Capitola Beach Festival

September 27-28, 2025 - Held the last Full weekend in September

Vacation Snapshots is 2025 theme

Esplanade Beach
Capitola, CA
Free admission, capitolabeachfestival.com

Saturday

• 3 Mile Wharf to Wharf Race Saturday 8 a.m. from East Cliff Shopping Center concluding near San Jose Avenue. Register online, capitolabeachfestival.com
• Sand Sculpture Contest Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Cornhole on the Beach Saturday 11 a.m.  
• Children's Art Saturday 12-3 p.m. Sign up at Esplanade Park
• Scavenger Hunt Saturday 12-4 p.m.  Hunt Map in Esplanade Park
• Music at the Beach Saturday 4-6 p.m. in  Enjoy music and dancing in Esplanade Park.
• Lighted Nautical Parade Saturday 7-8 p.m. on Soquel Creek Lighted barges travel down the river to the Lagoon. Float builders who wish to light up a barge must pre-register at (831) 428-9875 or capitolabeachfestival@gmail.com

Sunday

• Fishing Derby 7-11 a.m.  Bring your own fishing poles. Open to all ages. Final tally begins at 11
• Paddleboard 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Capitola Main BeachWest-end. Open-class (any length board) prone and SUP race. Two-mile out and back course. Registration: eventbrite.com
• Ukeleles at the Beach 10-11:30 a.m. in Esplanade Park.
• Horseshoes on the Sand 10 a.m. Finish Doubles tournament at Capitola Beach in front of Zelda's Restaurant. Pre-registration required with Debbie at (831)419-6399 or debbiedash64@gmail.com
• Chalk Art on the Seawall 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sign up at Esplanade Park.
• Rowboat Races - boats provided! 1 p.m.  Registration at the pathway by  Stockton Bridge 12-1 p.m. 

 
These photos pay homage to a past September festival which included themed flower floats

The beloved Begonia Festival ended in 2017 and left a hole in the hearts of beach lovers. The Capitola Beach Festival takes many of its popular elements and activities and bundles them into a two day event with a slightly different name. Except for the flowers, there's very little that you'll miss about this beach event. It still has sand sculptures, horseshoes, a boat parade, concert, children's art project, fishing derby on the wharf and chalk art on the sea wall.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.