Donna Elliot
Art Alliance of Idyllwild Publicity

What does October in Idyllwild offer?

First of all, prismatic autumn colors with hues of red, yellow and gold, celestial symphonic breezes through our shady forests, fresh mountain air, stunning scenery and adventure on our trails and rocks.

Secondly, on Saturday, Oct. 9, the Art Alliance of Idyllwild celebrates its 23rd annual Art Walk and Wine Tasting event. Share in the magic that takes art and wine to new heights, actually to a height of 5,413 feet in elevation, as our mile-high mountain community welcomes up to 1,000 art and wine lovers.

We feature 17 of California’s wineries with tastings of their award-winning wines at pouring stations from one end of town to the other.

Start your Idyllwild adventure at 11 a.m. by visiting art galleries and artist booths. Idyllwild has been inspiring artists for decades. Its natural beauty and serenity stimulate the flow of creativity.

Admire their work and take home an original masterpiece to grace your home. Our artists offer something to everyone’s taste: paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, photographs, furniture, sculptures, hand-painted wine glasses, assemblage art, books, greeting cards and so much more. Get your Christmas shopping done early.

With azure skies, painted deer sculptures and the scent of pine, Idyllwild provides the perfect setting to enjoy live music and wine at the pouring stations throughout town from 2 to 5 p.m. Nibble on cheese, crackers and grapes along the way.

We can boast that our local musicians are world class, and provide a talented range of styles and genres. We offer free shuttles and maps so you may experience all the event has to offer.

Why not make a weekend of it? Stay at one of our inns or vacation rentals, delight in gourmet dishes at our restaurants and seek out unique gifts at our boutique shops. With family and pet-friendly trails, you’ll want to experience nature firsthand and relish the scenic, friendly community that is Idyllwild.

AAI’s website has a list of Patron Inns who look forward to welcoming you to Idyllwild. You may also get information on the featured wineries at this year’s event.

Early-bird tickets are $30 per person for AAI members and groups of 15 or more; general public tickets are $35 each. After Wednesday, Sept. 15, prices increase to $35 per person for AAI members and groups of 15-plus and $40 for general admission. Any tickets left on event day are $50 per person.

Tickets are available at the AAI Gallery & Visitors Center at 26364 Saunders Meadow Road from 1 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, or visit artinidyllwild.org for online purchasing.

It takes a host of volunteers to stage this event. If you have the time and wish to take part in the fun for a few hours (2 to 5 p.m.), why not volunteer? Contact [email protected] for details.