Happenings
Make the most of your foothills escape
Event Calendar
Wednesday, November 29th
iona swift
from 9pm
All Original and Acoustic Folk-adelic Soul!
Original songwriting all can enjoy. See you here!
Sunday, May 11
Mother's Day tintype portraits
9am-4pm
One Shot, One Masterpiece
Experience the alchemy of light and shadow as you create a portrait to outlive memory. Tintype portraits aren’t just photos—they’re time capsules. Crafted with the 19th-century wet plate collodion process, each image is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Long exposure captures more than a face; it reveals a soul. Step into the frame and become part of history with artist Kim Smith.
Saturday, August 23
Jazz brunch
12-3pm
Live Jazz, Lola Style
Legendary keyboardist and composer Tommy Coster leads a world-class jazz trio in the heart of the National Bar. Sip a cocktail, savor a brunch plate from Lola, and settle into a groove that blends soul, style, and Nevada City charm.
$20 per person. Brunch sold separately, good vibes included.
Saturday, October 25
drag brunch is back!
Seatings at 11am & 1pm
It’s Giving… at The Nash!
TWO fabulously fun drag shows with top-notch performers from all over the state of California! Brunch food and beverages available for purchase from Lola Dining.
Tickets $30 per person. Tickets sold in a bundle by a 2-top table or a 4-top table.
Sunday, January 25
Winter Tea
2-5pm
A Winter Tea Time, Steeped in History
Settle in upstairs in the Empire Room for an unhurried winter afternoon of exotic teas and handmade delicacies, served with all the charm this old hotel does best. Think warm cups, sweet and savory bites, and the kind of easy conversation that makes January feel a little softer. Chandeliers overhead, history in the walls, and a table that invites you to linger just a touch longer.
January 30 & 31
Polly's Paladar Supper club
Seatings at 5pm and 8pm
High-Low Comfort Food
A one-weekend revival of the chef-driven supper club that helped shape modern Nevada City dining culture. Guest chef Jordan Grosser of San Francisco’s Stag Dining Group and Bend’s Flosa’s Barbecue sets the table for a high low tasting menu (refined technique, familiar comfort) served as a multi course, three hour supper with live music and optional pairings. “Paladar” means “palate,” and nods to the intimate, independent restaurants of Cuba, where the food feels personal and the room feels alive.
February 19-23
wild & scenic film festival
Daily films, workshops and more
Wild Stories, Victorian Nights
For five inspired days, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival fills Nevada City with adventure, awe, and the kind of storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll. Stay in the heart of it at The National Exchange, step out for film sessions, workshops, and Q&As, then come home to Victorian charm and a proper night’s rest between events. Save 20% on any room or suite during the festival run, February 19 to 23, 2026.
March 2026
Wine Fair
date to be determined
Watch This Space!
Dozens of regional vintners descend on The Nash for a full day of tastings, talks, and good old-fashioned wine revelry. Sample bold reds and bright whites alongside gourmet bites from Lola’s Chef Alan and local artisans. The lineup’s shaping up beautifully — more details uncorking soon.
Don’t miss this kick-off event that’s sure to become an annual affair.
Price TBA
Recurring Events
Every Monday
Music Mondays
6-8PM At the National Bar
Where Local Music Happens! Join us in the Nash Bar for a rotating roster of local musicians every Monday.
Every Thursday
Celtic Sessions
5-8pm At the National Bar
Sing and play along to Celtic favorites with local and traveling musicians!
Every Tuesday & Friday
Tommy Coster
Tuesdays 6-9pm & Fridays 7-9pm
Join us twice per week in The National Bar for an eclectic musical mix from the Grammy Award winning musician.
2nd Wednesday of the Month
vinyl + wine
6pm - 9pm
Spin, Sip & Savor
Experience the perfect pairing of vintage vinyl and curated wines. DJ Fossil spins an all-vinyl mix of soul, jazz, funk, and timeless grooves, creating an ambiance that’s both nostalgic and invigorating. Complementing the music, indulge in specially selected wine pairings that resonate with each track’s unique character. Walk-ins are welcome, and wine lovers are especially encouraged.
Join us on the second Wednesday of each month for a harmonious blend of music and flavor.
Every 3rd Wednesday
Drag Queen BIngo!
At the National Bar
Come join Nevada City’s premiere bingo night at the Historic National Exchange Hotel.
Hosted by the most famous drag queens, south-east of the Yuba River. 3 rounds, 3 illustrious prizes. Reserve your ticket today for your chance to win big!
Space is limited and may sell out quickly. Limited tickets at the door are available and subject to change without notice. Participants are encouraged to reserve dinner before 8pm in Lola for full dinner menu.
9-11pm
OCTOBER EVENTS:
Wild West Wednesdays get Wicked!
During the month of October, the mid-week happenings in the National Bar get a little wicked!
“Leather and Lace”
October 5
A Stevie Nicks dance party!
Drag Queen Bingo
October 19
Drag Queens Tye and Cloaca embrace their dark side at Drag Queen Bingo
A Phantom of the Opera Dining Experience
October 26
The evening begins with a 4-course dinner with a screening of the 1920’s Phantom of the
Opera with live musical accompaniment upstairs in the beautiful Empire Room. Dinner
followed by a Phantom themed dance party in The National Bar.
