No matter what time of the year you choose to visit, you’ll find something going on.
Repeating Events:
Eureka Friday Night Market (July-September)
Farmers’ Market (Old Town & Henderson Center, June-October)
Free Summer Concert Series (June-August)
Arts Alive! (Held the first Saturday of every month)
Speeder Car Rides (June-September)
Madaket Tours (May-October)
If you didn’t already know, Eureka is the center of the marble universe. Humboldt Marble Weekend brings artists and collectors together for a weekend celebration of marbles and marble hunting.
The annual Red Carpet Gala at the Eureka Theatre is Humboldt’s best Oscar party. Start with a walk down the red carpet, complete with paparazzi, then mingle and schmooze with fellow movie fans in the lobby of the art deco era Eureka Theatre. A live telecast of the Academy Awards follows. Commercial breaks are filled with live music and awards from the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission.
Kid-friendly Redwood Discovery Museum’s annual Perilous Plunge sees local do-gooders and risk-takers plunging into the icy Humboldt Bay for charity.
The Kinetic Grand Championship race is held over Memorial Day weekend each year. A local tradition since 1969, the Kinetic Race is no parade! In the Kinetic Grand Championship bodies of art and artist’s bodies are put to the test. There’s 50 miles to go, over land, sand, water, and mud. These intrepid Kinetinauts are a unique breed of human. With a heart full of joy and a bucket full of tools, they face innumerable obstacles for just one reason … For the GLORY! Founded by metal sculptor Hobart Brown in 1969, this North Coast tradition has grown to a 3-day marathon spanning over 40 miles of Humboldt County California’s towns, beaches, trails, and Rivers.
Day 2 starts in Eureka.
Sip on some local libations while hanging out with red pandas? Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation’s Brew at the Zoo includes live music, food, beer and cider, and of course, zoo animals.
Eureka’s 4th of July celebration isn’t limited to a single day. It features multiple activities stretched throughout the weekend, including the events listed below, all taking place in the historic Old Town District. Even the traditional fireworks boast a unique and scenic viewing location on the waterfront. Come and see why Eureka’s fireworks show has been listed as one of the top five in the state by California Beaches and Slyde Hand Boards.
The Eureka Summer Concerts series, running through August, is the best way to spend a Thursday evening. Free to the public at the foot of C Street, dance the night away while the sun sets on Humboldt Bay.
Looking for the best way to celebrate everything Eureka has to offer? The Eureka Friday Night Markets were founded in the effort to create a deeper sense of community in Old Town Eureka while supporting local makers and artists.
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.
Location: E st & 2nd
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Dates: July 1st – September 30th, 2022
Woofstock, Eureka’s festival for the dogs, helps support the mission of Sequoia Humane Society, a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue in Eureka. Filled with vendors, food, games, and doggy fun, Woofstock is a chance to come out and have a great time supporting a life-saving cause.
Iconic venues, music that makes you want to dance, and complimentary festival shuttles make up the Redwood Coast Music Festival. You’ll find American roots music, including jazz, swing, blues, zydeco, rockabilly, swing, and country all set in both intimate and spacious venues throughout Eureka.
Since 1993, Cruz’n Eureka has become an iconic annual event for the North Coast car community, raising money every year to support local youth. Come out to see vintage cars, chow down at a BBQ, chat with local vendors, and car aficionados alike.
The Eureka Fashion Week, put on by Eureka Main Street, features local designers and creators in Eureka’s burgeoning fashion space. Visit and support unique boutique local businesses and receive special fashion week discounts.
Comedians descend on Eureka and the surrounding cities and towns for the Savage Henry Comedy Fest. Some shows are free, and you can purchase an All Access wristband to get your laugh on as many times as you like.
Family-friendly Boo at the Zoo is spooky fun for kids and the young at heart. Feast on Halloween treats and watch your favorite animals get some special goodies, too!
A celebration of Eureka’s tendency toward idiosyncrasy, Strangebrew + Odd Eats is a combination beerfest and celebration of local creators’ unique food offerings. Held at the historic Eureka Theatre, ready your tastebuds for a real foodie adventure.
The holiday season sees Eureka decked out in twinkle lights. Bring a raincoat and a sweater and hit Old Town for Tuba Christmas, where Christmas carols are performed by a team of tubas at the gazebo in Old Town.
Thousands of people line the streets of Eureka and delight at the Truckers’ Parade, an evening spectacle of huge trucks adorned in holiday lights. A Eureka tradition for over 30 years, the Christmas convoys range in size from 50 to 100 rigs.