Start Summer Off Right With Memorial Day Fun In Bishop

Although the meteorological start of summer is June 21^st, we all know the official start is Memorial Day. Let’s start the season off right. To help, we’ve put together a list of fun and exciting things to do in Bishop over the long weekend. Combined with our big backyard to play in, we can guarantee you’ll make memories that last a lifetime. QUICK TIP: Make sure you book your downtown Bishop lodging soon, as hotels sell out!

Mule Days

It all started more than half a century ago. Originally a warm send-off for the local packers and outfitters moving supplies into the Eastern Sierra for summer activities. The event has grown to where more than 30,000 fans show up to send them off. The six-day event hosted on the Tri-County Fairgrounds is a sight to behold. Featuring fourteen events from equestrian disciplines like gymkhana to a parade along Main Street that’s believed to be the country’s longest non-motorized parade. There’s a lot to see and do! Here’s 5 things to know about Bishop’s Mule Days to make sure you have the best time.

As the Mule Days motto goes, “Anything a good horse can do, a good mule can do better.”

For those that want to combine Mule Days for a longer trip or just a bigger variety of fun in our big backyard, be sure to read our article – Pick Your Path In Bishop California.

Kids Can Try Their Hand At Being Packers TOO!

The true core of Mule Days started to showcase the legacy, heritage, and talents of the mule. And as such, the Youth Committee of Mule Days gives children the opportunity to see what it’s like to take a mule on a pack trip and even become a packer! For the youngest packers to-be, you’ll find events such as stick mule rodeos. Young packers between the ages of 10-15 head to the main arena for competitions on packing their mules or setting up camps.

Where To Start

Stop by the “I Want To Be A Packer” booth to get connected to all the events. The Junior Packer arena will be the central location for all activities.

Arts & Crafts Show

No matter how you look at it, landscapes inspire. Be it an activity like climbing or something artistic like painting. The region surrounding Bishop has inspired past and current artists to create things like the open Goldwell Open Air Museum in Rhyolite. On Memorial Day weekend, you have a chance to see that art matters in Bishop at the four-day Arts & Crafts Show in the City Park. You’ll find more than a HUNDRED artists selling photography, jewelry, sculptures, and more all sparked by the mountains, rivers, and features within Bishop’s big backyard.

As more than 700 mules take over our small town of Bishop, this is your chance to see why these animals are still the most resourceful way to travel through the steep and rugged Eastern Sierra… and of course have some fun too.