it happen ourselves.

You can be part of that story. Come out on April 25th, eat something incredible, hear some great live music, and know that your ticket — your meal, your donation — is what puts a band on the stage on Main Street!

Colfax has been a crossroads for 170 years. This summer, it becomes a destination. Come rock the frog.

🎟 GET YOUR TICKETS
📍 The Red Frog | 1007 CA-174, Colfax, CA |
April 25, 2026 | 5:00–10:00 PM
21+ Pre-sale tickets required. No day-of sales. BBQ to-go orders also available.

Rock the Frog BBQ fundraiser and live music event April 25 2026 at The Red Frog in Colfax California

The Historic Fruit Exchange Building in Downtown Colfax California hosting the Colfax Bazaar vintage and artisan market

The Colfax Bazaar Is Back on March 21st!

How a 113-Year-Old Building, a Scrappy Nonprofit, and an SFGate Feature Just Changed the Game for Downtown Colfax

Some partnerships just make sense.

The Historic Fruit Exchange Building has been standing on Main Street since 1910. It was built at the peak of Colfax’s agricultural boom — when Sierra foothill orchards were producing thousands of crates of apples, pears, and peaches every year, and the Southern Pacific Railroad was shipping them to San Francisco and Sacramento markets. Growers, packers, and railroad workers moved through these doors daily. This building wasn’t on the sidelines of Colfax history. It was the center of it.

Then the industry shifted. Refrigeration changed everything. The Central Valley took over distribution. The orchards went quiet. The building that once buzzed with commerce sat largely dormant — while thousands of cars rolled past it every day on I-80 without knowing what they were passing.

That last part is changing.

It started with a conversation. Building owner Todd Saylor had a vision for an event — something that would give people a reason to get off the highway and walk through those historic doors again. He brought that idea to the Historic Colfax Downtown Association. Together, we built it from the ground up.

On Saturday, March 21st, that partnership throws open the doors again for the next installment of The Colfax Bazaar. It’s a vintage and artisan market, a community gathering, and a statement all at once. A statement that says: Colfax is a destination now.

SFGate agrees.

When SFGate Comes Calling

On February 4th, SFGate published a feature on Colfax: “Priced out of Tahoe, young transplants are turning to this foothills town.” By February 5th, our phones were ringing.

Here’s what matters most to us: they mentioned The Colfax Bazaar by name.

SFGate described our Bazaar as “a vibrant marketplace filled with antiques, oddities, handcrafted goods, and local flavor.”

Not a small-town footnote. Not a passing mention. A feature in one of the Bay Area’s most widely-read regional publications describing something we built from scratch — in a town of 2,200 people, inside a 113-year-old building — as vibrant.

This is what happens when you do the work.

The SFGate piece wasn’t really about us. It was about the people who make Colfax what it is. They talked to Eva Saunders, born and raised here, who works at Il Pizzaiolo and TJ’s Roadhouse — two of the local businesses we’re proud to call neighbors on Main Street. She told the reporter something every one of us already knows: “You drive two hours and you’re at the beach. Drive an hour and you’re at Tahoe.”

They interviewed transplants who chose Colfax deliberately. People who wanted more trees than people. Who appreciated that there’s not a single stoplight in town. Neighbors who told the reporter: “Everybody’s just mellow and sweet. And everyone waves to each other.”

That’s the Colfax we’re fighting for. That’s the story SFGate found when they came here — because partnerships like ours with Todd Saylor and the Fruit Exchange gave them something to find.

A Building Built for Commerce. Built for Community.

To understand why this partnership matters to us, you have to understand what the Fruit Exchange Building actually is.

Colfax’s agricultural story didn’t start with the building. It started in 1850, when pioneer Enos Mendenhall planted one of the first fruit orchards in the region. The Sierra Foothills’ elevation, mild summers, and rich soil turned out to be ideal for apples, pears, peaches, and grapes. While Gold Rush miners were chasing metal in the canyons below, farmers were quietly discovering that the land itself was the real treasure.

By the late 1800s, orchards were flourishing across the foothills. The Colfax Fruit Growers Association formed to help farmers organize, inspect, pack, and ship their harvests. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad had already transformed Colfax from a stopover town into a strategic shipping hub. By the 1920s, Colfax was exporting thousands of crates of fruit every year, bound for markets across California.

