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Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonโt want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS
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Make the MAH your first stop this weekend with FREE First Friday. Explore all three floors of the museum and see our latest exhibitions, check out our giftshop, and hangout among art and history! Then stay into the night dancing to live music out in Abbott Square. First Friday hours are 12-8pm. See you then!
Friday, August 07 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians.
Coming up
On August 8th, composer Clarice Assadโs new commissioned work, Kontrol, will premiere at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. The afternoon before, Assad will join D. Riley Nicholson, Executive Director of the Cabrillo Festival, and Pranav Anand, Faculty Director of The Humanities Institute, for a pre-rehearsal discussion about the inspirations for the piece, which explores impacts of AI on musical creation and performance, both now and in the near future. Stay afterward for the final rehearsal of Kontrol before the premiere on the 8th. Free and open to the public.
Coming up
We invite you to join us for our 19th Annual WIC Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair, on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 3pm. We will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week and sharing information about our services and those of our community partners. There will be fun activities for the whole family, music, healthy snacks, raffle prizes, and more. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world to highlight the importance of human milk and it's impact on health.
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Showing 30 of 55 upcoming events ยท Art & Culture ยท from 2026-08-07 ยท to 2026-08-07
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Join us for Mothersong every first Friday of the month ~ sing and dance with us at our Main Library, Meeting Room at 10:30am. Audience: Families Se le invita a nuestro programa Mothersong cada primer viernes del mes ~ cante y baile con nosotros en nuestra Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Reuniones a las 10:30am. Audiencia: Familias
Visit the IAS, UCSCโs premier art galleries, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10โAugust 16, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right , the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj , a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies , a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics, performance, and visual art. The IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday, 12 pm โ 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right Libia Posadaโs first solo exhibition in the United States features installations, sculptures, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments, gauze bandages, crutches, used books, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal, social, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons. Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements The internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation, produced in community from things collected, found, purchased and donated, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people, spirits, and ideas. Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies Collage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video, painting, and installation, layers and folds conceal and reveal, delving into the experience, both bodily and emotive, of living in time
โConfluenceโ: 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. โConfluenceโ is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from โThe Leftoversโ at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM
Take a guided tour of the MAH by one of our staff members! At the MAH, our tours don't just take you through art and history. They immerse you in it and connect you to Santa Cruz and beyond. If you're ready to dive into a new perspective, join us every Friday for an informative private tour free with admission. Art experts, historians, and educators are here to help. Plus, stick around to meet new people or check out our new gift shop. If you are an educator and interested in booking a tour for your class or group, browse our educational field trips here.
First Friday at The Painted Cork โ Live Music, Art Lounge & Local Art Celebrate First Friday with us at our vibrant Westside Santa Cruz studio! From 3โ8 PM, enjoy an evening filled with creativity, community, and live music. ๐ผ๏ธ Local Art Showcase Browse artwork created by local Santa Cruz artists throughout the studio โ a perfect way to support and connect with our creative community. ๐บ Local Beer & Wine Sip on favorites from Santa Cruz breweries and wineries while you enjoy the music and art. ๐ถ Live Music โ No Cover Weโre excited to welcome Wasabi Santa Cruz, performing alongside a cover band for a full afternoon of great local music. Come relax, sip, and enjoy โ no charge for the music. ๐จ Art Lounge (DIY Creative Experience) Explore your creativity in our Art Lounge! Choose from a variety of DIY painting and craft projects while enjoying a drink from our beer and wine bar. All supplies included Written instructions or video tutorials Social, selfโpaced experience Kitchen open until 7 PM Reserve your project online and weโll have everything ready when you arrive. Bar seating is firstโcome, firstโserved (no project purchase required). Join us for a lively, creative First Friday celebration on the Westside!
