Redwood Coast Events
No matter what time of year you decide to visit Carter House Inns, there is sure to be something exciting going on here in Humboldt County, California. The local Arcata Farmers’ Market and Arts Alive take place year-round, while our staff will be happy to inform you of unique events happening in the local area – as well as of our favorite local sights!
For guests visiting in January, there is the annual Eureka Crab Celebration to celebrate the opening of crab season in Humboldt County. From a specialty crab cocktail at our Restaurant 301 to a Crab 5k through Old Town Eureka, seafood lovers will enjoy a weekend packed with fun and food. Later in Spring, avid birdwatchers will be able to watch Humboldt’s feathered-friends take flight during Godwit Days. This annual event is held at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, which has been voted the #1 spot for birding in California. April marks a month for film here in Humboldt County, hosting the Banff Mountain Film Festival to celebrate the world’s best mountain films followed by the Humboldt International Film Festival in Arcata.
Each May, parents and loved ones gather at nearby Humboldt State University and the College of the Redwoods to celebrate annual commencement ceremonies. Graduates and their families can enjoy the Kinetic Grand Championship soon after, which is known as the world’s original art triathlon held each year over Memorial Day weekend. Here in Humboldt, summer kicks off with June’s Oyster festival – where local food and great music take the stage. Classic Independence Day fireworks are held in early July along with various outdoor activities along Humboldt County’s six rivers.
In August, Eureka visitors and residents flock to the nearby Victorian village of Ferndale to enjoy the Humboldt County Fair. This collection of classic carnival rides, food stands and 4-H presentations make for the perfect family outing. Additionally, the Humboldt County Fair offers horse race viewing at their on-site horse track! Music fans are in luck year-round, able to enjoy the Redwood Coast Jazz Fest in early Spring as well as the well-known Reggae on the River at the end of each summer.
Holiday season kicks off with the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon in mid-October as well as with local pumpkin patches throughout the month. In November, a Thanksgiving Day Walk is held at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. This is followed by the Electric Christmas Truck Parade in late December and a New Year’s Barrel Bash.
Here at Carter House Inns we can help you plan fun local outings any time of the year. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to find out about local Redwood Coast events during your next stay!
Reggae on the River
Every year thousands of people come to Humboldt County to attend Reggae on the River, a 3-day festival of performances from the most renowned Reggae artists in the world.
Reggae on the River has been a Humboldt County pastime for 30 years and counting. Located in the heart of the Redwoods on the Eel River at Richardson Grove near the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Reggae on the River is one of the most majestic reggae festivals in the world.
Kinetic Grand Championship
Humboldt County is home to the Kinetic Grand Championship, a 3-day race along California’s Redwood Coast from Arcata to Ferndale. Racers compete for glory in a variety of people-powered kinetic contraptions, pedaling along roads, the beach… even through the Humboldt Bay!
The Kinetic Grand Championship is held every year on Memorial Day Weekend. This quirky event is known as the world’s first art triathlon, including a 42-mile bicycle race over land, sand, mud and water.
Humboldt Bay Oyster Fest
Every year in June, the Humboldt Bay Oyster Fest draws around 10,000 people to Arcata in the month of June. This June 17th, oyster lovers will come from near and far to taste raw and barbecued oyster creations from dozens of local chefs, restaurants, and vendors.
Come sample an amazing array of oysters and non-oyster dishes. The Oyster Festival features food, live music, a kids’ area, vendors of all kinds, and award-winning microbrews and wine.
Humboldt film festival
Known as the world’s oldest student-run film festival, the Humboldt Film Festival is an established attraction on the Redwood Coast. This unique festival has taken place on the third week in April every year for nearly the past five decades. The Humboldt Film Festival provides a home for international filmmakers to showcase their visions, as well as the venue for all of us to explore the power of film.
Godwit Days
Humboldt County is home and passage to an exotic array of birds. Every year birdwatchers flock to the annual Godwit Days held each April in nearby Arcata. The Godwit Days is an event held at the peak of the spring migration season, giving the best opportunity to see a variety of waterfowl, landfowl and shorebirds around.
Special opportunities are planned during the event to see exotic species like the Marbled Murrelet, Spotted Owl, and Snowy Plover.
Ave of The Giants Marathon
The Avenue of the Giants Marathon has been a marathon runner’s gem on the Redwood Coast for more than 42 years. Runners from all over the country gather on the first Sunday of May to run one of the most beautiful marathons in the world, which also includes a half-marathon and 10k.
Surrounded by giant redwoods, runners at the Avenue of the Giants Marathon enjoy a breath of fresh air and one-of-a-kind scenery.
