Monday, August 10 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm Join us every Monday at the Felton Branch for a knitting party. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome.
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
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
★ Featured
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.
Open Mic w/ SteveV, every Monday
It's Monday Open Mic at the Ugly Mug! Sign ups at 5p Beer, Espresso Drinks and Desserts available
Coming up
Abbott Square: Comedy Night
Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.
☀️ Happening today
Monday, August 1028 events on today. No plans required, just go.
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Showing 210 of 391 upcoming events · Family
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10
Visit Watsonville Public Library for a FREE Health Screening, no appointment needed! ~ Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley invites library patrons to take advantage of this opportunity to check in on their health and learn more about their risk for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Screenings will take place on the second Tuesday of each month from July through December, between 10:00am-12:00pm at the Main Library. Tuesday, July 14: Diabetes Tuesday, August 11: Blood Pressure Tuesday, September 8: Diabetes Tuesday, October 13: Cholesterol Tuesday, November 10: Diabetes Tuesday, December 8: Blood Pressure This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. This program is supported by Rural Health Connections. Audience: All ages ESPAÑOL ¡Visite la Biblioteca Pública Watsonville para una evaluación de salud GRATUITA, no necesita cita! ~ Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley invita a los usuarios a aprovechar esta oportunidad para revisar su estado de salud y aprender más sobre su riesgo de padecer enfermedades como la diabetes y la presión arterial alta. Los exámenes de salud se llevarán a cabo el segundo martes de cada mes, de julio a diciembre, de 10:00am-12:00pm en la Biblioteca Principal. martes 14 de julio: Diabetes martes 11 de agosto: Presión arterial martes 8 de septiembre: Diabetes martes 13 de octubre: Colesterol martes 10 de noviembre: Diabetes martes 8 de diciembre: Presión arterial Este proyecto cuenta con el apoyo total o parcial del Instituto de Servicios de Museos y Bibliotecas de los Estados Unidos (IMLS) bajo las disposiciones de la Ley de Servicios y Tecnología Bibliotecaria, administrada en California por el Bibliotecario Estatal. Este programa cuenta con el apoyo de Rural Health Connections. Audiencia: Para todas las edades
Come Join Us for Toddler Tumble Time! We’ll be sharing some of our educational collection items. Bring your little ones to explore and learn about science. Don’t miss out on the fun! ¡Acompáñenos en la Hora de Juegos para Pequeñitos! Compartiremos una selección de artículos de nuestra colección educativa. Venga con sus pequeños a explorar y aprender sobre la ciencia. ¡No se lo pierda! The event is ADA accessible. Materials will be provided. These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services. Estos programas son financiados por el Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre, creado a través AB 209 y administrado por la Oficina de Subvenciones y Servicios Locales de Parque Estatales de California.
Kids Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
Event date: August 11, 2026 Event Time: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM Location: 275 Main Street, Suite #100 Watsonville, CA 95076
Tuesday, August 11 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Aptos Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18 with knowledge of basic rules (how the pieces move). Instructor is Chess Master Dana Mackenzie.
Come to Peoples Coffee, the official Santa Cruz location for the Southmost events for the Golden Gate Gamemakers! Come join us as a branch under GGG known as Game Designers of Santa Cruz! It’s a relaxed chance to try new board games and card games, get feedback on your own prototypes if you are a game designer, and get advice on the games industry. New designers and interested players welcome! Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your prototype to be tested. We run a small raffle thru the sign in sheet each night for participants to win new and used board game prizes. This is also Peoples Coffees first events they have held! They are generously keeping all services of food and drink available through the entire 6pm to 10pm event! They normally close at 5:30. Thank you Peoples Coffee! For all of our events at Peoples, affogatos (ice cream and espresso) are half off! We now have a Game Library located inside Peoples for anyone to use any time they are open! **Cost** This is a completely free event! Attendees are encouraged to buy some delicious drinks and food from Peoples Coffee. **Parking / Travel** You can park in the main parking lot in front of Peoples Coffee. There is a also side parking behind Peoples, and around the residential area. You are also free to park across the street near Salsas Taco Bar. See GGG’s full code of conduct here. Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate Point of contact and organizer: Courtney Laschkewitsch
Fishhook ROCKS the Santa Cruz Wharf Summer Concert! Let's Party!
Hey Fishhook Fans, We will be rocking the Free Santa Cruz Wharf Summer Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Commons stage on Tuesday, August 11th! This outdoor festival is free and open to all ages! If you have never been there, then expect a treat! It's an absolutely beautiful location with panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and the sunsets are not to be missed! Don't miss it! As you may know, we are the band that does not let up on the gas! Hear all your favorite songs "leveled up" the FISHHOOK way! You know we deliver the best Rock and Roll in town. Location: 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA Let's Party! And bring your friends too. The show starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 8:00 PM.
A free weekly dance jam for babies and their caregivers at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, with movement, music, and play in a joyful environment.
Event date: August 12, 2026 Event Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: 2021 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 Watsonville, CA 95076
A bilingual storytime for toddlers with stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish, promoting early literacy and language skills.
Event date: August 12, 2026 Event Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Location: 2021 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 Watsonville, CA 95076
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!
Event date: August 13, 2026 Event Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: 275 Main Street, Suite #100 Watsonville, CA 95076
Thursday, August 13 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Jackie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our lovely Felton Community Room every Thursday at 11am, followed by a craft!
