19 Sep 2022
Located approximately 30 miles south of San Francisco, the Half Moon Bay Coastside offers an abundance of ways to embrace autumn all season long. Warm sunny days and crisp evenings set the ideal mood for local fall shopping along Main Street, especially as downtown has recently welcomed several new art galleries and artisan shops. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Pigeon Point Light Station and the 50th anniversaries of the renowned Pumpkin Festival and the Johnston House Foundation. There will also be artisan fairs, outdoor movies, live concerts, and much more for the entire family to enjoy.
Below is a summary of what's new along the Half Moon Bay Coastside. Visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org for everything needed to plan a visit including information on cozy inns and luxury coastal resorts, renowned restaurants, farm visits, golfing, wine tasting, fishing, pumpkin festivities, surfing and much more.
Special Note: All locations are in Half Moon Bay unless otherwise noted.
– UPCOMING EVENTS –
Make It Main Street (free!)
Through December 8
First Thursdays of the month from 3 -7 p.m.
“Make It Main Street” features a collaboration between artists, musicians, and performers to celebrate local arts and culture and to support the shops in downtown Half Moon Bay. Stretching along five blocks of Main Street is a rotating array of musicians, artists, storytellers, and poets plus a woodworker, a letterpress artist, sculptor, a guitar-builder, and a glassblower. Mac Dutra Park sets the stage for local writers, poets, essayists and storytellers to perform their works. Films are shown at the Oddfellows Hall starting at 4p.m. makeitmainstreethmb.org.
Outdoor Movies!
September 16, October 1 & 28
Grab your banket and popcorn and get ready for some outdoor movies! Celebrating its second year, Beach Break Entertainment is bringing movies to the coast including Grease on September 16 ($18; free for 5 years and under). On October 1 check out Close Encounters of the Third Kind (free!) and on October 28 there will be scary Halloween movie (announced soon!). Small Town Sweets will be selling concessions and San Benito House Cantina is serving up Mexican cuisine and margaritas (ticket holders will enjoy a 20% discount all night on margaritas). For more information, locations, and tickets, visit www.beachbreakentertainment.com.
50th Anniversary of the Johnston House (free!)
September 17, 11am – 5pm
The Johnston House Foundation is celebrating its 50th Jubilee Anniversary with historical tours of the James Johnston House led by period costumed docents, plus local artists and complimentary wine and cheese. The Johnston House Foundation was founded in September of 1972 and presides over the “salt box” home built by 49er pioneer, James Johnston in 1853 and his wife Petra Maria de Jara. The foundation rebuilt the dilapidated historic house over the years of 1976 to 1995 and authentically furnished it with many of the original pieces. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house has survived more than 150 years of weather, abandonment, vandalism and high winds. It is open to visitors on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed Oct. 1-Dec. 31). 100 Higgins Canyon Road, (650) 726-0329, www.johnstonhouse.org.
Barrel to Bottle Days (free!)
September 17 & November 12
Wine lovers can take part in a tradition known as “Barrel to Bottle” at La Nebbia Winery. These day-long experiences are for guests to enjoy music, food, and complimentary tastings of the new wine being bottled in the historic winery barn. 12341 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-9463, www.lanebbiawinery.com.
Concerts in the Park Summer's End Music Festival (free!)
September 24, Noon – 7pm
At this lively culmination of the summer music series attendees will enjoy live entertainment, henna tattoos, face painting, kids inflatable obstacle course, and more. Mac Dutra Park, 535 Kelly Avenue, www.half-moon-bay.ca.us/434/Summers-End-2022.
49th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off (free!)
Oct. 10, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Pumpkin growers far and near will vie for heaviest pumpkin at the annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Defending champion Jeff Uhlmeyer's 2,191-pound mega-gourd won the 2021 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. In a pay-by-the-pound system, the winner will take home a hefty $9 per pound for the champion mega-pumpkin. In addition, a $1000 award will go to the most beautiful pumpkin. A special $30,000 bonus mega-prize will be awarded to any grower who breaks the world record at Half Moon Bay (the current world record is 2,703-pounds set at a 2021 weigh-off in Italy). The grand champion gourd (along with the top five overall) will be on display at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival on October 15-16. IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street, (650) 726-9652, www.miramarevents.com. Media Contact: Tim Beeman, (650) 726-3491, tim@miramarevents.com.
50th Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (free!)
