FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Humboldt Hot Dogs of the Sea Join the Catalina Island Rugby Festival Weekend in Avalon
Avalon, CA — April 2026 — The Humboldt Hot Dogs of the Sea will take the field at the Catalina Island Rugby Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026, bringing a playful rugby identity, weekend social events, and a community-centered fundraising spirit to one of California rugby’s most unique island traditions.
The Catalina Island Rugby Festival weekend begins Friday, May 1 with Shenanigans at 5:00 PM, including grub and beer by Blake, bar hopping, and a karaoke battle. Rugby matches run Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Joe Machado Field, followed by a 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM social at Topside by NDMK with live band Los Isleños, dinner, and drinks. The weekend closes Sunday, May 3 with the Polar “Beer” Plunge at Casino Point at 8:59 AM.
The Humboldt Hot Dogs of the Sea project was built as a rugby-first, island-ready creative campaign for the Catalina weekend. The concept blends Humboldt old boys rugby, fish-stick and hot-dog humor, retro nautical artwork, Avalon Harbor inspiration, and a full team identity designed to make the tour memorable on and off the field.
Coached by Jake Nelson and the Ferrell Brothers, the Hot Dogs of the Sea squad will join the Saturday rugby schedule at Joe Machado Field and continue the tradition of touring rugby: competition, friendship, charity, and a proper post-match social.
The Catalina Island Rugby Festival has long been more than a day of rugby. Founded in 1992, the festival has grown into a community event in Avalon and a fundraiser tied to cancer support and the legacy of Joe Hendrix. This year’s weekend also includes fundraising support connected to Humboldt Rugby Old Boys and a teammate recently diagnosed with ALS.
“This is exactly what touring rugby should feel like,” said Jake Nelson. “You take the game seriously, you take care of your people, and you make the weekend something everyone remembers. Hot Dogs of the Sea is ridiculous in the best way, but the heart of it is real: show up, support the community, and enjoy rugby on Catalina Island.”
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP and inquire about accommodation and transportation recommendations through Blake Boutillier at 714-906-7636 or blakeboutillier@gmail.com.
Event Details
What: Catalina Island Rugby Festival Weekend featuring Humboldt Hot Dogs of the Sea
When: Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
Rugby Matches: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Joe Machado Field, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA
Saturday Social: Topside by NDMK, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday Plunge: Casino Point, 8:59 AM
RSVP / Travel Info: Blake Boutillier, 714-906-7636, blakeboutillier@gmail.com
About Humboldt Hot Dogs of the Sea
Humboldt Hot Dogs of the Sea is a rugby tour identity and creative project built around the Catalina Island Rugby Festival. The project combines old boys rugby, coastal humor, vintage nautical design, and team storytelling into a memorable weekend campaign for players, supporters, and the broader rugby community.
About the Catalina Island Rugby Festival
The Catalina Island Rugby Festival is a long-running rugby event in Avalon, California, bringing teams, supporters, and the island community together for rugby, charity, and social events. The festival is connected to the legacy of Joe Hendrix and supports community fundraising through rugby.
Media Contact
Jake Nelson
Tight 5 Sevens / Humboldt Hot Dogs of the Sea
tight5sevens@gmail.com
tight5sevens.com
Festival RSVP / Logistics
Blake Boutillier
714-906-7636
blakeboutillier@gmail.com
