Independence and Big Pine aren’t destinations built around large festivals and packed event calendars.
People come here for the mountains, fishing, hiking, camping, and the slower pace of life that still defines much of the Owens Valley.
That said, a few community traditions continue to bring people together year after year.
Independence
Manzanar Pilgrimage
Held each spring at Manzanar National Historic Site, the pilgrimage commemorates the more than 10,000 Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated at Manzanar during World War II. The event includes speakers, cultural performances, educational programs, and opportunities for reflection and remembrance.
What began as a grassroots gathering has become an internationally recognized event dedicated to preserving history and ensuring the lessons of Manzanar are never forgotten.
Independence Day Celebration
If there’s one event that defines Independence, it’s the Fourth of July.
The day begins with a parade through downtown as families line Main Street with lawn chairs and coolers. The celebration continues at Dehy Park with arts and crafts vendors, community events, live music, and family activities.
One of the highlights is the annual Deep-Pit BBQ, a longstanding tradition that draws residents, former locals, and visitors from throughout the Owens Valley.
If you’re lucky, the historic Slim Princess locomotive will be running at the Independence train yard, offering rides and a reminder of the railroad history that helped shape the region.
As evening settles over the valley, the celebration shifts toward the airport for one of the largest fireworks displays in the Owens Valley.
For many families, it’s less of an event and more of a reunion.
Independence Fruit Cake Festival
Held each December, the Independence Fruit Cake Festival combines holiday spirit, community gatherings, baked goods, contests, and small-town humor.
It’s quirky, uniquely Independence, and a reminder that not every community celebration needs to take itself too seriously.
Fishmas
The Eastern Sierra fishing opener is a major weekend throughout the Owens Valley.
Known locally as Fishmas, opening day brings anglers to nearby creeks, lakes, and reservoirs while campgrounds and local businesses fill with visitors eager to kick off another fishing season.
Big Pine
Big Pine isn’t known for major annual festivals.
The community’s identity is tied more closely to outdoor recreation than organized events. Most visitors arrive to hike Big Pine Lakes, explore the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, fish local waters, or camp beneath the Sierra Nevada.
Throughout the year, you’ll find community gatherings, school events, holiday celebrations, and occasional activities hosted by local organizations, but the mountains remain the headline attraction.
And honestly, that’s part of what many people appreciate about Big Pine.
