Sparkling Light Spectacular at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds
On December nights this holiday season, the Humboldt County Fairgrounds will transform into a magical realm of warmth and wonder. Streets & buildings will be aglow with a mesmerizing tapestry of color & light. Guests can walk or enjoy from the warmth in their own cars. This annual driving/walking light tour will offer transmitted music, hot chocolate and illuminated enchantment. Closed Thursdays.
Humboldt’s Gateway to the Redwoods Ice Skating Rink
Grab your scarves and mittens, an ice rink is coming to Southern Humboldt! This winter, Downtown Garberville will be transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland. Festivities include craft vendors, food and beverage vendors, live music and more!
Small Town Christmas
Garberville hosts a big celebration, Small Town Christmas, on Saturday, December 21. Festivities include yuletide crafts & activities from Arcata Playhouse’s mobile Wonder Wagon, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday libations from The Box Bar, food, music, a visit from Santa himself and more!
New Year's Eve Immersive Dining Experience
Ring in 2025 in Southern Humboldt at the New Year’s Eve Immersive Dining Experience! Enjoy Pakistani food, belly dancers, live music, DJ, bartenders, henna tattoo artist, hookah lounge and VIP Vintage lounges. Hosted by Above and Beyond Creations and Innerbloom Wellness.
Winter Arts Faire at the Mateel
The 47th Winter Arts Faire returns to the Mateel Community Center Friday, December 13 from 4pm-9pm, Saturday, December 14th & Sunday, December 15th from 10-6pm. Peruse the cheerful wares crafters and artisans from near and far. You might find the perfect gift for that special someone (or yourself) in this unique holiday shopping experience. There will be live music and a visit from ol’ Saint Nick himself!
Briceland Children's Winter Faire
Gather will your little ones for this lovely family holiday event. There will be kids activities and crafts tables, along with wares for local artisans. Delicious lunch will be served onsite to the tunes of live local musicians.
Lighting of America's Tallest Living Christmas Tree
Gather round in the Victorian Village of Ferndale for this beloved local Christmas tradition - the lighting of America's Tallest Living Christmas Tree. Since 1934, Ferndale's volunteer firefighters have adorned the giant spruce at the end of Main Street in lights, and folks have come from near and far to witness the first moment its glow is cast upon the wintry December night. There will be free hot cocoa and homemade treats.
Ceremony begins promptly at 5:30pm.
Find more information here.
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Benbow Historic Inn
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a gourmet Thanksgiving Dinner at the beautiful Historic Benbow Inn (and save yourself the dirty dishes at home!). Choose from a traditional turkey dinner with flare, or selection of other artisanal main courses. The first course and scrumptious fall dessert book end a holiday meal to remember.
Garberville Veteran's Association Thanksgiving at the Mateel
Community members are invited to gather at the Mateel Community Center for the annual Garberville Veteran's Association Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday, November 28 from 12pm-6pm.
Last Podcast on the Left: Side Stories LIVE!
Henry Zebrowski & Ed Larson from the hit series Last Podcast On The Left: Side Stories do a live version of the hit podcast at the Mateel Community Center on Saturday, November 23. Doors open at 6pm, show begins at 8pm.
Benbow Wine Auction
Gather your friends for a delightful wine-centric event at the historic Benbow Inn. The Benbow Wine Auction includes a complimentary tasting showcasing ten Northern California wineries paired with locally made hors d’oeuvres. The live and silent auctions include original art, jewelry, wine packages, trips and more. Hosted by the Benbow Historic Inn. Proceeds benefit the Southern Humboldt Health Foundation.
Dia de los Muertos Weekend
Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos at the Mateel Community Center on November 1st & 2nd. The David Nelson Band special guest Jay Lane will be playing tunes that will keep you dancing to the afterlife.
Halloween Festival
Ghouls and goblins gather round at the 37th annual Halloween Festival at the Garberville Town Square on October 31st. Dress your best for a costume contest! There will also be a trunk-or-treat, a dance contest (with cash prizes) live music from Irie Rockerz, a flash mob and more! Festivities will be held from 3-5:30pm. Spooktacular!
Haunted Halloween Candlelit Walk
The 4th Haunted Halloween Candlelit Walk at Humboldt Redwoods State Park will be held on Saturday, October 26 at 6pm. This fun, family-friendly community event includes a self-guided haunted forest walk through the ancient redwoods, hot cocoa to warm up and a spooky movie at the campfire center.
Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Race
On Sunday, October 20, the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Race twists and turns through the King Range National Conservation Area. Set among some of the most stunning wilderness in the world, this 12.2-mile course boasts stunning views of the Lost Coast and surrounding protected redwood forests. With two creek crossings and an elevation gain of more than 2,000 feet, PRMBR offers a challenge for riders of all levels.
