You could fly to Italy for a weekend of seaside views, colorful buildings and long afternoons with a glass of wine, or you could head to a tiny California beach town that has been channeling those same Mediterranean vibes for nearly a century.
With its pastel waterfront buildings, sheltered beach and walkable village, Capitola has long had an unmistakably European feel. This September, that atmosphere gets an extra dose of art, wine and live music when the town’s annual waterfront festival returns for a full weekend.
A weekend of art, wine and coastal charm
The Capitola Art & Wine Festival takes over Capitola Village on September 12 and 13, bringing artists, wineries, food vendors and live entertainment to the streets just steps from the beach. Best of all, admission is free.
More than just a wine festival, the event turns the entire village into an open-air marketplace. Visitors can browse work from artists specializing in ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, sculpture, textiles and woodwork, making it easy to spend a few hours wandering between stalls before heading down toward the waterfront.
Wine tasting is available for guests 21 and over. A festival glass costs $20, with additional tasting tokens available throughout the event. This year’s participating wineries include local names such as Big Basin Vineyards, Beauregard Vineyards, Bargetto Winery, Hallcrest Vineyards and Wrights Station.
What else is there to do?
Food is a major part of the weekend, with the Artisans Marketplace featuring local specialty producers alongside food trucks and other vendors. Expect options ranging from olive oil and honey to baked goods, sweets, oysters and prepared dishes.
There will also be live entertainment throughout the festival, adding to the relaxed atmosphere around the village. And because everything is concentrated in Capitola Village, it’s easy to pair the event with a walk along Capitola Beach, a visit to the historic wharf, or a wander through the colorful streets that make this one of California’s most distinctive coastal towns.
Key details
📅 When: September 12–13, 2026
📍 Where: Capitola Village
🎟️ Admission: Free
🚌 Shuttle: Free service from Capitola Mall every 20 minutes
🚲 Bike valet: Free bike parking available in the village
With its Mediterranean-style architecture and waterfront setting, Capitola already feels like a little slice of the Italian Riviera. Add local wine, independent art, food and a September weekend by the bay, and the Capitola Art & Wine Festival becomes an especially easy way to spend a day on the California coast.
