Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery August 13-September 19, 2026 Opening celebration and Artist Talk Saturday, August 15, 2-4:30 p.m Light refreshments will be served. Summer Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 1-5pm ReView: UC Santa Cruz Arts Alumni Exhibition features Arts Division alumni from the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas. Curated by Valéria Miranda, the Sesnon’s Director, ReView includes a wide variety of media and techniques highlighting the diversity of contemporary practice of alumni who graduated from 1972 to 2025. The exhibition title alludes to the portfolio critique process and suggests ideas of reflection and reevaluation—whether revisiting past work, rethinking materials, or tracing how a practice evolves over time. This exhibition celebrates the creative path of artists who began their journeys at UC Santa Cruz. United by shared roots yet defined by distinct paths, the participating alumni reflect the lasting influence of the Arts Division programs. Their works speak to the spirit of inquiry, experimentation, and perseverance that has long shaped the university’s artistic community. ReView presents an opportunity for the campus and larger community to see the professional practice of these artists who continue to build on the creative foundation that they received at UCSC and to inspire our current students, offering visualization of their own future artistic journeys after graduation. ReView offers a unique opportunity for returning alumni to celebrate their creative expressions while reconnecting with classmates and the university community. Admission is free and open to the public. More Information
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
Treehouse Dispensary First Friday
Treehouse Dispensary hosts a monthly First Friday event on the first Friday of every month. These events feature live music, local artists, makers, and an art market with up to 20 different vendors, along with shop-wide discounts and community activities. The shop is open 8:00 AM to 9:45 PM daily. We're proud to offer everyday savings for our community: New Members: 10% off your first order Wisdom Discount (65+): 5% off Medical Patients: 10% off Students & Teachers: 20% off with valid ID Veterans: 20% off *Please note that discounts do not stack with other deals. Ask staff for exclusions.
★ Featured
Boulder Creek Fire Department Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance
The Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department holds its annual Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance on Saturday, August 22. Firefighters serve a tri-tip and chicken dinner in the apparatus bay, and three live bands (Kentucky Mule, Barnstormers, Bootleg Country Band) play out back with dancing until 11 p.m. There’s a bounce house and face painting for kids. Tickets are $30 for dinner and dance, free for kids under 5. Proceeds buy rescue and medical equipment for the all-volunteer department. Tickets and details: bcfd.com
Coming up
Zen Buddhist Meditation
Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.
Chamber Choir Now Auditioning
Beati Quorum, a new and growing Ensemble, is seeking new local members. Beati Quorum is a small, hybrid professional / volunteer ensemble based in Santa Cruz. We focus on a cappella singing, Renaissance through contemporary works, and collaborations with artists from our local network to international groups. Visit www.beatiquorum.org to set up an audition today.
Coming up
Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series
Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from 1pm to 4pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians Pack a picnic spread, gather your friends and family, and sip on their refreshing summer wine flight, featuring the best of our warm-weather selections. Book your reservation today! July 11 & 12: The Clay Chalet and music by Dos Bros July 18 & 19: Indigo and Vine and music by Jo Coleman July 25 & 26: Sour Sammy Sourdough and music by Six String Mixtape August 1 & 2: Scout and Sea and music by Half Pass August 8 & 9: Lili Arnold Studios and music by Eden Edell August 15 & 16: Desert Moon Design and music by Kip Allert August 22 & 23: Papelline Jewelry and music by Zach Bailey August 29 & 30: Anna Gail Designs and music by Jeff Smith September 5 & 6: All You Knead and music by Cake Party!
☀️ Happening today
Saturday, August 2284 events on today. No plans required, just go.
What's happening
Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.
Showing 30 of 69 upcoming events · Education · from 2026-08-21 · to 2026-08-28
Come gather and enjoy a cup of coffee and pastry on us, while we discuss death and dying in a safe, supportive environment. A Death Café is a group directed discussion of death without specific agendas or objectives. It is not a grief support group or counseling session, just some folks getting together to eat pastries and talk about death. Learn more at deathcafe.com Hosted by Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Please RSVP to: [email protected]
Friday, August 21 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm Share what you're reading and discover new favorites! Bring any book: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or more - and join a welcoming group for lively discussion and recommendations.
Join a diverse group of cyber security enthusiasts every 3rd Friday of the month from 1-3PM or on the 1st Sunday of the month from 3-5PM. Join a group of folks who have a passion for cyber security. Group members have a broad range of interests and skill within the field and invite other people interested in cybersecurity to this public space where we can hangout, share new ideas, projects, and socialize. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=cyber+security&r=range&start=2026-06-02&end=2026-09-30
Friday, August 21 2026 12:30pm - 2:30pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Friday, August 21 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Join a diverse group of cyber security enthusiasts every 3rd Friday of the month from 1-3PM or on the 1st Sunday of the month from 3-5PM.
Friday, August 21 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
A film screening of 'Ram Dass: Fierce Grace,' offering an intimate look at the life and teachings of the spiritual teacher.
The Inner & Outer Audition, with Wilma Chandler
Audition workshop with Wilma Chandler this August! This workshop will help you prepare for auditioning, inside and out Saturdays, August 22, 29 & Sept 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Topics include: Selecting your monologue Cold readings Preparation Outer work: presentation, appearance, character interpretation, emotional range, tempo and vitality Inner work: handling fear, finding yourself in the work, breath and silence, the inner character, and the offering Cost: $60. Maximum of 15 participants Visit our Workshops page to sign up: https://www.santacruzactorstheatre.org/workshops
Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery August 13-September 19, 2026 Opening celebration and Artist Talk Saturday, August 15, 2-4:30 p.m Light refreshments will be served. Summer Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 1-5pm ReView: UC Santa Cruz Arts Alumni Exhibition features Arts Division alumni from the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas. Curated by Valéria Miranda, the Sesnon’s Director, ReView includes a wide variety of media and techniques highlighting the diversity of contemporary practice of alumni who graduated from 1972 to 2025. The exhibition title alludes to the portfolio critique process and suggests ideas of reflection and reevaluation—whether revisiting past work, rethinking materials, or tracing how a practice evolves over time. This exhibition celebrates the creative path of artists who began their journeys at UC Santa Cruz. United by shared roots yet defined by distinct paths, the participating alumni reflect the lasting influence of the Arts Division programs. Their works speak to the spirit of inquiry, experimentation, and perseverance that has long shaped the university’s artistic community. ReView presents an opportunity for the campus and larger community to see the professional practice of these artists who continue to build on the creative foundation that they received at UCSC and to inspire our current students, offering visualization of their own future artistic journeys after graduation. ReView offers a unique opportunity for returning alumni to celebrate their creative expressions while reconnecting with classmates and the university community. Admission is free and open to the public. More Information
Saturday, August 22 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
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
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Redwood Loop Tour
Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Redwood Grove Guided Walk
Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc., and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. You don’t want to miss this! Meet at the visitor center. Although the event is free, the vehicle day-use fee is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!
Introduction to Organized Anarchism with Black Rose Rosa Negra
Introduction to Organized Anarchism with Black Rose Rosa Negra - Saturday, August 22nd / 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. with tasha von stein ([email protected] & instagram @blackrosebayare) Location: SubRosa, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA Description: We will offer a basic introduction to the organized anarchist tradition as practiced by Black Rose Rosa Negra as well as our platfromist/especifist ancestors. Materials: We will have readings that people can read beforehand for the discussion. Community care note: encouraged masking but not required.
Life and Art of Isadora Duncan: Lecture and Performance with Lois Ann Flood
Lois Flood, an authority on Isadora Duncan's life and legacy, including her dance style, will give a presentation about the life of Isadora Duncan and her contributions to the dance world. Lois Ann Flood brings the remarkable groundbreaking dancer, Isadora Duncan, to life through storytelling, photos, and dance. Learn how Duncan, the most celebrated dancer-choreographer of the early 20th century, boldly rejected the cultural and legal restrictions placed on women of her day, overcame crushing personal tragedies, and inspired generations dancers with her fluid, natural movements. Lois will demonstrate Isadora's choreography, and you might get to try some dance moves yourself. Light refreshments will be available. Registration is strongly recommended. Walk-ins are welcome. Register at https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16591517. Lois has been performing the exquisite dances of Isadora Duncan for over 20 years. She has performed and taught master classes in NYC, Paris and San Francisco. Lois is well known in the Northern California area, where she performs lecture/dance programs at theater’s, museums and colleges. Lois grew up in NYC where she initially studied ballet. She has spent many years teaching Duncan Dance to all ages and is the founder of Diablo Dance Theater. Lois currently resides in Danville, California.
This is a meetup for subscribers of the YouTube channel, Analyzing Finance with Nick.
A unique and inspiring evening bringing together cutting-edge science, personal transformation, and the healing power of music. Featuring bestselling author and renowned cell biologist Bruce Lipton, PhD, musician and healing arts educator Lauren Monroe, legendary Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen, and an all-star ensemble including Joshua Ray Gooch, Carey Frank, Rachel Mazer, Dylan Rose, and Matthew Starr. Celebrating the release of Bruce Lipton’s new book, Beyond Darwin, the evening begins with a thought-provoking presentation and audience Q&A exploring human potential, consciousness, biology, and belief. The evening continues with an intimate acoustic performance by Lauren Monroe and her band. Through her magnetic stage experience, Lauren blends music, rhythm, and storytelling to guide audiences into expanded states of awareness, emotional healing, and deeper connection. Following the program, Bruce Lipton will host a book signing for attendees. Lauren Monroe Website info/tickets/questions: [email protected] | 831-288-2287
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Star Walk Tour
Star Walks - Astronomy-based program where participants are guided up to the observation deck, where they will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet in the campfire center of the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park campground. RSVP for this hike here .
Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery August 13-September 19, 2026 Opening celebration and Artist Talk Saturday, August 15, 2-4:30 p.m Light refreshments will be served. Summer Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 1-5pm ReView: UC Santa Cruz Arts Alumni Exhibition features Arts Division alumni from the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas. Curated by Valéria Miranda, the Sesnon’s Director, ReView includes a wide variety of media and techniques highlighting the diversity of contemporary practice of alumni who graduated from 1972 to 2025. The exhibition title alludes to the portfolio critique process and suggests ideas of reflection and reevaluation—whether revisiting past work, rethinking materials, or tracing how a practice evolves over time. This exhibition celebrates the creative path of artists who began their journeys at UC Santa Cruz. United by shared roots yet defined by distinct paths, the participating alumni reflect the lasting influence of the Arts Division programs. Their works speak to the spirit of inquiry, experimentation, and perseverance that has long shaped the university’s artistic community. ReView presents an opportunity for the campus and larger community to see the professional practice of these artists who continue to build on the creative foundation that they received at UCSC and to inspire our current students, offering visualization of their own future artistic journeys after graduation. ReView offers a unique opportunity for returning alumni to celebrate their creative expressions while reconnecting with classmates and the university community. Admission is free and open to the public. More Information
Youth Robot Series - Santa Cruz Maker Studios
Youth Robot Series at Santa Cruz Maker Studios Join us for our 3-week Robot Series designed for youth (ages 7-12) who love building, problem-solving, and technology. Each Sunday, students will work through exciting engineering challenges while building and programming their very own robot. Time: 3 Sunday Sessions 10am -12pm for youth (7-12 years old). Please see available sessions. Cost Overview: $245 per series (includes all robot materials) Register Here: https://scmakerstudios.com/robot-series-registration-form/
More than Paper: Mixed Media Collage & Storytelling with Wendy Aikin
More Than Paper is a mixed-media collage workshop that uses layers, texture, and composition to tell stories, preserve memories, and explore themes. Using paper as a starting point, participants will combine photographs, text, fabric, stitching, drawing, paint, stamps, stencils, and found materials to create expressive work on wood panels or other sturdy surfaces. Students will use layering, obscuring, repetition, and juxtaposition to explore how materials create meaning. The class also emphasizes cohesive composition and the development of a personal visual language through recurring shapes, symbols, colors, and imagery. Techniques Explored • Collage composition and storytelling • Using vintage photos, text, maps, and ephemera • Sewing into paper and cloth • Layering tissue and translucent materials • Drawing,mark-making, and paint • Adding dimension with nails, tacks, thread, and stitching • Adhesives and basic archival practices This class encourages experimentation and discovery while helping participants bring ideas and narratives to life through mixed-media techniques. About Wendy Wendy Aikin is a Watsonville, California-based artist whose encaustic, collage and assemblage works weave stories from wax, found objects, and memory. A co-founder of Wax Works West, she helped share the magic of encaustic with over 1,000 students worldwide. Largely self-taught but endlessly curious, she continues to explore and experiment in her Corralitos studio, where most days she’s happily elbow-deep in wax and glue.
Wing Chun martial arts classes with instructor Marcus at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, meeting multiple times per week.
Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Redwood Grove Guided Walk
Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc., and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. You don’t want to miss this! Meet at the visitor center. Although the event is free, the vehicle day-use fee is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Redwood Loop Tour
Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Teen Robot Series at Santa Cruz Maker Studios Join us for our 3-week Robot Series designed for teens (ages 11-17) who love building, problem-solving, and technology. Each Sunday, students will work through exciting engineering challenges while building and programming their very own robot. Time: 3 Sunday Sessions 12:30-2:30pm for teens (11-17 years old). Please see available sessions. Cost Overview: $245 per series (includes all robot materials) Register Here: https://scmakerstudios.com/robot-series-registration-form/
R.E.A.D: Reach Every Amazing Detail Sign Ups Start Today
Monday, August 24 2026 12:00am - 11:59pm R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for grades 1-12. By appointment only. Please, no drop-ins! To make an appointment, call 831-427-7713
Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery August 13-September 19, 2026 Opening celebration and Artist Talk Saturday, August 15, 2-4:30 p.m Light refreshments will be served. Summer Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 1-5pm ReView: UC Santa Cruz Arts Alumni Exhibition features Arts Division alumni from the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas. Curated by Valéria Miranda, the Sesnon’s Director, ReView includes a wide variety of media and techniques highlighting the diversity of contemporary practice of alumni who graduated from 1972 to 2025. The exhibition title alludes to the portfolio critique process and suggests ideas of reflection and reevaluation—whether revisiting past work, rethinking materials, or tracing how a practice evolves over time. This exhibition celebrates the creative path of artists who began their journeys at UC Santa Cruz. United by shared roots yet defined by distinct paths, the participating alumni reflect the lasting influence of the Arts Division programs. Their works speak to the spirit of inquiry, experimentation, and perseverance that has long shaped the university’s artistic community. ReView presents an opportunity for the campus and larger community to see the professional practice of these artists who continue to build on the creative foundation that they received at UCSC and to inspire our current students, offering visualization of their own future artistic journeys after graduation. ReView offers a unique opportunity for returning alumni to celebrate their creative expressions while reconnecting with classmates and the university community. Admission is free and open to the public. More Information
Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!
Monday, August 24 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm Come join a community of readers who meet the 4th Monday of each month to hear poetry and discuss its curious powers.
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