November / 2017

Surfing Santa

November 25

12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM — Capitola Main Beach Surfing Santa arrives with his outrigger canoe and surfboard on the shores of Capitola Main Beach at 12 noon. Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa's wave-riding arrival. Once Santa has toweled off, he'll settle in his beach chair to hear holiday wishes and have a nice long visit with all the children. The event is free and hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce. For more information call the Capitola-Soquel Chamber at 831.475.6522

February / 2018

Surfer's Path 10k and 5k

February 25

Participants are treated to beachfront and bluff views of the Monterey Bay along the majestic Santa Cruz County coastline. You travel the Surfer’s Path, passing many of the world’s most famous surf breaks. There is plenty of surf music and celebration at the finish area located in the heart of Capitola Village. Get more info here.

March / 2018

Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt

March 31, 2018

Hop on down to Capitola Village for an Easter Egg Hunt on the beach! Kids 12 and under can hunt for candy-filled eggs hidden in the sand. The Easter Bunny will be there! Please limit 3 eggs per child so there is plenty of fun for everyone! And be sure to bring your camera to capture a fun, spring day on the beach in Capitola! Get more info here.

May / 2018

Surfer's Path Marathon, Capitola Half Marathon & Relay

May 20

Whether you choose the 26.2 mile Marathon, 13.1 mile Half Marathon or Relay, you will be treated to scenic courses, featuring breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay coastline and a series of world renowned surf breaks. An ideal destination event, participants can experience a quintessential California vacation. Get more info here.

June / 2018

Twilight Concerts

Wednesdays, June - August

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM — The Art and Cultural Commission bring Wednesday Night Twilight Concerts to Capitola Village on the Esplanade Stage. Families and friends are encouraged to come down and enjoy an array of musical styles from jazz, western, latin, swing, orchestra to rock and roll. The bands will perform from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner and chairs to sit on either in the park or on the beach while enjoying the music filled sunset. A blanket and warm jackets are always a good idea as the summer weather can bring the fog. Check back for Concert Schedules.

Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show

June 9 & 10

Featuring over 300 Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Coupes, Roadsters, Customs and Classics - vintage to 1972; Vendor Booths, Music, Silent Auction, Raffle, Trophies, DenBeste Motorsports, Nascar race cars, and more. Enjoy a weekend filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and family fun at the beach! Get more info here.

17th Annual Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race

June 16

The 2018 Jay Race will be held on Jay's birthday! This annual ocean paddleboard race in the beautiful waters of the Monterey Bay is in memory of Santa Cruz Waterman Jay Moriarity. Paddle the 12 mile or 2 mile course. Compete in the Waterman's challenge. Free "mini Jay" races for kids 12 and under! Get more info here.

Art and Music at the Beach

Sunday June 24, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 5 & August 19

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM — Sunday Sunday June 24, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 5 & August 19. Art and Music At The Beach is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in Capitola Village. Live Music is featured on the Esplanade Stage and local artists display their work in Esplanade Park overlooking Capitola Beach and the Monterey Bay.

July / 2018

Art and Music at the Beach

Sunday June 24, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 5 & August 19

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM — Sunday June 24, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 5 & August 19.  Art and Music At The Beach is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in Capitola Village. Live Music is featured on the Esplanade Stage and local artists display their work in Esplanade Park overlooking Capitola Beach and the Monterey Bay.

Twilight Concerts

Wednesdays June - August

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM — The Art and Cultural Commission bring Wednesday Night Twilight Concerts to Capitola Village on the Esplanade Stage. Families and friends are encouraged to come down and enjoy an array of musical styles from jazz, western, latin, swing, orchestra to rock and roll. The bands will perform from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner and chairs to sit on either in the park or on the beach while enjoying the music filled sunset. A blanket and warm jackets are always a good idea as the summer weather can bring the fog. Check back for Concert Schedules.

Wharf to Wharf Race

July 22

Sunday, at 8:00 AM — A world class, scenic six-mile race with 35 or more live bands and throngs of festive spectators along the route. A race like no other! For registration and more information visit: Website: www.wharftowharf.com

August / 2018

Twilight Concerts

Wednesdays June - August

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM — The Art and Cultural Commission bring Wednesday Night Twilight Concerts to Capitola Village on the Esplanade Stage. Families and friends are encouraged to come down and enjoy an array of musical styles from jazz, western, latin, swing, orchestra to rock and roll. The bands will perform from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner and chairs to sit on either in the park or on the beach while enjoying the music filled sunset. A blanket and warm jackets are always a good idea as the summer weather can bring the fog. Check back for Concert Schedules.