The Fruit Exchange Building was the nerve center of all of it. Growers brought their harvests here. Packers prepared them for shipment. The Southern Pacific line, just steps away, carried them west. In 1926, Colfax became one of only 23 icing locations in the Pacific Fruit Express network — a massive operation that kept refrigerated railcars cold with blocks of ice cut from the Sierra snowpack.

Then, as it does, time moved on. Mechanical refrigeration made the icing platforms obsolete. Larger Central Valley operations took over distribution. The orchards sold off or went fallow. The building went quiet.

For decades it stood — architecturally intact, historically significant, and largely invisible to the tens of thousands of travelers passing it on I-80 every single day.

This is exactly the kind of story we were created to tell. And exactly the kind of space we were created to bring back to life.

What This Partnership Means for Our Community

The Historic Colfax Downtown Association was founded on the belief that our town — with its rich, layered history involving Nisenan Maidu people, Gold Rush miners, Chinese railroad laborers, and agricultural pioneers who fed a state — deserves to be known for more than its off-ramp.

The Bazaar is our proof of concept. Our previous events drew 400 to 500 visitors to downtown Colfax. Local businesses reported doubled and tripled sales on event days. The social media post about the SFGate coverage exploded — people shared it, planned visits, and some started asking about neighborhoods and schools. About making Colfax home.

When we activate a historic building, we don’t just fill it with vendors for a day. We remind our community of what it’s capable of. We give visitors a reason to stop. We start writing the next chapter of a story that’s been paused for too long.

That’s what we’re doing here. One conversation, one partnership, one event at a time.

Who’s Coming to the Hunt

This month’s Bazaar features one of the most eclectic vendor lineups we’ve ever assembled. These aren’t franchise booths or big-box overflow. These are makers, collectors, and creatives from across the region who chose Colfax — and we’re proud to have every single one of them.

You’ll find:

  • Handmade wood items, kitchen gadgets, decorative bowls and vases
  • Handcrafted jewelry made from vintage knitting needles
  • Metal yard art: upcycled tank bells, valve flowers, and figurines
  • Vintage and antique clothing, leather bags, shoes, and textiles
  • Acrylic paintings, mixed media art, and large canvas works
  • Unique mini crystal fairy gardens and one-of-a-kind character garden kits
  • Hand-illustrated nature-inspired stationery, prints, totes, and drinkware
  • Chainsaw carvings and wood-crafted items
  • Woodturner items: bowls, spin tops, vases, and platters
  • Custom drinkware, home décor, and farmhouse seasonal finds
  • Vintage collectibles, antiques, MCM finds, and barn-fresh treasures
  • Mountain and floral handcrafted wood art made from Sierra wildfire-reclaimed wood
  • Handmade flower arrangements, wreaths, and greeting cards
  • Antique furniture, vintage artwork, and the wonderfully weird — oddities and curiosities that defy description
  • And much more — from apothecary herb starts to upcycled denim art

Every single one of these vendors chose to come here. To set up on our Historic Colfax District, beneath the eaves of a building that once shipped fruit to half of California, in a town that SFGate just told the Bay Area is worth the drive. We think they made a great choice.

Mark Your Map

WHERE: Historic Fruit Exchange Building, Downtown Colfax, CA (229 Railroad Street, Colfax)
WHEN: Saturday, March 21st, 2026 | 8AM – 3PM
EARLY BIRD: 7AM entry for just $5 — get first pick before the crowds

GENERAL ADMISSION: Always
FREE LIVE MUSIC: Local performers all day long
FOOD: Local food vendors on-site
RSVP & FREE TICKET: www.TheColfaxBazaar.com
AS FEATURED IN: SFGate, February 2026

Come for the deals. Stay for the stories.

The Colfax Bazaar isn’t just a market. It’s a 113-year-old building that once shipped the Sierra’s harvests to the world, coming back to life — one vendor, one visitor, one community gathering at a time. We built this for Colfax. We built it for you.

Register for your free ticket at www.TheColfaxBazaar.com and join us on March 21st.

See you at the hunt.

— Historic Colfax Downtown Association

Historic downtown Colfax California main street with vintage storefronts including tobacco and gifts shop

Colfax CA in the News: SFGate Discovers What We’ve Known All Along

They finally noticed.