Oct. 15 & 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This year marks the 50th celebration of the Pumpkin Festival! Half Moon Bay celebrates its bountiful fall harvest and autumn splendor with a special weekend filled with heavyweight champion pumpkins, four stages of entertainment, the Great Pumpkin Parade, a bone-chilling Haunted House, harvest-inspired crafts, and home-style foods. Expert pumpkin carver expert Farmer Mike ("the Picasso of pumpkin carvers") will be sculpting monster pumpkins into amazing one-of-a-kind masterpieces. With so much to see and do, visitors can use iPumpkin, the official mobile application of the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, to navigate their way through the festival. Main Street, (650) 726-9652, www.miramarevents.com. Media Contact: Tim Beeman, (650) 726-3491, tim@miramarevents.com.
150th Anniversary Celebration Pigeon Point Light Station (free!)
November 12, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Perched on a cliff 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay, the 115-feet tall Pigeon Point Light Station is one of the tallest lighthouses in America and has been guiding mariners since 1872. During this momentous 150th anniversary celebration, guests will enjoy guided tours, music, children's crafts and activities, and a local maritime author. From 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., the iconic First Fog Signal Building will remain open to show off the magnificent First Order Fresnel Lens. 210 Pigeon Point Road, Highway 1, Pescadero, (650) 879-2120, www.parks.ca.gov/pigeonpoint.
Colony of Coastside Artists Open Studios (free!)
Nov. 12-13, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Art lovers will flock to the annual Open Studios for the chance to score that perfect piece of local work. Hosted by the Colony of Coastside Artists, nearly 40 local artists will open their homes and studios to the public for this once-a-year showcase of their work. Peruse and purchase paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, hot glass, and much more. For more information, visit www.colonyofcoastsideartists.com.
– HOTEL NEWS–
Half Moon Bay Inn Renovates Uptown Suites
Located on Main Street in a historic 1932 Spanish Revival building, this elegant inn has renovated its two Uptown Suites with new furnishings and a fresh color scheme. These cozy apartment-like getaways are ideal for a night or a long term stay and have a private entry, a living room/sleeping area plus a fully stocked kitchen and a balcony. All guestrooms are equipped with European furnishings, plush pillow top mattresses, fine linens, and marble baths. Special additions include signature scented soaps, lotions, and shampoos developed by a local herbalist. 401 Main Street, (650) 726-1177, halfmoonbayinn.com.
$1 Million Renovation of Suites at The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay has announced the completion of a nearly $1 million renovation of several top suites. Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates and inspired by the resort's coastal location, The Ritz-Carlton Suite and Signature Suite have been renovated in the theme of "Oceanic Opulence" with calming shades of blue and white. The two-bedroom Ritz-Carlton Suite sleeps up to six guests and has a master bedroom with plush king bedding and views of the ocean and golf courses below. The 1,000-square-foot Signature Suite features a living room and modern dining area with an adjacent bedroom. One Miramontes Point Rd, (650) 712-7000, www.ritzcarlton.com. Media Contact: Shelly Auyeung, (650) 712-7007, Shelly.Auyeung@ritzcarlton.com.
– CULINARY NEWS–
New Sushi on the Coastside!
For an unconventional Japanese feast, head to Hangetsu Sushi for Kuzushi Kaiseki, a meal combining Kaiseki cuisine with Omakase sashimi, sushi, and other delicacies. While Kuzushi Kaiseki respects the Japanese tradition where it was born, it also includes dishes from Western cuisines. 2810 Cabrillo Hwy, (650)560-8495, www.hangetsushi.com.
Brew News
Just a short walk from Pillar Point Harbor is a new brewing company! Blue Ocean Brewing, owned by three local guys who simply love beer, opened to rave reviews for their craft beers. This small, slightly off the beaten path brewery produces top quality beers with quirky names like Goat Yoga (a milk stout), Cricket (a golden ale), and SUP (Italian Pilsner). Grab a cold one and enjoy the inside and outside seating. 315 Princeton Ave, (650) 346-7733.
New Owner of Moonside Bakery
After more than 30 years, renowned Moonside Bakery & Cafe has a new owner. Long-time employee Isidro Contreras is taking over. He will maintain the much-loved specialty cakes, European-style pastries, freshly baked bread and wood-fired pizzas, while incorporating more seasonal items with produce from the local farms. Not to worry, the made-from-scratch tarts, cookies, cakes and macaroons will always be a staple. 604 Main Street, (650)726-9070, https://moonsidebakery.com.
