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📍 Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
🕒 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM · See listing
Join us for a morning filled with plankton! These are the microscopic organisms that produce half the oxygen we breathe (phytoplankton) and the zooplankton, that form the base of the food chain. We will be going out to the Santa Cruz Wharf to collect the plankton and take data on the physical conditions. We will then go to a lab at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Center to look closely at our subjects (plankton) under the microscopes. REGISTER About the Speaker Jane Silberstein received her undergraduate degree in science (emphasis on marine science) at UCSC, and later obtained her graduate degree at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Invertebrate Marine Ecology. She has spent the last 40 years learning and teaching about the marine life in the bay and ways to engage audiences with this information. Jane has been teaching about plankton for 10 semesters at Cabrillo College with a program called the Pacific Plankton Program, and worked on plankton projects for many years at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Accessibility and Logistics There will be two parts in this program (field work and lab portion) — Please note that transportation between venues is not provided, so plan accordingly. Dress in comfortable layers, long pants, hat, sunglasses,and closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or sandals). Please plan to bring any water and snacks you will want during the program. Please bring a notebook if you have one, otherwise, we’ll bring paper, to draw and describe the amazing microscopic drifters we find in the Monterey Bay! Capacity : 20 Ticket Price: $35 General | $25 Student Discounts : $5 member discount Age limit: 10+. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
📍 Sanctuary Exploration Center
🕒 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM · $35
You will be going out to the Santa Cruz Wharf to collect the plankton and take data on the physical conditions. You will then go to a lab at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Center to look closely at your subjects (plankton) under the microscopes. These are the microscopic organisms that produce half the oxygen you breathe (phytoplankton) and the zooplankton, that form the base of the food chain.
📍 Sanctuary Exploration Center
🕒 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM · $35
You will be going out to the Santa Cruz Wharf to collect the plankton and take data on the physical conditions. You will then go to a lab at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Center to look closely at your subjects (plankton) under the microscopes. These are the microscopic organisms that produce half the oxygen you breathe (phytoplankton) and the zooplankton, that form the base of the food chain.
📍 Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
🕒 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · See listing
0 booked, 4 available Glazing
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · FREE
Get ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800 feet above present day sea level. Explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. The hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Plan to meet in the parking lot of the campground (located off Graham Hill Rd.).
📍 Roaring Camp Railroads
🕒 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · $32
From Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.
📍 WomenCARE
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · See listing
Writing Circle: Open to the writer in each of us, this group allows for creative exploration in a supportive space right where you are. Each session is a surprise. Your creations are prompted by writing activities and the stories of your life—bring your notebook and invite your muse. Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month, 10 am to 12 noon at WomenCARE’s Soquel office.
📍 Cabrillo College
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · $85
Explore a creative practice that transforms emotions into meaningful expression. Through guided prompts and artistic exploration, participants will develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and deeper connection to their inner experience. No artistic experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
📍 Capitola Branch Library
🕒 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM · See listing
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join Certified Zentangle Teacher Lisa Hoesing for an introductory workshop and monthly meetup to practice the method. The monthly meetup will take place on the second Saturday of each month in the Ow Community Room. All supplies will be provided at the event, thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Capitola Library . Periodic workshops to welcome new beginners will also take place. Take a look
📍 Seymour Marine Discovery Center
🕒 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM · See listing
Get ready to set sail on a storybook adventure! 📚 ✨ It’s the ultimate weekend treat to spark big imaginations, foster a love for nature, and nurture the next generation of ocean heroes! 🌊 🐚 📖 Our friends at Bookshop Santa Cruz have hand-selected a collection of books about the environment that are perfect for young readers. We hope to see you there! Join Seaside Storytime on the second Saturday of every month!
📍 Bay View Elementary
🕒 10:30 AM · See listing
Help Shape Your Neighborhood Coastline How should Santa Cruz prepare for coastal flooding, erosion, and sea level rise over the next 30 years? Join the City of Santa Cruz for an interactive community workshop focused on the future of our coastline. Community members have helped shape the conversation about the future of Santa Cruz's coastline through previous workshops, open houses, and outreach efforts. Now it's time to evaluate potential coastal resilience strategies for West Cliff, Main Beach, Cowell Beach, East Cliff, and Seabright Beach. Participants will take part in a guided tabletop exercise to explore options, discuss tradeoffs, and share feedback that will help inform future planning. Conversation Date August 8, 2026 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Bay View Elementary School Focus Area: West Cliff Light refreshments will be provided. Learn more and register at santacruzca.gov/resilient-coast Additional Date August 3, 2026 5:30–7:30 p.m. London Nelson Community Center Focus Areas: Main/Cowell Beaches and East Cliff/Seabright Beach
📍 Scotts Valley Branch Library
🕒 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM · See listing
In this two-part short story workshop, writers will explore how to shape a story from an initial idea into a more focused, compelling draft. Register here: https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16763798 We’ll look at what makes a story feel alive on the page, with an emphasis on helping each writer better understand what their story is really about. Participants will have the opportunity to share their work, receive constructive feedback, and discuss practical strategies for strengthening a draft. The workshop is designed to be supportive, thoughtful, and generative, whether you are starting a new story, revising an existing one, or trying to figure out where a piece wants to go next. Writers of all experience levels are welcome. The goal is not to leave with a perfect story, but to leave with a clearer sense of direction, stronger tools for revision, and renewed confidence in the work. Devin Shoop is an MFA candidate and a published author. Photo credit: Aaron Burden.
📍 The Diversity Center
🕒 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM · See listing
Write Queer, a creative writing group Date: May 9, and the Second and Fourth Saturdays Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 Noon Cost: Free Location: The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Ages: 18+ Join Jesse and Peggy for all or part of this series, running from March through May. Unleash your creativity at Write Queer, an 18+ group for writers of all levels. Respond to provided prompts, or bring your own projects. Meetings include writing time, optional sharing and positive feedback. Please bring a pen and paper or a laptop. .
