Old growth,

new adventures

Old growth,new adventures

Culture & Experiences

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.

Activities

Humboldt Roller Derby

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.

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Farmer's Markets
You can find two farmers' markets in Eureka. At both, you can pick up the finest and freshest Humboldt County grown, GMO-free produce. You’ll also find plants and flowers, meats, and other artisanal, locally-made goodies. Check out the Henderson Center Market on Thursday morning, located at F Street and Henderson Street. On Tuesday, swing by the Old Town Market at F Street and 2nd Street to grab your greens and mingle with locals.

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Friday Night Markets

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

Eureka Friday Night Market

Cannabis

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. 

Consumption Lounges, Shops, & Dispensaries

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

Kinetic Sculpture Race

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."

Kinetic Sculpture Race

Marbles

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

Glassblowing
Eureka is said to be home to more artists per capita than anywhere in California. This plays out in the form of spectacularly intricate hand-blown glass. You can stop by John Gibbon’s Eureka studio just off Highway 101 to view and shop his glass sculptures. If you’d like to try your hand, Soulshine Arts in Downtown Eureka offers private lessons in flameworking, furnace glass, marbles, as well as an adventure glassblowing class (safety goggles provided). There’s even a two-hour couples’ glassblowing class and a class for families on offer. When you’re done, peruse their gallery of complexly beautiful marbles, lighting, and other unique pieces and take a piece of local art home with you.

Aerial Silks and More

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.

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Savage Henry Comedy Club

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.

Savage Henry Comedy Club

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