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.
Calico Days Contests

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. 23 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 1:45 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 2:30 p.m. Participants will compete against each other in a tug-a-war style event.
- Participants must sign a waiver.
- Men and women’s category competitions.
- Sign-ups for the annual Miner’s Triathlon is next to the Popcorn Wagon (see map) at the top of town at 12:45 p.m.- 18 YRS or OLDER ONLY!

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. 23 at 4 p.m. in front of the Main Street Stage.

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. 24 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

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. 23 only!
- 11 a.m. at the Main Street Stage

The Storytellers is a prominent progressive bluegrass band that has established itself as a creative force in the Southern California Roots music scene. They draw from the rich canon of traditional bluegrass, country blues, old time and folk music as a basis for inspired improvisations and intrepid vocal harmonies.
Saturday & Sunday
Main Street Stage
- 2:30 p.m.
- 3:15 p.m.

The Blue Henrys were formed in 2003 by guitarist-vocalist, Henry Merenda. Known for putting their own spin on Chicago-style blues, they’ve been a fixture on the High Desert blues scene, performing at numerous festivals including the New Blues Festival in both Long Beach and Adelanto. The long list of greats The Blue Henrys have shared the stage with include Rod Piazza And The Mighty Fliers; Junior Watson, Rick Holmstrom, Philip Sayce, Canned Heat, Taj Mahal, and countless others.
Saturday
Main Street Stage
- 10 a.m.
- 12 p.m.
- 1 p.m.
Sunday
- 10:30 a.m.
- 12 p.m.
- 1 p.m.

A comedic flair on good music and style! Consisting of a Banjo, guitar, a wash-tub bass, and a vocal prodigy.
Saturday & Sunday
Calico House Restaurant (front porch)
- 2 p.m.
- 4 p.m.

A musical act based in Southern California, featuring Brother Tom and Sister Dee, who perform American folk and popular classics.
Saturday
Beer Garden
- 12:30 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m.
- 2:30 p.m.
Sunday
Beer Garden
- 12:30 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m.

Learn how to scrub along on a washboard with the beat of the music with the Billhillyz.
Saturday & Sunday
Old West Encampment (dirt lot)
- 12:30 p.m.
- 1 p.m.
- 3:30 p.m.

Want to experience what living during the 1800s was like?
Located across from the Calico House Restaurant, experience life in the 1800s with hands-on demonstrations and historical lectures.
Check out an authentic covered wagon, learn how to make an adobe brick house, enjoy flint and rope-making demos and more.
Fun for all ages.

This delicious sit-down buffet dinner is hosted annually by the Calico House Restaurant to honor and celebrate those special individuals who have entered into the Calico Ghost Town Hall of Fame.
This is a private invitation only event.
Traditional Gunfighter Groups (entertainment purposes only)
Facebook Page
Website
Facebook Page
Did someone say pie?
Read Pie-Eating Contest Waiver
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 Days Camping
Four (4) tickets are included with camping reservations.
Visit www.sbcountyparks.com to make a reservation.
Event Contact
Heather Placencia
email: events@parks.sbcounty.gov
phone: 909.387.2461