SFGate just published a feature on Colfax titled “Priced out of Tahoe, young transplants are turning to this foothills town.” Yahoo! The article hit on February 4th. By February 5th, our phones were ringing.

Here’s what matters: They mentioned The Colfax Bazaar by name.

Not just mentioned it. Featured it. The article described it as “a vibrant marketplace filled with antiques, oddities, handcrafted goods, and local flavor.” Yahoo!

This is the work showing up.

The Real Stars: Our Community

But the article wasn’t really about us. It was about the people who make Colfax what it is.

SFGate talked to Eva Saunders, who was born and raised here and works at Il Pizzaiolo. She explained what keeps people in Colfax even when they think about leaving: “You drive two hours and you’re at the beach. Drive an hour and you’re at Tahoe.” Yahoo! She also works at TJ’s Roadhouse, one of the local diners that sees business boom when I-80 shuts down in the snow.

They interviewed transplants who chose Colfax deliberately. One said he wanted “more trees than people” Yahoo! and appreciated that “there’s not a single stoplight in this town.” Yahoo! Another resident named Harvey told them about the community: “Everybody’s just mellow and sweet. And everyone waves to each other.” Yahoo!

That’s Colfax. That’s what SFGate found when they came here.

Our Part in the Story

The Colfax Bazaar didn’t exist a year ago. The Historic Fruit Exchange Building sat dormant for years—a beautiful 1910 structure waiting for the right idea. When the Fruit Exchange came to us with their vision, we saw the opportunity immediately. This was exactly our mission: telling Colfax’s story by bringing its historic spaces back to life.

The Colfax Bazaar at Historic Fruit Exchange Building downtown Colfax

We partnered with them to implement it. To launch it. To turn an idea into a successful event that now draws hundreds of visitors every time those doors open.

That partnership challenged the notion that Colfax is just a town people pass through on I-80. The Bazaar proved something different was possible.

This is our mission in action. To breathe new life into The Fruit Exchange by activation—by creating a reason for people to walk through those doors. By filling a Gold Rush-era building with vendors, music, community, and energy.

The SFGate article captured what we’ve been building. Colfax sits at the perfect elevation: “above the fog and below the snow.” Yahoo! Forty miles from Sugar Bowl. Fifty miles from Sacramento. Less than 140 miles to San Francisco.

SFGate article featuring Colfax California as foothills destination for young transplants

Young people are figuring this out. They can’t afford Tahoe anymore. So they’re looking down the mountain. And they’re finding us—because partnerships like this one have given them something to find.

One transplant told SFGate she picked Colfax because she wanted “more trees than people.” Yahoo! Another local, Eva Saunders, who grew up here and works at Il Pizzaiolo, explained the pull: “You drive two hours and you’re at the beach. Drive an hour and you’re at Tahoe.” Yahoo!

The article ran with photos of our historic Main Street. The old train depot. Our frontier-style storefronts. The assets we’ve been protecting and activating through every event, every grant application, every concert, every partnership.

This is what happens when you do the work. When you partner with building owners who have vision. When you help launch events that draw hundreds of people to a space that used to sit empty. When you organize concert series that pack downtown with 500 plus attendees. When you create programming that transforms Colfax from a place people drive past into a destination worth discovering.

The Bazaar isn’t just a marketplace. It’s proof of what collaboration can do. It shows what happens when the Historic Colfax Downtown Association partners with property owners and community members who want better for downtown. When we honor our Gold Rush history by actually using these incredible spaces. When we tell Colfax’s story not through plaques and pamphlets, but through vibrant community gatherings that fill historic buildings with life.

The article hit Yahoo News within 24 hours. Our social media post about it exploded. People are sharing it. Planning visits. Seeing what we’ve been building together.

Some are planning more than visits. The inquiries are coming in—people asking about neighborhoods, schools, what it’s really like to live here. If you’re one of them, there’s a resource: MovetoColfax.com has the details you need about making Colfax home.

We’ve been saying Colfax is the Gateway to the High Sierra. Now SFGate is saying it too.

Here’s the thing about media coverage: It doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because there’s a story worth telling. Because a town of 2,200 people is doing something that catches attention. The reporter came here. Walked our streets. Talked to our residents. Saw the potential in Colfax and wrote about what they found.

