This is obviously not an image of Arcata Friday Night Market, but you get it | Photo: Zach Lathouris


2025 was another successful year for the Eureka Friday Night Market brand, with tens of thousands again opting to end their summer weeks in Old Town sipping beer, enjoying local bands and mingling with their neighbors over the event’s three-month run. But with Eureka’s season concluded, Arcata is ready for its turn now. 

As we’ve previously reported, Arcata officials were able to charm the folks at Humboldt Made into moving the party to their city for three Fridays in September, the first of which falls on this week. 

Get all the details in the Humboldt Made press release below:

Humboldt Made, in partnership with the Arcata Chamber of Commerce and the City of Arcata, is thrilled to announce the first-ever Arcata Friday Night Market this September. The market kicks off Friday, September 5, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and will continue on September 12 and 26, bringing Humboldt’s unique culture, creativity, and community spirit to Arcata Plaza.

This new market was inspired by a simple idea: create a space where locals, students, and visitors can gather to celebrate the heart of Humboldt. Mayor Alex Stillman explained, “The inspiration behind this market was simple—create a space where our residents and students can gather, enjoy local music, support our artisans, and celebrate everything that makes Arcata unique. We hope this becomes a beloved community tradition for years to come.”

The Arcata Friday Night Market came together in record time when Mayor Stillman approached Rosa Dixon, Executive Director of Humboldt Made, about launching a September market. With the support of the City of Arcata and Glo from the Arcata Chamber, the project quickly became a reality. Rosa Dixon reflected, “It truly shows the power of choosing Humboldt—supporting local, celebrating community, and creating something magical together.” Glo added, “I’m so excited to bring a new event to the city of Arcata and I look forward to this becoming another tradition for our community!”

Music, Vendors, and Local Flavors The market features an exciting music lineup:

  • September 5: The Undercovers | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • September 12: DJ Deaf I | 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM | Blacksage Runners | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • September 26: HISPanic! at the Disco | 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM | Northern Highbush | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Over 50 local Humboldt Made vendors will be on hand, offering handmade goods, artisan crafts, specialty foods, sweets, and beverages. Attendees can shop unique products, meet the makers, and support Humboldt’s thriving small-business community, a celebration of talent, innovation, and the heart of our local economy.

Guests can enjoy a full bar featuring locally brewed Humboldt Made craft beer, regional wines, and weekly signature cocktails created just for the market. Whether you’re sampling flavors from Humboldt’s culinary artisans or sipping a market-exclusive cocktail, the Arcata Friday Night Market is designed to delight all the senses.

Attendees are encouraged to explore the new Humboldt Bay Bike Trail, connecting Cal Poly Humboldt to Arcata Plaza. A bike valet provided by CRTP makes it easy to ride in, enjoy the evening, and leave the car behind.

Thanks to Bright and Green and the Cal Poly sponsorship, every vendor will use reusable dishes, helping students and community members experience Humboldt’s culture of reuse from day one, building habits that last and setting a standard for waste-free events in Arcata.

The fun doesn’t stop when the market closes! Each Friday, after-parties at local Arcata venues give attendees a chance to dance, connect, and celebrate long into the evening.

Event Details:

  • When: Fridays, September 5, 12 & 26 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Where: Arcata Plaza, Arcata, CA
  • Bike Valet: Provided via CRTP

Follow Humboldt Made and Arcata Chamber on Instagram and Facebook for updates on performers, vendors, and other event details.
Join us this September for the first Arcata Friday Night Market, an evening full of music, local flavors, community magic, and celebration that lasts well beyond the market!

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