100 Years of Hostelling Worldwide

The hostelling movement is turning 100! Join the celebration!

Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the worldwide hostelling movement, which began in Germany in 1909, when a schoolteacher named Richard Schirrmann first conceived of the idea of hostels. The centennial is being celebrated in 60 countries around the world, at the 4,000 hostels which make up the nonprofit Hostelling International network.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Hostelling International USA (formerly American Youth Hostels), and a variety of festivities are happening around the country. AYH was founded by Isabel and Monroe Smith, who opened the first American hostel in 1934 in Northfield, Massachusetts. (Read more about the history of hostelling here, and the history of Northern California hostels here.)

Here in Northern California, we're celebrating with a nine-day series of special events at HI hostels in San Francisco, Sacramento, and five State and National Parks.

All of the events are free and open to everyone!

Saturday, August 22, 12 - 3 p.m.
POINT MONTARA LIGHTHOUSE HOSTEL

A seaside party at the Point Montara Light Station State Historic Park, featuring a lighthouse art show, live music by the TBS Attic Band, kids' crafts, hostel tours, and prize giveaways. More info

Sunday, August 23, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
POINT REYES HOSTEL

A bring-your-own picnic in the heart of Point Reyes National Seashore, with live music by Pink Sabbath. Free Lagunitas beer, organic lemonade, and It's It ice cream sandwiches. More info

Sunday, August 23, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK HOSTEL

A party and open house in Redwood National Park, with travel-themed games and prizes, hostel tours, plus the chance to contribute your personal stories to Hostelling International's anniversary video archive. Pastries, crepes, lavendar lemonade, and mimosas will be served. More info

Tuesday, August 25, 5 - 8 p.m.
SACRAMENTO HOSTEL

An old-fashioned ice cream social at the historic Sacramento Hostel, formerly the Llewellyn Williams Mansion, near the state Capitol in downtown Sacramento. Complimentary ice cream from Leatherby's Family Creamery, live jazz music by the Alegria Quartet, prize giveaways, and a special dedication ceremony honoring former Sacramento mayor Heather Fargo and former HI-USA Golden Gate Council executive director Barbara Wein. More info

Friday, August 28, 2 - 8 p.m.
MARIN HEADLANDS HOSTEL

A family-friendly celebration with live music, a historic Fort Barry walk, a night hike in the Headlands, a "Community Walls" painting project for kids, and a scavenger hunt with prize giveaways. More info

Saturday, August 29, 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO HOSTELS

A three-stage progressive event spanning all three hostel locations in San Francisco. Admission, food and drink, and entry for prize drawings are all free!

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO DOWNTOWN HOSTEL

A pancake and mimosa brunch at the Downtown Hostel, one block from Union Square, plus tours of the newly renovated hostel, a scavenger hunt, and prize giveaways. More info

1 - 3 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO CITY CENTER HOSTEL

A wine and cheese reception in the City Center Hostel's cafe, "Ivy’s Place," with DJ music, a scavenger hunt, prize giveaways, hostel tours, and displays highlighting the mission and history of this beautiful 1920s boutique hotel turned hostel. More info

2:30 - 6 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN'S WHARF HOSTEL

A bayside barbecue and concert in Fort Mason, a waterfront National Park with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, featuring The Jenny Kerr Band. Niman Ranch burgers, hot dogs, veggie options, and local microbrews, as well as hostel tours, a scavenger hunt, and prize giveaways. More info

Sunday, August 30, 12 - 3 p.m.
PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE HOSTEL

A seaside barbecue featuring live music by Dr. Steelgood, puppet shows, prize giveaways, and historic tours of the lighthouse grounds led by State Park docents. Grilled sausages and tofu dogs, plus strawberry shortcake and strawberry lemonade from Swanton Berry Farms. More info

GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE

In addition to the prize giveaways held at each anniversary event, partygoers can  enter to win an Anniversary Week Grand Prize Package, which includes:

Entry ballots will be available at each event. Good luck!
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