Special Events Update March 13, 2026

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (FLSRA) is a special park due to its diverse recreational opportunities, and in recent years has become an increasingly popular destination in the region. Based on high visitation (approximately 6.1 million annual visitors) regularly causing park unit closures, coupled with the high volume and demand for special events, our ability to reasonably host events over the next several months has reached or exceeded capacity.

FLSRA must adapt to these trends and modify the current approach to the special event program. We are no longer accepting special event permit applications for new event requests occurring before June 1st, 2026. From June 1st - Labor Day 2026 (peak season), low impact events will be approved based on their effects on park operations. We understand that this may eliminate plans to host an event in the park, however this is a necessary step to address the impacts of increased demand on park resources, staff constraints, and the visitor use experience in order to maintain a sustainable program. Special Event applications for event dates after Labor Day may be submitted no less than 90 days in advance of the event date.

Special Event Permit requests may be submitted one year prior to the event date and not less than 90 days from the date of the event, no exceptions. Please be aware that this application submittal deadline is subject to change, and we recommend regularly checking the Special Event webpage for updates. To obtain a Folsom Lake State Recreation Special Event permit, please contact the Special Event Coordinator to discuss the feasibility of the event for contingent approval. Must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

Folsom Lake Special Events Coordinator
7755 Folsom-Auburn Road
Folsom, CA 95630
specialevents.folsomlakesra@parks.ca.gov

Office of the State Fire Marshal – Special Event Permit Requirement

Please be aware a separate Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) special event permit may be required based on the nature of the event and the equipment used. Fire and life safety requirements may be applicable to any exhibit space, booth, trailer, generator, or tent that is to be used as a part of a special event. Effective May 1st, applicants are responsible for obtaining an OSFM special event permit or providing documentation to FLSRA verifying that an OSFM special event permit is not needed for their event, including FLSRA contact information in the OSFM special event permit application, and all associated fees with the permit. The State Fire Marshall will conduct inspections of events on a randomly selected basis.  The fees for these inspections are minimum of $960 and are also the responsibility of the event promoter.

Additional information regarding State Fire Marshall regulations and requirements can be found on the Special Events dropdown menu on this webpage. Office of the State Fire Marshal – Special Events


Film Permits are arranged on an individual basis through the California Film Commission.
For additional information please call (323) 860-2960


 

2026 Calendar

 

Up Coming 2026 Events

Event DateNameTypeImpacted LocationsTime# of ParticipantsClosuresEvent Website

6/13

Powerfest

Festival

Folsom Powerhouse SHP

3:00pm-9:00pm

500

None

https://folsompowerhouse.org/

6/27

Juneteenth Festival

Festival

Black Miners Bar

All Day

500

None

https://juneteenthfolsom.org

6/28

Orienteering Meet

Navigation

Mississippi

9:00am-2:00pm

80

None

https://www.goldcountryorienteers.org/schedule.html

7/4

Firecraker Run

Run

South Lake Natoma Bike Path

:30am-9:30am

600

None

https://changeofpace.com/event/folsom-firecracker/

7/11

Thule Boat Races

Rowing

Rock Beach

9:00am-4:00pm

300

None

N/A

7/25

Folsom Swim Run

Duathlon

Black Miners Bar, Lake Natoma Bike Path

8:00am-11:00am

100

None

https://totalbodyfitness.com/site/race/folsom-swim-run-2026/

 

Prior 2026 Events

Event DateNameTypeImpacted LocationsTime# of ParticipantsClosuresEvent Website

4/24-4/26

WIRA Championship

Rowing

Nimbus Flat

 

1200

Nimbus Flat

https://www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com/special-events

4/25

Dragon Boat Festival

Rowing

Black Miners Bar

 

500

None

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/dragonboat2026/

4/25-4/26

Camellia Cup Regatta

Sailing

Brown’s Ravine

 

60

None

N/A

4/30-May 3

Southwest Youth Championship

Rowing

Nimbus Flat

 

2000

Nimbus Flat

https://www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com/special-events

5/2

Folsom Lake Trail Run

Run

Folsom Pt. Picnic Area, Browns Ravine Trail

 

350

None

https://insidetrail.com/calendar/folsom-lake-trail-run/

5/2

PedalQuest

Cycle

Lake Natoma Bike Trail

 

100

None

https://www.clippedinforlife.org/our-events/folsom-pedal-quest/

5/3

CA State Officers Trail Ride

Equestrian

Granite Bay Horse Assembly, North Granite Area

 

60

Granite Bay Horse Assembly

N/A

5/3

Walk MS

Run/Walk

Black Miners Bar

 

400

None

https://events.nationalmssociety.org/2638             

5/9

Folsom Lake International Triathlon

Triathlon

Granite Main Beach, North Granite Area, South Granite Area

 

300

North Granite Road

https://totalbodyfitness.com/site/races/

5/10

Folsom Lake Sprint & Super Sprint Triathlons

Triathlon

Granite Main Beach, North Granite Area, South Granite Area

 

150

North Granite Road

https://totalbodyfitness.com/site/races/

5/14-5/17

WCC/GNAC/MPSF Championships

Rowing

Nimbus Flat

 

250

Nimbus Flat

https://www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com/special-events

5/17

Rescue Animal Festival

Festival

Black Miners Bar

 

200

None

https://folfan.org/

5/27-5/31

IRA Championship

Rowing

Nimbus Flat

 

1200

Nimbus Flat

https://www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com/special-events

6/6

Motherlode Epic

Mountain Bike

Darrington Trail System, Peninsula, Beals Pt.

 

300

None

https://www.clippedinforlife.org/our-events/mother-lode-epic/

6/6

Lake Natoma Trail Run

Run

Mississippi Bar

 

250

None

https://www.forpd.org/422/Lake-Natoma-Trail-Run