Get ready to crawl excitedly at the Fall Tarantula Fest 2024, where eight-legged critters take center stage in a day of fun and learning! This creepy-crawly celebration is set to take place on Saturday, October 5, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the beautiful Henry W. Coe State Park in Morgan Hill, California.
A Hairy Situation
You might wonder, “Why on earth would anyone throw a party for spiders?” Hold onto your hats because these fuzzy arachnids are about to become your new best friends! The Fall Tarantula Fest is about getting up close and personal with these gentle giants of the spider world, and trust us, they’re not as scary as they look.
Tarantula Encounters
At the heart of the festival, you’ll have the chance to meet some of the star attractions – live tarantulas! Don’t worry. They won’t be running loose (we hope). Instead, you’ll see these fascinating creatures up close in safe, controlled environments. You might even get to hold one if you’re feeling brave!
But wait, there’s more! The festival isn’t just about tarantulas. You’ll also see other local wildlife, including live birds of prey, presented by the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC). It’s like a mini zoo in the middle of the park!
Hikes and Hunts
If you’re feeling adventurous, join a volunteer-led hike to look for tarantulas in their natural habitat.
Just remember, these spiders are shy creatures, so no chasing after them with butterfly nets, okay? For those who prefer their hunts with a bit more technology, there’s a guided geocache hike where you can search for hidden treasures.
It’s like a real-life treasure hunt, minus the pirates and parrots.
Learn and Create
The Fall Tarantula Fest is packed with educational opportunities that’ll make you feel like a kid in a science class – but way more fun! You can learn about the animals that call Coe Park home, and if you’re feeling brave, you might even get to hold a snake.
Don’t worry; they’re probably more scared of you than you are of them. Probably. Ever wondered what Coe Park geology has in common with candy? Neither have we, but you’ll find out at the festival! And for those who like to get crafty, there’s a craft table where you can make your tarantula memento.
Because nothing says “I had a great time” like a handmade spider souvenir, right?
Food and Entertainment
All this spider-watching and hiking is bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, the festival has got you covered with delicious grilled burgers and hot dogs available for purchase.
Fear not, vegetarians! Veggie burgers are also on the menu. Each meal comes with chips, cookies, and lemonade—because nothing washes down a day of spider fun quite like a cold glass of lemonade.
While you munch on your burger, you can tap your feet to the Coe Park Jug Band tunes. Who knew spiders had such good taste in music?
Raffle and Prizes
Feeling lucky? The festival features a raffle with prizes worth over $2,000. You could win anything from a day in the Coe Back Country with a ranger to passes for other Coe Park events. There are gift certificates for local restaurants and the Coe Park visitor center.
The best part? You don’t need to be present to win, so even if you have to leave early, you might still be a winner at home!
Location and Parking
The Fall Tarantula Fest occurs at the Coe Ranch Entrance of Henry W. Coe State Park, 9000 E Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill.
The park is about a 30-minute drive from Highway 101, winding through beautiful scenery. If you’re driving a large vehicle, just be prepared for some narrow, winding roads. Parking is available for $8 per car ($7 if there’s a senior 62+ in the vehicle).
But here’s a pro tip: parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll also have someone to hold your hand if the tarantulas get a bit too friendly!
A Web of Fun for Everyone
The Fall Tarantula Fest 2024 promises to be a day filled with eight-legged fun, fascinating facts, and memories that’ll stick with you like a spider to its web. Whether you’re a die-hard arachnid enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to spend a Saturday, this festival has something for everyone.
Sources: visitmorganhill.org, coepark.net, morganhilltimes.com
Header Image Source: visitmorganhill.org
