Chances are you’ve heard of the Capitola Begonia Festival. After all, this years marks the 62nd anniversary of one of Capitola’s most celebrated and unique annual bashes.
The funny thing is, when the Begonia Festival began it wasn’t really about the begonias.
It’s roots trace back to the 1950s, when synchronized swimmers used the flowers to decorate their public routines. But somehow the begonia is what stuck, and even today, Capitola honors the flower every Labor Day Weekend. But, true to its roots, the Begonia Festival is still about a whole lot more than foliage.
Last year, former Begonia Festival organizer Lin Banks wrote a guest post for SCL about her love for the event. She summed up the vibe that overtakes Capitola one weekend every year this way:
“Now the festival is kind of like Capitola saying, ‘Hey! We’re having an end-of-summer party, and you’re invited!’ Over the long weekend, the Village is filled with a party atmosphere and events from dawn to dusk, and beyond – and the great thing is that all events are fun, family-friendly and FREE.”
What’s more is that the Festival brings in a ton of local business to Capitola, which is great for everyone in the area.
Schedule of Events
If the Begonia Festival sounds as fun to you as it does to its thousands of other attendees, here’s a rundown of all the different stuff there is to do each day.
Friday, August 29th
Let’s Dance! Review 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Esplanade Park
Saturday, August 30th
Float Construction Viewing All day until 10:00 p.m. at Soquel Creek
Sand Sculpture Contest 8:00 a.m. to noon at Capitola Beach. More info here.
Begonia Mural Noon to 7:00 p.m. on Upper Esplanade Lawn
Artist Poster Signing 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Merchandise Booth
Concert in the Park: Beach Cowboys 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Esplanade Park
Saturday Movie Night at the Beach: Annie Begins at dusk at Capitola Beach
Sunday, August 31st
Horseshoes on the Sand 8:00 a.m. to finish at Capitola Beach
Float Construction Viewing All day until 10:00 p.m. at Soquel Creek
Chalk Art on the Seawall 9:00 a.m. to noon at Esplanade Park
Begonias to Go, Head to Toe 10:00 a.m. to noon in Esplanade Park
62nd Annual Nautical Parade 1:00 p.m. to finish. From Soquel Creek to the Lagoon. View from Stockton Bridge, Cliff Avenue and Wharf Road.
Artist Poster Signing 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Merchandise Booth.
Concert in the Park: The Houserockers 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Esplanade Park
Monday, September 1st
Fishing Derby 6:30 a.m. to noon at the end of the Capitola Wharf
Children’s Art Project 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Esplanade Park
Hoops for Everyone! 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Bandstand
Rowboat Races 1:00 p.m. to finish at Soquel Creek
