A Perfect Day at the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Festival
(Even if it’s not actually in Topanga)
The Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival has been on my radar for a while, and this year I finally made it. And I’m glad I did—it was a really wonderful day with near-perfect weather, great music, and the kind of welcoming, community vibe that’s hard to come by these days.
🌳 Arrival & Setting
Parking was free in a big dirt lot, and the walk to the festival entrance was short and easy. You’re allowed to bring your own chair and picnic, which I thought was a great touch. I brought a lawn chair and a water bottle, which came in handy thanks to the free water filling stations.
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Even though it’s called the Topanga festival, it’s actually held at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, not Topanga Canyon. Turns out, the festival started in Topanga back in 1961 and kept the name as it moved locations over the years. I’m not complaining though—King Gillette Ranch was a beautiful setting with plenty of room to spread out.
A wide view of the main lawn, festivalgoers in chairs and hats, with green hills and vendor tents in the background.
We dropped our chairs off near the main stage and found a nice shady spot under a big tree, which ended up being a real win as the day warmed up. Some folks brought their own canopies, but they mostly stayed in the back so they didn’t block the view.
🎤 Stage Layout & Performances
There were four stages, each with a different feel:
- The Main Stage was hard to miss—big, open, and home to the headliners.
- The Family Stage was just around the corner, near the food trucks.
- The Music Box Micro Stage was tucked into a little nook near the hill.
- The Tiny Porch Stage was set across the water and had a cozy, acoustic vibe.
A closer shot of the main stage with performers and crowd, capturing the relaxed festival setup.
All the stages had something unique to offer, and the performers on the main stage were excellent across the board. The only act that didn’t quite land for me was one band that played a mix of Latin music and pop covers—it just didn’t match the overall tone of the day. And when I tried to catch a set at the Tiny Porch Stage, the sound from the main stage was so loud I couldn’t hear the band playing right in front of me. Hopefully they tweak the layout or sound setup next year to avoid that issue.
I wasn’t able to catch all of the acts but one caught my attention that I really enjoyed – it was Campbell Antrum who was leading the agenda at the micro stage. He filled in for the infamous missing Bar Jay Bar – the musician who missed his set and never showed up. He was on another stage I guess but now I don’t like the guy. lol.
🎻 A Musician’s Playground
One of the most charming things about this festival was how many people were just standing around playing music. Everywhere I turned, there were fiddles, banjos, guitars, upright basses—small jam circles popping up under trees and pop-ups. I seriously wish I played something so I could’ve jumped in. Everyone looked like they were having a great time.
A group of musicians jamming under a blue canopy tent, totally immersed in their music.
The festival had a strong local feel to it—my guess is a lot of the attendees and performers were from the LA/Ventura area. It felt like a tight-knit community, but totally open and inviting.
🍴 Food, Drinks & Vendors
If you didn’t pack a picnic, there were some decent food truck options. I had brisket on mac & cheese for $22. It looked great, but there wasn’t much meat, and the mac tasted like Kraft. Later, I grabbed an $8 ice cream cone, which definitely hit the spot in the afternoon sun.
Festival scene with food vendors, people in line, and the main stage in action.
They also had alcohol available from Cornell Winery (which I love) and Project Barley, so if you’re into wine or craft beer, there were options. And for browsing between sets, there were vendor booths selling vintage goods, trinkets, and crafts—plenty to explore.
🎟️ Tickets & Who It’s For
I got my ticket with the early bird discount—$50 per person. I think they were $65 at the door. There were premium ticket options too, but I didn’t spring for those. I did notice a roped-off area at the top of the hill near the main stage with security, which I assume was the VIP section. Maybe I’ll check that out next year.
One thing I was a little confused about at first…was whether this festival was mainly for musicians. It’s in the name—contest—and there were competitions from 9 AM to noon. But once I got there, I realized it’s totally welcoming to non-musicians too. Whether you’re playing or just listening, there’s a place for you.
✅ Final Takeaway
In the end, this was a day well spent. Great music, great people, a beautiful setting, and the kind of easy-going energy that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a banjo-picker, a fiddle player, or just someone who appreciates good music under the trees, I’d definitely recommend checking it out.
Official website: Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival
Festival Reviews 
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