Oakchella Returns for Third Year to Support Mountain Youth
What started as an idea to bring the community together through music, art and local culture is returning for a third year Saturday — and organizers say the impact of Oakchella now reaches well beyond the festival grounds.
The 3rd Annual Oakchella Family Music Festival takes over the Oakhurst Community Center on Saturday, Sept. 5, with nine hours of live music, food, vendors and activities for families.
But behind the music is a larger purpose.
All proceeds from this year’s festival will support MY Club’s Teen Center and mountain-area youth, continuing a community fundraising effort that has already helped turn the Teen Center from an idea into a reality.
“Reaching our third OAKCHELLA is an incredible milestone and a testament to what our community can accomplish when we come together for a great cause,” said Paulina Holcomb, Oakchella organizer and director of business operations at MY Club. “What began as an idea to bring our community together through music, art, and local culture has grown into an event that has made a lasting impact.”
From Music Festival to Teen Center
For MY Club, Oakchella has become more than an annual day of entertainment.
Proceeds from previous festivals helped fund the creation of the MY Club Teen Center in Oakhurst, a dedicated space where local teens can spend time after school, participate in programs and connect with other young people and adult mentors.
Sierra News Online covered the opening of the Teen Center in September 2025, when MY Club Executive Director Jennifer Simmons described the facility as a place focused on personal development, recreation, tutoring, leadership, cooking and career development.
The organization later credited community fundraising efforts including Oakchella, its annual Haunted House and Christmas Tree Auction with helping fund the Teen Center.
This year’s Oakchella continues that effort.
According to organizers, every ticket purchased and money spent at the festival helps support opportunities for young people throughout the mountain communities.
MY Club, operated by the nonprofit Mountain Area Youth Organization, has served local youth for 27 years through programs including homework assistance, STEM and leadership activities, arts and crafts, fitness programs, sports leagues and camps, and educational and character-based scholarships through its Youth Ambassador Program.
Nine Hours of Music
This year’s Oakchella lineup includes performances by Raised by Radio, High Praise, JNX, Mom’s Leftovers, John Pemberton, The Roots Rockers and Fritzoe.
Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with the festival running from noon to 9 p.m.
Away from the main stage, the Vendor Village will feature artisan clothing, accessories, home goods, body products, face painting and other offerings.
Food trucks and local favorites will fill the Food Vendor Alley throughout the day.
Families can also visit the Kids Zone, which will include lawn games, crafts and a bounce house. MY Club staff will supervise the area, which organizers say will be accessible only to children and MY Club staff.
For adults 21 and older, a Beer Garden sponsored by South Gate Brewing Co. will offer beer and signature cocktails during the festival.
A Festival With a Local Purpose
Oakchella will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Road 425B.
Tickets are $25 per person, while children 12 and younger are admitted free.
For organizers, reaching a third Oakchella is an opportunity to celebrate not only another festival, but what can happen when a community event keeps giving back after the music stops.
The MY Club Teen Center that previous Oakchella attendees helped support is now open. This weekend, another crowd will gather at the Community Center to help support whatever comes next for mountain-area youth.
Tickets and additional information are available through the MY Club website.