Things to Do & Community Events

Things to Do in Arcata Celebrate Arcata’s History

A lively university town with a historic downtown plaza, Arcata is the North Coast’s hub for culture, art, and music. Any weekend of the year, local theater groups and bands play their hearts out in groovy bars and community centers across town. Humboldt State University's Center Arts attracts some of the world’s best in ballet, folk, country, classical, contemporary music and comedy if your tastes run toward big-name talent. centerarts.humboldt.edu. During the day, visitors can join the locals enjoying the plaza and chat with artisans selling their wares in original shops. Take a hike, jog or bike ride through the

Arcata Community

Forest. After a day of shopping Tip: With a or hiking, it's easy reputation for gray to find peace weather, Arcata’s and solitude to sunshine is one watch the sunset, of the North on one of the Coast’s best- many uncrowded kept secrets. beaches. Bring a When the blanket to weekend comes, spread across try to layover on a the grass on Saturday to expethe plaza and soak rience the Arcata up the pleasantly Farmers’ Market. warm rays of North Since 1979, the reCoast sunshine — if gion’s growers have it’s foggy, just wait gathered on the five minutes! Arcata Plaza to sell plants, flowers, veggies, organic meat, honey, eggs, and fresh-baked delights. Local bands and world music troupes share the center stage on the plaza, playing beats that make toddlers dance and farmers smile. A cornerstone of the community, the market takes place year-round, rain or shine, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. First, take a trip to the Wiyot Heritage Center to learn about the past and present history of the Wiyot Tribe. The center (about 20 miles south of Arcata) aims to promote the understanding, revitalization, and celebration of Wiyot culture through a permanent collection of Wiyot cultural materials. 1000 Wiyot Drive Loleta, CA : (707) 733-5055, Wiyot.us.

Next, take a walk through historic Arcata courtesy of the Historical Sites Society of Arcata and check out four free interactive walking tours of historical architecture. Find the tour routes at arcatahistory.org/tours.

Another chapter of Arcata history is found at the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the seafaring heritage that our area is so vastly steeped in. From the first ship to enter our bay to the exciting lives of lighthouse keepers. You can also book a cruise on the Madaket while here! 77 Cookhouse Rd, Samoa humboldtbaymaritimemuseum.com.

Community Events for the Whole Family

Arcata Chamber of Commerce’s First Thursday Mixers

1st Thursday every month A relaxed atmosphere to connect across industries, make new alliances, share ideas, and learn about our diverse local business community. arcatachamber.com.

Arts! Arcata

2nd Friday - Sunday every month Arts! Arcata is a self-guided celebration of visual and performing arts provides an excellent opportunity to meet local artists, and explore downtown shops in this family-friendly community event. arcatamainstreet.com/ artsarcata.

Arcata Marsh New Year's Day Walk

1st day of January Welcome in the New Year with a nature ramble through the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary! cityofarcata.org/340/arcata-marsh-wildlife-sanctuary.

California Indian Big Time & Social Gathering

1st Saturday of April HSU’s Big Time provides our Native communities a space to honor the ways of life and values of their ancestors. This free public celebration of American Indian culture includes sharing of songs and dance from throughout CA. itepp.humboldt.edu.

Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival

Approx. April 18th Celebrate the Marbled Godwit and explore the Redwood Coast during this week-long festival. Observe many bird spe-

For more events

in Humboldt County, visit northcoastjournal.com/ humboldt/EventSearch cies and other wildlife through field trips, lectures, and workshops. godwitdays.org.

Humboldt International Film Festival

Approx. April 19th- 25th One of the world’s oldest student-run film festivals bringing independent, short films to Humboldt since 1967. Featuring 4 days of public screenings, workshops, and presentations by guest judges from the film industry. hsufilmfestival.com.

Commencement Weekend

Approx May 15th Visitors beware, accommodations might be sparse! Graduation weekend for HSU and College of the Redwoods brings an influx of proud friends and family during this weekend. commencement.humboldt.edu or redwoods.edu/commencement.

Kinetic Grand Championship

Memorial Day Weekend A local tradition since 1969, the Kinetic Race is no parade! Instead the art and the artist's are put to the test during a 50 mile race over land, sand, water, and mud. The race starts in Arcata and ends in Ferndale. kineticgrandchampionship.com.

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM ←

Oyster Festival

4th Saturday of June What's better than oysters on the half shell? Arcata’s all-day seafood, beer, and music festival showcases the uniqueness of Arcata Bay, local breweries, restaurants, and local musicians. arcatamainstreet.com/ oyster-festival.

