Humboldt’s particular brand of cultural offerings easily lures you into learning something new. The celebration of culture could not be more profound than witnessing the Wiyot Tribe reestablishing their language on ancestral lands through the Speaking Soulatluk project. Support this lingual renaissance by heading down to Eureka’s waterfront. Stroll the F Street boardwalk as you learn about Wigi (Humboldt Bay) and its wildlife. The main interpretive panel for this community project welcomes all with the traditional Hi jurrawiw ku wulasuk, meaning “I’m glad to see you.” It also directs you to Soulatluk resources including an online pronunciation guide to learn how to pronounce the area’s original word for harbor seal, hatswuptsi’r (has short fur). Scan a sign’s QR code to hear that Soulatluk word spoken. There are 15 signs along the railings and 15 ways to learn something wonderful.
Credit: Photo by Mark Larson
What would summer be without the Gathering of the People? Dell’Arte International’s annual Baduwa’t Festival (131 H St., Blue Lake; June 15 through Aug. 23) beckons you to enjoy music, comedy, film and more. An outpouring of creativity unfolds as workshops teach the proud tradition of physical comedy. Learn to create your own variety show or immerse yourself in Clown Core. This year’s play Mary Jane the Musical 2: The Grandson continues the saga of SoHum growers with a bash like no other. Kids Day opens the door for the little jester in training, sparking minds that now see the world through creativity. They’ll also love the Annie and Mary Day Parade. Check dellarte.com to make sure you don’t miss a single thing.
Credit: Humboldt Insider
Miss your garden back home? Stroll the sweet-smelling McKinleyville Botanical Garden (795 Hiller Road, McKinleyville). Created and maintained by volunteers, the small garden focuses on native plants and those that are pro-pollinator and appeal to local birds. Located in Hiller Park, it’s a scenic spot to rest a spell and listen to the ocean rolling into the nearby shore. To reach it, go west on Hiller Road to the parking lot for Hammond Trail and the soccer and dog parks. You’ll find the garden beside the playground.
This article appears in Humboldt Insider Spring/Summer 2026.