Merced River Fest returns to the Grove House in 2026 on Saturday, April 18 for an evening of celebration and volunteer-raising!
The Upper Merced River Watershed Council is proud to host its fourth annual event featuring the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. The film festival, friend-raiser, and fundraiser combines a series of award-winning environmental and adventure films with the energy of local activism and community stewardship.
SECOND ANNUAL Mariposa YOUTH Film Festival from 2-4pm. FREE, featuring our WILD CHILD program with short films for kids of all ages.
Social Hour from 5-6pm
Wild and Scenic Film Festival from 6-9:30pm + silent auction and door prizes. Tickets on sale SOON (includes free link for VIDEO-ON-DEMAND, good for 7 days to re-watch films).
Can’t make it? You can FEST at HOME with the purchase of a VIDEO-ON-DEMAND ticket, which contains the film fest content viewable from April 18th - 24th.
Proceeds benefit the Upper Merced River Watershed Council.
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- A series of inspiring short films from incredible filmmakers, including the award-winning films from the SECOND ANNUAL Mariposa Youth Film Contest!
- Farm-to-table food and craft beer and wine offerings from The Grove House menu
- Silent auction with high quality, local goods and experiences PLUS door prizes
- Award announcement for the Holly Warner Memorial Watershed Steward Scholarship for a graduating Mariposa County High School senior
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2-4pm - Youth film festival featuring a selection of short films created by national youth filmmakers AND Mariposa County students
5-6pm - Social hour community sharing with the Watershed Council, start of SILENT AUCTION
6-6:15pm - Welcome, speakers + scholarship award
6:30-9:30pm - Wild and Scenic Film Festival (with intermission)
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STUDENTS ON THE RIVER. ”…And the award goes to…” View the four award-winning films created by Mariposa County Youth AND take part in the award ceremony.
“WILD CHILD.” Kids of all ages will enjoy this showing 1-hour showing of inspiring short films either created or inspired by youth.
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TO BE ANNOUNCED
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We invite passionate stewards, individuals, organizations or businesses to contribute by sponsoring the Merced River Fest. Your support helps our organization produce this special event for the enjoyment of local audiences and visitors alike, and will help fund our Scholarship Award for graduating high school seniors. To become a sponsor, or to support in other ways, please email Margarita King at gje.margarita@gmail.com.
At all giving levels, sponsors will receive prominent recognition on all creative marketing including our wide-reaching print, press, and social media material.