Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty going on. Check out the highlights here, and visit northcoastjournal.com for more of what’s going on.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.
If your Labor Day weekend plan is to eat, dance it off, then eat again, Petrolia has you covered. The Mattole Grange Labor Day Dance and BBQ serves up two days of food and footwork at Mattole Grange Hall. On Saturday, Sept. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m., dig into spaghetti ($15 dinner) and square dance to Paul Seldon and friends and Loose Gravel West ($10 dance). Sunday, Sept. 6, at noon (sharp!), the annual Beef and Bean BBQ fires up ($20, $10 kids). Roasted corn, homemade pies and drinks available for purchase round it out. Bring plates, cutlery and your roomiest pants.
Mattole Grange Labor Day Square Dance and Barbecue
Time Sat., Sept. 5, 5-9 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 6, 12-3 p.m. 2026
Location Mattole Grange Hall, 36512 Mattole Road, Petrolia
How often do you get to play Clue with Col. Mustard? He’s a real card. Before Ferndale Rep’s Clue opens next weekend, the cast visits Dandar’s Board Games and Books at its new location, 737 G St., Arcata, on Sunday, Sept. 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. (free). There, you can meet the cast, challenge them to a game and check out Dandar’s new home. After Arcata’s devastating January fire, this local business deserves a full house, so pick up a game or book while you’re there. And take a moment for Tim Curry, the unforgettable Wadsworth: One plus two plus two plus one.
Play Clue with the Cast of Clue
Time Sun., Sept. 6, 1-5 p.m. 2026
Location Dandar’s Board Games and Books, 737 G Street, Arcata
Shut down the street and turn up the amps. Arcata’s I Block Party turns 40 this year and still knows how to party. I Street closes to traffic between 10th and 11th streets on Monday, Sept. 7,from noon to 6 p.m. (in front of Los Bagels), packing the block with live music from The Mighty Dynamites, Missing Pieces, The Latin Peppers and more. There’s also mariachi, folklórico, DJs, food, craft microbrews, live art, face painting and a kids’ zone (free). Proceeds from the annual Labor Day siesta benefit Centro del Pueblo Movimiento Indígena Migrante’s legal resources, youth leadership, cultural programs and family services, as well as Arcata’s sister city, Camoapa, Nicaragua.
“I” Block Party Sanctuary Day
Time Mon., Sept. 7 2026
Location Arcata, I St between 10th and 11th St Arcata, Arcata
Support Local Journalism
Help keep the free press free. Your support keeps our newsroom humming with in-depth news, arts and entertainment coverage in print and online free for all Humboldt residents. Thank you!