Things to Do in Ferndale in May
Ferndale’s Main Street flower baskets have officially been raised, signaling the arrival of spring in the Victorian Village! We’re gearing up for a sunny season of festive events, more time with friends and family, and lots of outdoor living. Here are just a few ideas for your visit to Ferndale in May.
Book a stay. Located just a 4.5-hour drive from San Francisco on beautiful Highway 101, or 45 minutes from California’s Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, Ferndale makes for an easy getaway, as well as a great home base to explore all Humboldt County has to offer. It’s also a favorite overnight stop for West Coast road trippers! Whether you’re looking for a unique, world-famous inn, a charming Airbnb hosted by a real local, or the comforts of a traditional hotel, Ferndale has the perfect lodging for you. Learn more here.
Celebrate Mother’s Day. It’s on Sunday, May 12, but the whole month is great time to bring Mom to Ferndale. Want to go above and beyond? Make a reservation for afternoon tea at the iconic Gingerbread Mansion, open to the public by appointment daily from 12pm-2pm. Enjoy a Victorian-era tea with fine china, an elegant parlor setting, and teatime treats, then stroll through the mansion’s beautifully maintained English-inspired garden.
Make dinner plans. It’s a great time to visit Ferndale for an evening of dinner and drinks, whether you’re traveling solo, with a date, or with a group. As locals, a few of our favorite ways to spend a night out include: live music and charcuterie at The Boardroom on Thursday nights; outdoor dining at Tuyas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina on warm evenings; the Victorian Inn Restaurant’s buzzy new $24 all-inclusive dinner deal Mondays through Wednesdays; and the friendly atmosphere of Ferndale Pizza Co. for comforting Italian favorites. Plus, we’ve got no shortage of popular options for breakfast, coffee, lunch and dessert too! Learn more here.
Shop Main Street. You’ll want to set aside at least a couple hours to explore downtown Ferndale’s locally owned shops and boutiques. Offerings range from antiques and unique gifts to locally grown farm goods, chic clothing, jewelry and an award-winning shoe store, plus a whole lot more. Even better, exploring Main Street and its surroundings will allow you to immerse yourself in Ferndale’s famously preserved Victorian architecture. In fact, our whole Main Street is recognized as California Historical Landmark #883!
Cheer on the finishers of the Kinetic Grand Championship. It’s been a local tradition since 1969: Wild and crazy people-powered sculptures traverse land, sand and water to travel from the Arcata Plaza on May 25 to the finish line in Ferndale on Memorial Day (Monday, May 27 starting at 1pm). Motto: For the glory!
Visit Hadley Gardens. Located near the entrance to Ferndale at 655 Main Street, Hadley Gardens is a relatively new attraction that has quickly become favorite for visitors and locals alike. It features a life-size Victorian dollhouse, a miniature fern canyon, a “solar flower” that powers the garden’s lights, a “living roof” atop the garden shed, and an array of native plants and exhibits. May is an excellent time of year to spend some time here!
See live music in a church-turned-concert venue. Hawaiian slack key guitar master Led Kaapana will perform at The Old Steeple on Sunday, May 26 at 7:30pm. This unique music venue is a Ferndale must-see, attracting a steady procession of talented visiting artists throughout the year. Get tickets here.
Hike Russ Park. As the winter mud gives way to drier ground, it’s a great time to visit Ferndale’s 110-acre nature preserve just a few minutes’ walk from downtown. Home to a mature Sitka spruce forest, Russ Park offers a variety of trails of different lengths and challenge levels. You’ll find breathtaking views of the Eel River Valley and will likely encounter a wealth of wildlife. Local volunteers will be “sprucing” up the park on May 5. (For another stunning view of Ferndale and the Pacific Coast, head to the top of the historic Ferndale Cemetery that adjoins Russ Park.)
Enjoy live community theatre. Ferndale Repertory Theatre has been a cultural gem on Main Street since the 1970s. Its next production, “The PROM,” debuts Friday, May 24 and runs through Sunday, June 16. Get tickets here. (For another chance to show your support, check out Repfest, the FRT’s biggest annual fundraiser, on May 4 at Ferndale Community Center.)
Attend a community event. In addition to the events listed above, there’s even more happening in Ferndale in May. Check out the Veterans’ Spring Craft Bazaar on May 3-4, benefitting Wreaths Across America. Experience Portuguese culture as the Eel River Valley Portuguese Hall Association celebrates its 100th anniversary festa May 17-19. Finally, join Ferndalers in honoring Memorial Day on Monday, May 27 with a 10am Main Street parade followed by a ceremony at Ferndale Cemetery.
We look forward to welcoming you to Ferndale!
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Photo(s) by Leon Villagomez for the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. May not be reused without permission. Lead photo: The Shaw House Inn on Main Street in Ferndale, CA is pictured.