Communities along Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway host a wide array of public events and activities from music, theatres, galleries, wineries, outdoor recreation opportunities, to folk art and craft festivals. The community spirit or "mountain attitude" of the area is about taking a relaxed pace where one can linger longer to enjoy themselves. The traveler has a unique opportunity to pursue a varied roster of activities throughout the year.

Winter brings many recreational opportunities as well as holiday festivals and bazaars. Bear Valley Ski Resort offers a package of special events, including a Telemark Festival and Torchlight Parade. For the naturalist, the Audubon Society hosts a Christmas Bird Count. Of course there are numerous opportunities for playing in the snow; from skiing and sledding to snowmobiling. Those that prefer the warmth and comfort indoors can visit one of the many local art galleries that often host the work of local artists. Of course, food fare can be enjoyed year round, however, set against the snow-blanketed landscape, wine, cheese and gourmet food festivals are delicious on the stomach and the eyes.

Spring brings an array of color to the foothills and high Sierra, from shoots of new green grasses and bursts of wildflowers to the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Arnold with colorful eggs and excited children scrambling to get their loot. The annual Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at the top of a ski run at Bear Valley Ski Resort is a breathtaking way to meditate and seek spirituality.

Fair season starts early with the Jumping Frog Jubilee & county fair in Angles Camp scheduled in May. The fair is named for the legendary Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain, and provides a atmosphere that matches the book. Although located just a few miles from the official byway it's a "must see" for the byway traveler. Additionally, spring is a time for the Arnold Craft and Flea Market.

Summers are full of music and outdoor events. Many concerts and theater productions take place under the sun or stars. Days are mild in the higher elevations providing a comfortable escape from the valley and foothill heat. The Calaveras Arts Council presents a free program of "Music in the Parks", which is a series of weekly concerts. In Arnold, the month of June brings the annual Fathers Day Fishing Derby and also the Annual Quilt Faire. July in Arnold begins with the Independence Day Parade and Annual Crafts Faire. Big Trees State Park is a cool retreat from the lower elevation, and the park holds its annual “Celebration of the Sequoias” and “Big Trees Family Day” during the summer season. At the end of the month and into August, the annual Bear Valley Music Festival has been Alpine Counties most popular music attraction. This event is held under a big tent and offers excellent classical, jazz and popular music performed by headline entertainers.

Summer is the season for travelers to get out of their cars and stretch their legs. Many hikes and interpretive walks are scheduled through the State Park, U.S. Forest Service, The Sierra Club, and the California Native Plant Society. The more adventurous can don a backpack and navigate through one of the Wilderness areas that flank the byway or camp in one of the many campgrounds within the scenic corridor.

Fall brings to the area a quite and relaxed season where visitors enjoy a change in color, temperature, and pace. The annual Labor Day Flea Market and Logging Jamboree in Arnold certainly highlights the areas past and presence as a logging community. Or one could seek a bargain at the annual Bear Valley ski and bike swap.