Read the full SFGate article here:

The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to revitalizing downtown Colfax by honoring its history and creating spaces where community can take root. We partnered with the Historic Fruit Exchange Building to launch The Colfax Bazaar—an event that now draws hundreds of visitors and tells Colfax’s story in a whole new way. Support our mission at https://historiccolfax.com/get-more-information/ or visit us at the next Bazaar.

Colfax Winterfest 2025: A Free Holiday Celebration in Historic Downtown Colfax

When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Historic Downtown Colfax, California
Admission: FREE

Mark your calendars for Colfax Winterfest 2025, the beloved annual holiday celebration returning to Historic Downtown Colfax, California on the second Saturday in December. This free, family-friendly event transforms our charming Gold Rush-era downtown into a winter wonderland filled with Santa, a dazzling light parade, live entertainment, local vendors, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Hosted by the City of Colfax, Winterfest has become a treasured tradition for families throughout Placer County and the Sierra Foothills. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting our historic railroad town for the first time, Colfax Winterfest offers something magical for everyone.

Colfax Winterfest 2025 Schedule of Events

2:00 PM – 5:30 PM — Free Photos with Santa at the Historic Colfax Theater (photography by Jana Johnson Photography)

2:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Craft and food vendors throughout downtown, plus a beer garden for adults

5:00 PM — Christmas Carols at Roy Tom Plaza, presented by the Colfax Ministerial Association

6:00 PM — Annual Light Parade through Historic Downtown Colfax

7:30 PM — Fireworks Grand Finale

Free Photos with Santa at the Historic Colfax Theater

One of Winterfest’s most popular attractions is free photos with Santa, held inside the beautifully restored Historic Colfax Theater. Professional photographer Jana Johnson captures the magic as children and families visit with Santa Claus from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. This cherished tradition gives families professional-quality holiday photos at no cost—a perfect keepsake of your Colfax Winterfest experience. This activity is generously supported by sponsors including the Colfax Bunco Babes.

Christmas Carols and Live Entertainment

At 5:00 PM, gather at Roy Tom Plaza for heartwarming Christmas carols led by the Colfax Ministerial Association, with participation from Colfax Baptist Church and other local congregations. Carolers and bands perform throughout the evening, filling downtown with the sounds of the season.

Light Parade and Fireworks

As darkness falls over the Sierra Foothills, Colfax’s annual Light Parade winds through Historic Downtown at 6:00 PM. Decorated floats, classic cars, community groups, and glittering displays create a festive procession that delights spectators of all ages. The evening culminates with a spectacular fireworks show at 7:30 PM—a stunning finale visible throughout downtown.

Vendors, Food, and Beer Garden

Colfax Winterfest features a curated selection of craft and food vendors offering unique gifts, handmade goods, and delicious seasonal treats. Adults can warm up at the beer garden while children enjoy the family-friendly activities throughout downtown.

Getting to Colfax Winterfest

Colfax is located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills, just 50 miles northeast of Sacramento along Interstate 80. Our historic downtown is easily accessible from Auburn, Grass Valley, Nevada City, and the greater Sacramento area. Free street parking is available throughout town, with additional parking near the downtown core.

About Colfax, California

Nestled at 2,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Colfax is a historic railroad town with roots stretching back to the Gold Rush era. Known for its well-preserved downtown, community spirit, and stunning mountain setting, Colfax offers visitors a glimpse of authentic small-town California. Winterfest showcases the best of our community—neighbors coming together to celebrate the holiday season in the place we proudly call home.

Stay Connected

For updates on Colfax Winterfest 2025 and other downtown events, make sure to sign up for the Historic Colfax Downtown Association Newsletter!

Colfax Trunk or Treat Halloween event flyer showing October 31st

A Spooktacular Halloween Weekend in Historic Colfax

This Halloween season, historic Colfax is pulling out all the stops with a frightfully fun lineup of events that will delight visitors of all ages. From trunk-or-treating and costumed pups to after-dark celebrations, our charming downtown is the place to be for Halloween festivities. Here’s your complete guide to all the haunted happenings!

Halloween Dog Costume Parade – October 30th

SVC Farmers Market Presents: Halloween Dog Costume Parade

Kick off your Halloween weekend with the most adorable event of the season! The SVC Farmers Market is hosting a FREE Halloween Dog Costume Parade on Thursday, October 30th on Main Street.

