The Morro Bay waterfront will come alive Oct. 5-6

MORRO BAY – The waterfront will come alive Oct. 5-6 when Morro Bay turns out to celebrate its seafaring heritage. Live entertainment, beer and wine tasting, arts and crafts, educational displays, and the freshest seafood anywhere will all add up to fun for everyone at the 32nd annual Harbor Festival.

Activities will center around the Seafood, Wine, and Beer Court on the Embarcadero near the Great American Fish Company restaurant. More than 30 local wineries will be on hand, along with several area breweries and numerous restaurants, all offering their finest fare.

On the adjoining Main Stage, top musicians will play from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Saturday will feature TROPO, The Young Dubliners, The Mothers Hip, and Danielle LoPresti & the Masses. Sunday’s line-up includes Lakes, Queen Nation, Hot Buttered Rum, and Fast Times.

On Saturday, Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley will sponsor the traditional Oyster Eating Contest. Sunday’s highlight will be the Hawaiian Shirt Contest, sponsored by Aloha Shirt Shop and the Bay News. Meanwhile, local chefs will compete in the Chowder Showdown to see who whips up the best clam chowder in town.

The South T Pier will be home to marine education interpretive displays and exhibits by several local maritime organizations. Kids will have a chance to make fish prints, tickle tide pool creatures and learn fascinating facts about the fishing industry.

Also for kids, Carnival Corner will offer a bounce house, a climbing wall and a giant slide, while musicians and magicians perform on the Checkerboard Stage. Children younger than 5 will be admitted free when accompanied by adults.

Get tickets online and save. Tickets are $8 for one day and $15 for both days when purchased in advance at www.mbhf.com, where you can also get the latest information on all Morro Bay Harbor Festival activities. Proceeds from this annual event provide support for numerous local charities and nonprofit organizations.