Celebrate with friends new and old post-race at Gyppo Ale Mill, host of the award ceremony. A well-deserved burger and pint (or two) of craft brew will certainly hit the spot. Live music from the Irie Rockers and Banjo Makes 3 usher in the eve of another successful race day.
Register by October 5 online. Entry fee includes race day shuttles, a swag bag, and two drink tickets for the post-race awards ceremony at Gyppo Ale.
Mateel 45th Anniversary Party
Celebrate the Mateel Community Center’s 45th anniversary on Oct. 19th! Festivities include a show with Los Rakas backed by the 7th Street Band and tropicali dance beats with DJ G. Davis. Toast nearly half a decade of community, love and stewardship with local libations, and feel the bounty of the county with tasty treats and, of course, cake - available onsite. To many more years!
Benbow Historic Inn Oktoberfest
The Benbow Historic Inn hosts an Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 19! Sierra Nevada will be serving delicious microbrews, and German favorites like bratwurst, pretzels and strudel will be available from the kitchen. Enjoy a live performance by Miracle Show, a Grateful Dead tribute band, from 5 PM to 8 PM!
Grateful Tuesdays @ Gyppo Ale Mill
Dead) head on over to Shelter Cove’s Gyppo Ale Mill for Grateful Tuesdays, where they’ll be streaming shows and bumping Grateful Dead favorites inside the Mill and out! Pair a beer with a Grateful Grilled Cheese.
Humboldt Redwoods Marathon
Run, jog or walk beneath the stunning old-growth redwood canopy along Avenue of the Giants at the 44th Annual Humboldt Redwoods Marathon. Entry fee benefits Save the Redwoods. Register online.
Battle of the Bands
The second annual Battle of the Band rock and rolls back in to the Mateel Community Center on Saturday, October 12 from 1pm to midnight. Witness greatness in the making as local bands complete for the title of and a cash prize.
Oktoberfest at Gyppo Ale Mill
Oktoberfest is back at Gyppo Ale Mill - and its bigger and beery-er than ever! The Gyppo kitchen will be serving up a German-inspired menu, and the Mill will be bumping Bavarian beets to whet your whistle. Save room for the start of the event - beer. There will be Stein-holding competitions nightly, as well as a chance to be crowned the 2024 Gyppo Oktoberfest Champion. Actitivites take place September 30-October 6. Visit gyppo.com for full details. Prost!
Fortuna Apple Harvest
This sweet town-wide event celebrates local history and local farms. The day-long festival begins with a street fair in downtown Fortuna, featuring vendors, food trucks, music and more. Then, head on over to Clendenen’s Cider Works, the hub of the Fortuna Apple Harvest Festival for apple and cider tasting, family activities, more music and, of course, the opportunity to take some of the bounty home with you. The celebration ends at Rohner Park with a themed skate night.
Visit https://fortunaappleharvest.org/ for details.
Grateful Roots
The Grateful Roots present Grateful Dub, a Reggae-infused tribute to the Grateful Dead at the Mateel Community Center on Saturday, September 22. All ages show.
Ferndale Concours on Main
The Victorian Village of Ferndale serves as a stunning backdrop for the the 7th annual Concours on Main. This auto show showcases vintage and antique cars and motorcycles that have been carefully restored to their original glory. The event kicks off on September 13 with a Tour d'Elegance, where participants make their way in style from the Bay Area to Humboldt County. Then, on Saturday, drivers enjoy local scenery, sites and eats. Finally, on Sunday, the larger Humboldt County community can partake in the festivities, as onlookers can admire the motorcade, buffed, polished and ready for debut. The Sunday showcase begins at 10am on Ferndale's Main Street.
SoHum Classic Car Show
Boogey over to downtown Garberville for the first annual SoHum Classic Car Show on Saturday, September 14th from 10am-5pm. A menagerie of rare, cool, and iconic cars and motorcycles from decades past will be showcased along Redwood Drive. The Garberville Rotary Club will be slinging BBQ, the Box Bar will be serving Gyppo Ale Mill beer and an assortment of other libations. What’s a car show without tunes? DJ’s and live music are sure to keep you on your feet. Awards will be given in front of the theater. This is a family friendly event benefitting the Garberville Theatre Project. Entry is free. Sponsored by the Humboldt Lodging Alliance -South.
Phoenix Rising at the Redwood Playhouse
Take part in a free celebration of community resilience and creativity in Southern Humboldt County with 3 days of theater, music and more as we reflect on our ability to navigate an ever-changing environment together.
Friday & Saturday will feature a collaborative stage show @ 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 6:30 pm.
Saturday Afternoon, 9/14, 2:00-6:30 pm features puppets, workshops and exhibition, non-profit organization information sharing. Bring your musical instruments for impromptu jam sessions!
