Wednesday, Aug. 12

WEDNESDAY LOWDOWN: A New Era for the Humboldt County Fair, Which Kicks Off Today

It might not be the fair you remember, sure. For the second year in a row, there will be no horse racing at the Humboldt County Fair, due to a decision made earlier this year by the California Horse Racing Board. As a result, festivities at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds have been scaled back to five days for 2026.

But the show must go on. What’s sure to be a somewhat different-feeling fair kicks off Wednesday, but a glance at this year’s schedule still reveals plenty of features to grab your attention. From the addition of Outlaw Rodeo in the grandstands, to performances from Justin Lawrence, Flat River Band, Violin on Fire, some flying dogs, splashing sea lions and a mermaid, we’re told. Plus, there’s always the thrill of testing yourself by combining nauseating carnival rides and a brick of greasy curly fries. See? The fair’s still there.

Would you like a low-risk fair sample? Well, the fair is offering a special $5 opening day admission if you come before 3 p.m. Does that sound fair? 

More midweek joys in your Lowdown listings below. -AG

Top Events!
(Look ahead!)

Humboldt County Fair
Humboldt County Fairgrounds / noon-10 p.m. / $15 / $10 Parking / $10 Senior / $7 Child
Five days packed full of rides, fun, exhibits, entertainment and more! Daily performances by Sea Lion Splash, the K9 King Flying Dog Show, Violin on Fire, live bands, and more.
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Sci-Fi Night: The Terminator (1984)
Arcata Theatre Lounge / 6-9 p.m. / $6 / $10 Admission + Poster
In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the “Terminator” back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony.
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Submit your event!
All Events!

Basketball Jones Hoop Camps in Arcata
Sunny Brae Middle School / 8 a.m.-4 p.m. / $275
Join us for a week of positivity, skill development, and the best atmosphere in youth sports. Open to boys and girls ages 6–14.
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Youth Arts Summer Camp: Street Art & Printmaking (6th-8th)
Morris Graves Museum of Art / 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. / $200 / $180 members
Discover the bold and expressive world of street art and printmaking!
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Discover Stand-up Paddleboarding
Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center / 9 a.m.-noon / $20
Join us for a beginner-friendly introduction to one of the fastest-growing paddle sports.
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TK and Kindergarten Open Enrollment
Trillium Charter / 9 a.m. / Free
Trillium Charter School is a no cost public school in Arcata for students in TK through 5th grade.
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Adorni Fitness Classes
Adorni Center / 9 a.m.-7 p.m. / $7 Adults / $4 Senior
Come checkout the Adorni Center and the various classes that we have available Daily!
1 / Web site

Satya Sky Yoga
Freshwater Grange / 11 a.m.-noon / $10
Be Strong in Peace
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Flower Farm U-Pick
See Event Description / noon-5 p.m. / $20
Come enjoy a beautiful summer day at Brunner Family Farm in Fieldbrook!
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U-Pick Flowers
Freshwater Farms Reserve / 2-6 p.m. / $15
Come out to the community farm this summer and pick some flowers, feed the goats, walk the nature trial and maybe even pick some blueberries!
1 / Web site

Drink the Dregs
Old Growth Cellars / 3 p.m.-2 a.m. / $7
Every Wednesday.
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Dogbone
Larrupin Cafe / 5-8 p.m. / Free
Feral jazz.
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Line Dancing
The Historic Eagle House / 6-8 p.m. / $10
Come on down and enjoy some fantastic music and learn some new dance moves while you’re at it!
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Comedy Karasmokey
Cali Planet / 7 p.m. / Free / 21+
Full Karafun selection.
1 / Web site

Open Mic Night
Kaptain’s Quarters / 7 p.m. / Free
Come one, come all to showcase your talents on the stage at Kaptain’s Quarters!
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Stand Up Comedy Open Mic
Savage Henry Comedy Club / 8 p.m.
Longest running stand up comedy open mic in Humboldt! Hosted by Jeff Diehl on Wednesdays and Josh Barnes on Sundays.
2 / Web site

Karaoke!
The Shanty / 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. / Free / 21+
Travisty Entertainment hosts.
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Karaoke
Central Station / 8-11:59 p.m. / Free / 21+
They will allow you to sing here.
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