Best of Arts & Entertainment 2025
Best Local Tattoo Artist: Dre Meza
Dre Meza of Nor Cal Tattoo has been tattooing for 18 years and says, “If it’s got skin on it, I’ve tattooed it.” That includes the kanji he inked on the roof of a client’s mouth. “When I started tattooing, being versatile was key,” he says, and he’s able to mimic whatever style customers want forever. Still, he might have a serious talk with a young adult about waiting to put a design on their neck or hand until they’re more established in their career. “Tattoos shouldn’t make your life harder for you — they should make it more enjoyable.”
His own tastes run toward black and gray realism, traditional American and Japanese tattoos, as well as Mayan and Aztec imagery. An oil painter himself, Meza is the go-to artist for renditions of paintings, brushstrokes and all. In fact, if you want some of his work on your wall rather than your body, he’s got airbrush work in a group show at Epitome Gallery.
– Jennifer Fumiko Cahill
Best Museum, Best Art Gallery: The Morris Graves Museum of Art
Among the many cultural gems in Humboldt County, the Morris Graves Museum of Art shines especially bright. Home to the Humboldt Arts Council, the MGMA isn’t just the best gallery in town, it’s a piece of our creative soul tucked inside a historic treasure.
Housed in the beautiful 1902 Carnegie Free Library building, the museum is a work of art in itself. Its columns, arches and galleries invite visitors to linger, reflect and discover something new, whether it’s a rotating exhibit by a regional artist or a beloved piece from the permanent collection. The space honors both the past and the present, offering a sense of timelessness that’s rare and deeply felt.
Once nearly lost to time and disrepair, the building was lovingly restored by the community and transformed into a space that now celebrates artists from all over the North Coast.
Named for famed painter (and Humboldt resident) Morris Graves, the museum stays true to his spirit: deeply rooted in nature, curiosity and the transformative power of art. It serves not just as a gallery, but as a gathering place, hosting everything from Arts Alive events and youth art programs to live performances and community talks.
It earned the title of Best Art Gallery and, honestly, it’s not hard to see why. It’s everything a community art space should be.
— Kali Cozyris
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
Art Gallery
Morris Graves Museum of Art
636 F St., Eureka (707) 442-0278 humboldtarts.org
Band: Cover Band
The Undercovers
theundercovershumboldt.com
Band: Original Band
Crash Monroe
instagram.com/crashmonroe
Beer Festival
Arcata Bay Oyster Festival
arcatabayoysterfestival.com
Casino
Blue Lake Casino
777 Casino Way, Blue Lake (707) 668-9770 bluelakecasino.com
Club DJ
DJ Goldylocks
facebook.com/humboldtgoldylocks
Craft Artist
Cate Be
cbeceramics.com
Dance Crew
Duchess Burlesque
instagram.com/duchessburlesquepresents
Drag Artist
KomBoujia
instagram.com/komboujia
Filmmaker
Tex Kelly
instagram.com/simplytexx
Golf Course
Beau Pre Golf Club
1777 Norton Road, McKinleyville
(707) 839-2342 beaupre.golf
Humboldt Clothing Line
Humboldt Republic
535 Fourth St., Eureka
(707) 497-6270
Karaoke
Richards’ Goat
Tavern & Tea Room
401 I St., Arcata (707) 630-5000 richardsgoat.com
Live Music Venue
Arcata Theatre Lounge
1036 G St., Arcata (707) 613-3030 arcatatheatre.com
Local Actor
Caroline Needham
instagram.com/mrscarolineneedham
Local Artist
Chris Dmise
instagram.com/christopherdmise
Local Celebrity
Sara Bareilles
sarabmusic.com
Local Sports Program
Humboldt Crabs
Arcata Ballpark, F and Ninth streets, Arcata humboldtcrabs.com
Local Tour
Madaket Harbor Cruise
1 C St., Eureka (707) 445-1910 humboldtbaymaritimemuseum.com/madaket-cruises.html
Museum
Morris Graves
Museum of Art
636 F St., Eureka (707) 442-0278 humboldtarts.org
Music Festival
Summer Arts & Music Festival
59 Rusk Lane, Redway (707) 923-3368 mateel.org
Musician
Brett McFarland
brettmcfarlandmusic.com
Place to Shake
Your Booty
The Basement
791 Eighth St., Arcata (707) 230-6451 basementarcata.com
Places to Play Games
Game On Laser Tag and More
411 First St., Eureka (707) 798-1077 gameonlaser.com
Pumpkin Patch/Farm
Organic Matters Ranch
6821 Myrtle Ave., Eureka
instagram.com/organicmattersranch
Stand-Up Comedian
Shannon Foster
facebook.com/shannon.foster.9849
Tattoo Artist
Dre Meza
instagram.com/lullabylounge1
Theater Company
North Coast
Repertory Theatre
300 Fifth St., Eureka
(707) 442-6278 ncrt.net
Vocalist
Elle Penner,
Young and Lovely
instagram.com/youngandlovelyjazz
Weekend Getaway
within 150 miles
Shelter Cove
link
