Capitola celebrates the end of summer with two of its largest events of the year.
First up is the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, a 41-year tradition in Cabitola Village, taking place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-15. Then, the city ends September with the annual Capitola Beach Festival on the weekend of Sept. 28-29.
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Capitola Art & Wine Festival
September 14 & 15
Art & Wine poster “Venetian Mermaid” by Santa Cruz local Sabrina Aramburu
Imagine art, wine, music, dance, and good vibes at an enchanting beach-side setting — no need to imagine! The 41st Capitola Art & Wine Festival will take place Sept. 14 and 15 in Capitola Village. Truly a weekend in paradise!
Stroll the Festival sipping exceptional wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains while admiring the artistic talents of over 140 fine artists. Sway to the powerful rock n roll sounds of James Durbin and The Lost Boys, energetic funk from Extra Large, stompin’ bluegrass from Dirty Cello, and Americana soul from Cement Ship.
Enjoy specialties from local food trucks or local restaurants, handcrafted creations in the Local Artisans Marketplace, and be entertained by local dance groups and sleight-of-hand illusions from the Surfing Magician.
Wine tasting is for those 21+. Buy a 2024 Festival Glass ($15) and Tasting Tokens ($1 each). Tasting requires 2-4 tokens, depending on the wine you choose.
Festival admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce is your host for this end of summer classic.
Admission is free.
Sabrina Aramburu displays her art.
The City of Capitola offers paid parking for 50 cents an hour at the Beach and Village Parking Lots behind City Hall at 420 Capitola Ave. with a free shuttle to the festival operating 10 a.m. — 8 p.m. weekends through mid-September. Pay stations accept cash, debit cards and credit cards. Meters operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Parking is limited in the village so park your car at the Capitola Mall and ride the free shuttle, which ends at 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday.
Or ride your bike — valet parking is staffed by Harbor High students and free at the David Lyng Real Estate parking lot.
For details, look for the 64-page 2024 Officials Capitola Summer Festivals Program with beautiful poster, “Venetian Mermaid” by Santa Cruz local Sabrina Aramburu on the cover.
More info at www.capitolaartandwine.com
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Capitola Beach Festival
September 28 & 29
The Capitola Beach Festival returns on Sept. 28 and 29—and you are invited to two days of activities for you, family, and friends to “celebrate the good times” at Capitola Beach. No charge whatsoever!
Run in the Little 3-Miler from East Cliff Drive to Capitola, build sand castles, play cornhole, join in the scavenger hunt, listen —or dance –to music on the beach. Stay for the lighted nautical parade on Soquel Creek starting after sunset between 7 and 8 p.m, but stay off the Trestle, because it is unsafe.
That’s the schedule for Saturday.
Stay over for Sunday, so you can try your luck at the fishing derby, paddle board race, listen to ukelele music, play horseshoes on the sand, let your children crate chalk art on the seawall and compete in rowboat racing.
Enjoy local restaurants while in Capitola — you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Remember parking is limited, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.
See all the details in the Official Capitola Summer Festival Program Guide 2024, available throughout Capitola Village.
One new attraction: The historic Capitola Wharf, broken in two by epic storms in 2023, is back better than ever and scheduled for a grand opening at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25. Check out the new art that graces the Wharf privately funded by the all-volunteer Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project.
Local artist Maia Negre created this year’s Capitola Beach Festival poster art, which perfectly captures the heart of Capitola.
Come out to play with the Capitola Beach Festival. Join the activities, stop by to watch. All are welcome.
Learn more at: capitolabeachfestival.com