Humboldt Crabs Baseball Season

Approx. June 4 - July 31 Founded in 1945, the Humboldt Crabs are the oldest, continuously operated, collegiate, independent, woodbat, summer baseball team in the country. Schedules and game day information at humboldtcrabs.com.

Juneteenth

June 19th This day commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. An all day, community wide, event celebrating freedom, and diversity. Blackhumboldt.com.

Fourth of July Jubilee

July 4th Arcatas’ longest-running festival is a family fun event with live music and performers, local craft and food vendors, and a fantastic kids zone. arcatachamber.com.

North Country Fair

Weekend in midSeptember

Family-Friendly Activities

A town famous for tall trees, big waves, and local characters is full of adventures for the kiddos. To make sure everyone has fun, check out these spots the whole family will enjoy.

Operated by Humboldt State University, admission to the Natural History Museum for a family of four is just $15 (2 kids, 2 adults). Kids can take a virtual tour of the redwood forest, learn about evolution with skeletons, and discover varieties of crabs, butterflies, bugs, and seashells native to the North Coast. 1242 G St. : (707) 826-4479, natmus.humboldt.edu.

Come summer, snag tickets to cheer on Arcata’s favorite baseball team, the Humboldt Crabs. The stadium is located in the heart of downtown Arcata — watch out for foul balls if you’re parked nearby! Games are full of kid-friend-

Of all the events held on the Arcata Plaza, none quite captures the free spirit of this eccentric coastal town like the North Country Fair. northcountryfair.org.

Pastels on the Plaza

1st Saturday of October Local businesses and artists partner to transform the Plaza into a colorful art gallery. Come and enjoy the bright displays before rain and time turn the sidewalks grey again. ncsheadstart.org/events.

Trick or Treating on the Plaza

Halloween October 31st Enjoy a Safe Trick or Treating experience in the plaza. Downtown streets will be closed to traffic so families can safely enjoy the spooky festivities. arcatamainstreet.com/ halloween.

Arcata Marsh Thanksgiving Day Walk

Last Thursday of November Join Friends of the Arcata Marsh for its ly activities led by Crusty the Crab. humboldtcrabs.com.

Another excellent option for the whole family is the Mad River Fish Hatchery. Since 1971, the hatchery has been dedicated to preserving chinook salmon and steelhead fish populations in the region. Visitors can go fishing, have a picnic, explore the river area, and learn about the hatchery’s critical role in a healthy ecosystem. 1660 Hatchery Rd, Blue Lake, : (707) 826-4479.

If your kids are still balls of energy, swing by Greenview Park, the first all-inclusive playground in Humboldt County, featuring play equipment and a basketball hoop for children of all abilities.

Teenagers not into hiking? Pop across town to the Arcata SkatePark, where helmets and good vibes are required. 1090 Sunset Ave. On a rainy day go shred the wooden ramps and vert walls at RampArt Indoor Skatepark or find that mental and physical challenge the family has been looking for at Far North Climbing Gym. Like most of the independent businesses in Arcata check out the artistic flair of these local favorites. rampartskatepark.org, farnortharcata.com.

Teen still not impressed? Visit Hatchet House Throwing Club, Humboldt’s only indoor ax-throwing venue that offers an all-ages experience to connect with everyone's inner lumberjack. The House is a World Axe Throwing League affiliate and committed to facilitating a fun and safe environment. Recommended for Ages 8 and up. 639 6th St., : (707) 630-5203, hatchethousethrowing.com.

With so much to do, you might find yourselves spending a few extra days.

Thanksgiving morning meander. This 90-minute lead walk begins at 10 a.m. on the porch of the Interpretive Center. arcatamarshfriends.org, : (707) 826-2359.

Humboldt Bay Mushroom Society Mushroom Fair

Last Sunday of November Held annually since 1978, the Fair features hundreds of species of mushrooms, presentations by expert mycologists, cooking demonstrations, activities for the whole family, and more. hbmycologicalsociety. org.

Holiday Craft Market

2nd weekend in December Artists and crafters come together for this two-day event to share their talents with our community and help with your holiday shopping. cityofarcata.org/368/ Holiday-Craft-Market.

Enjoy Arcata Like a College Student

Arcata is a lively town with various entertainment options for college students, young adults, and anyone with a youthful heart.

