Questions, answered.

Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Mariposa, California. Gates open at 9:00 AM. The event runs through the 200-drone light show at approximately 9:00 PM.

The event is free and open to all. Food, drinks, and items from vendor booths are sold individually. The event is funded by sponsors and community supporters — tax-deductible contributions welcome through the Mariposa Butterfly Festival 501(c)(3).

Mariposa 250 is our community's local celebration aligned with America's 250th birthday. It's a Mariposa County event produced by the Mariposa Butterfly Festival in partnership with Mariposa County government, and is independent of but aligned with the national America 250 commemoration.

We're actively recruiting volunteers for every aspect of the event — setup, parking, info booth, stage crew, first aid, and more. Visit the Volunteer page to sign up. Businesses can also sponsor at tiers starting at $250.

Designated parking areas will be announced closer to the event. Expect limited downtown parking due to road closures — plan to arrive early or use designated lots.

Yes. Several downtown streets will be closed throughout the day. A detailed road closure advisory will be published approximately one week before the event at the Day-Of Info page and in the Mariposa Gazette.

Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome in outdoor areas. For the comfort of your pet, please consider that temperatures may reach 95–105°F, crowds will be dense (especially during the drone show), and the drone show itself may startle animals. Service animals are always welcome throughout.

Yes — multiple food vendors and food trucks across both vendor areas. Beer and wine will be available at permitted locations; bringing outside alcohol is not permitted.

Yes. ADA parking is designated near the main event area, and downtown Mariposa is largely flat. Golf cart shuttle service is available throughout the event for those who need assistance getting between zones — just flag down a driver or ask at the Info Booth.

Yes. Accessible portable restrooms will be placed at multiple locations, marked on the event map.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately, then notify event staff. For non-emergency medical needs, locate any of three first aid booths — marked on the event map and at the Info Booth. Staff and volunteers throughout the event are equipped with radios to summon help.

July temperatures in Mariposa routinely reach 95–105°F. Water stations will be available throughout the event. Bring a refillable water bottle, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in shaded areas. Watch for heat exhaustion symptoms — dizziness, nausea, headache — and visit a First Aid booth if you feel unwell.

Mariposa is in the Sierra foothills, where July wildfire risk is extreme. A choreographed 200-drone light show provides a spectacular visual celebration without the fire risk of traditional pyrotechnics. It's also quieter, reducing stress on pets, children, veterans sensitive to loud noises, and wildlife.

Yes — the Kids Zone features crafts, face painting, games, and activities throughout the day. All Kids Zone staff are background-checked.

The Info Booth is the official Lost Child meeting point. Volunteers throughout the event are trained to walk a lost child directly to the Info Booth — never send a child alone. Make a plan with your family before you arrive: if separated, meet at the Info Booth.