Event Details:

  • When: Thursday, October 30th
  • Where: Main Street, Colfax, CA
  • Cost: FREE entry

Bring your four-legged friend dressed in their best Halloween attire and compete for prizes! Dogs must be in costume to be eligible for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards. Whether your pup is dressed as a hot dog, a superhero, or a fairy princess, all creative costumes are welcome. Just remember to keep all dogs leashed and under control for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

Colfax Trunk or Treat – October 31st

A Safe and Festive Halloween Tradition

Nothing says Halloween in small-town America quite like a classic trunk-or-treat event! On Friday, October 31st from 5-8 PM, downtown Colfax transforms into a safe, family-friendly trick-or-treating paradise.

Event Details:

  • When: Friday, October 31st, 5-8 PM
  • Where: Downtown Colfax
  • Registration: At Wrecking Crew Bakery & Café
  • Hosted by: Colfax 3rd of July Fundraiser

Here’s how it works: community members decorate their cars, fill their trunks with treats and games, and park along the downtown area. Families can then safely walk from car to car, collecting candy and enjoying the creative decorations. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween while building community connections. They invite kids to park their decorated Power Wheels, ride-on toys, and other wheeled vehicles along Main Street to be part of the festivities. It’s a fun way for the youngest members of our community to show off their decorated rides and feel like they’re part of the action. From tiny jeeps to miniature tractors, every decorated wheel is welcome!

Snapdragon After Dark – November 1st

When Night Falls, the Magic Begins

Ready to keep the Halloween spirit alive? Don’t miss Snapdragon After Dark on Friday, November 1st from 6-9 PM!

Event Details:

  • When: Friday, November 1st, 6-9 PM
  • Where: Snapdragon Provisions, 38 N. Main Street, Colfax, CA
  • Admission: FREE

Step into an enchanting evening at one of Colfax’s most beloved destinations, transformed for a special after-hours Halloween celebration. This is Snapdragon like you’ve never seen it before!

What to Expect:

  • Live Music featuring the talented Adeline (@guitarwomyn)
  • Costume Contest with prizes for the best-dressed guests
  • Crafted Mocktails – delicious non-alcoholic beverages
  • Small Bites – perfectly crafted treats and appetizers

Whether you arrive in full costume or simply come to soak in the ambiance, this family-friendly evening is perfect for anyone looking to extend their Halloween celebrations. Snapdragon Provisions is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality, with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options always available.

Why Celebrate Halloween in Colfax?

Historic Colfax offers something truly special during Halloween season. Our tight-knit community comes together to create safe, inclusive, and genuinely fun events that honor both tradition and creativity. From the charming downtown setting to the friendly faces you’ll meet at every turn, celebrating Halloween in Colfax feels like stepping back in time to a simpler, more connected way of life.

Main Street becomes a hub of activity, with families strolling between events, local businesses joining in the festivities, and everyone embracing the Halloween spirit. It’s small-town America at its finest.

Getting Here: Historic Colfax is conveniently located in Placer County, easily accessible from Sacramento, Auburn, and surrounding areas. Ample parking is available throughout downtown, and most Halloween events are within walking distance of each other.

Join the Celebration!

Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, Colfax’s Halloween celebrations offer something for everyone. Bring your family, bring your dog, bring your creativity, and most importantly, bring your Halloween spirit!

For more information about these events or to stay updated on everything happening in historic Colfax, visit our website or follow local event organizers on social media.

Happy Halloween from all of us in historic Colfax! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Want to stay informed of other upcoming events? Make sure you subscribe to our email list!

Guests enjoying sunset at Beacon Hill dinner in Colfax CA

Dinner on Beacon Hill: A Breathtaking Fundraiser Above Colfax

A Unique Evening Above Colfax

As October rolls into Colfax CA and the canyon turns a brilliant shade of gold, there’s something magical in the air. This year, residents and supporters of the Historic Colfax Downtown Association are invited to experience that magic firsthand with a one-of-a-kind evening on Beacon Hill—a setting so stunning it feels almost cinematic. This isn’t just a dinner. It’s an unforgettable experience designed to ignite the future of Colfax, framed by jaw-dropping 180° views, a masterfully crafted Mediterranean feast, and a mission to breathe life back into the heart of the town.