To get the actual college feeling, visit a student-managed, student-funded live-in demonstration home for appropriate technology at the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology. CCAT is located on the HSU Campus and is motivated by an ethic of “education by example.” CCAT offers tours, workshops, and opportunities for hands-on involvement to university students and the general public. Volunteer Fridays (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) are a great time to stop by and get your hands dirty. 1 Harpst St., ccat. humboldt.edu. Next up, ask a local where the nearest disc golf course is and find yourself getting the real HSU experience. Or search the Redwood Curtain Disc Golf Course online for a course map.

And for those adventurous folks, all your outdoor equipment rental needs, from camping to various aquatic recreation, can be found at Arcata's various outdoor and adventure rental companies. When you're looking for a currarted adventure experience, book a local guide for a surf lesson or kayaking tour with a local guiding company. Outdoor activity instruction, tours, and group outings are also available.

All about the nightlife? College students and locals alike love to catch their favorite live performers at the ATL. Built-in 1937, the Arcata Theater Lounge not only hosts live bands, but also shows classic films, cult favorites, and new releases, and on Sundays, you can even watch your team on the big screen. 1036 G St. arcatatheatre.com.

Another excellent nightlife option is the Miniplex, a locally owned venue and single-screen theatre dedicated to bringing the community the latest diverse, award-winning independent films and documentaries, as well as bigcity touring acts. 900 Samoa Blvd. miniplexevents.com.

Finally, visit the historic Minor Theater for dinner, drinks, and a movie at one of the oldest theaters in the US. Operating since 1914, the Minor offers reusable popcorn bowls & cups, and serves food & drinks to moviegoers. 1001 H St., minortheatre.com.

After a weekend of studentapproved activities, you'll be ready to enroll in classes next semester!

4Hikes if You Have an Hour

Stretching your legs after the scenic drive/flight to Humboldt is necessary. Here are four hikes, each in unique microclimates, to enjoy in short order. (clockwise from top left)

The Hammond Trail at the Mad River Bridge

Picking your way along the farm roads to the Mad River Bridge on the Hammond Trail, it may feel like you missed a turn. But enjoy the pastoral scenery, listen to your GPS and have faith. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Arcata. A small parking lot sits just below the pedestrian bridge that spans the Mad River. Start here. The Hammond Trail runs parallel to the coast for 5 miles, ending at Clam Beach in McKinleyville. The wide trail passes through Hiller Park, where public restrooms are available. The trail is dog and cyclist-friendly — an excellent option for the whole family.

The Manila Dunes

Start at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center, where people of all ages and abilities can learn about conservation efforts or participate in hands-on restoration activities. Housed in an earth shelter home constructed in 1985, the building is now maintained by the nonprofit Friends of the Dunes. Start your hike directly behind the building on the well-marked Wildberries Trail and continue through the rolling dunes dotted with unique coastal fauna and, during the summer, native wild blackberries. Only 0.3 miles to the beach, the 160 acres that make up these dunes include a trail system that spiders webs through seasonal wetlands, coastal forests, and native dune habitats. Trails are suitable for walking, biking, dog walking, and horseback riding. Copies of the trail map are available at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center : (707) 444-1397, friendsofthedunes.org, or the BLM Arcata Field Office : (707) 825-2300.

The Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

This world-famous marsh gives a unique view of an efficient, low-tech

wastewater reclamation system

and acres of mixed wildlife habitat. The treatment facility supports 307 acres of freshwater marshes, tidal sloughs, and grasslands. Situated on the Pacific Flyway, thousands of migratory birds pass through the swamp on their annual journeys south. Five miles of dog-friendly, walking, and bike trails have made the Marsh a special place to get some fresh air and enjoy the avian ambiance. Park at the Interpretive Center at 569 South G St. to pick up a map and learn more. arcatamarshfriends.org.

The Arcata Community Forest

Bordering Humboldt State University and the City of Arcata is a 790-acre

Dog-Friendly Humboldt:

With so many beautiful and protected places to visit in Humboldt County, it can be overwhelming and sometimes difficult to find a dog-friendly activity. Pick up a copy of “Enjoying

Humboldt Wild Places with Your

Dog” for a guide on where, when, and how to enjoy natural areas with your canine companion, and learn how your actions as a responsible dog owner help protect wildlife and

everyone's enjoyment of wild places.

friendsofthedunes.org/resources.

preserve of stately redwoods only blocks from downtown Arcata. A roller coaster of trails crisscrosses the forest, making it a lush playground for mountain bikers, walkers and joggers. Idyllic bridges and wooden staircases connect a nest of trails, so it can be easy to get lost ... if you want to! Park at nearby Redwood Park for a map or ask for directions from the locals enjoying their daily moment of Zen in the forest. Trail maps available at the Arcata Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center. cityofarcata. org/190/City-Forests.