2026 Pony Express Days Schedule Archive

The 2026 Pony Express Days Kick-Off Mixer started the celebration with an evening of community connection, live music, networking, BBQ, drinks, family fun, and a bounce house for the kids.

Hosted by McKinleyville ACE, the mixer brought Chamber members, families, local businesses, and community partners together for a fun and welcoming start to Pony Express Days 2026.

Thank you to McKinleyville ACE for helping launch this year’s festivities and creating such a great gathering space for the community.

The 2026 Pony Express Days Barn Dance brought music, dancing, western fun, and community connection to Six Rivers Brewery.

DJ Selecta Arms kept the energy going from 7–10 PM with dance tunes and a lively atmosphere for all ages. Guests enjoyed BBQ specials, drink specials, photo opportunities, and plenty of room to dance the night away.

Thank you to Six Rivers Brewery and Dow’s Prairie Grange #505 for collaborating to bring this fun Pony Express Days event to life.

The 2026 Pony Express Days Pie Eating Contest brought plenty of laughter, cheering, and whipped cream-covered faces to Six Rivers Brewery. Contestants of all ages raced to finish their pies first while the crowd cheered them on, making it one of the messiest and most entertaining traditions of the week.

Thank you to the North Coast Rape Crisis Team (NCRCT) for partnering on this fun community event. NCRCT also hosted a pie silent auction, and Six Rivers Brewery supported their work through Pints for Nonprofits, with $1 from each pint donated to the organization during the event.

The 2026 Pony Express Days Stick Horse Race brought kid-powered racing, cheering crowds, cowboy boots, costumes, and plenty of laughs to the Chili Cook-Off at Pierson Park. Thank you to Thunder Country 101.5 for helping make this fun family tradition happen.

The 2026 Pony Express Days Chili Cook-Off brought ten chili teams, themed booths, music from Accurate Productions, community fun, and friendly competition to Pierson Park. Guests voted for their favorite chili and best team spirit while enjoying local fundraising activities, indoor and outdoor seating, and one of Pony Express Days’ favorite traditions.

The 2026 Pony Express Days Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Dow’s Prairie Grange #505, brought neighbors, families, and visitors together at Azalea Hall for pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, and community connection before the parade and festival.

The 2026 Pony Express Days Parade brought hometown spirit to Central Avenue with local organizations, businesses, performers, horses, classic vehicles, community groups, creative floats, music, and families lining the route from McKinleyville High School to School Road.

The 2026 Pony Express Days Festival filled Pierson Park with family fun, live music, food, vendors, kids activities, and community connection following the parade.

Monument Road performed live while visitors explored local vendors, food trucks, community booths, face painting, and the Pony Express Days Saloon. Kids enjoyed free activities including pony rides, a petting zoo, and hands-on activities from Scouting America, including the rope monkey bridge.

With the playground, skatepark, food, music, and community gathering spaces all nearby, the festival brought neighbors, families, visitors, and local businesses together for a full afternoon of McKinleyville celebration.