Half Moon Bay, California
Vaquero Days
A hundred horses ride out from a 170-year-old ranch house, down to the Pacific, and up Main Street to the sound of banda and country. Saturday is the ride. Sunday is the fiesta.
August 15–16, 2026
Half Moon Bay, CA
Scroll to follow the route
Since 1838
Rancho roots, still riding
Half Moon Bay's equestrian story starts at the Presidio-era ranchos — Rancho Miramontes and Rancho San Benito, founded in 1838, when this stretch of coast was worked by vaqueros on horseback long before it was a town.
Vaquero Days keeps that heritage in motion. Riders of every discipline bring more than a hundred horses down the Coastside Trail, onto the beach, and up into downtown Half Moon Bay — the same coastline, the same fog, a living culture rather than a costume.
This is coastal Californio, not the desert Southwest: banda and country share the stage, folklórico and line dancing share the plaza, and the whole day smells like salt air and artichoke fields.
Saturday, August 15
The Route
Follow the ride from the historic Johnston House to the beach and into downtown — and find out exactly where to stand.
8:00 AM–11:00 AM
Johnston House
Riders and horses meet at 110 Higgins Canyon Road — the 1853 Johnston House, on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. Registration, the group photo, and the ride's start and finish all happen here. Trailer parking is on site.
Where to stand — Open to spectators during check-in and the group photo — arrive early for the best view of riders saddling up.
Coastal Trail
The ride heads out along the Coastal Trail toward Smithfield.
Smithfield
The route passes through the Smithfield neighborhood on its way to the beach.
The Beach
A hundred-plus horses walk the wet sand — the image Vaquero Days is built on.
Where to stand — Beach access points along this stretch are being confirmed. A foggy August morning here is genuinely cold — dress warm.
2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Kelly Avenue
Riders turn off the sand and head into downtown along Kelly Avenue, part of the corridor closed to traffic during the ride.
Where to stand — Streets close to traffic 2:00–4:00 PM. Main Street between Kelly Street and the fire station is the parade route — a clear, easy stretch to watch the ride pass.
2:00 PM–2:30 PM
Main Street / Mac Dutra Plaza
Riders arrive at Mac Dutra Plaza (501 Main St) around 2:00 PM and perform for about 30 minutes before heading back.
Where to stand — The single best spot: Main Street between Kelly Street and the fire station. Get there by 1:30 PM for space.
5:00 PM
Back to the Johnston House
After the plaza performance, riders parade back the way they came, ending the day at the Johnston House.
Saturday, August 15
Schedule
Riders arrive: 8:00 AM
Public hours: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Riders: call time is 8:00 AM, not the public opening time below. Registration runs 8:00–11:00 AM — arriving at 11 means missing it.
- 8:00 AM–11:00 AMCheck-in & SetupRider and horse registration at the Johnston House. Riders only — not the public opening.
- 11:00 AMPublic Event OpensSpectator hours begin.
- 11:30 AMGroup PhotoAll riders gather for the traditional group photo.
- 11:45 AMCabalgata DepartsThe trail ride sets off from the Johnston House.
- 2:00 PM–4:00 PMStreets Close DowntownKelly Avenue and Main Street close to traffic for the ride and performance.
- 2:00 PM–2:30 PMRiders at Mac Dutra PlazaRiders arrive on Main Street and perform for about 30 minutes.
- 5:00 PMEvent EndsRiders return to the Johnston House and the day wraps up.
Sunday, August 16
Sunday
Public hours: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
No hour-by-hour running order yet — here's what's happening, in no particular order.
- Live music
- Folklórico — traditional Mexican folk dance
- Line dancing
- Trick roping show
- Dancing horses
- Wine tasting
- Food and vendors
- Kids: arts and crafts
Good to Know
Plan Your Day
Spectators & Families
Is it free to watch?
Free to watch, both days — no ticket required.
Where do I stand to see the horses, and when?
Main Street between Kelly Street and the fire station is the parade route — a clear, easy place to watch the ride pass. Mac Dutra Plaza is the single best spot: riders arrive around 2:00 PM Saturday and perform there for about 30 minutes. Kelly Avenue, along the closed-street route, also works well if the plaza is crowded.
What are the public hours?
Saturday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Sunday, 12:00–5:00 PM. Saturday's ride itself starts earlier for riders — see the schedule above.
Where do I park downtown?
Downtown streets close to traffic from about 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday. Specific spectator parking areas are still being confirmed — plan to arrive before the closure and expect to walk.
Can I bring kids, dogs, or a stroller?
Kids: Sunday has arts and crafts made for them. Dogs, strollers, and accessibility specifics along the route are still being confirmed.
What about food and drink?
Sunday has food vendors and wine tasting. Saturday's food options are still being confirmed.
What should I wear?
Half Moon Bay is cold and foggy in August, even in the middle of summer — layers and a jacket are more useful than shorts, whatever the calendar says inland.
Riders
What's the registration fee?
$40 — and that covers the horse and the rider together, not $40 each.
Is there a registration deadline?
Whether day-of registration is allowed, or advance only, is still being confirmed.
Where do I park my truck and trailer?
On site at 110 Higgins Canyon Road — the same place the ride starts and ends.
When is check-in?
Riders arrive at 8:00 AM. Check-in and event setup run 8:00–11:00 AM at the Johnston House, 110 Higgins Canyon Road.
Are health documents required for my horse?
No Coggins test or health certificate is required.
Is there a waiver?
The waiver process — on-site or in advance — is still being confirmed.
Is water available for horses along the route?
Still being confirmed.
Is this a good ride for a green horse?
Streets, crowds, and a live band make for a lot of stimulation — organizers recommend riders honestly assess their horse's experience with crowds and noise before registering.
Vendors & Sponsors
How do I apply for a vendor or sponsor spot?
Vendor spots are arranged by phone, not a form. Call Joaquin directly to set one up.
What does it cost?
Donation-based — any amount.
Who do I contact?
Joaquin, by phone. Felix and Luis are also contacts, though their numbers aren't posted yet.
Felix and Luis are also vendor contacts — numbers coming soon.
From Past Rides
A Few Shots From the Coastside
Snapshots from past years, shared here while we wait on the organizer's official gallery.
See you on the Coastside
Register to ride Saturday, or just show up on Main Street around 2:00 PM to watch a hundred horses come home. Come back Sunday for the fiesta downtown.
Add via Google Calendar