Looking for that once in a year experience? We got you covered!

Here is our mini-bucket list of some of the top events and festivals in Half Moon Bay! So let the good times roll and find your next BIG experience from our list of some of the most popular annual events and festivals in Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay is much more than just a summer vacation destination.   With its year-round events, indoor / outdoor activities, and tourist destinations there are many ways to  entertained yourself throughout the year.

Ongoing Over Multiple Months

Coastside Farmers Market

A farmer-directed Certified Market designed to link Coastside residents with their neighbors — the Coastside farmers, ranchers, fishermen and culinary artisans that produce some of the most beautiful, nutritious and creative food in the world.

Every Saturday from May to third Saturday in December. Click here for more information.

Johnston House Tours & Holiday House

Highway 1 at Higgins-Purisima Road., Half Moon Bay, CA

The Johnston House is open to visitors the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed October, November and December, except for the Holiday House held the first two weekends of November.

Group tours can be arranged by calling 650-726-0329.

January

Mavericks Surf Competition

Mavericks Surf Competition is the world’s premiere, high adrenaline, big wave surfing event. This one-day, invitation-only surfing competition is held at the legendary Mavericks surf break located near Half Moon Bay, only 20 minutes south of San Francisco and near the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. The competitors will attempt to compete at the highest level of skill, risk and athleticism to stand out and effortlessly challenge these the massive swells on the biggest and best day of the winter season.

February

March

Coastside Summer Camp Fair at New Leaf Community Market

This event is the perfect opportunity for families to learn about different local summer camp options for children of all ages and register.

The HEAL Project’s Annual Spring Ahead

The Heal Project’s Annual Spring Ahead on March 22nd, 2023, at Pasta Moon, Half Moon Bay at 6:30 pm. This fabulous strolling supper created by the finest chefs on the San Mateo County Coast will feature ingredients donated by local farmers and purveyors.

51st Mel Mello Farm Day Luncheon

The Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureau and First National Bank invite you to attend the 51st Annual Mel Mello Farm Day Luncheon which will take place at the IDES Hall on Main Street on Friday, March 31 from 11:00am–2:00pm.

Discover the Secrets of Pescadero Marsh with guided walks

Highway 1, 1/4 mile north of Pescadero Road.

Pescadero Marsh docents lead nature walks in the marsh twice a month: First Sunday of the month at 10 a.m., and Third Sunday of the month at 1 p.m.

April

Coastal Wildflower Day — Sunday, April 23, 2023

California State Parks and the Coastside State Parks Association invite you to a day-long festival celebrating the return of spring wildflowers and the start of California Native Plant Week.

Pacific Coast Dream Machines – April 30, 2023

Half Moon Bay Airport – Rare and custom cars, motorcycles, military aircraft, antique engines and tractors at Pacific Coast Dream Machines in Half Moon Bay, California.”

Admission: See Web for current pricing. Tickets are available at the gate only. Parking is free with admission.

Address: 9850 N. Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA
Phone: (650) 726-2328
Website: https://dreammachines.miramarevents.com/

 

May

Pescadero Chamarita Festival – May 21, 2023

Stage Rd., Pescadero, CA     (650) 726-5701

Line up on Stage Road and watch the colorful, Portuguese festival parade that features elegant Queen’s courts, marching bands, flag/banner carriers and equestrian groups.  Interesting Examiner article

Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival – May 13, 2023 – Noon to 5:00 PM

Sample from 40+ renowned California wineries and enjoy nationally-known jazz artists including Paula West, the Marcus Shelby Quintet, and the John Santos Sextet.

