Aug
13
A weekly Congo dance class in Santa Cruz. Participants learn traditional African dance movements in a group setting at The 418 Project.
📍 Santa Cruz County, CA
From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.
Live music, festivals, art walks, surf contests, trail days and everything in between.
In-person only, on purpose. Everything here is something you can actually show up to. No screens, no streams.
★ Featured this season
★ Featured
Wed, Aug 19, 2026 · Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Naturalist Night: Plankton 101
Did you know that every other breath we take comes from phytoplankton? Dive into the hidden world of plankton and discover the tiny organisms that form the foundation of Monterey Bay’s rich marine ecosystem. Join marine scientist and educator Jane Silberstein for an engaging introduction to phytoplankton, zooplankton, and the remarkable roles they play in supporting ocean life. After the talk, you’ll have the opportunity to observe live plankton under a microscope and get an up-close look at these incredible microscopic organisms. Whether you’re a curious beachgoer, an aspiring naturalist, or simply fascinated by the ocean, this lecture will leave you with a new appreciation for the life drifting just beneath the surface. These amazing organisms form the base of the marine food web, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, influence the color of the ocean, and support countless species throughout Monterey Bay and beyond. REGISTER HERE Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Ticket Price: $12 Discounts: $5 member discount About the Speaker : Jane Silberstein brings more than 40 years of experience studying and teaching about the marine life of Monterey Bay. She earned her undergraduate degree in science with an emphasis in marine science from UC Santa Cruz and her graduate degree in Invertebrate Marine Ecology from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. During her 33 years at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Jane worked on all three plankton guide stations, sharing the fascinating world of plankton with visitors from around the globe. She has also taught plankton through Cabrillo College’s Pacific Plankton Program for nearly six years, inspiring students to explore the remarkable microscopic organisms that support life in the ocean. Jane is passionate about making the microscopic world accessible to audiences of all ages and helping others discover the incredible diversity of life drifting just beneath the surface. Accessibility and Logistics : This program will take place
Education
📍 Seabright & Harbor
★ Featured
Wed, Aug 19, 2026 · Bookshop Santa Cruz
Steve Hawk
Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes Steve Hawk, the longest serving editor of Surfer (1991-1998), who will share his thrilling new novel Nearshore , a mix of literary suspense and coastal noir which follows an unlikely trio on the California coast who investigate a nuclear terrorist act. Hawk will be in conversation with Charles Duhigg at this event.
Family
📍 Downtown Santa Cruz
Coming up
Wed, Aug 12, 2026 · The 418 Project
Motion Pacific: Dance for PD
Dance for Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PD® program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinson’s teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinson’s is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.
Music
📍 Downtown Santa Cruz
Coming up
Wed, Aug 12, 2026 · The 418 Project
Motion Pacific- Beginning Hip Hop House
A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.
Music
📍 Downtown Santa Cruz
☀️ Happening today
Wednesday, August 1257 events on today. No plans required, just go.
9:00 AM
$8600
Certified Massage Therapist Program
📍 Cypress Health Institute
Community
9:00 AM
See listing
Busy
📍 The 418 Project
Art & Culture
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
📍 Dynomite Farm
Community
9:00 AM
$10
Pilates & Posture in the Pasture
📍 Beyond Liberty
Wellness
9:30 AM
See listing
Busy
📍 The 418 Project
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
See listing
Mobile Health Clinic
📍 Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
Baby Dance Jam
📍 The 418 Project
Art & Culture
10:30 AM
See listing
Bilingual Baby Laptime
📍 Watsonville Library
Family
11:00 AM
FREE
Local Specials
📍 La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Food & Drink
What's happening
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Cultural Event
7 upcoming events · Cultural Event · from 2026-08-12 · to 2026-08-19
Aug
15
Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Basket Weaving Workshop
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · FREE
During this program, you will be introduced to a craft used by indigenous peoples around the world: coiled basketry. CA basketry is some of the most ornate in the world, and this opportunity will pique your interest in learning more about, and supporting traditional arts. This 2-hour workshop will teach you how to weave your very own basket out of local Ponderosa Pine needles! Not recommended for children under the age of 12. All materials are supplied, and no previous experience is necessary. The class size is limited to 15. Please click the orange button above to register ahead. Although this event is free, it costs $10 to park in a state park. Hold on to your receipt! Once you pay to park at one state park for the day, it is good for all of the state parks! There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!
Aug
15
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:
Aug
15
A film screening of *Chac, The Rain God* at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz. A cinematic experience for film and spirituality enthusiasts.
Aug
17
A weekly Afro-Brazilian dance class focusing on rhythm and movement.
Aug
19
Entre Nosotras: Open to Spanish-speaking women with cancer at all stages, from diagnosis through treatment and the healing process. Groups are led in Spanish and meet at406 Main Street #211, Watsonville CA 95076. Please call 831-761-3973 for details. Led by Chila Correa and Socorro Alanis. Meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, 5-7 pm.
Aug
19
Entre Nosotras: Open to Spanish-speaking women with cancer at all stages, from diagnosis through treatment and the healing process. Groups are led in Spanish and meet at406 Main Street #211, Watsonville CA 95076. Please call 831-761-3973 for details. Led by Chila Correa and Socorro Alanis. Meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, 5-7 pm.
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