Sunday will repeat the show for a 2:00 pm Matinee, doors at 1:30 pm
Picnic in the Park
Gather alongside the SoHum Community for a day of family fun at this year’s Picnic at the Park. Enjoy carnival games, a horseshoe tournament, live music, local food and drink, and so much more in this beautiful, multi-use community space!
1144 Sprowel Creek Rd, Garberville, CA 95542
Cannifest 2024
Cannabis is at the heart of Humboldt's history, culture and economy. Join cannabis craft farmers, industry members and the local community at the 2024 Cannifest in celebration of the crop for which Humboldt is known world round! Festivities take place at the waterfront Halvorsen Park. This two-day event includes the Yes We Cann Parade, the HeadStash Championship, a functional glassblowing competition, seed swap, opportunities to meet the farmers, ganja-themed games, an awesome lineup of DJs and musicians, educational opportunities, live art, food vendors, a local makers market, family friendly activities and more.
Taste of the Cove
The 21st annual Taste of the Cove returns on Saturday, August 31 from 1-5pm at Mal Coombs Park in Shelter Cove. Join friends and neighbors for a wild caught fish barbeque, libations, kids activities and live music from the SoHum Girls, Saddle Tramps, and Ray Bevitori - all enjoyed alongside stunning views of the Pacific Coast. Proceeds benefit the Heart of the Redwoods Community Hospice. Tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for 12 and under, 5 and under are free, entry w/out dinner is $10.
Star Party at Albee Creek
Look to the skies! Star gazers and nature lovers alike are invited to the Albee Creek Campground at Humboldt Redwoods State Park on Saturday, August 24th, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. for hot chocolate and stargazing!
The Astronomers of Humboldt will be there with telescopes and expertise. Bring a blanket or chair and cash if you’d like to purchase a limited edition Star Party t-shirt or sticker. This is a free event for all ages.
Humboldt County Fair
One of Humboldt County’s most anticipated summer events, the Humboldt County Fair returns to the Ferndale Fairgrounds from August 21-Septmeber 2. This will be the fair’s 128th year (yes – you read that correctly! It’s one of California’s longest running fairs.), and promises all the fun and small-town nostalgia we’ve grown to love. There will be live music, carnival rides, fair food, handicrafts, art, livestock contests, horticulture, animals, horse racing and more.
King Peak Moonlight Hike
Join FOLC & BLM King Range on Sunday, August 18 for a pre-full moon hike to King Peak, highest point in King Range National Conservation Area and one of the tallest coastal peaks in the Lower 48 States. Meet at the BLM office in Whitethorn at 3:30pm to caravan to Lightning Trailhead (4WD recommended). We will then summit the peak (4088 ft), enjoy sunset, and start our journey back under the light of the rising moon. This 4.8 mile round trip hike includes nearly 2000 ft of elevation gain and will be strenuous for some. Returning in the moonlight presents additional risks, a factor that should be considered before signing up. Space is limited for this popular hike and pre-registration is required. Email info@lostcoast.org for more info or to RSVP.
Whitethorn Fire Dinner and Dance
Join the Whitethorn Fire Department for an evening of SoHum fun, with bbq, dancing, live music by Blue Axis, The Appetizers, and Honey Hill & the Wildcats.
This family friendly fundraising event will be held at Whitethorn Construction (545 Shelter Cove Rd, Whitethorn, 95589).
Exploring the Night Sky with Mark Bailey
Join local astronomer and science educator, Mark Bailey, for Exploring the Night Sky, now rescheduled to Saturday, August 3 at the Lost Coast Education Center in Whitethorn. Presented by Friends of the Lost Coast & BLM King Range, this free event offers an opportunity to learn about the moon, stars and celestial phenomena, with multiple telescopes available for public viewing. The evening also features the unveiling of a 13-inch Dobsonian mount telescope Mark donated to the Lost Coast Education Center.
Plan ahead - check out our list of annual events.
JANUARY
New Year’s Eve Gala at the Benbow Inn
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
Artists of the Emerald Coast Showcase
MAY
Avenue of the Giants Marathon
JUNE
Grasshopper Peak Run
Rodeo in the Redwoods
Summer Arts & Music Festival
JULY
Fourth of July Picnic & Fireworks at Benbow Inn
Northern Nights Music Festival
Roll on the Mattole
Gyppo Ale Mill Pints for Nonprofits
AUGUST
Reggae on the River
SEPTEMBER
Feast of Fields Humboldt
Humboldt Hills Hoedown
Labor of Love Quilt Show
OCTOBER
Humboldt Redwoods Marathon
NOVEMBER
Benbow Wine Auction
DECEMBER
Winter Arts Faire
Soroptomist Lighted Christmas Parade
Annual Tree Lighting