Welcome to Calico Ghost Town’s Annual Calico Days Celebration
Celebrating the rich history of California’s Silver Rush, Calico Ghost Town events are held to commemorate its mining past and historical significance. Calico Days is a weekend experience revisiting life in the Old West during the 1800s. We line up gunfighting shows and musical entertainment along with other festivities, including a miner’s triathlon, burro race, costume contest, pie-eating contest and loads of activities for the kiddos.
Do you have what it takes to be a miner?
Calico Days Competitions
Miners Triathlon
What is the Miner’s Triathlon Competition?
The Miner’s Triathlon is a three-part contest testing strength and ability for both men and women to experience what was needed to be a Calico Town miner.
On Saturday, Sept. 27 only!
- Station #1: Rock Pulling begins at 1 p.m. the Livery Stage. Participants have 60 seconds to roll a large oversize boulder the farthest distance.
- Station #2: Muck Raking begins at 2 p.m. across from the Mystery Shack. Participants have 60 seconds to shovel as much gravel into the ore cart as possible.
- Station #3: Cliffhanger on the Livery Stage begins at 3 p.m. Participants will compete against each other in the tug-a-war style event.
- Participants must sign a waiver.
- Men and women’s category competitions.
- Sign-ups for the annual Miner’s Triathlon begins at 10 a.m. in front of the Parks’ office (located next to the Visitor’s Center on the left-hand side as you walk into town) – 18 YRS or OLDER ONLY!
Bucket Brigade
Want to participate in a great team building exercise?
Want to boost your employee morale at your office or just want to have some plain ole FUN!
Calico Ghost Town invites your organization to participate in the Bucket Brigade during Calico Days.
Form a team of six (6) individuals and compete in a good ol’ fashion Bucket Brigade for bragging rights and public recognition for an entire year.
- Participants will be asked to complete a “Release of Liability” Form prior to start of event.
- Winning team will win ribbons for all team members and recognition on Calico Ghost Town and Regional Park social media.
- Limit: first five (5) teams. If more than five (5) teams register, a raffle will occur to choose the competing teams.
Bucket Brigade Time
- Saturday, Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. in front of the Main Street Stage.
Burro Run
Do you have what it takes to be a Silver Miner in the 1800s?
Put your skills to the test via our Burro Run. The entry fee is $10 per participant.
On Sunday, Sept. 28 only!
Ten (10) contestants will each guide their own live burro through Calico Ghost Town and experience what it takes to mine silver.
You will stake your claim, find your silver and exchange it for your riches. Compete to be the first three (3) contestants to finish the race with your Burro in-hand.
Sign Up & Race Time
- 11:15 a.m. at the Main Street Stage
- 11:30 a.m. the race begins at the Main Street Stage
Prizes
Winners will receive cash prizes and a trophy to show off as the 2023 Burro Run Winner!
- First Place: $50
- Second Place: $30
- Third Place: $20
Costume Contest
Enjoy Portraying characters from the 1800s?
Want to dress up as your favorites historical character from the Old Wild West? Calico Ghost Town wants you to participate in the annual costume contest during Calico Days.
Click on the Sign Up link to register for the costume contest online. Same day registration will be done onsite before the contest.
See guidelines regarding costume categories, the period dates and the use of firearms with costume.
Awards
Ribbons will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in each division. Awards ceremony will follow the contest.
Must be pre-registered for the costume contest.
Costume Contest is Saturday, Sept. 27 only!
- 11 a.m. at the Main Street Stage
Activities & Entertainment
Games & Contests
Strike up some competition by entering in one of our games or contests. There is something for the entire family to enjoy.
Games include:
- Silver Coin Guessing Contest
- Saturday & Sunday
- Egg Toss Contest
- Saturday & Sunday
- Frying Pan Toss Contest
- Saturday & Sunday
- Bubble Gum Blowing Contest
- Saturday & Sunday
- Beard & Mustache Contest
- Saturday & Sunday
- 1800s-Period Costume Contest
- Saturday only
- Sing for a Pie Competition
- Saturday & Sunday
- Pie Eating Contest
- Sunday & Sunday
- Triathlon Competition
- Saturday only
- Bucket Brigade Competition
- Saturday only
- Burro Run Competition
- Sunday only
- Lil’ Buckaroos Burro Run Contest
- Sunday only
Live Bands
Above, The Storytellers performing onstage.
Listen to live music while strolling through town. Musical performances include:
Saturday & Sunday:
- Lilies of the West
- The Storytelllers
- Blue Henry’s
- J Birds
- Mojave County Band
- Orange Town Revival
- The Mockingbirds
- The Blacksmith Boys
- The Billhillyz
- Terry Wayne Project

Classroom Sessions
Experience a real 1880s classroom and history lessons miner children learned. Calico was home to many children and teachers. Space is limited to the first 20 people each session.
Saturday & Sunday
School House (top of town)
- 11 a.m.
- 1:15 p.m.
- 2:45 p.m.
Victorian Muse Theatre
Experience living history with Victorian theater performances by Oddessa Red in the Town Hall. Each day will focus on two different living history performances and demonstrations.
Saturday
The Mysterious life of Sarah Winchester
- 11:45 a.m.
- 2 p.m.
Sunday
Yesteryear Household Items
- 10:30 a.m.
- 2 p.m.
Pico Pistolero's Snake Pit of Scoundrels
BEWARE! This card room is only fit for scoundrels and shady characters running confidence card table games and street games tricking unsuspecting players all across Calico Ghost Town! The Bunco Gang is reportedly hanging out in the Visitor’s Center as you enter town.
Saturday & Sunday
Visitor’s Center (by town entrance)
- All day
Calico Gunfighters

Calico Mountain Volunteer Gunfighters.
Did someone say pie?
Calico Days Pie Eating Contest
Calico Ghost Town Regional Park
36600 Ghost Town Road
Yermo, CA 92398
760.254.1123
Admission Prices
Adults (12 & over): $10
Youth (ages 4-11): $5
Ages 3 and under: Free admission
Calico Attraction Prices
www.calicoattractions.com/attractions
Calico Days Camping
Four (4) tickets are included with camping reservations.
Visit www.sbcountyparks.com to make a reservation.
Event Contact
Dominique Hernandez, Recreation Coordinator
email: dominique.hernandez@parks.sbcounty.gov
phone: 909.387.2410