Please enjoy a group show from local artists that are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent. Some art may talk about the life experiences of the artists, and some are simply the authentic expression of a disabled person. We hosted an art party on the principles of Disability Justice in July, and some of those art pieces will be in the show. First Friday Opening: 8/7 from 4-8pm. We are a small gallery. For anyone who has sensitivity to crowds, we recommend visiting us during our open hours during the week: w-th 2-6pm f: 4-8pm s-s: 1-5pm Snacks provided by Annies Cashew Dip and Trini Badillas Salsa www.thevisionsanctuary.com Participating Artists: โ Tyler โEpitimus Primeโ Gettner โ Cherryy โ Erin Harmon โ Marley Calamity โ Enigma โ Alias, et al. โ Sunny Mackey โ Cazoshay Marie โ Alicia Wyneken โ Star Flower โ Jessica Ann Roberts โ Water Woody โ Franki โ ArteMacabre โ Indigo Knightly โ Rosebud Wild โ Ember Katzirah
Join us for First Friday Gallery Night and Live Music at The Green Spot! We are excited to continue our gallery spotlight in-store with featured artist Leah Rose. Trianna will kick things off with live music, playing guitar and singing to set a warm, chill vibe for the evening. Come by, enjoy our classic charcuterie trays, and browse the gallery at your own pace. You can purchase Leah Roseโs art all month long, and First Friday is the perfect time to meet the artist spotlight and take something home. We would love to see you, so stop by the Green Spot for a welcoming night of art, music, and good bites!
Extended by popular demand world renowned artist Jim Phillips presents his first ever one-man show of new artworks with newly added original pen and ink drawings. โThe show is a culmination of many years of dedication to my art.โ Phillips said. โHaving the show in Santa Cruz is perfect. Itโs the place where I honed my skllls on a variety of jobs for local venues, and established my mark internationally.โ Jimโs graphics and surf and skate-themed artworks are a global cultural phenomenon, with millions of fans drawn to Santa Cruz Red Dot and the Screaming Hand, which he created in 1985. FIrst Friday August 7, 4-7 pm Gallery Hours: Thursday โ Saturday, 1-4 p Exhibit runs through October 31
Please, join us every Friday this month, as we are open late and will be showcasing ALL our local Fine Artists that are hanging around this summer including, Nick Conte, Lupe Santos, Sylvia Valentine, Maylene Rasmussen, Sally Bookman, Beth Shields, Thomas Kinkade, Salvador Dali, and Michelle Nicely. We are also happy to announce we will be keeping the famed Rock n Roll photography of Jay Blakesberg. He has shot for Rolling Stone Magazine for over 40 years and is sole photographer for Dead and Company. Now, in the Grammy Museum. Look for our upcoming private event September, First Friday.
Kara is an award-winning natural world photographer who lives in the Pleasure Point Neighborhood of Santa Cruz. She learned the love of travel at a young age and was given her first camera at the age of ten. Ever since sheโs traveled the world making photos. While she loves traveling to faraway places to photograph endangered species, her main love is where she lives. She recently published a childrenโs book of her photos showing the Monterey Bay with its unique diversity from its mountains to the sea. Meet Kara at our First Friday reception, Aug. 7, 4-7 p.m. at the Silver Mountain Tasting Room, 328 D Ingalls St. Enjoy a glass of wine while chatting with Kara about her extensive travels and stunning photography.
โEpiphanies โ Solo exhibition by Zara Kand July 3-August 28 Receptions : July 3 and Aug 7 Gallery Hours : Thurs-Sun , 11-6pm Zara Kand is a south California Artist who paints dreamy emotional themes with dark psychological undertones .
For Augustโs First Friday, Minnow Arts is presenting the work of F U Tattoo artists and their extended friends! Swing by for an evening filled with socializing with the artists and viewing their work. The type of work includes paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. DJ @chicano_electric will be providing music for the event. We hope to see you there!
About the Process: These woodcut and linocut block prints are made by hand using direct references of fish caught locally by my husband and sons. Once theyโve brought their fresh catch home, I make quick study drawings, take measurements, and reference photos before they prep it for dinner. I can then develop a life-size drawing of the fish and transfer it onto a block of wood or a block of linoleum. I carve out these blocks using a variety of small gouges, and roll ink over the entire block to reveal my final image by pressing paper (using small hand tools) on top. They are often confused with Gyotaku prints (the traditional Japanese method of printing fish by applying ink directly to the fish itself). My relief printing method allows me to have more creative freedom, enhance detail where I need, and to print multiple versions. I have been particularly interested in pairing and adding in other block print details, like floral motifs, to provide a visual contrast. About the artist: Tina Fuller Somers is a Santa Cruz-based multi-disciplinary artist whose work blends art, nature, and science. Through her freelance work as Hawk & Hammer Studio, she creates art and illustration with the purpose of connecting, engaging, and inspiring. Projects and works include interpretive panels, woodblock prints, watercolor illustrations, and murals. In addition to her freelance work, Tina is an instructor at the Science Illustration Certification Program at California State University Monterey Bay. View more at www.hawkandhammer.com or follow @hawkandhammergram. Join us for a welcoming reception in celebration of Tinaโs show here at Stripe! Drinks and snacks will be served.
