Special Events

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

 
Event DateNameTypeImpacted LocationsTime# of ParticipantsClosuresEvent Websites and Maps
7/25 Folsom Swim Run Duathlon Black Miners Bar; American River Bike Trail; South Lake Natoma Bike Path 8:00am-11:00am 100 None https://totalbodyfitness.com/site/races/
8/22 Granite Bay Triathlon Triathlon Granite Bay Main Beach 8am-12pm 120 North Granite Rd. https://totalbodyfitness.com/site/races/
8/23 Good Dirty Dog Run Granite Bay Main Beach 8am-11am 100 None https://totalbodyfitness.com/site/races/
911 - 9/13 Paddle Splash Paddling Black Miners Bar 8:00am-1:00pm 150 None N/A
9/12 Gravel X Triathlon Triathlon Granite Bay Main Beach 8:00am-12pm 100 North Granite Rd. https://totalbodyfitness.com/site/races/
9/19 Gold Rush Growler Run & MTB Granite Bay Main Beach 8am-3pm 200 North Granite Rd. https://totalbodyfitness.com/site/races/
9/26 Health & Wellness Event Wellness
Activities		 Black Miners Bar 8am-2:30pm 300 None N/A
10/8 - 10/11 Golden State Stunt Championships Control Line
Precision Aerobatic		 Granite Bay Stage 3 All Day 30 Stage 3 Boat Ramp https://www.modelaircraft.org/
10/10 Granite Head Trails & Ales Run Granite Bay Main Beach 7:30am-11am 600 North Granite Rd. https://granitehead.com/
10/17 Electricity Fair Festival Folsom Powerhouse All Day 500 None N/A
10/17 Witches on the Lake Paddling Black Miners Bar; Lake
Natoma		 4:00pm-7:00pm 1000 None https://childcancer.org/witchesonthelake2026/
10/23 - 10/24 Head of the American Rowing Nimbus Flat; Lake Natoma All Day 1800 Nimbus Flat; Lake Natoma from Nimbus Flat to
Folsom Crossing		 https://www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com/special-event/head-american-regatta
10/23 - 10/25 NorCal Backyard Ultra Run Beals Point All Day 150 None https://www.badluckrunclub.com/the-backyard
7-Nov - 8-Nov Rio Del Lago Run Lake Natoma Park Units;
Beals Point, Granite Bay, Rattlesnake Bar		 All Day 375 None https://www.rio100mile.com/
11/8 Run the Parkway Run Lake Natoma Park Units; American River Bike Trail; South Lake Natoma Bike Path 6:30am-12:30pm 1300 American River Bike Trail; South Lake Natoma Bike Path https://runsra.org/run-the-parkway/