Need to beat the heat this summer? Look no further than the Victorian Village of Ferndale. Just five miles from the Pacific Ocean on the northern end of California’s Lost Coast, you can dine, shop and stay in Ferndale’s world-famous Main Street Historic District, and use the destination as a jumping-off point to explore all Humboldt County has to offer. (Did you know Money.com recently named Humboldt County one of the 50 best places in the world to travel in 2023?) Whether you’re road-tripping with family or friends, looking for a couples’ getaway, or traveling solo, Ferndale has something for you.
Summer 2023 Events
Here’s a look at just a few of the events coming up in Ferndale this summer (following an already-busy season kickoff that saw the Memorial Day Parade, Kinetics Grand Championship, Pet Parade, and Pride March—all annual Ferndale events—stride down Main Street).
July 4, noon on Main Street: Fourth of July Parade, featuring historic fire trucks, local floats and grand marshals Troy Land and Marla Laloli, community volunteers and Valley Lumber co-owners (parade info and entry forms; Facebook event)
July 4, 11am at Ferndale Veterans Hall: Fourth of July Barbecue
July 7-9 at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds: Lost Coast Kennel Club’s 21st Annual All Breed Show, Obedience, Rally, FCATs
July 20-23 at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds: Lost Coast Kennel Club Agility Trials, Barn Hunt, FCATs
July 23, 8am at Ferndale Veterans Hall: Ferndale Veterans Community Breakfast
August 17-27 at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds: 127th annual Humboldt County Fair (closed Monday)
August 27, 8am at Ferndale Veterans Hall: Ferndale Veterans Community Breakfast
September 10 on Main Street: Ferndale Concours on Main Car Show (2023 featured marque: Aston Martin)
September 15-17: Bargain Lovers Weekend, our annual citywide yard sale
September 16: Tour of the Unknown Coast cycling event, featuring 100mi, 100km, and family rides all starting in Ferndale
September 24, 8am at Ferndale Veterans Hall: Ferndale Veterans Community Breakfast
September 30, Ferndale Community Center: Fall Back With the Ferndale Museum 2023 (live and silent auctions, pit barbecue with all the fixings, soft serve ice cream, hay baling and blacksmith demonstrations, working cider press and shingle mill, hay rides around Ferndale, live music)
P.S. It’s never too early to plan ahead for Ferndale’s magical Christmas season! Check out our full events directory here.
All events subject to change without notice. Check VisitFerndale.com for the latest added events. Locals: Have an event for VisitFerndale.com? Submit it here.
What’s the Weather Like in Ferndale, CA?
Ferndale’s temperate, coastal climate makes it a great destination in the summer if you’re looking to beat the heat.
Ferndale, CA Historical Monthly Average Temperature
Things to Do in Ferndale, CA
We’ve got no shortage of fun for everyone here in the Cream City. Explore VisitFerndale.com to learn all about:
Outdoor activities in Ferndale, from secluded beach hikes to forest bathing to an urban native plant oasis
Visiting the redwoods from Ferndale (fun fact: Ferndale is situated between Humboldt Redwood State Park and Redwoods National and State Parks, making it a perfect home base for your redwoods vacation)
Dairy-themed activities in Ferndale (did you know we’re nicknamed the Cream City for our dairy industry dating back to the 1800s?)
How to Get to Ferndale, CA
Ferndale is located just off Highway 101, about 250 miles north of San Francisco and 100 miles south of the Oregon border. Getting here is half the fun! Ferndale is also served by the California Redwood Coast—Humboldt County Airport (code ACV), 45 minutes north of us (car rentals and shuttle service available). Learn more here.
What People Are Saying About Ferndale
Country Living Magazine recently called Ferndale one of the 40 best small towns in California that are “bursting with beauty.” The Bay Area’s 7x7.com calls us one of six little-known Northern California towns that are “charming AF.” California.com just named us one of the top five rural towns to visit in California. And those are just a few of our accolades!
We Look Forward to Welcoming You
On behalf of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, we look forward to welcoming you to Ferndale. Let’s stay in touch! Follow and tag us on social media at @visitferndale, and sign up here for email updates. See you soon!
Correction, 7/12/23: Country Living Magazine headline