📍 Santa Cruz Public Libraries
🕒 11:00 AM · See listing
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
📍 Loch Lomond
🕒 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM · FREE
Starting in April, on both Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of each month, the City of Santa Cruz staff will lead tours of Loch Lomond Reservoir on the Newell Jewell (pontoon boat). The tours start at 11AM on both days and lasts about an hour. Attendance is limited to 25 people and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The Loch Lomond Recreation Area is a 180-acre reservoir and part of the 2,800-acre watershed land holdings that the City of Santa Cruz Water Department manages in the Newell Creek watershed. It is open daily from late March through mid-October when the park closes for the season.
📍 Agricultural History Project Center and Museum
🕒 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM · FREE
Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come out to enjoy good old-fashioned activities such as spinning wool, cheese making, wooden cow milking and ice cream making! You can even drive a tractor and go on a hayride. Local Santa Cruz County 4-H clubs will be hosting their Annual Spring Fair. This action-packed day is admission free, and donations are gladly accepted. It’s fun for the whole family! Activities include: Farm Animals to see and pet Ice cream making the old-fashioned way Butter churning Fresh cheese making Rope making Hay wagon rides with tractors Wooden cow milking Hay cutting from real oats, wheat and barley Kids (real) tractor driving Puppet Show Old-fashioned hoops Crafts and so much more! 2025 Schedule: March 8th – Birds, Bees & Butterflies April 12th – Easter on the Farm with Egg Hunt May 10th – Springtime on the Farm June 14th – Olden Days on the Farm July 12th – Summertime Fun on the Farm August 9th – Round-Up at the Ranch September 13th – Visit Yesterday’s Farm during the Santa Cruz Fair October 11th – Tractor-or-Treat November 8th – Harvest on the Farm December 13th – Holidays on the Farm
📍 Santa Cruz Harbor
🕒 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM · FREE
Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA Dock (southwest harbor) Launch Ramp (southeast harbor) Please visit the Port District’s website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.
📍 Santa Cruz Public Libraries
🕒 11:00 AM · See listing
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us each Saturday morning for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors.
📍 The Ugly Mug
🕒 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM · See listing
No set up - nothing special just stage space
📍 Santa Cruz Public Libraries
🕒 11:00 AM · See listing
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Big stories, tiny prices! Browse our pop-up book sale packed with great finds. $5 a bag!! Every purchase supports the Aptos Library. Stop by, snag a stack, and support your library today!!!
📍 Santa Cruz
🕒 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM · See listing
Staff offers a guided adobe tour centered on the experiences of Native communities in the Santa Cruz mission providing insight into daily life, cultural change, and the impacts of the mission system. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and enduring presence of Indigenous people in the region. Reservation Link:
📍 Loch Lomond
🕒 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM · FREE
Explore a western pond with City Water Resources Analyst, Jenny Viera. As essential ecosystem engineers, turtles maintain ecological balance, such as cycling nutrients and creating burrows for other wildlife. Protecting them also preserves biodiversity and cultural heritage. The monthly “Loch Walks” are included in the entry fee for the Recreation Area. There is a $10.00 charge per vehicle for entrance to the park. Walk participants are encouraged to dress for variable weather conditions and to wear proper footwear for hiking on dirt trails and for changes in elevation. The Loch Lomond Recreation Area is a 180-acre reservoir and part of the 2,800-acre watershed land holdings that the City of Santa Cruz Water Department manages in the Newell Creek watershed. Loch Lomond serves as Santa Cruz City’s only drinking water reservoir. To RSVP for the Loch Walk, please call 831 335-7424.
📍 Loch Lomond Reservoir
🕒 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM · FREE
Learn about the western pond turtle at Loch Lomond Reservoir during a free presentation led by City Water Resources Analyst Jenny Viera as part of the Newell Jewell School Interpretive Program. The talk will also include a pontoon boat tour and is part of the Santa Cruz Water Department’s Loch Lomond Learning Series. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. Space is limited; call 831-335-7424 to reserve a spot.
📍 Wilder Ranch State Park
🕒 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM · FREE
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
📍 Roberts Ranch Vineyards
🕒 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM · $92.55
Join us at our Santa Cruz Mountains winery for seasonal hikes through the vines and finish with a Provençal Worker’s lunch paired with wine.
📍 Roberts Ranch Vineyards
🕒 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM · $92.55
In the Provençal tradition, enjoy a to tour the cellar and vineyard property with the stewards of this special place! After a seasonal walk & talk around the property, you’ll gather on the Terrace for French Worker’s Lunch paired with featured wines.
📍 Santa Cruz Public Libraries
🕒 11:30 AM · See listing
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm In this two-part short story workshop, writers will explore how to shape a story from an initial idea into a more focused, compelling draft.
📍 Soulcare Studios
🕒 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM · $40
Discover the calming and creative power of music 🎶 Our beginner-friendly harp lessons offer a peaceful space to learn something new, connect with sound, and explore music in a supportive group setting. No experience is needed, and instruments are provided. 🗓 1st & 3rd Saturdays 🎵 All levels welcome ⚠️ Limited to 10 spots—advance booking recommended
📍 Santa Cruz Public Libraries
🕒 11:30 AM · See listing
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm The Zentangle Method is a fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join Certified Zentangle Teacher Lisa Hoesing for an introductory workshop and monthly meetup.
📍 m.k. contemporary art gallery
🕒 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM · FREE
“Confluence”: where separate currents meet. This beautiful exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. “Confluence” is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from “The Leftovers” at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM
