Eureka is the center of the marble universe, home to the most hair-raising leg of the Kinetic Sculpture Race, and, as the county seat of Humboldt County, the cultural home of the thriving north coast cannabis industry. The largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland, you’ll find distinct and authentic energy here, conveyed through unique experiences and one-of-a-kind events.
Humboldt Roller Derby is Humboldt County’s premiere all-female sports organization, committed to empowering women and juniors while giving back to the loyal community. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for a scrimmage, expect to be delighted and excited — you’ll never look at a roller skate the same way. Bouts are family-friendly.
E Street and 2nd Street, Eureka, CA 95501
For fourteen Friday evenings in a row Humboldt Made and the North Coast Growers Association will transform the streets of Old Town Eureka into a festive place to meet up with friends and neighbors after the long work week. Friday Night Market has it all; farmers market, arts and craft vendors, bar featuring the best of Humboldt produced beverages, a wide variety of food vendors and of course, live local music for dancing. Not to mention, they’re located in the heart of Old Town surrounded by some of the best mom and pop boutiques, lively bars and wildly tasty restaurants.
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Dates: July 1st – September 30th, 2022
The heart of Humboldt County, the heart of the Emerald Triangle. The same ethos that drives the robust landscape of artisanal businesses, local eateries, and commitment to preserving the pristine bays, beaches, and redwoods is present in the developing cannabis landscape in the city. Looking for overall wellness solutions? You’ll find them here — Papa & Barkley, California’s award-winning cannabis wellness company, is based in Eureka and deeply committed to the local community and clean and sustainable cannabis practices. Looking for more of a recreational experience? You’ll find that, too. Knowledgeable “budtenders,” who highlight the best of Humboldt’s products, populate downtown dispensaries.
The City of Eureka is uniquely “business-friendly,” supporting cannabis manufacturers, distributors, and dispensaries through forward-thinking actions and policies, including no cannabis tax and dedicated city staff who support cannabis business planning.
Crisp Lounge, 2029 Broadway St
EcoCann Dispensary, 306 F Street
Goat Global, 1672 Myrtle Avenue
Heart of the Emerald, 103 5th St
High Tide Cannabis Lounge, 300 F St
Humboldt County Collective, 1670 Myrtle Ave Ste B
Humboldt's Premium, 1131 Broadway St
Kiskanu, 2200 4th St
MOCA Humboldt, 204 4th St
Proper Wellness Center Dispensary, 517 5th St
Zen Humboldt, 437 F St
The Kinetic Sculpture Race, or the “Triathlon of the Art World,” takes place annually over Memorial Day weekend. Teams of local artists work year-round developing remarkable moving sculptures — all-terrain, human-powered — that race down over 50 miles of land, sand, water, and mud. The Eureka-leg sees spectators gather to watch competitors engage in the perilous water-entry, where their crafts hopefully float. Competitors race down the Eureka waterfront, “all for the glory."
Most of Eureka’s distinctive events stem from our thriving community of artists. For the local glass-blowing community, Eureka is the center of the marble universe and hosts an annual event in February to celebrate marble makers and the distinctly satisfying feeling that comes from finding a tiny piece of rounded art tucked amongst ferns in the stump of a giant redwood tree.
Read National Geographic's article to learn about Eureka's marble hunting scene and the artists behind this intricate form of art.
Curious how to get involved? It’s as simple as exploring Eureka’s nooks and crannies for hidden marbles. If you find one, it’s recommended you leave one behind. Get the how-to here.
Glass Garage, 215 C Street
Soulshine Arts, 411 5th Street
1675 Union, Eureka, CA 95501 | 707-616-3104
Fancy flying through the air? Or maybe just watching others do it? We’re not all risk-takers. Luckily, you can have it both ways at Synapsis. Take in a performance or give it your best shot. They’re currently revitalizing an old community hall in Eureka’s West Side (1675 Union) and are in the process of transforming it into a performance, aerial, movement, and community space. When they open, they will organize aerial, yoga, and dance classes, cabarets, art shows, as well as collaborative projects from festivals to puppet-making to cooking. Stop by for a visit and learn how experiential art spaces nurture community.
415 5th St, Eureka, CA 95501 | (707) 845-8864
Maybe you've come across Savage Henry Magazine in your travels — the irreverent, free magazine sprinkled throughout California and the North Coast. They're headquartered in Humboldt County, and the Savage Henry Comedy Club was born to create a space for local comedians to practice their craft. An annual comedy fest draws talent from around the country, and a rotating cast of headliners make this a must-stop visit in Eureka if you're looking for some laughs.