Half Moon Bay Coastside - Upcoming Events

The Half Moon Bay Coastside, located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco, is a gorgeous coastal region ideal for escaping the summer swelter. With a temperate summer climate averaging 65 degrees during the day, the area provides the ultimate weather for a plethora of outdoor summer activities including surfing the waves, kayaking, paddle boarding, horseback riding on the beach and hiking coastal trails through diverse ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy a series of summer events from the brand new culinary excursion Passeggiata to live outdoor concerts and the annual Tour des Fleurs, a rare opportunity for the public to tour the bounty of local farms. A visit to the Half Moon Bay Coastside will be bursting with extraordinary and unforgettable summer experiences that will be treasured by all.

Visit mobile-friendly www.visithalfmoonbay.org for everything needed to plan a visit - including information on cozy inns and extravagant coastal resorts, celebrated restaurants, art and food fairs, live music, bike tours, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching, surfing and much more.

Coastside Farmers’ Market

May - Dec, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Saturdays only)
On Saturday, May 2, the highly anticipated Coastside Farmers’ Market opens with an abundance of locally grown vegetables, fruits, nuts and herbs, pastured meats and poultry, farmstead cheeses, local honey, and seafood available for purchase from the area’s farmers, ranchers, fisherman and culinary artists. Coastside Farmers’ Market features live local music each week, and hosts a number of community serving events and nonprofits during the season. One of just a few farmer-directed Certified Farmers’ Markets, the Coastside Farmers’ Market has been voted the “Best Farmers Market in the Bay Area” for four consecutive years by Bay Area A-List. Shoreline Station parking lot (Kelly Avenue & Cabrillo Hwy/Hwy 1), www.coastsidefarmersmarkets.org.

6th Annual Artisan Food Fair Featuring Michele Anna Jordan (free!)

May 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This tasteful event sponsored by Half Moon Bay kitchenware store Toque Blanche, features gourmet artisans who will present, discuss and share their delectable creations. Award-winning chef and cookbook author, Michele Anna Jordan will prepare a dish from her latest (ninth!) cookbook “More Than Meatballs: From Arancini to Zucchini Fritters and Everything in Between” while offering cooking tips and signing books. In addition to Chef Jordan, regional specialty food producers will offer tastings and discuss their gourmet food products including chocolates, vinegars, olive oils, coffees and more. 604 Main Street, (650) 726-2898, www.mytoque.com.

Concerts in the Park (free!)

May 3, 1 – 3 p.m.
Bringing summer fever to the Johnston House, the Concerts in the Park series kicks off with the music and harmonious bravura of Nigel and Clive performing Beatles songs. For future event dates and locations visit www.half-moon-bay.ca.us. 110 Higgins Canyon Road, (650) 726-0329, www.johnstonhouse.org. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.

Passeggiata!

May through September
Last Friday of Every Month, 6 – 9 p.m.
Kicking off on May 29, the Half Moon Bay Coastside will come alive with the brand new Passeggiata! Passeggiata is an Italian term denoting going for a stroll following a meal to meet up with friends and neighbors. This engaging monthly event invites locals and visitors to enjoy a festive time on the coast with food, wine, live music, cooking demonstrations and even a fashion show. Simply purchase a “Passaporto” for $25 and stroll from participating restaurants to retail stores to enjoy special festivities and offers including a complimentary farm-to-table appetizer with the purchase of a beverage at five culinary hotspots. For more information and to purchase a Passaporto, contact the Half Moon Bay Chamber (650) 726-8380, www.halfmoonbaychamber.org. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.

Holy Ghost Festival (free!)

May 23-25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Holy Ghost Festival, also known as “Chamarita,” recalls 16th Century Portuguese Queen Isabella, the famine that blighted her people and the arrival of a ship with food that saved them. The grateful queen took her crown to her church altar and centuries later Portuguese communities celebrate her with a festival and parades to church, led by a young woman portraying the queen and carrying a crown. The weekend celebration includes a colorful parade and marching bands, a carnival, equestrian groups, a barbeque and more. 735 Main Street, (650) 726-2729, www.halfmoonbayides.org.

Mac Dutra Park Renovation

Opening July 4
Downtown enthusiasts will have more to love about Mac Dutra Park, which is currently undergoing a spacious renovation. The upgrades to the park will offer a warm and welcoming space right in the heart of downtown and add numerous amenities including a permanent stage for performances, a fountain feature, improved lighting, architectural landscaping and curved seating and tables for residents and visitors to enjoy lunch. Intersection of Main & Kelly streets, www.half-moon-bay.ca.us. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.

Half Moon Bay Pride Drag Show

July 11, 4 p.m.
The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is celebrating the third annual Half Moon Bay Pride with a family-friendly drag show. Taking place in the heated, dog-friendly Mavericks Beer Garden, this fun and light-hearted show hosted by Kit Tapata, and Yb Babie will feature performances by Anca Cristina, Ferosha Botez, Alabama Slamma, Zoë ZoJob Awmann, KaiKai Bee, Latasha, and Vesper Synd. A full bar and menu will be available all day in the Mavericks Beer Garden. Media Contact: Caitlin Sandberg (530) 400-9207, caitlin@ellipsespr.com. 390 Capistrano Road, (650) 728-2739, www.hmbbrewingco.com.

24th Annual Tour des Fleurs

July 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Half Moon Bay’s flourishing bounty of fruits and vegetables is in full abundance during the summer, and there’s no better way to take a bite than at the 24th Annual Tour des Fleurs. This unique event offers the public a special, once-a-year opportunity to tour the local nurseries, greenhouses, wineries and farms, many of which are not ordinarily open to the public. There are six tour packages to choose from, each consisting of one-hour tours at three different nurseries which range from flower gardens and organic field greens, to a working dairy farm and a winery. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitors’ Bureau, (650) 726-8380 or visit www.halfmoonbaychamber.org. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.

Pescadero Art & Fun Festival (free!)

August 15-16, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Celebrate the bounty of the area at this fun-filled festival featuring home-cooked cuisine, handcrafted artisan goods, live entertainment and a special Kids Korall. Visitors will discover a gathering of artisans showcasing their creativity while enjoying a down-home, country good time. Founded in 1991 by a group of local artists seeking an outlet for the local community of talent, the Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival has grown to become the event of the year for locals and long time visitors. IDES Pescadero, (650) 879-0848, www.pescaderoartsandfunfestival.org.