Imagine arriving at a private estate, nestled high above Colfax, just as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. Wine glasses clink, laughter echoes, and the sky glows in hues of amber and rose. Guests will dine al fresco, surrounded by nature and community, while enjoying a gourmet meal under the open sky. That’s the promise of Dinner on Beacon Hill.

Why This Dinner Matters

But this event isn’t just about an incredible evening with great food and stunning views—it’s about fueling the future of Colfax. Every ticket sold helps fund the efforts of the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, a dedicated local group working to breathe new life into our town’s Main Street. From organizing family-friendly events and beautifying public spaces to supporting small businesses and preserving local character, the association is committed to creating a vibrant, welcoming downtown for all.

Most importantly, proceeds from Dinner on Beacon Hill will directly support our Concert Fund, helping us bring even more live music to Colfax. Whether it’s jazz under the stars, folk in the park, or local bands lighting up Main Street, these concerts unite the community, attract visitors, and keep our town buzzing with energy and culture.

With only 40 seats available, this event is more than just a dinner—it’s your chance to invest in Colfax’s creative heartbeat. Be part of something meaningful. Help us keep the music playing and the community thriving.

Beacon Hill’s Panoramic Views

Perched above the city like a quiet guardian, Beacon Hill offers one of the most stunning vantage points in all of Whitman County. With 180-degree panoramic views, this location gives diners a front-row seat to the natural splendor that surrounds Colfax. Rolling hills, towering pines, and the glittering lights of downtown create a breathtaking backdrop that evolves by the minute as the sun dips low in the sky.

Guests won’t just eat—they’ll marvel. The open-air environment offers an expansive sense of freedom, serenity, and connection with the landscape. It’s easy to see why the hosts chose this setting. Every element—every tree, every flicker of candlelight, every horizon line—adds to the magic.

Who Should Attend Dinner on Beacon Hill?

This unforgettable evening isn’t just for foodies or event-goers—it’s for anyone who believes in the power of community and wants to see Colfax grow, thrive, and shine. If you love breathtaking views, memorable meals, and making a difference, this event is calling your name. Here’s who will feel right at home at Dinner on Beacon Hill:

1. Local Community Supporters

If you live in or around Colfax and care about its future, this is your moment. Your ticket helps fund real projects that make our town more vibrant and connected—from live concerts and public art to downtown revitalization and business support

2. Lovers of Live Music and the Arts

Passionate about music, arts, and cultural events? You’ll love this. Proceeds from the evening go directly toward our Concert Fund, which helps us bring more live performances to Colfax. By attending, you’re helping create more magical music moments downtown.

3. Food Enthusiasts & Wine Lovers

With a chef-prepared Mediterranean feast and a handpicked selection of wine and beer, this event is perfect for anyone who loves a delicious, high-quality meal served in an unforgettable setting.

4. Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

If you’re invested in the economic success of Colfax, this is the place to connect with like-minded people. It’s a unique opportunity to network with community leaders, share ideas, and be part of the movement shaping the town’s future.

5. Newcomers & First-Time Visitors

New to Colfax or thinking of getting more involved? There’s no better way to get to know the heart of this town than by joining this dinner. It’s warm, welcoming, and the perfect entry point to become part of the community.

6. Couples, Friends, and Families

Looking for a unique night out? This event promises a magical experience—whether it’s date night with a view, a special evening with friends, or a meaningful family outing.

In short: if you love Colfax, this dinner is for you.

Mediterranean Feast by a Local Chef

Food is the soul of any great gathering, and this event is no exception. A classically trained local chef will lead the charge in preparing a Mediterranean feast that’s equal parts traditional and inspired. Expect dishes full of bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and the kind of freshness that can only come from local farms and regional sourcing.

From fragrant herbs to perfectly grilled proteins, every course is crafted to evoke the warmth and vibrancy of Mediterranean culture. The cuisine is more than delicious—it’s intentional. It reflects the spirit of hospitality, togetherness, and celebration that this dinner is all about.

This isn’t a buffet or a catered spread—it’s a dining experience. Think shared platters, flowing wine, and beautifully plated courses that invite conversation and connection.

