Let’s Dance Review
5 – 9 p.m.
Come down to Esplanade Park and enjoy dance reviews performed by local talent! Sponsored by Britannia Arms.
Saturday September 5
Float Construction Viewing
All day until 10 p.m.
Sand Sculpture Contest
8 a.m. to Noon at Capitola Beach
Registration begins at 8 a.m. on the beach. Trophy judging will be held at Noon. Guidelines and info for the event are available to view on our website www.begoniafestival.com. Sponsored by Zelda’s and Capitola Self Storage.
Begonia Mural
Noon – 7 p.m. on Upper Esplanade Lawn
Come try your hand at attaching begonia blossoms to chicken wire – just like the float-builders do! We will create a wall of flowers and a perfect photo opportunity! Sponsored by Zelda’s.
Meet the Artist
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
This year’s poster artist, Priscilla Martinez, will be signing posters during the Festival at the merchandise booth.
Concert in the Park
4 – 6 p.m.
Todd Morgan & The Emblems – live at the beach in Esplanade Park. Bring the family, picnic dinner, chairs, blankets, and your dancing shoes!
Saturday Movie Night at the Beach
Begins at Dusk
Join us as we present a children’s favorite — Happy Feet. Bring friends and family, a picnic dinner, blankets (it does get chilly), chairs, and we’ll provide the movie! Sponsored by Green Waste Recovery.
Sunday September 6
Horseshoes on the Sand
8 a.m. – 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. Fill out an online form or call (831) 475.6522 for information. Sponsored by Zelda’s and The Foot Doctors.
Float Construction Viewing
Take a stroll along the banks of Soquel Creek in the morning, and watch as the floats get their finishing touches.
Chalk Art on the Seawall
9 a.m. – Noon
The Capitola Begonia Festival’s gift to the children. Open to children of all ages. Create your own masterpiece atop the seawall on the Esplanade for all to enjoy! Art chalk provided to all participants. Sign in at Esplanade Park.
Begonias to Go, Head to Toe!
10 a.m. – Noon
Begonia blossoms in Esplanade Park. Become a part of the Festival! We provide the begonias – you put them Head to Toe! Sponsored by Green Waste Recovery and hosted by the Capitola Museum.
Ronald McDonald Show
Noon – 12:30 p.m.
Ronald will perform a magic show and pose for pictures. Join him on the Esplanade!
63rd Annual Nautical Parade
1 p.m. – Finish
Begonia covered barges float down Soquel Creek to the Lagoon. Great views from the Stockton Bridge, Cliff Avenue and Wharf Road. ADA access available, call (831) 475.6522 for more information. Sponsored by our Grand Benefactors McDonald’s, Devcon Construction, New Leaf Community Market, and the City of Capitola
Meet the Artist
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
This year’s poster artist, Priscilla Martinez, will be signing posters during the Festival at the merchandise booth.
Concert in the Park
4 – 6 p.m.
The Houserockers — back for another year and live at the beach in Esplanade Park. Bring the family, a picnic dinner, chairs, blankets, and your dancing shoes! Sponsored by Toyota of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Monday September 7
Fishing Derby
6:30 a.m. – Noon
Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. near the end of the Capitola Wharf. Bring your own fishing poles. Open to all ages. Final Tally begins at 11 a.m. Sponsored by Britannia Arms and Paradise Beach Grille.
Children’s Art Project
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In Esplanade Park. Children of all ages are welcome to come and create a “make & take” memory of the festival. Sponsored and hosted by Bay Federal Credit Union and co-hosted by the Capitola Art & Cultural Commission
Hoops for Everyone!
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Demonstrate your talent at fun-filled hooping. Meet members of Aerial Arts Santa Cruz at the Bandstand where they will be showing their talents and teaching you a few moves, too!
Rowboat Races
1 p.m. – Finish
Timed heats on Soquel Creek with two people per boat — We supply the boats! Registration at the pathway by the Stockton Bridge from NOON until 1 p.m. Sponsored by Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott