Jumping Frog Jubilee

A Festival Where Small-Town Pride and Leaping Legends Take Center Stage

2026/05/13 - 2026/05/16

Every May, the historic Gold Rush town of Angels Camp, California, bursts with the lively energy of the Jumping Frog Jubilee. For four days, laughter, the croaking of frogs, and the cheers of thousands fill the air as people of all ages become obsessed with discovering which frog will make the longest leap. Inspired by Mark Twain’s famous story, this festival is a unique celebration of community bonds, tradition, and the simple thrill of a frog’s jump.

The venue is the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, where local families and travelers from all over the U.S. gather. Whether you’re a frog enthusiast or just want to soak up some classic Americana, everyone can enjoy the down-to-earth fun that can only be found here.

Main Attractions

The World-Famous Frog Jump Contest

The heart of the festival is the frog jumping contest, with over 2,000 frogs participating. Kids, adults, and even costumed teams place their chosen frog at the starting line and urge it to leap as far as possible. The crowd holds its breath, then erupts in cheers with each jump. The world record, set in 1986, stands at an incredible 21 feet 5.75 inches (6.54 meters).

Key Events

Beyond the frog jump, the festival features a parade through downtown, a traveling carnival, livestock shows, a destruction derby, live music, and frog-themed costume contests—classic small-town America at its best. Pie-eating contests, craft markets, and a traditional rodeo are also popular highlights.

Costumes and Decorations

Frog hats, green face paint, and unique frog costumes are everywhere. The fairgrounds are decorated with banners, giant frog balloons, and hand-painted signs. Parade floats are adorned with lily pads, gold nuggets (a nod to the Gold Rush), and, of course, the star frogs themselves.

Traditional Food & Drink

The aroma of funnel cakes, kettle corn, barbecue, and corn dogs fills the air. Local favorites like tri-tip sandwiches, lemonade, and homemade pies are also popular. For the adventurous, fried frog legs are on the menu. Classic American fair food meets fresh California flavors.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Jumping Frog Jubilee trace back to Mark Twain’s 1865 short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” which made Angels Camp famous. The first official frog jump contest was held in 1928 to celebrate the paving of Main Street, and the event was such a hit that it soon merged with the county fair in the 1930s. Since then, the festival has become a source of town pride, passing on Twain’s humor and Gold Rush history as a living tradition.

For locals, the festival is a special event handed down through generations. It strengthens community ties, supports charity, and preserves the town’s history and stories.

Participant Voices

“I’ve been coming since I was a kid. The excitement of the frog jump is unbeatable, and I love how the whole town comes together. Watching the kids cheer for their frogs and everyone dressing up in green is the best part.”

“We came from San Francisco just for the frog jump. My daughter entered the contest with her frog, Hopper. He didn’t win, but she was so proud. We loved the funnel cakes and the parade—such a great family memory.”

“It’s the perfect blend of tradition and fun. I talked to a family who’s competed for three generations—they showed me a scrapbook of their frogs and ribbons. For them, it’s not about winning, but about being here every year.”

Fun Facts

Over 2,000 frogs compete each year, with strict safety and care protocols.
The world record jump—21 feet 5.75 inches (6.54 meters)—was set by Rosie the Ribeter in 1986.
Mark Twain’s story is still read aloud at the festival.
Finalist frogs are treated like celebrities, with photo ops and dedicated handlers.