Arcata Events and Festivals

Arcata is home to one of the zaniest, most beloved festivals on the California coast. Kinetic Sculpture Race between Ferndale & Arcata is a must see during your annual visit to Humboldt County / North Coast.

Also be sure to check Arcata's parks, where there's always something going on-- picnics, sports, etc.

January 20, 2014 Time: 5-8 p.m. BOWL OF BEANS

Join in this community celebration for Martin Luther King Day We serve a delicious meal of rice, beans, cornbread and salad prepared by volunteers and staff from Arcata Elementary. Enjoy an evening of performances by youth and other local performing artists. Teens from Arts in the Afternoon program make and sell colorful ceramic bowls and local businesses donation fabulous prizes for our raffle. This event is sponsored by Arcata Recreation, Arcata Elementary School and News Channel 3. Location: Arcata Community Center Admission: $6 per person includes meal, proceeds benefit Arts in the Afternoon and Arcata Elementary School.

May 4, 2014 LEMONADE DAY in Humboldt County

Build a Stand...Spark a Dream; youth throughout Humboldt County get out there and host your own lemonade stand. Choose your location and time and keep your profits! Lemonade stands set up in Arcata are granted a one-day city sponsored business license. Pre-register to receive a workbook to use with a mentor in creating a unique, fun and profitable stand. Sponsored by the Arcata Economic Development Corporation as part of the National Lemonade Day program. humboldt.lemonadeday.org

Arcata Lantern Day in August 2014 TBA cityofarcata.org/floatinglanterns

An Opportunity to offer spiritual consolation for people we miss, departed loved ones, ancestors, cultures and all we hold dear. Make A Lantern 9 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. at the Arcata Farmer's Market. There will be limited supplies, so get there early! The Floating Lantern Ceremony will begin at 7:30 P.M. at Klopp Lake, Arcata Marsh. There will be live music, poetry readings & more!