Pony Express Days 2026
Thousands of smiles, hundreds of volunteers, dozens of community partners, and one incredible McKinleyville tradition. Thank you for helping make Pony Express Days 2026 a success.
Pony Express Days 2026 By The Numbers
- Since 1968
- Parade through downtown McKinleyville with over 40 entries
- Family Friendly Festival at Pierson Park
- Over 50 vendors
- Free family activities including petting zoo and pony rides
- Live music from local band Monument Road
- Community volunteers
- Sponsors and partners from across Humboldt County
A Community Tradition Continues
Pony Express Days has been bringing the McKinleyville community together for generations, and 2026 was another reminder of why this tradition continues to matter. This year’s theme, Coastal Roots, Western Boots, celebrated the unique blend of community spirit, local pride, and western heritage that makes McKinleyville special.
The week was filled with activities that brought people together. Families gathered for the Pie Eating Contest, neighbors sampled recipes at the Chili Cook-Off, friends filled the dance floor at the Friday Night Dance, and community members lined Central Avenue for the Pony Express Days Parade. On Saturday, Pierson Park came alive with festival vendors, food, music, pony rides, a petting zoo, and activities for all ages.
What stood out most wasn’t any single event, it was the people. Volunteers gave countless hours behind the scenes. Local businesses, organizations, sponsors, vendors, entertainers, and community partners stepped up to help make the celebration possible. Their support helped create experiences and memories that will last long after the final tent was packed away.
Most importantly, the community showed up. From longtime residents who have attended for decades to families experiencing Pony Express Days for the first time, thousands of people came together to celebrate McKinleyville. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, competed, attended, and cheered from the sidelines. Pony Express Days belongs to the community, and once again, McKinleyville made it something special.
2026 Pony Express Days Winners
Congratulations to everyone who participated, competed, decorated, showed up, and helped make Pony Express Days 2026 so much fun. Here are this year’s contest and parade winners.
Chili Cook-Off Winners
Best Chili: Amens Gone Wild by Smokin’ Amens & Buck Wild Boards
Best Team Spirit & 2nd Place Best Chili: Chili Chili Bang Bang by Arcata Professional Firefighters Union #4981
Grand Marshal’s Choice: Mad River Rotary Chili Wranglers
3rd Place Best Chili: Fam Bam Thank You Ma’am by Cruz N Kitchen
Parade Winners
Parade
The Pony Express Days Parade has been a community tradition for generations, bringing families, local businesses, schools, clubs, and organizations together along Central Avenue.
From decorated floats and classic cars to youth groups, horses, first responders, and neighbors waving from the sidelines, the parade continues to be one of the most beloved parts of Pony Express Days.
Thank you to Matt Filar for letting us use select photos.
Festival
The Pony Express Days Festival filled Pierson Park with food vendors, local booths, music, kids’ activities, and neighbors enjoying a sunny afternoon together.
Pie Eating Contest
The Pony Express Days Pie Eating Contest kicked off the week with plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and whipped cream-covered smiles. Contestants of all ages gathered at Six Rivers Brewery to compete for bragging rights and celebrate one of the community’s favorite traditions.
Chili Cook Off
Thursday night brought the heat with the Pony Express Days Chili Cook-Off. Local teams served up their best recipes while the community came out to taste, vote, and cheer on the competitors.
Volunteers & Behind the Scenes
Long before the first parade entry rolled down Central Avenue and long after the last tent came down, volunteers and staff were hard at work making Pony Express Days possible.
From event setup and registration to cleanup, traffic control, activity support, sponsorships, logistics, and everything in between, this celebration is powered by people who care deeply about their community. We are incredibly grateful to every volunteer, partner, and team member who helped make Pony Express Days 2026 a success.
Thank You, Volunteers
Pony Express Days is made possible by hundreds of volunteer hours contributed by community members, service clubs, businesses, nonprofit organizations, sponsors, board members, ambassadors, and neighbors. Thank you for helping keep this tradition alive.
Thank you, McKinleyville
Pony Express Days 2026 would not have been possible without the people, businesses, organizations, and community partners who showed up in so many ways.
Thank you to the volunteers who gave their time, the sponsors who helped support the celebration, the vendors who brought food, creativity, and energy to the festival, the parade entries and contest participants who made the week fun, and every community member who came out to cheer, celebrate, and be part of the tradition.
Pony Express Days belongs to McKinleyville, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make 2026 a success.
See you next year!
Pony Express Days will return in 2027.
Want to participate?
Parade Info Coming Early 2027
Vendor Info Coming Early 2027
Volunteer Info Coming Early 2027
McKinleyville, California
First weekend in June
Family friendly
Many free activities
A community tradition since 1968
Thank You to Our 2026 Pony Express Days Sponsors
Duke Sponsor
Duke Sponsor
Duke Sponsor
Duke Sponsor
Duke Sponsor
Petting Zoo Sponsor
Bonanza Sponsors
Buckaroo Sponsors
