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Capitola Beach Festival
Capitola Beach Festival
September 23 – 24
Capitola’s Annual Beach Festival has something for everyone to enjoy! The community event will include a 3-Miler Fun Run hosted by the Wharf to Wharf, a Horseshoe Tournament, the Lighted Nautical Parade, a Fishing Derby, a Sand Sculpture Contest, the Chalk Art Event, a Concert in Esplanade Park, Rowboat Races and more! Join in on the fun at this free, family-friendly event!
Saturday, September 23
Little Wharf 3 MILER Fun Run 8 – 11am – The Wharf to Wharf Race Committee presents a 3 Mile fun run in the East Cliff Shopping Center located on East Cliff Drive near 16th Avenue. The course will follow East Cliff Drive to 41st Avenue, onto Opal Cliff Drive to Cliff Drive, and then down Cliff Drive across the Stockton Avenue Bridge, onto Esplanade, with the run concluding near San Jose Avenue. Must preregister here. Shuttles available.
Sand Sculpture Contest 10am – 2pm; Awards at 2:30pm – Registration on Capitola Beach at 10:00 AM day of event. Trophy judging begins before 2pm.
Cornhole on the Beach 11am – Finish – Stay tuned for details about a possible tournament.
Children’s Art 12 – 3pm – Sign up at Esplanade Park. Children pre-school age and above are welcome to create their own masterpiece in Esplanade Park for all to enjoy! Everything provided.
Scavenger Hunt 12 – 4pm – Pick up your Scavenger Hunt Map in Esplanade Park and find each item as you enjoy your day in the village. Participation prizes awarded when map is returned completed.
Music at the Beach 4 – 6pm – Enjoy listening and dancing to music by SPUN in Esplanade Park.
Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek Approximately 7 – 8pm – Enjoy a parade of lighted barges as they travel down the river to the Lagoon. Float builders who wish to light up a barge must preregister with Parade Chair at (831) 428-9875 or capitolabeachfestival@gmail.com. All float builders must sign liability waiver to participate. Those under 18 must have a parent signature. There will be no access to the trestle during the Lighted Parade.
Sunday, September 24
Fishing Derby: Hope to see you in 2024 after the Wharf repairs!
Paddleboard 8am – 12pm; Pre-Meeting 7:30am – This is a spectator friendly, 2 mile open class prone and SUP paddleboard race. There is also a short course race for kids (10 and under). All participants must sign liability waiver form. Those under 18 must have a parent signature.
Ukeleles at the Beach 10 – 11:30am – Enjoy the music and fun in Esplanade Park.
Horseshoes on the Sand 10am – Finish – Doubles tournament at Capitola Beach in front of Zelda’s Restaurant. Teams will be chosen by drawing names from a hat. Participants must pre-register with Debbie at (831)419-6399 or debbiedash64@gmail.com. Check-in time 9 – 10am. All participants must sign liability waiver form. Those under 18 must have a parent signature.
Chalk Art on the Seawall 11am – 2pm – Sign up at Esplanade Park. Children pre-school age and above are welcome to create their own masterpiece atop the seawall on the Esplanade for all to enjoy! Art chalk provided.
Rowboat Races 1pm – Finish – Registration at the pathway by the Stockton Bridge from 12 – 1pm. Timed heats on Soquel Creek with two people per boat – We supply the boats! All participants must sign liability waiver form. Those under 18 must have a parent signature.