On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun.
I invite you to explore Susan Brownโs world, at Gabriella Cafe, First Friday, August 7, 5โ7 PM. Susan Brownโs works capture the essence of Santa Cruz downtown, neighborhoods, and nearby towns and favorite local destinations. Youโll see Santa Cruz County in a different way! Many of her well known paintings give life to lesser known places, such as โjust a street.โ Her Santa Cruz County paintings are not typical โcoastal or beach scenes;โsuch as her acrylic painting, โDavenport Evening,โ (shown in the San Diego Museum of Art Exhibition, March 2025-November 2026); which poses questions for the viewer; asking where the road may lead, and evoking a sense of recognition or deja vu, whether or not one has actually been there. Susan uses technique, color and perspective to give the viewer a sense of place that somehow feels both familiar and new at the same time. We look forward to showing you the โOther Santa Cruz.โ
We are thrilled to host the landmark 95th California Landscape Exhibition! This year, we invite you to join our team, our volunteers, and our community alongside distinguished juror Warren Chang to honor the stunning, diverse scenes that define California. Awards for first, second, third, and honorable mentions will be announced around 6 to 6:30pm.
Gallery 125 at The Tannery is open for First Friday from 5 to 8pm on August 7th. We have paintings, prints, cards, sculpture, jewelry, pastels, assemblage, etc. in all sizes and prices to meet everyoneโs taste and budget. Come visit us! Showing the work of Beth Shields, Lynne Todaro, Melissa West, Linda Fillhardt and Joan Hellenthal.
The Institute of the Arts and Science(IAS) is excited to announce our August first Friday event! Friday, August 7th join us at the IAS and enjoy after hours viewing of the exhibition, exhibition related activities like letter writing to those included in Libia Posadaโs โBlue Portraitsโ and much more Time: 5:00 p.m. โ 7:00 p.m. When: Friday, August 7th, 2026 Where: Institute of the Arts and Sciences 100 Panetta Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Calvary Cultural Center is excited to present Connor OโNeillโs whimsical, jazzy artwork. Connorโs art screams of lyrical adventure, inviting the viewer to stay for a while and explore. Please join us for this solo artist event and reception. Read about Connor and his work in Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine https://www.scvibesmagazine.com/stories/connor-oneill or check out his clothing line Pen Pal at http://www.instagram.com/penpalsocialmedia.
As sisters, we have spent our lives collecting thingsโobjects, stories, memories, fragments of the ordinary and the extraordinary. While our artistic paths have taken different forms, we share a fascination with making connections and finding meaning in unexpected places. In this exhibition, textiles, assemblage, found objects, and artifacts become vehicles for exploration. Familiar materials are transformed through stitching, layering, arranging, and reimagining. A discarded object becomes a relic. An eye chart becomes a chair. A faded photograph becomes the beginning of a story. Neither of us is interested in providing answers. Instead, we are drawn to questions: What stories do objects carry? What do we choose to remember? What do we overlook? How does meaning change when something is removed from its original purpose and given a new life? Curious Sisters celebrates wonder, discovery, and the pleasure of seeing the world through a lens of possibility. It is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and follow your own sense of curiosity wherever it may lead About Judy & Wendy: Judy Stabile has never met a piece of fabric, an old eye chart, or an intriguing object she couldnโt imagine becoming something else. Originally trained as a sculptor, she now works primarily with textiles, printmaking, and surface design, creating one-of-a-kind garments, furnishings, and mixed-media pieces that blur the line between art, clothing, and storytelling. She is fascinated by pattern, repetition, stitching, printing, and the endless possibilities hidden inside ordinary materials. Judy approaches her studio like a laboratory for curiosity. A medical diagram might become a chair. An eye exam might become a coat. A scrap of cloth might spark an entirely new narrative. Her work is playful, thoughtful, and driven by a belief that the most interesting discoveries often begin with the simple question: โWhat would happen ifโฆ?โ As one of the Curious Sisters, Judy shares with her sister Wen
Gallery 125 at The Tannery is open for First Friday from 5 to 8pm on August 7th. We have paintings, prints, cards, sculpture, jewelry, pastels, assemblage, etc. in all sizes and prices to meet everyoneโs taste and budget. Come visit us! Showing the work of Beth Shields, Lynne Todaro, Melissa West, Linda Fillhardt and Joan Hellenthal.