Global Cuisine Series
After a two-year hiatus, The Global Cuisine Series has returned to the iconic The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Michelin-starred chefs from across the country will collaborate with Navio's Chef de Cuisine Francisco Simón to prepare signature menus for one weekend each at the resort's signature fine dining restaurant Navio. Coming up September 9-11 is Chef Matthew Neele from Wallsé restaurant in New York who will prepare Austrian cuisine by way of schnitzel, light fish dishes, and beautiful Viennese pastries. On November 11-13, acclaimed chef and owner Noah Sandoval of Oriole in Chicago will prepare an extended New American tasting menu. One Miramontes Point Rd, (650) 712-7000, www.ritzcarlton.com. Media Contact: Shelly Auyeung, (650) 712-7007, Shelly.Auyeung@ritzcarlton.com.
–SHOPPING–
A²
This recently opened accessory shop from the owners of the local home goods store Abode features highly curated artisan-made items including jewelry, ceramics, leather vases, and more. 433 Main Street, 650-889-3023.
Juno's Little Mercantile Opens! The owners of the super successful store Jupiter & Main have opened a sister store called Juno's Little Mercantile. The intimate space features a colorful array of poetry, pillows, candles, cookbooks, and more. 435 Main Street, junosmercantile.com.
Creative Gardening
Garden Apothecary's Corner Garden is offering a series of workshops and gardening 101 salons, from mood medicine to flower crowns. Next up is flower arranging. In this personalized workshop, students will learn about ethical and eco-responsible foraging and arranging flowers, including using unique botanicals, medicinal herbs and veggies. 601 Main Street, www.gardenapothecary.com/collections/garden.
Alma & Bee
Recently opened Alma & Bee, featuring a carefully curated collection of unique goods and accessories, will soon also be home to a posh nail salon. This cozy spot tucked away in the back of the store will offer nail service using natural, chemical-free polish. While there, peruse a terrific selection of jewelry, clothing, and beauty items. Founded out of the love for high-quality goods and eco-ethical practices, items support U.S. artisans, and most are made in California. Apparel is sustainable, handbags are vegan, and self-care products are natural and cruelty free. 345 Main Street, (650) 729-3100, almaandbee.com.
– ART AND ENTERTAINMENT–
Ocean Blue Vault Expands
The Ocean Blue Vault, a local artist collective opened last spring, is already expanding by taking over the space next door. Opening September 1, the new gallery space will showcase a complete collection of one artist at a time, changing seasonally. The debut artist will be Daniel Ambrosi who is recognized as one of the founding creators of the emerging AI art movement. Blue Ocean Vault showcases the work of approximately 25 rotating artists from Northern California ranging from paintings, glass, and metal to wood, jewelry, textiles, and more. 643 Main Street, (650) 713-5544, www.OceanBlueVault.com.
Live Performance
Coastal Repertory is a non-profit community theater that draws talent from the Coastside and the Greater Bay Area. Known for their high quality performances in a small 158-seat theater, the not-to-be-missed production of “Murder on the Nile” will run from September 30 - October 23. The play follows Kay Ridgeway who has led a charmed life. Blessed with beauty, enormous wealth, and a new husband, she embarks on a honeymoon voyage down the Nile. Fatal circumstances await when the idyllic surroundings are shattered by a shocking and brutal murder. 1167 Main Street, (650) 726-0998, www.coastalrep.com.
New Artist-Run Gallery Opens
Mirada Art recently opened on Main Street. This artist-run space features a variety of works by fine artists and crafts persons including sculpture, painting, jewelry and more. 355 Main Street, (650)206-8722, www.mirada-art.com.
About the Half Moon Bay Coastside
The Half Moon Bay Coastside is a charming seaside respite located approximately 30 miles south of San Francisco. Nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this breathtaking region consists of four distinct areas - the North Coast, Half Moon Bay, the South Coast and the Redwood Region. Featuring the best of Northern California all in one place, visitors will enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, redwood forests, a historic downtown filled with local artisan shops, beautiful state parks, fields of wildflowers, and trails along ocean bluffs and mountain ridges as far as the eye can see. A sampling of activities includes horseback riding on the beach, farm fresh dining, shopping, biking, hiking and world-class golfing and surfing.
For more information on visiting Half Moon Bay, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org, download Half Moon Bay's free app iCoastside or call (650) 726-8380. For the latest news on the area, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org/articles, join us on Facebook @VisitHalfMoonBay, follow us on Instagram @ visithalfmoonbay and Twitter @VisitHMB, plus check us out on YouTube www.youtube.com/user/visithmb.
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Media Contact:
Kelly Chamberlin
Chamberlin Public Relations
(415) 336-4332
