Half Moon Bay, Calif: Upcoming Events
Located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco, The Half Moon Bay Coastside is the perfect destination to escape the sweltering summer heat and enjoy outdoor activities in a refreshing temperature.
May 19
Holy Ghost Festival (free!)
The Holy Ghost Festival, also known as “Chamarita,” recalls 16th century Portuguese Queen Isabella, the famine that blighted her people, and the arrival of a ship with food that saved them. The grateful queen took her crown to her church altar and centuries later Portuguese communities celebrate her with a festival and parades to the church, led by a young woman portraying the queen and carrying a crown. The weekend celebration includes a colorful parade with marching bands, a carnival, equestrian groups, a barbeque, and more. 735 Main Street, (650) 726-2729, www.halfmoonbayides.org.
July 4
48th Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade on Historic Main Street
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Let the good times roll! Marking its 48th rendition, Half Moon Bay’s beloved Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade takes over Main Street transforming the charming downtown into a mini-Mardi Gras style celebration. A time-honored tradition, the parade celebrates Independence Day with an entertaining array of whimsical floats, classic cars, dance and theatre troupes, Pumpkin Festival mascot “Gourdy,” and local dignitaries slowly winding their way through downtown.
The Half Moon Bay Lions Club will host its annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast in the City Hall parking lot (501 Main Street) from 8am to 12pm. Visitors can enjoy new additions to the festivities this year, including the “Red, White and Blue Community BBQ” hosted by the Coastside Adult Day Health Center (City Hall parking lot, 12 pm to 3 pm), a libations tent selling wine, beer, and mimosas hosted by the Chamber of Commerce (Mac Dutra Plaza, 10 am to 3 pm), and live music (Mac Dutra Plaza, 1:30 pm to 3 pm). The parade is sponsored by the Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee and Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. Main Street in Downtown Half Moon Bay, https://miramarevents.com/4th-of-july-parade. Media Contact: Tim Beeman, (415) 999-2428, tim@miramarevents.com.
July 28
27th Annual Farm + Fish + Flowers
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Half Moon Bay’s flourishing bounty of fruits and vegetables is in abundance during the summer, and there’s no better way to take a bite than at the 27th Annual “Farm + Fish + Flowers,” formerly known as Tour des Fleurs. This unique event offers the public a special once-a-year opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at local nurseries, greenhouses, farms, and even a working harbor, many of which are not ordinarily open to the public. This year, a wide variety of experiences are available including special flower gardens, California native plants, a working dairy farm, organic vegetable farms, Harley Farms’ bunnies, and a tour of the historic Half Moon Bay downtown. $30 per tour; advance tickets required. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitors’ Bureau, (650) 726-8380, www.hmbchamber.com. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.
August 18 & 19
Pescadero Art & Fun Festival (free!)
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Celebrate the artisans of the area at this fun-filled festival featuring live entertainment, handmade crafts, the SCAA Fine Arts Show, kids’ area, raffle, and a Puente Fun Run! Visitors will discover a gathering of artists showcasing their creativity while enjoying a down-home, country good time. Founded in 1991 by a group of local artists seeking an outlet for the local community of talent, the Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival has grown to become the event of the year for locals and longtime visitors. Pescadero IDES Hall, 393 Stage Road, Pescadero, (650) 879-0848, www.pescaderoartsandfunfestival.org.
– LOCAL RICHES –
May – October
Salmon Season is Underway
It’s time to grab the fishing rods and head to the ocean! The highly anticipated salmon season has kicked off and runs through October 31. The area around Half Moon Bay is traditionally one of the best areas to fish for king salmon along the California coast. The season is also open for rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon along the Coastside south of Pigeon Point, just 18 miles south of Half Moon Bay.
Here are some local companies offer recreational fishing excursions:
Huli Cat Sportfishing, (650) 726-2926
Riptide Sportfishing, (650) 728-8433
