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Facebook commenters, please for God’s sake note: It will not compete with Eureka’s Friday Night Market, which ends in August.

But if — and more likely, when — the Arcata City Council agrees to terms at its meeting this Wednesday, then the new Arcata Friday Night Market will be something close to fulfilling the original vision of the popular weekly festival.

That’s according to Humboldt Made executive director Rosa Dixon, who told the Outpost this morning that the original plan was for Friday Night Market to spend a month at town each summer, before upping stakes and moving to another town the next month. So in one summer you’d have a month of markets in Eureka, another month in Arcata, another month in Fortuna, Blue Lake, McKineyville, Garberville, etc., etc.

That was before Eureka proved such a welcome home for a semi-permanent home for the weekly festival. But earlier this year, Dixon said, she was approached by Arcata City Councilmember Alex Stillman, who wanted the market to come to her town after this year’s Eureka stint was concluded. And somewhat to her surprise, Dixon and partners at the Arcata Chamber of Commerce put it together in time.

The proposed Arcata Friday Night Markets will be a little different, Dixon said. They’ll start at 5 p.m. instead of 5:30. There’ll be only about 60 vendors, as compared with Eureka 130 or so. There’ll be one stage for musical acts, and all the activities will be confined to the Plaza and the streets that surround it. And with September being the first full month of students back at Cal Poly Humboldt, the party will undoubtedly have something of a collegiate flair.

Again: Technically, this is all pending the Arcata City Council’s approval Wednesday night, at the meeting starting at 6 p.m. Here’s a PDF of Humboldt Made’s full written proposal to the council.

Press release from Humboldt Made:

As the beloved Eureka Friday Night Market comes to its season end on August 29th, Humboldt Made is excited to announce a new collaborative partnership with the City of Arcata and the Arcata Chamber of Commerce to host three Friday Night Markets on the Arcata Plaza this fall. These events will take place on September 5th, 12th, and 26th, building on the success and community spirit of the Eureka Friday Night Market, and will mark the beginning of a new tradition in Arcata.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring the Friday Night Market to Arcata,” said Rosa Dixon, Executive Director of Humboldt Made. “With the success of the Eureka market, we’re thrilled to bring this event to a new community. Arcata has such a unique charm, and this market will celebrate that while providing an incredible opportunity for local businesses and the Humboldt community to connect. It’s a perfect way to welcome students back for the fall semester and continue supporting local entrepreneurs.”

“Friday Night Markets are about more than just shopping – they are about building community,” Rosa continued. “With the full support of the City of Eureka, we have created a space where Humboldt’s vibrant local economy thrives. Now, with Arcata joining the fold, we will continue to choose Humboldt, supporting our local businesses and enriching our community. This is the spirit of Humboldt, and we are proud to see it grow.”

“Throwing events on the Plaza has become my specialty and something I truly love doing for the community and I’m thrilled to be able to work with the Humboldt Made team to try something new out on the Plaza but keep the unique flare that Arcata has!” said Glo Baker, Operations and Events Manager of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce.

The Friday Night Market in Eureka has become a beloved tradition, drawing thousands of attendees each week to Old Town Eureka. The event features over 150 local vendors, live music across multiple stages, a certified farmers market, and a beer garden showcasing Humboldt-made beverages. It has become a cornerstone of community engagement, supporting local artisans, farmers, and performers, and fostering a sense of unity among residents and visitors alike.

Building upon this success, the Arcata Friday Night Market will offer a similar experience, tailored to the unique character of Arcata. The key elements of the proposal include:

  • 60+ Vendors: Featuring food trucks, farmers, makers, artists, and community organizations showcasing local talent and products.
  • Live Music and Entertainment: A diverse range of performances to create a festive environment.
  • Cal Poly Humboldt Student Welcome Zone: A designated area to welcome students back to Arcata with fun activities and local resources.
  • Humboldt Made Bar: Featuring local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, the beer garden will offer a taste of Humboldt’s craft beverage scene.
  • Family Activities and Youth Programming: Kid-friendly activities and programs designed to engage the whole family.
  • Choose Humboldt Activation Booth: Promoting local businesses, storytelling, and giveaways to raise awareness about supporting Humboldt County’s economy.
  • Projected Attendance: 5,000-7,000 attendees per market, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
  • Plaza Street Closures: Streets around the plaza will be closed from approximately 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM to ensure safety and maximize space for the market.
  • Free Booths for Plaza Businesses: Arcata Plaza businesses will be offered free booths to participate in the event, with additional exposure for surrounding businesses.
  • Discounted Booths for Chamber of Commerce Members or Humboldt Made Members.

For more information or to inquire about vendor opportunities, please visit Arcata Friday Night Market Event Page or contact Gloria Baker at gloria@arcatachamber.com.