Discover, honor, and celebrate Asian American
and Pacific Islander heritage with us this month!
Join the festivities.

1st Thursdays, Downtown Half Moon Bay

Lion Dance performance & photo op at 5:00pm
at Mac Dutra Park

Join us on the 1st Thursday of the month to catch an artist’s demonstration in our local Makers Marketplace, and listen in as Musicians, Poets, Writers, and Storytellers perform among the eclectic array of Shops, Bookstores, Nurseries, Restaurants, Wine Bars, Cafes and Galleries that grace 5 blocks of Half Moon Bay’s historic Main Street.  

Make it Main Street is an economic recovery initiative designed as a public/private partnership to elevate, promote, and preserve the creative community of the Coastside. All events associated with Make It Main Street are free to the public. Connect with us to find out more by dropping a note to: makeitmainstreet@coastside.net

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Makers Marketplace

Coastside Makers of varied and beautiful objects offer their works for sale, and show you how they are made. Every month the Makers Marketplace will feature a demonstration with glass blowers, or potters, or plein-air painters, weavers or...

Resilience Lanterns Workshop and Demonstration with NaOmi Judy Shintani

Join us for an inspiring workshop led by the renowned Japanese American artist, NaOmi Judy Shintani. Discover the art of creating Resilience Lanterns, symbolic reminders of the joys in life, crafted from collage, watercolor, and found objects. Whether you're new to art or a seasoned creator, immerse yourself in this free session of creativity and connection.

Learn more…

Raku with Randall Reid & Crew

Embark on a journey into the ancient Japanese ceramics technique of Raku firing with Randall Reid and his talented team. Experience the magic as glazed ceramics emerge from the kiln, revealing vibrant colors and textures shaped by fire and serendipity. Don't miss this opportunity to witness artistry in action and delve into the mystery of Raku.

Learn more…

Wood Turning Demonstration with Joe Altwer

Join Master Oil Painter turned woodturner, Joe Altwer, for a captivating demonstration of wood bowl crafting. From salvaged logs to exquisite finished pieces, witness the transformation of wood into functional art. Experience firsthand the intersection of tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity at this unique showcase.

Learn more…

Kids Space - Playing with Paper

The Kids Space was such a big hit last year we have decided to make it a regular addition to the Makers Marketplace in 2024. Each month Jennifer Clark and Matthew Spigleman will present art and craft projects for kids of all ages to explore.  On May 2 we will honor AAPI Heritage Month by helping you create Origami Animals, Accordion Fans, and Paper Wheels from 3 to 7 PM.  

All supplies provided courtesy of MIMS, just add kids!

Live Music

Professional Coastside musicians perform at various times and locations on Main Street. Stroll towards the sounds of a world-class jazz piano duo, down the street to a singer-songwriter, or be drawn towards a trio of bluesmen or a chamber ensemble. The lineup, genres, and locations will vary every month.

One of the most important musical instruments of Japanese tradition are the taiko drums, known

as the heartbeat of Japan. Three notable Bay Area musicians, Naoko Amemiya, Krissy Cababa and Lori Honjiyo, will share their skills on the taiko and the bamboo flute or fue, bringing forth the powerful spirit of American taiko, grounded in the essence of its Japanese roots. Through taiko, fue and movement, they honor the artistry, activism and struggles of Japanese Americans and also pay tribute to their identity and ancestry.

Interactive performance starting at 5:30pm

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Speakers’ Space

Coastside writers, poets, and storytellers are invited to read their original works, or works that have inspired them, to an audience of listeners. Everyone has something to say and a desire to be heard. Join us to tell your story, and hear others at Speakers’ Space.

Look for our posters with notepads throughout town, and jot down your thoughts. We will gather your notes and collate the community’s thoughts into the closing poem of Speakers’ Space.

Joining us for the first Coastside Asian Pacific American Heritage celebration will be the esteemed Flo Oy Wong- acclaimed Artist, founder of Asian American Women Artists Association and author will read from her book "Dreaming of Glistening Pomelos" during Speakers' Space at Mac Dutra Park at the corner of Kelly Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Half Moon Bay.

Flo Oy Wong is known for her provocative explorations of family and community history through her work. The exhibition, "made in usa: Angel Island Shhh" exposed the conditions and experiences of Chinese immigrants incarcerated at Angel Island Immigration Station between 1910 and 1940. A recipient of 3 National Endowment for the Arts Awards, she published “Dreaming of Glistening Pomelos,” in 2018 to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Make It Main Street's Speakers’ Space is supported by
Coastal Literary Arts Movement & San Mateo Country Arts Commission.

Art Galleries Open Late

Explore the vibrant Coastside art scene on Main Street! Many of our galleries and fine art studios stay are open late, offering a new experience for local art enthusiasts to visit after work or school. Enjoy browsing diverse artworks by local and regional artists, and indulge in lite refreshments until 6:30 PM. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the creativity and charm of Half Moon Bay and Make it Main Street.

Thanks to New Leaf Community Markets and Half Moon Bay Winery for supporting the Coastside creative community.

 
 

 Shops & Cafés Open Late

As the sun sets, Main Street comes alive during the Make it Main Street. Experience the charm of local shops and cafes staying open late, offering a delightful shopping and dining experience well into the evening. Discover unique treasures, indulge in delicious cuisine, and savor the vibrant atmosphere of this lively coastal town.

 

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Make it Main Street is an economic recovery initiative designed in collaboration with The City of Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County Office of Arts & Culture, Coastal Literary Arts Movement, generous investments from Half Moon Bay Winery, along with many Coastside community members and enterprises.

MakeItMainStreet@coastside.net