Photo: Bella by Brittany Costanzo FIRST FRIDAY at TREEHOUSE! Celebrate the Summer with us! Community over everything. <3 Stop by & enjoy great music, great deals on cannabis, great gift opportunities from local artisans, & great community. ๐ We offer specials on our featured cannabis brands, discounts on artists who have work on display, and a penny wheel for you to spin when you spend over $50! Specials run all day! Event is from 5 โ 8p! Live Music by Billy Reese from 6-7:30pm! NEW Resident Artists on Display: Cole Lemke (aka Chump Magic), Ariel Taylor, Brittany Costanzo, & Mio Kamstra-Brown Featured Local Artisans: โข Penning Beads โข IrieCycle Arts โข Stitch and Story โข Baked By Cupc8ke โข Holly Waldie โข K'an Artisinal โข Rainbow.Dot Arts โข Jen Raynes Art โข NML Sustainable Designs โข Featured Cannabis Brands (Some will be here in person!): โข Arcata Fire โข BLOOM โข CLSICS โข Daze Off โข Give Thanks โข Greenline โข Habitat โข Heavy Hitters โข Jetty โข Kwik Ease โข Maven Genetics โข Not Your Fathers โข Pabst โข Pacific Stone โข PLUS โข Raw Garden โข Shooters โข Space Craft โข St. Ides โข UpNorth โข Follow us on Instagram @treehousedispensary_sc! Head to our website for all the details! www.OurTreehouse.io ยท (831) 471-8289 ยท 3651 Soquel Drive, Soquel CA ยท C10-0000105-LIC ยท 21+ only please We can't wait to see you there! ๐ Swing by to look at the art on our walls & take advantage of our dope deals!
The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center opens its doors for a monthly First Friday open house.
Santa Cruz Korean Center K-Gallery will show various Fan Art and Sale. Korean Artist EunKyung Lee Otte will show and tell her unique and authentic hanging fan, holding fan etc. Santa Cruz Korean Center K-gallery is located Tannery Art Center . 1050 River St. Studio 114 Santa Cruz CA 95060. K-Gallery will demo fan Art around 6 Pm on Aug. 7 Come and Enjoy Summer special Fan Art show and Sale!
The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is pleased to announce the Santa Cruz County Arts Commissionโs 2026 Spotlight Award recipients: Tish Bertino (Visual Artist), and Barbara Martin (Drummer/Percussionist). The artistsโ work will be exhibited on the 5th floor of the County Governmental Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, from August 3-October 9, 2026. A First Friday opening reception will be held August 7 from 5-7 p.m. The natural world serves as the source of inspiration for Tish Bertinoโs paintings, where she invites and encourages the viewer to visit real and imaginary places where shape, vibrant color, luminous light, and a sense of movement provide literal form to the pieces. Tishโs style is loose and expressive impressionist. A longtime resident of Santa Cruz, Tish runs and hikes through the woods and along the ocean allowing natureโs beauty to feed her soul and inspire her works. She returned to school in her mid-thirties to earn both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. For several years she taught art in local elementary schools. Painting is a source of immense joy for Tish and considers the process of creating art essential to leading a balanced and meaningful life. Barbara Martin is a Drummer and Multi-Percussionist, originally from Guantanamo City, Cuba. While studying music in at college Santa Clara, Cuba, she had the opportunity to perform with the Harvard Symphony Orchestra, as well as other traditional and popular Cuban bands. She also gained extensive teaching experience while in college by teaching music at the middle and high school levels. Arriving to the United States in 2016, she has taught music in various schools and performed in different bands throughout California. She is currently studying Music at Cabrillo College as well as working as a TA for the Music Department, where she also co-directs the Cabrillo Latin Jazz Ensemble. She currently directs, plays drums/percussion and i
Join Beth Stiles of One-Handed Knitting for a fun First Friday event featuring her amazing, knitted creations that she does with one hand! We will have some delicious treats, beverages and a fun community of people at the Live Oak Refillery on Friday August 7th from 5pm-8pm. Come join Beth and all her friends for a fun and cozy gathering! Browse and support Bethโs beautiful handcrafted knitted creations by purchasing one (or more!) of her unique pieces. Weโd love to see you there! A little bit about Beth: Hi, Iโm Beth. I have been knitting for 58 years. I knit with one hand, since I have cerebral palsy. Itโs a way for me to relax. I have made hats, minister stoles, Afghans, baby blankets, mini-Afghans, grandparents baby blankets, scarves, mittens and much more. I am a third generation knitter.