Art and Music at the Beach

Sunday June 24, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 5 & August 19

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM — Sunday June 24, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 5 & August 19. Art and Music At The Beach is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in Capitola Village. Live Music is featured on the Esplanade Stage and local artists display their work in Esplanade Park overlooking Capitola Beach and the Monterey Bay.

Movies on the Beach

Fri August 24 through Fri September 14

Enjoy a movie on a summer night. Come early, have dinner in the village, bring family and friends, flashlights, beach chairs, and blankets.

Fri August 24 - Sing
Friday, August 31, Cars 3
Fri, Sept 7 - Zootopia
Frid, Septebmer 14 - A Wrinkle in Time
Seating begins: 6:30 PM Movie starts: 7:30 PM Free popcorn from 7-7:30 PM Learn more here.

September / 2018

Capitola Art and Wine Festival

September 8 & 9

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM — Admission is FREE! Over 150 fine artists, 21 Santa Cruz Mountains wineries, gourmet food, children's art area, entertainment all day, both days and so much more! All in the beautiful, beach-side setting of Capitola Village-by-the-Sea. For more information visit http://capitolaartandwine.com.

Opera at the Beach Capitola

Sunday, September 16th 12:00pm to 3:00pm

Come enjoy a free, family friendly rendition of  Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte. Bring your low back chairs and a picnic to watch The Bay Shore Lyric Opera perform at the beach in this uniquely Capitola setting. Cosi Fan Tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Conductor Michael Di Giacinto members of the Winchester Orchestra

Capitola Beach Festival

September 28 - 29, 2018

Capitola Village Beach Festival plans to resurrect some key components of its predecessor, the Begonia Festival, such as sand castle building and rowboat contests, a horseshoe tournament, fishing derby and children’s art events. New proposed features included replacing begonia-laden floats parading down sunny Soquel Creek with a Saturday night nautical parade illuminated with LED lights. More to Come!

October / 2018

T9 Mermaid Triathlon & Duathlon Capitola

October 6

One of the best all women triathlons on the west coast. Capitola is the perfect venue offering an ocean swim around the wharf, views of the pacific, fun bike course featuring a gradual climb into the coastal redwoods, followed by a run on the ocean bluff overlooking the town.

Get more info here.

24th Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza

Sunday, October 7th

The Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza returns to Capitola Village for its fifth year. The event is free and is best viewed from Capitola Beach. Gather your friends and family, beach chairs and blankets, and get ready to Ooooh and Ahhhh... Get more information here.

Surfer's Path Hang 10/5

October 21

This addition to the Surfer’s Path series features a 10 mile and 5 mile distance. The Hang 10/5 courses start and finish in Capitola Village and travel onto the Surfer’s Path, passing many of the world’s most famous surf breaks. Get more info here.

Children's Halloween Parade

October 28

Parade begins at 2:00 PM Line-up at 1:30 PM in the Pacific Cove Parking Lot above Capitola Police Department and City Hall. Parade winds through Capitola Village and ends at Esplanade Park. Enjoy refreshments, entertainment, goody bags, balloons, and trick-or-treating at Village merchants. This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce. Call the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce at 831-475-6522 for more information.

November / 2018

Capitola Plein Air

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 1-4

The best time to catch artists in action is Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm, however, you may stumble upon artists as early as Wednesday painting throughout the Village, including the Wharf, Depot Hill steps, and Esplanade. The event culminates on Sunday when the public is invited to view finished works, chat with artists, have fun doing hands on art activities, enjoy live music, and purchase your favorite artwork at the fine art sale. Get more info here.

“What I love most is morning walks on the beach collecting seashells all while taking in the tantalizing aroma of the sea!! Capitola Village is my favorite place on earth!!‬‬”

Rose Amadeo Etchison

“I love taking my family to the beach. My kids say the vacation we took to the ocean was the best vacation we've ever had!!! ‬‬”

Jennifer Parmenter Perry‬

“I love watching my son building sand castles and exploring the tides and creating memories of his own as I did when I was growing up visiting the village each spring and summer.‬‬‬” ”

Lorie Diaz-Liddicoat‬

“I love watching our son play on the beach... he loves running from the waves and seeing him so happy just melts my heart .”

