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Wine and Jazz festival drew thousands; organizers report attendance of about 8,500 and uncertain future funding
Summary
City staff reported on the fourth annual Wine and Jazz Festival: organizers estimate roughly 8,500 visitors, 49 wineries and several breweries participated, ticket sales roughly matched last year and the event broke even after prior-year deficits; sponsorship challenges leave the festival's future uncertain.
City staff updated the Half Moon Bay City Council May 20 on the recent fourth annual Wine and Jazz Festival. Karen Decker, Economic and Community Vitality manager, relayed remarks submitted by downtown organizer Colleen Henney and provided event statistics.
Henney reported the festival attracted roughly 8,500 people to downtown Half Moon Bay, with 49 wineries — the most to date — plus eight breweries and four food trucks. Organizers reduced the event footprint to two blocks of Main Street and two blocks on Kelly Avenue, which they said made the event feel more lively and compact. Ticket sales were slightly above the prior year, but Henney said the $75 VIP price point may still be high for some customers.
Organizers said planning went smoothly, weather was favorable and Main Street businesses reported strong sales — some reporting business comparable to a holiday Saturday. Nevertheless, the downtown association acknowledged sponsorship challenges and said the event’s future is uncertain. Supporters cited Half Moon Bay Winery and Sam’s Chowder House as long-standing sponsors and thanked other local sponsors including Montecito Bank (Montero Credit Union) and Tri Counties Bank.
Decker said the Downtown Association is exploring use of Carter Park’s main stage to reduce production costs and is considering keeping wine tasting on Main Street while shifting amplified or large‑footprint elements to park venues. The council thanked organizers for their work and noted the event’s importance for local businesses and the visitor economy.
The update does not include a formal city subsidy figure for this year; staff said the event’s financials are under review and that decisions about future support and sponsorship strategy will be made as part of tourism-support discussions.
