Event Details
The Call of the Wild Festival, a fun-filled community celebration presented by Jack London Park Partners, returns to Jack London State Historic Park on Sunday, May 17, 2026. This lively event invites local families, visitors, and community partners to enjoy a memorable day of live music, delicious food, guided hikes and tours, children’s art activities, craft demonstrations, and tractor-pulled hayrides.
This is the fifth annual Call of the Wild community event at the park.It’s also part of a yearlong celebration of Jack London’s 150th birthday (born January 12, 1876).Complimentary birthday treats will be served at the Birthday Booth at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Park admission (normally $10 per vehicle for up to nine passengers) will be free that day.
A free Family and Friends Hike, (normally $10 per person) will be offered at 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The guided hike will pass through the canopy of redwoods and mixed evergreens on the way to London Lake, with an option to continue to the majestic Ancient Redwood, estimated to be between 1,800-2,000 years old. This is a moderate hike of approximately 3.5 miles round trip with some elevation gain. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and snacks, and dress in layers. Dogs are not allowed on backcountry trails.
Reservations for the Family and Friends Hike are required and can be made at https://jacklondonpark.com/events/family-hike-2026/.
A full day of family-friendly activities, plus tasty foods and drinks are planned:
11 a.m. and 1 p.m.Guided tours to the Wolf House
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.Jack London Treasure Map art project with ArtEscape
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.Face painting with ArtEscape
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.Country musician Tommy Thomsen will perform live in the Winery ruins, courtesy of Music in Place.
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.Beauty Ranch Bingo & The Adventure Quest Passport
Pick up a Beauty Ranch Bingo card or an Adventure Quest Passport and let it guide you through Jack London’s inspiring history, agriculture, and innovation. Complete a card or passport quest to receive a prize.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.Blacksmith demonstration in front of the Distillery building.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.Tractor-pulled hayrides around the Beauty Ranch.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.Additional kid-friendly games and crafts in the Winery Ruins.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.Tri Tip Trolley will serve savory favorites and comfort food classics
11 a.m.-3 p.m.Kona Ice.Cool off with a refreshing cup of tropical shaved ice in the spirit of Jack London’s adventures in the South Seas.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.Treat yourself to a crisp, natural cider with Tilted Shed Ciderworks.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Storytelling in the House of Happy Walls Museum.Brandon Spars will share stories from “Tales of the Fish Patrol,” inspired by Jack London’s experiences as a teenager on the San Francisco Bay in the early 1890s.
Spars is an educator, author, and accomplished storyteller who weaves together ancient history and narrative, with four published books, a TEDx talk, and performances at renowned storytelling festivals, including the National Storytelling Festival.
1 p.m. Guided tour of Jack London’s Beauty Ranch
The Call of the Wild Festival is supported by the City of Sonoma with funding from the City’s Recreation and Community Services Program.