Laura Lisa‬

“I love taking my two boys to the beach. It’s a great place for them to just be! Run wild, and enjoy. Day to day life is filled with rules and expectations but at the beach they can be in charge of their day. Just relax or run, swim, build a castle! Anything they can dream up.‬‬‬”

Shannon Cloud‬

“The Beach, the clean air, the view, the openness, the gift of seeing Dolphins or seals or whales if your lucky, the water on my feet, finding perfect shells or sand dollars (we still love that) and nice people... That's all for now.‬‬‬”

Dale Swanson‬

“Memories, ranging from being a little girl going to Capitola with my family, to a teenager driving there for the first time and hanging out with friends, to adult life with my hubby.... Each periods of time holds different but very special memories and just being in Capitola brings it all back‬‬‬.”

Sabrina Harris

“Capitola is where my beautiful monster and I go to relax, sit in the sun, listen to the sound of the waves, breathe in the ocean air... Nothing ‬‬
better than that!! It's our favorite place to go!!”

Wendy Bustamante

“I love the sound of the ocean waves. They are so calming and peaceful. Everything just fades away.‬‬‬”

Judy Jensen

“Love the beach here no matter the weather. Shorts and tees or Uggs and a sweatshirt... it is peaceful and relaxing. As soon as we hit the city limit sign, I feel the relaxation taking over!‬‬‬”

Annette Habeeb Robinson

“The lovely beach air and strolling through the village. Calm and happy place for me and my husband.‬‬‬‬”

Marilyn Clanton Pruett‬

“It has been awhile since I have been there, but the permanent feeling of sunshine warming my face, walks around town, and toes in the water of the quaint Capitola memory in my mind has never left me.‬‬‬”

Keri Meyer

“Beside the sand between my toes and the sound of the surf, I love the little beach Sunny Cove to the right of the wharf. The beautiful cliffs along the waters edge… Wonderful restaurants- Capitola is a taste of Europe!‬‬‬”

Janet Henzie

“I love finding the otters in the kelp beds and watching the surfers. Capitola is my favorite place in the world‬‬‬.”

Catherine Formusa‬

“Capitola has always held a special place in my heart. My family and I have spent a few days every summer enjoying the shopping and the beach in the village.‬‬‬”

Michele Johnson Cameron

“‬I love relaxing on the beach with my family and then going shopping around the cute village! I haven't been there in two years and would love to come again!!‬‬‬”

Ian Cameron

“I LOVE CAPITOLA VILLAGE as it is the most relaxing place in the area, with many quaint shops and restaurants as well Absolutely Beautiful!!!‬‬‬” ‬‬”

Barbara Smart‬

“There is nothing like the beach to restore your sanity, your spirit and your inner child. Problems disappear when you look at the ocean.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬”

Barbara Bassett‬

“My favorite Capitola memory is from last summer, playing my banjolele sitting on the rooftop of one of the village rentals with a glass of wine and my fiancé and loved ones‬‬‬.‬‬”

Han Marlene

“8 years ago my now husband and I spent the day in Capitola...drinking Toot's coffee, meandering along the beach, grabbing a slice at Pizza My Heart, then ending the day at Shadowbrook for dinner...where he proposed to me in the garden. 7 years of marriage, and 2 kids later, Capitola holds a very special place in our hearts. It's where our journey really began!‬‬‬‬‬‬”

Taryn Barker‬

“Seeing the look of sheer joy on our then-1 year old daughter's face when she stuck her toes in the water for the first time. Six years later, she loves to surf and boogie board at Capitola Beach.‬‬‬‬”

Gayle Pitman

“Spending our anniversary at Inn at Depot Hill, then waking up super early and walking the village. Getting coffee and a freshly baked croissant. We literally had the whole village to ourselves‬‬‬.”

Claire Knedler Menard

“Lots of great memories of Capitola, and will be making lots more. Love Capitola, Awesome people, sites, restaurants, hotels, beaches. Fun Fun Fun Great memories‬‬‬.‬‬”

Jeannie Graham Nyberg‬

“My favorite time was when my young son wandered into a store, in the village, put on some green frog rain boots and walked out with them. Sold. I remember so clearly that little boy of mine with shorts and frog boots on, proudly showing everyone. Now he's 15. Good times and great memories.‬‬”

Marta Dennis Bibica‬

“My husband and I just spent our 28th wedding anniversary in Capitola. The beach was wonderful. I would love to spend every anniversary there. My favorite spot on the coast!!!‬‬‬”

Debi Dains
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