Every year on the coast
Main Street between Miramontes and Spruce Streets · Two days in October, the weekend after Columbus Day
One of California's oldest and largest local festivals: art and crafts, food from community non-profits, music stages, the Great Pumpkin Parade. Free admission.
Read on Main Street between Miramontes and Spruce Streets ↗IDES grounds, 735 Main Street · Columbus Day Monday (the Monday before the festival)
Growers from across the United States bring giant pumpkins; the winner rides in the festival parade.
Read on IDES grounds, 735 Main Street ↗Miramontes Street, Main Street and Mill Street · Saturday noon of festival weekend
The weigh-off champion pumpkin, marching bands, classic cars and costumed children.
Read on Miramontes Street, Main Street and Mill Street ↗Downtown Half Moon Bay and Mac Dutra Plaza · Each Friday evening after Thanksgiving for four weeks
Holiday tree lighting, a lighted parade of floats and downtown holiday evenings.
Read on Downtown Half Moon Bay and Mac Dutra Plaza ↗Pillar Point Harbor · December
Boats decorated with holiday lights, with an annual boat-decorating contest.
Read on Pillar Point Harbor ↗Downtown Half Moon Bay, Pillar Point Harbor and downtown Pescadero · The Saturday after Thanksgiving
A day for the Coastside's hundreds of small businesses.
Read on Downtown Half Moon Bay, Pillar Point Harbor and downtown Pescadero ↗Half Moon Bay Airport · April
Car, air, motorcycle and tractor show in one day — a benefit event.
Read on Half Moon Bay Airport ↗Historic Main Street · July 4
The town's traditional Independence Day parade and block party.
Read on Historic Main Street ↗IDES Hall, Main Street and the Catholic church · Annually (spring/summer)
The Coastside Portuguese community's festival of thanksgiving, with a procession down Main Street.
Read on IDES Hall, Main Street and the Catholic church ↗Half Moon Bay · Saturdays 9–1 (season)
Local growers, ranchers, florists and makers.
Read on Half Moon Bay ↗Mavericks / online · Each winter season
A video contest for the season's best Mavericks surfing — Biggest Wave, Ride of the Year, Performer of the Year.
Read on Mavericks / online ↗© 2026 Made in Half Moon Bay · a Good Neighbor × Made In city guide · photo credits on the About page