Live Music with a View

As twilight deepens, the strains of live music will fill the air, effortless and evocative. Think acoustic guitar, soft vocals, or ensemble tunes that drift over the trees and into the valley below. The music is chosen to complement the setting—not to compete with it—so guests can converse, reflect, or simply lose themselves in the moment. With the backdrop of the canyon and the soft glow of lights, every note will feel like it was written just for you.

Dinner on Beacon Hill is more than an event. It’s an invitation—to witness beauty, to savor flavor, and to invest in the revitalization of historic downtown Colfax. With only 40 seats available, this private gathering is designed to be intimate, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Your attendance matters. Your presence is a vote of confidence in the future of Colfax. Every dollar raised will support free concerts, public events, downtown beautification, and initiatives to draw foot traffic and prosperity back into the heart of our community.

Don’t wait. Reserve your seat now and be part of this extraordinary evening above the town you love. Visit DinnerOnBeaconHill.com to secure your spot and make your contribution to Colfax’s revival.

Limited seats—act quickly.

We look forward to sharing this golden evening with you and raising a glass to Colfax’s next chapter.

Community concert in downtown Colfax with live music, local vendors, and families enjoying the evening during Pints & Grooves festival.

How One Grant Application Sparked a Movement in Colfax

Something special is happening in Colfax.

And it all started with a single question:
“What if our little town became known for live music?”

That one idea — tossed out during a Historic Colfax Downtown Association meeting — sparked a movement that would change the rhythm of downtown forever.

The Spark: A Dream of Music and Momentum

We’ve always believed in Colfax. In its charm, its people, its potential. But in early 2025, we found ourselves asking how we could breathe new life into downtown — how to move beyond familiar events and create something that truly unites our community.

That’s when we discovered the Levitt AMP Music Series Grant — a national initiative that funds free outdoor concerts in small towns across America.

It wasn’t just an opportunity for funding; it was a challenge to dream bigger.

We applied — and in the process, something shifted.

What began as a stack of grant paperwork became a vision. We pictured Depot Park full of neighbors, laughter, and the sound of live music echoing off the foothills. We imagined Colfax as a destination for culture and connection — not just a stop along the rails, but a stage for something beautiful.

When we learned that Colfax made the Top 100 nationwide, the message was clear:
We were ready to turn our dream into action.

So we launched the Rock the Vote Concert to gain awareness for the Public Voting Round and what do you know? We kept up with cities 100 times our size and made it into the TOP 50 FINALISTS! That just shows you how much grit and passion this small town has!

Reimagining a Tradition: Oktoberfest Becomes Pints & Grooves

We didn’t want to wait to see if we’d win the grant.
We wanted to show the Levitt Foundation— and ourselves — what Colfax could do right now.

So we took one of our most familiar events, Oktoberfest, and gave it a bold new identity:
🎶 Pints & Grooves.

We shifted the focus from beer to music, from tradition to transformation.

Instead of a single stage tucked into the background, we built a concert experience right in the center of town.

Three music performances.
Four food trucks.
A beer garden featuring local brews.
And hundreds of people who came to see what all the buzz was about.

The Night Colfax Came Alive

The evening of Pints & Grooves felt like something out of a storybook.

Lawn chairs lined the park on Main Street. The air smelled like opportunity. Kids danced in the grass while neighbors shared drinks under the glow of string lights.

From the moment George Hoffman, a Colfax High School student, strummed his first chord, the crowd fell silent — then erupted in applause. George’s performance reminded everyone why we wanted to bring more music to town: because it inspires the next generation.

Then Michael James Cox took the stage with his soulful outlaw-country storytelling, followed by Steel Horse Stampede, whose high-energy country rock had everyone clapping, dancing, and shouting for more.

We ran out of beer and had to scramble for kegs. Three times.
And no one wanted to leave.

One longtime resident summed it up perfectly:

“This is the most alive I’ve ever seen Colfax.”

That night wasn’t just a concert.
It was a statement.
Colfax was ready for a comeback — and music would lead the way.

The Sponsors Who Made It Possible

Every great event has heroes behind the scenes.
Pints & Grooves was no exception.

This dream came to life thanks to the generosity and partnership of local sponsors who believed in what we were building:

And to every volunteer, vendor, and community member who donated, shared a post, or simply showed up with enthusiasm — you made the night what it was.

