The Capitola Beach Festival, canceled last year by the pandemic, is returning at the end of September, with the help of volunteers.
For the third annual festival, the theme is “Community Spirit.”
Multi-talented artist Sally Bookman created this watercolor scene for the 2021 Capitola Beach Festival.
For those who remember the Begonia Festival, many of the activities are the same, family friendly and free: Sand Sculpture Contest, Children’s Art, Chalk Art on the Seawall, Horseshoes Tournament in the Sand, Fishing Derby on Capitola Wharf, and Rowboat Races on Soquel Creek.
Again, the Festival is partnering with Wharf to Wharf for a 3-mile fun run on Saturday.
The Lighted Nautical Parade is scheduled for Saturday night to light up Soquel Creek. Plans are underway for a possible Saturday afternoon concert in Esplanade Park.
The Festival team invites you to join in all of these outdoor activities at Capitola Beach.
Dance, play in the sand, fish, row a boat, and watch the parade. Join the festival’s volunteer team and be a part of bringing back our “Community Spirit” and help them make this all happen.
For more information and to register for events visit capitolabeachfestival.com.
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We know our readers want to know what’s on the schedule so they can make plans. Here you go:
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Saturday, Sept. 25
Little Wharf 3 MILER Fun Run
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The Wharf-to-Wharf Race Committee presents a 3-mile fun run at 8 a.m. 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, and concluding near San Jose Avenue. Must preregister. Shuttles available.
Sand Sculpture Contest
8 a.m. – Noon; Award at 1 p.m.
Registration online or on Capitola Beach at 8 a.m. Trophy judging at 12:30 p.m.
Children’s Art
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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! All tools for art project provided.
Music at the Beach
4 – 6 p.m. (Tentative)
Music and dancing in Esplanade Park.
Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek
Approximately 7–8 p.m.
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 online or with Thea – the number of barges is limited to 6. There will be no access to the trestle during the Lighted Parade.
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Sunday, Sept. 26
Fishing Derby
7 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. near the end of the Wharf. Bring your own fishing poles. Open to all ages. Final tally begins at 11 a.m.
Horseshoes on the Sand
7 a.m. – Finish
Double’s tournament at Capitola Beach in front of Zelda’s Restaurant. Teams will be chosen by drawing names from a hat. Participants must pre-register online or (831) 419-6399. Check-in time 7-8 AM
Chalk Art on the Seawall
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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
1 p.m. – Finish
Registration at the pathway by the Stockton Bridge from NOON until 1 PM. Timed heats on Soquel Creek with two people per boat — Boats are supplied!