Address: Main Street, Half Moon Bay
More Information: https://explorer1.com/halfmoonbay/half-moon-bay-wine-jazz-festival/

June

Portuguese Pentecost Festival – 

IDES Grounds to Our Lady of the Pillar Church, Half Moon Bay (650) 726-2729

Line up on Main Street between IDES Grounds and Our Lady of the Pillar Church to view this colorful, Portuguese festival that features elegant Queen’s courts, marching bands, flag/banner carriers and equestrian groups. Interesting Examiner article >>

July

Half Moon Bay “Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade” — starts at noon

The Old  fashioned Fourth of July parade takes center stage on Main Street, Half Moon Bay on July 04 at 12 noon.

Other Close by Fourth of July Celebrations include:

–  San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf is San Francisco’s premier spot to celebrate
America’s Independence Day holiday.  Pier 39

Farm + Fish + Flowers

(formerly Tour des Fleurs) Half Moon Bay, CA      (650) 726-8380

Visit the Half Moon Bay Coastside’s nurseries/greenhouses, historic sites, farms and a even a working harbor. Many of these businesses are not ordinarily open to the public except during “Farm + Fish + Flowers” when they invite visitors for a behind the scenes tour of their facilities and operations.  Check out their Website for more information and ticket pricing.

August

Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival – August 19 & 20, 2023

Pescadero, CA      (650) 879-0848

The celebration of music, food and crafts is designed to promote local artists and benefit local youth programs. Third weekend in August

 

September

Annual Coastal Cleanup Day

Meet at Poplar Beach at the west end of Poplar Street

Join Coastside Land Trust and more than 60,000 Californians as they clean our state’s beaches and waterways!

They need your help to restore the beauty of the California Coast.

 

End of Summer Music Festival

Saturday, September 25th at 1 pm to 7 pm in the John L Carter Memorial Park

Enjoy free music, face painting, cornhole, kids inflatable obstacle course and more at Half Moon Bay’s 3rd Annual End of Summer Music Festival Sat, Sept 25th 1 pm to 7 pm at John L Carter Memorial Park. !

Activities include: free music, face painting, cornhole and much more!

 

King’s Mountain Art Fair – September 2, 3, 4, 2023

Since 1963, Kings Mountain has been providing fine arts and crafts in a redwood forest setting to benefit the local volunteer fire brigade. It is now one of the top five fine craft fairs in California.

The Kings Mountain Art Fair (KMAF) is a three-day event held annually Labor Day Weekend. The primary focus of the event is the juried exhibition of gallery quality fine arts and crafts, giving our customers the rare opportunity to meet, interact with, view the works of, and purchase art from the individuals who have created it.

13106 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, CA (650) 851-2710

Saturday, Sunday & Monday
September 2, 3 & 4, 2023
10 am – 5 pm

 

October

The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off – Oct. 9, 2023

The gathering of titanic pumpkins will take place at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off !  Nearly 100 participants will enter their massive pumpkins in hopes of capturing the coveted title and receiving the world’s biggest prize of $9/pound.

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival – Oct. 14-15, 2023

Half Moon Bay, California – Half Moon Bay heralds in All Hallows Eve with rustic pumpkin patches, harvest-inspired arts and crafts, entertainment, contests, food, wine and beer, and activities. It all creates a wonderful atmosphere of fun, fun and more fun.  Admission is free.

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Patches

Going to a real pumpkin patch and selecting the perfect pumpkin create wonderful family memories and marks the beginning of the Fall festivities

The Haunted House of Moss Beach

601 Kelmore Street, Moss Beach, CA

No admission fee, but donations are accepted for UNICEF. The 3-5 minute self-guided tours are limited to just two people. This haunted house will scare you! Not recommended for young children.  No infants or pets.

Click here to see more Halloween inspired activities in Half Moon Bay

 

November

 

 

December

 Christmas Tree Farm Locations

Getting Your Family’s Christmas Tree Can Become a Cherished Family Memory and the Beginning of a New Family Tradition!

See all Holiday Events at https://explorer1.com/halfmoonbay/half-moon-bay-christmas-events/

 

Are we missing an event that should be featured in this section?  Please let us know and we may add it!  Send a name/description to us by clicking here >>