You turned a grant idea into a living, breathing celebration of who we are.



Beyond One Night: Building the Future of Music in Colfax

Pints & Grooves wasn’t a one-off experiment.
It was the beginning of something bigger.

Whether or not Colfax wins the Levitt AMP grant, we’re moving forward with a 2026 Summer Concert Series — a season of free, live music designed to bring our community together and draw new visitors to downtown.

We’re building partnerships, growing our music scene, and giving local talent a place to shine. Because we’ve seen what happens when a small town decides to dream out loud.

Music connects us. It fuels our local economy. It strengthens our sense of identity.

Most importantly, it reminds us why we love where we live.

Colfax Is on the Move — and Music Is Getting Us There

What started as one grant application has turned into a movement.

A movement to celebrate art, creativity, and connection.
A movement to make downtown Colfax not just a destination, but a feeling.

We may be small, but our sound is big.
And as the last notes of Pints & Grooves fade, one thing rings true:

🎵 This is just the beginning.

Join the Movement

Want to be part of what’s next?

  • Follow us: Facebook and Instagram
  • Sponsor an event: Help us grow the 2026 concert series
  • Volunteer: Be part of the team bringing life and sound to downtown
  • Donate: Support free, community-powered music experiences DONATE NOW >>

Because in Colfax, we’re proving one thing loud and clear:
When a community comes together with purpose, even one idea — one grant — can change everything.

🎶 Announcing the 2025 Pints & Grooves Headliners 🎶

Saturday, October 4 | 4–8 PM | The Art Park – Downtown Colfax

FREE STREET CONCERT | ALL AGES | LIVE LOCAL MUSIC


🔥 Meet This Year’s Headliners

🎸 Steel Horse Stampede – High-Octane Country Rock

Led by Johnny D, a Nashville Star Top 10 finalist, Steel Horse Stampede is rolling into Colfax with a sound that hits hard, grooves deep, and fills the street with electric energy.

Johnny D has performed alongside some of country’s biggest names — Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Tracy Byrd — and now he’s bringing that same arena-worthy sound to the heart of downtown Colfax.

With gritty guitars, soaring vocals, and crowd-moving anthems, Steel Horse Stampede fuses classic country vibes with southern rock swagger. Think The Eagles, 38 Special, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, but with a modern kick that’s made for dancing in the street.



🎤 Special Guest: Michael James Cox

There’s no place like home — and Michael James Cox is coming back to the very town that raised him.

Michael blends outlaw country, blues, and dusty Americana rock into a style that’s real, raw, and impossible to fake. He’s not just a singer. He’s a storyteller — and his voice? It’ll stop you in your tracks.

Raised on local dirt roads and small-town stories, Michael’s set will feel less like a performance and more like a homecoming celebration — wrapped in soul, stories, and songs that cut deep and stay with you.

🎶 If you love: Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, or Cody Jinks — don’t miss this.

🍻 More Than a Concert

Pints & Grooves is where music, food, community, and fun come together in one unforgettable night.

Here’s what’s on tap:

  • Main Street Dining + Food Trucks 🍔
  • Cold Brews 🍻
  • Artisan Vendors & Local Makers 🛍
  • Family-Friendly Vibes, All Ages Welcome 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
  • No Tickets — Just Show Up! 🎟

🎉 It’s Free. It’s Live. It’s Local

No cover. Just music, memories, and the kind of night you’ll talk about until next fall. Thanks to our sponsors and the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, this street concert is 100% free for everyone.

🎯 Save the Date:
📍 Saturday, October 4, 2025
🕓 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 The Art Park – 20 S. Main Street, Colfax, CA

📲 We are dedicated to bringing GREAT MUSIC concerts to Colfax!

Let’s Keep the Music Playing in Colfax 🎶
By joining us for Pints & Grooves, you’re doing more than enjoying a free concert—you’re helping us write the next chapter in Colfax’s story. This event is part of a larger movement to breathe new life into our historic downtown, and it only happens because of neighbors, businesses, and visitors who believe in what this little mountain town can become. Want to stay in the loop or support future events like this? Join our mailing list or follow the official event page on Facebook for updates, announcements, and more.

We can’t wait to see you downtown on Saturday, October 4th — bring your lawn chairs, your dancing shoes, and your Colfax spirit. Let’s make it a night to remember.

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