Meet a local author, see live raptors, and explore our Mini Nature Museum. First Friday at the Land Trust. Free & all ages welcome! Whether youโre an avid birder, a curious beginner, a family looking for a fun Friday evening, or someone whoโs ever stopped to wonder, โWhat bird is making that sound?โ โ this evening is for you! Join the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for a special bird- themed First Friday celebrating the incredible birds that call Santa Cruz County home. Meet local bird experts, connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, and discover how protecting open spaces helps birds and our entire community thrive. Throughout the evening, expect: ๐ฆ Live raptors ๐ A local author ๐ชถ An interactive nature museum ๐๏ธ Local conservation-minded vendors ๐๏ธ Free admission Whether youโre hoping to identify your first bird, inspire a young naturalist, or simply spend an evening surrounded by people who love the outdoors, weโd love to see you there. When: Friday, August 7th, 5:00 โ 8:00 pm Where: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Office, 911 Center St, Santa Cruz 95060 Hereโs Whatโs Waiting for You ๐ Meet the Author of Birds of Santa Cruz Discover the remarkable birds that call Santa Cruz County home alongside someone who knows them best. Local author Sophie Wood Brinker will share stories from her beautifully illustrated book, Birds of Santa Cruz, and sign copies throughout the evening. Whether youโre hoping to identify the birds visiting your backyard, prepare for your next hike, or simply deepen your appreciation for the wildlife around you, Sophie will be available to answer questions, share her expertise, and help you see our local landscapes through a new lens. ๐ฆ Experience Live Birds of Prey There is nothing quite like seeing a hawk, falcon, or owl up close. Join a local falconer for a live falconry demonstration featuring magnificent birds of prey and learn about the centuries-old tradition of falconry, the incredible adaptations that make these birds such skilled hunte
First Friday at Santa Cruz Art Expressions ๐จ๐ถ Doors open at 5 PM for an evening of art, music, and creative connection at Santa Cruz Art Expressions. Enjoy a live DJ set, light refreshments, and the buzz of First Friday energy as the gallery comes alive. Meet featured artist Kelli C. Foss, known for her vibrant abstract paintings and unmistakable, intuitive style. Guests are invited beyond the gallery walls and into her personal studio for an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at her process, works in progress, and the creative world that shapes her art. In addition to Fossโs work, explore a curated selection of artists on display throughout the space, offering a rich mix of styles and perspectives. Come to mingle, move to the music, and immerse yourself in an inspired evening celebrating art and community in the heart of Santa Cruz.
Get stoked, Santa Cruz! ๐๐ธ We are beyond hyped to host an exclusive art exhibit featuring the legendary work of decorated surf and ocean photographer, Dave โNellyโ Nelson! If you love the ocean, surf culture, and mind-blowing photography, this is one night you absolutely cannot miss. Come hang out, grab some good vibes, and be the first to witness an incredible collection of never-before-seen images from Nellyโs archives. Plus, weโre hosting an exclusive book signingโthe perfect chance to snag a legendary piece of Santa Cruz surf history straight from the man himself! ๐ค Hereโs whatโs going down: What: Dave โNellyโ Nelson Art Exhibit & Book Signing When: Opening Night Reception โ Friday, August 7, 2026 | 5:00 PM โ 9:00 PM Where: Sunny California โ 912 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Bonus: Weโre hosting an epic RAFFLE! Make sure to sign up at the door for your chance to win some amazing prizes. ๐๏ธ๐ฅ (Canโt make it to opening night? No sweat! The show will be running through the entire month of August. But this is your chance to hang with the man himself) See you there! ๐ @nellysmagicmoments @sunnycalifornia_santacruz #DaveNellyNelson #SantaCruz #SantaCruzSurf #SurfPhotography #OceanPhotography #SunnyCalifornia #SantaCruzEvents #SurfCulture #SkatePhotography #ArtExhibit #MontereyBay
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