Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival
- Dates
- May 16, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- King Gillette Ranch
- Price
- Not announced
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Nov 10, 2026
Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival returns to King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas, CA, May 16, 2027. Froligo tracks ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival is a one-day gathering of old-time, bluegrass, folk song, folk dance and crafts held at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, in the Santa Monica Mountains. The organizer traces it to 1961 and calls it one of the oldest music festivals in Southern California. The next edition is Sunday, May 16, 2027. Musicians compete in categories such as fiddle, traditional banjo, bluegrass banjo, mandolin, flat-picking guitar and ukulele, and a step dance competition sits alongside the music contests. It is run by a volunteer-driven nonprofit.
How it works
The contests start at 9:00 am and the featured performers begin at noon, with jamming running all day across five stages. Alongside the stages are workshops, food trucks, craft beer, artisans, an instrument petting zoo and a children's craft area. Kids 9 and under get basic admission free, excluding contest and VIP tickets. Parking is free, and golf carts and a shuttle cart help guests with mobility needs. Picnics, coolers, blankets and chairs are welcome; outside alcohol and dogs are not.
Who it suits
This suits acoustic music fans, families and players who want to join in. The organizer invites visitors to bring their instruments and sit in with jamming musicians, and the site has a children's craft and instrument petting zoo area. Most ground is grass in a hilly park, so comfortable shoes are advised, and contestants must play acoustic instruments only.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival on Spotify.
Lineup
Getting there
Nearest airport BUR.
How do I get to Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival?
By car
Most people drive to Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival. The nearest major airport is BUR, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
Cost Free. Official event-info page: "PARKING is FREE." A shuttle cart (not a public transit shuttle, an on-site ADA/mobility-assistance cart) runs from the General Parking lot to the Tiny Porch Stage and the Shuttle Stop near the Family Stage, per the same page and matching the live festival record's comfort.ada_note.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at BUR
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
Search car hireCar hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the center of Calabasas. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Mid-range hotels 2
Calabasas, CA
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesWoodland Hills, CA
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesAirport hotels 3
3501 North San Fernando Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates2500 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates7501 North Glenoaks Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91504
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesMore hotels nearby 1
Calabasas, CA (just off US-101)
Link coming soonAirbnb & private camping
General Calabasas/west-San-Fernando-Valley Airbnb inventory is active. The festival is a small one-day family event.
Search AirbnbThis is a single-day event with free onsite parking. Hipcamp does list some Santa Monica Mountains-area properties.
Search HipcampSearch all hotels near King Gillette Ranch
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
What to bring
Entry rules
Accessibility & comfort
What the organizer or venue publishes about getting around, and what they do not.
Confirm your specific needs with the organizer's access team before you travel.
Pricing
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Quick answers
When is Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival 2027?
May 16, 2027
Where is Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival held?
King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas, CA.