Enjoying Outside! - Visit the Capay Valley Almond Festival!

Kristie Ehrhardt • February 11, 2026

The Capay Valley Almond Festival has been a regional tradition since 1915. It showcases the Esparto/Capay Valley region and was originally held in the fall after the almond harvest was complete. Years later it was rescheduled to occur on the last Sunday in February to celebrate the almond trees while in blossom. The Almond Festival is the only local celebration that not only incorporates the dazzling landscape but it also honors five Capay Valley towns: Esparto, Capay, Brooks, Guinda and Rumsey. The 21-mile route along Highway 16 covers each town, offering their own unique ambiance and activities all while celebrating the almond bloom in Yolo County. You will also find local crafts, family fun, delicious food and other entertainment at each location. 


A bit about California’s almond history!


Much like the European Starling’s initial introduction into the United States, the first attempt at almond production in California was not as glorious as anticipated. Almond trees were first planted in California as early as 1853 using European varieties that were not adapted for our climate conditions. Most of these subpar trees were either converted into other fruit trees or used for firewood. Even though the inaugural attempt wasn’t fruitful (haha, get it?), lessons were learned about cross pollination and where to plant the next go-around. Science happened and by the 1880’s other varieties were being cultivated and during the Citrus Fair in 1886, the two varieties that are still grown today were introduced.  By the 1900’s cross pollination tactics advanced and were in place and our commercial production was on its way. This combined with the fact that almond trees were productive in soils that were too sandy for other fruit trees and could be prolific without the use of much artificial water, the crop finally seemed to be destined for success. During the twenty year span between the mid 1960’s and the mid 1980’s, irrigation methods advanced and became more available to land in the San Joaquin Valley, which held ideal conditions for almond production, creating a booming industry that still remains today. In 2020, 1.25 million acres of California were in almond production. We yield 2.8 BILLION (!) pounds of almonds which provides 100% of the United States commercial supply and over 80% of the world’s demand. Almonds are in the top five most valuable California exports bringing in almost five billion dollars. 

Almond farming does have some drawbacks though. The water usage, especially during drought conditions, combined with the waste from almond husks and shells have caused a decline in production over the past few years. But again science is happening and the waste products are being used as livestock feed and bedding as well as in cogeneration plants. Alternative uses are constantly being explored such as using processed almond waste to help maintain lower temperatures in rubber plane and vehicle tires. 


This year will mark the 111th festival and the newly crowned Almond Queen will be showcased the evening before at the revival of the Esparto “Music in the Park” event. The Almond Festival will feature a beer garden at the Esparto fire station, book sale at the library, car show, Future Farmers of America breakfast at Esparto High School, food trucks, live music from several different bands, local vendors  and wine tasting. If you’re craving some good food, family fun and would like to commemorate a regional labor of love, mark your calendars for February 22, 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 


See you up in the Valley!

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