43 years celebrating art, culture, wine, music, dance, and good vibes in the enchanting beach-side setting of Capitola Village.
Stroll the Festival sipping exceptional wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains while admiring the artistic talents of over 150 fine artists. Enjoy live music, be inspired by local dance groups and street performers.
The festival is Admission Free! Wine tasting requires the purchase of a 2026 festival glass ($20) and tasting tokens. Must be 21+. ID required.
Free parking and shuttle provided at the Capitola Mall on 41st Avenue.
Ride your bike to the festival and park in the free Bike Valet Parking at the festival entrance.
The Capitola Art & Wine Festival is hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce. This event raises funds to support the Chamber—a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization—as well as the local schools and community groups that help make the festival possible. When you join us at the festival, you’re directly supporting the people and programs that keep our community vibrant and connected.
Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce
www.capitolachamber.com
A Charming Tradition by the Sea
With the sound of the surf as its soundtrack and the quaint charm of Capitola Village as its stage, the Capitola Art & Wine Festival has delighted locals and visitors alike for over four decades.
The festival was born in 1982, thanks to the vision and creativity of the late Carrie Jacobson May, Barbara Reding, and Eric Johnson. Their dream was to celebrate local talent, and so, with 50 artists lining the Esplanade, the inaugural Capitola Village Art Festival came to life.
In 1983, the Capitola Chamber of Commerce joined the effort, and with the artistic touch of the late Jay Collins—who designed the first official poster—the event took on new life. That same year, wine tasting was introduced, giving the festival its signature blend of fine art and regional wine, and inspiring its new name: The Capitola Art & Wine Festival.
From 1984 onward, the festival grew in both scale and spirit. Food vendors joined the scene, custom wine glasses became a beloved tradition, and live entertainment filled the air. With each passing year, more wineries, artists, and performers have added their color and creativity to this treasured community celebration.
The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce continues to host this iconic event with the help of over 400 dedicated volunteers whose energy, spirit, and hard work are essential to the festival’s success. As the organizer and driving force behind the festival, the Chamber is proud to present a vibrant celebration that reflects Capitola’s artistic soul, coastal charm, and enduring sense of community. Without a doubt, it’s our favorite weekend of the year!
With gratitude,
The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce
Capitola Art and Wine Festival, 1989
Jacque Baker 1988
5th Annual Capitola Art and Wine Festival 1987
Capitola Art and Wine Festival, 1986
A FEW REMINDERS FROM THE FESTIVAL
No Pet Policy
Because of the large volume of human traffic at the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, we ask that you please leave your pets at home.
Parking and Shuttle Service
41st Ave Shuttle at Capitola Mall
Ride the free shuttle from the Capitola Mall (handicap accessible). Follow the signs and park in the designated guest parking area at the Capitola Mall on 41st Avenue in Capitola. Shuttle runs approximately every 20 minutes, and drops off at Festival entrance. Saturday, September 13th: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday, September 14th: 9:30 AM to 7 PM.
FREE Bike Valet Parking hosted by Harbor High Leadership
Location: David Lyng Real Estate parking lot at corner of Capitola & Stockton Avenues in Capitola Village.
