It’s that time of year again –– time to sip wine, enjoy fine art, and browse artisan crafts and jewelry while looking out on the Monterey Bay.
The 32nd Annual Capitola Art and Wine Festival is coming up the weekend of September 13th and 14th, and this year promises to be as beautiful as ever.
“I think we are at the level of being one of the best festivals in the State of California,” says Toni Castro, CEO of the Capitola–Soquel chamber of commerce.
“The Festival added 3 new wineries [this year].
I am proud to organize and work with so many wonderful people, the artists –– we make sure that 51% [of those participating in the festival] are local artists, wineries, and food vendors.”
Those local institutions join forces with some out–of–town artists, wineries and eateries to entertain, quench and feed a trove of Capitola locals and visitors. This year, the festival will feature 160+ artists, 23 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, and 13 local food vendors.
Art and wine are the main draw, but they are far from the only attraction. Entertainment during the festival will include local dance groups and live music. Musical acts include Jacob Jeffries, The Sun Kings (performing a Beatles tribute), Santa Cruz Pipes Drums, Extra Large, and SambaDa.
This year’s festival also has plenty to offer for youngsters. A kids area will host craft projects for your little ones, and the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, which will be opening in the Capitola Mall in November, will be at the festival on Sunday with their Imagination Playground set.
Kids and adults alike will also be treated to street performers, Jetlag and The Great Morgani.
Although the festival has a strong tradition and following, Castro says she has no interest in growing in size, given the festival’s strong ties to Capitola Village.
“I would like to keep the quality of the festival and not compromise,” Castro explains.
And that’s exactly what the festival has consistently accomplished for over three decades now. The effort is a large one, but Castro says all the work is worth it once Festival Weekend rolls around.
“The biggest reward is the show itself –– watching the crowds of people relaxing, sipping wine, purchasing art, listening to the music, [and] just having a great time as we are raising money not only for the Chamber of Commerce but for the other non-profits that receive funds from the festival.”
Those beneficiaries include sports, arts, and leadership programs in local schools, as well as Family Network Services.
Although it can be a challenge managing the influx of people, Capitola takes its role of host seriously, and welcomes everyone to join in the festivities.
“We work closely with the City of Capitola and Capitola Police Department on traffic control and safety,” says Castro. “Come join us on Sept. 13th and 14th, park free and take the free shuttle from the Capitola Mall to the Festival. The Festival is admission free and fun!”
For more info, check out the Capitola Art & Wine Festival website, and be sure to follow the Art and Wine Festival’s Facebook page.
32nd Annual Capitola Art and Wine Festival
Capitola Village
September 13 & 14, 2014
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Photo Credit: Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce
