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.
Coming up
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.
Coming up
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.
Coming up
Trivia
Join us every Wednesday from 6:30–8pm for a lively evening of brain-teasing fun, hosted by Michael Gaither ! Outside food welcome after 5:30pm — bring your favorite bites, sip on Bargetto wine, and enjoy an evening of laughter and friendly competition. ✨ Two trivia rounds — two chances to win prizes! --- This week’s themes are: local trivia and general trivia --- No cover, just great wine and great company! Soquel Tasting Room Wednesdays | Trivia 6:30–8pm
Coming up
HELLO MAGGIE - Willie Ito Tribute Night
A music tribute night honoring Willie Ito with a cover set at The 418 Project, bringing a curated evening of performance to Santa Cruz.
☀️ Happening today
Wednesday, August 2646 events on today. No plans required, just go.
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Showing 30 of 63 upcoming events · Education · from 2026-08-26 · to 2026-09-02
Cyber-Seniors Digital Literacy Series
A 12 week series on Wednesdays from 10:30AM-12PM that introduces foundational digital literacy concepts and teaches useful digital skills. August 19: What is a VPN and Do You Need One? August 26: Smartwatches Made Simple September 2: AI Powered Art September 9: Music Streaming Made Simple September 16: Podcasts Made Easy: Listen to Your Favorite Topics Anytime September 23: Your Story, Your Legacy: Preserving Memories with Spoken Records September 30: Tech Settings That Help With Accessibility October 7: Using Emergency Features on Your Phone October 14: Intro to Facebook October 21: Intro to Instagram Registration required. Must register for each class individually. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=cyber+seniors&d=2026-07-30&r=range&start=2026-08-01&end=2026-11-01 Come join Dara Brady, a local instructor with the digital literacy organization Cyber-Seniors, for a weekly digital literacy course! Each class includes a lesson on the topics below, Q&A time, and one-on-one tech support. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook, pen/pencil, and whatever tech device they want to learn on: (a laptop, tablet, and/or smart phone) and the charger for that device. If they don't have a device, they can still participate and Dara can get them one to use for the class. All classes run on Wednesday mornings from 10:30AM to 12PM in the Fireside Room except for the first and last sessions, which will take place in Study Room A.
Wednesday, August 26 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm A 12 week series on Wednesdays from 10:30AM-12PM that introduces foundational digital literacy concepts and teaches useful digital skills.
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!
Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and exploration of the environment around us. Children will need an adult present to help them. Expect to get messy!
This is a clinic for Softball Athletes 12+, designed specific to athletes by athletes. Throughout three 4-week sessions, athletes will focus on every aspect of becoming a complete offensive player. We'll cover hitting mechanics, swing fundamentals, approach at the plate, pitch selection, live pitching, front toss, situational execution, base running, and the mental side of the game.
A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.
Wednesday, August 26 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm Reading in the Redwoods book group meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday at 6:00 pm in the Felton Teen Room, except in Nov. & Dec.
A meetup for developers interested in Django, offering a chance to discuss the web framework, share projects, and connect.
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
Central Coast Resource Panel
Meet with your peers at an Echo organized resource panel!
Passionate Readers Book Discussion Group @ La Selva Beach
Thursday, August 27 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Join our book club every fourth Thursday to explore great reads and share engaging conversations with fellow book lovers.
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!
Thursday, August 27 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Virtual Author Talk with Lucy Foley, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Guest List and The Midnight Feast.
Thursday, August 27 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!
An interactive tech session using Spheros robots at the Watsonville library, combining hands-on STEM play with a café-style social atmosphere.
Conversations in Español - Community club to foster fluency
Thursday, August 27 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm This club is designed for intermediate-level participants, so if you're just starting out, you might find it a bit challenging at first.
Thursday, August 27 2026 7:00pm - 8:30pm The Scotts Valley Genre Book Club meets on the last Thursday of the month from 7:00pm-8:30pm. The group meets virtually to discuss books from a different genre each month.
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
What is CreativeMornings? A free, live, monthly breakfast lecture series for creatives, community-builders, entrepreneurs, and more! Each month features a short lecture by a local innovator, framed by opportunities to socialize and spark new connections. CreativeMornings draws attendees and speakers not strictly from “creative” fields; it includes anyone driven by passion and purpose. Live lectures are video-recorded and shared on the CreativeMornings online platform. CreativeMornings Santa Cruz was born out of a love of this town as well as a desire to see our creative community unite and cross-pollinate. From Bonny Doon to Watsonville, our county is full of artists, innovators, and people making inspired choices in the ways they approach their lives and their work. Our goal is to bring them together IRL and…watch the magic happen!
Friday, August 28 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm Learn how to create an Advance Healthcare Directive.
Teaching Cello
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
Seedless Propagation with UCSC Master Gardeners
You don't always need seeds to start new plants. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we demonstrate various ways to propagate plants using stem, leaf, and root cuttings. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/17023608
Saturday, August 29 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
Saturday, August 29 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Long Term Care planning is all about protecting your loved ones.
Saturday, August 29 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm You don't always need seeds to start new plants. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we demonstrate various ways to propagate plants using stem, leaf, and root cuttings.
Healthy Digital Habits and Screen Time Workshop
Want to better manage your screen time? Join others in person who are curious to learn more about healthy digital habits and screen time at this free library workshop. Screen time is the time you spend in front of screen-based devices while looking at smartphone, computer, TV, gaming, and more. At this workshop, you’ll have a chance to reflect on your current screen time and discuss with other workshop attendees. You’ll learn about why screen time is important to pay attention to and manage intentionally. Then, during the workshop, you’ll start making safe, temporary changes to your phone’s settings to help you get in more control of how often you use your phone. Your instructor will guide you how how to make these changes in your phone and answer questions along the way. What You’ll Learn - Info about the health impacts of screen time. - Tips for unlocking more free time for personal goals, like reading books, eating healthy, and getting better sleep. - How to turn on a free report included in iOS and Android phones that tells you exactly how much time you spend on your phone, what you are doing, and choose what apps to set time limits on. - How to manage your notifications and alerts so they work for you. - And more! What To Bring Your phone. So you can make the most of the workshop, bring your phone charged or bring your phone charger. The Speaker The workshop will be facilitated by Julia Davids, a digital product designer who has worked in health tech. Julia created Fieldhouse Press (fieldhousepress.com) to empower people to make their screen time work for them. Julia grew up in Santa Cruz. Her favorite local park is Nisene Marks. Registration Encouraged. Walk-ins welcome. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16575983
Healthy Digital Habits and Screen Time Workshop
Saturday, August 29 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm Want to better manage your screen time? Join others in person who are curious to learn more about healthy digital habits and screen time at this free library workshop.
Saturday, August 29 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm Stop procrastinating and start producing.
33 more events further out
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