Thursday, August 13 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! Age 6+
Are you interested in learning about technology? Visit us during our weekly Tech Café program where you have the opportunity to get basic tech-related questions answered and test a new piece of technology. This program will take place on Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm at the Main Library (unless otherwise indicated). The technology we demo will change each month; here is a list of what technology will be featured: - January (program starts on the 15th): Doodle Pens - February: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) - March: 3D Printer - April: Spheros (programmable robots) - May: Cricut - June: Glowforge - laser cutter (This program will take place at the Freedom Branch) - July: iPad Stop Motion movies - August: Spheros (programmable robots) - September: 3D Printer - October: Doodle Pens - November: Cricut - December: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) Audience: All Ages ¿Le interesa aprender sobre tecnología? Visítanos durante nuestro programa semanal Tech Café, donde tendrás la oportunidad de obtener respuestas a preguntas básicas relacionadas con la tecnología y probar una nueva tecnología. Este programa se llevará a cabo los jueves de 4:30 a 6:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal (a menos que se indique otro horario o lugar). La tecnología que mostraremos cambiará cada mes; las tecnologías que se presentarán: - enero (el programa comienza el día 15): Doodle Pens - febrero: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) - marzo: Impresora 3D - abril: Spheros (robots programables) - mayo: Cricut - junio: Glowforge - cortadora láser (este programa se llevará a cabo en la sucursal Freedom) - julio: iPad Stop Motion (películas) - agosto: Spheros (robots programables) - septiembre: Impresora 3D - octubre: Doodle Pens - noviembre: Cricut - diciembre: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) Audiencia: Para todas las edades
Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in the area, so consider enjoying a free water taxi ride from other parking areas! 2026 Lineup: May 21, 2026: Sambada May 28, 2026: Space Heater June 4, 2026: James Durbin & The Lost Boys June 11, 2026: Ancestree June 18, 2026: Jive Machine June 25, 2026: Cake by the Ocean July 2, 2026: Ripatti Rose Band July 9, 2026: Extra Large July 16, 2026: Fishhook July 23, 2026: Harry & The Hitmen July 30, 2026: Matt Masih & The Messengers August 6, 2026: The Houserockers August 13, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 20, 2026: La Familia August 27, 2026: Alex Lucero Band September 3, 2026: Sambada
Free jazz nights every other Thursday at Abbott Square Market. All ages welcome to enjoy local jazz artists in an outdoor plaza setting.
Seabright Summer Movie Nights
Thursday Night Movie Nights, a six-week outdoor movie series held Thursday nights on Murray Street starting July 9 through August 13. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for free outdoor screenings. The event series is free to attend and will feature family-friendly programming throughout the summer. July 23: Minecraft Movie July 30: Shrek August 6: Hoppers August 13: Goat
Get ready to Return to the Redwoods ! Reconnect with friends, family, and fellow alumni as you explore the beauty of UC Santa Cruz. From the kick-off party and Stars & S’mores to hikes, workshops, and family-friendly fun, this weekend offers something for everyone. Ticket, housing, and registration details will be shared in early 2026—stay tuned! You won’t want to miss it.
Leave your mark on Santa Cruz history by volunteering at the historic Evergreen Cemetery every Friday from 9:30am-12pm. No need to register, just show up ready to work! All ages are welcome to help, including high school students seeking community service hours. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Please bring a mask and your own bottled water. For more information, email [email protected]
Event date: August 14, 2026 Event Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: 275 Main Street, Suite #100 Watsonville, CA 95076
Friday, August 14 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Use your imagination and build anything you can dream! Lego and Duplo blocks will be available for children and youth to tinker with, build, explore, and creatively play! No registration necessary.
Free summer block party in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, makers, and family fun.
Watsonville Rainbow Youth Beach Bonfire! @ Palm Beach State Park
Rainbow Youth Beach Bonfire D Name: Watsonville Rainbow Youth Beach Bonfire! Date: Friday, August 14 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm Location: Palm Beach State Park, Watsonville Ages: 11-17 RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/tdcrainbowbonfire Event Description: Have fun, toast marshmallows and hot dogs, play beach games, and more! Bring anything that helps you enjoy the beach - games, towels, etc. NOTE: we will not be swimming. Questions? [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accessibility Information: Music will be playing, so bring headphones if you are sound sensitive! We will have vegan and meat hot dogs, vegan and regular marshmallows, and beverages. The bathrooms at the beach are gendered, but we will be going in groups and a staff member will stand outside the bathroom you choose to use and prevent others from coming in while you use it. Enter through the parking lot near the restrooms. Follow signs for the bonfire. This bea
Rancho del Oso: Guided Hike- Marsh Trail/Hoover Loop Trail
Join us on a 0.5-1.5 mile tour based on group preference. Trails available are the Marsh Trail, the Hoover Loop Trail, or both. Our Nature and History Center will be open to explore immediately after the walk. Register Here
A fun and easy-to-learn way of drawing structured patterns to create beautiful images. The Zentangle Method makes drawing patterns, or tangles, accessible to almost anyone of all ages since tangles are created from basic pen strokes. If you can write your name, you can create art with Zentangle. As you draw tangles you will likely experience increased focus, calm, creativity and well-being. For those of you who attended the Introductory Zentangle class on February 20, this class will also introduce Zentangle and review the Zentangle Method. However, we will be doing variations of previously taught tangles and/or new tangles, so you will create a completely different Zentangle tile than before. Meets the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.Facilitated by Cynthia Balthaser.
Seymour Center’s Art in the Aquarium
Dive into your creative side and make a splash with us! 🎨🌊 Bring the whole family and unleash your inner artist while surrounded by fascinating ocean life. Whether you’re a budding painter or just looking for a fun weekend activity, you’ll leave with your very own sea-inspired masterpiece to take home! 🐠✨ Join us on the third Saturday of every month for a fun art project with a talented Seymour volunteer!
11th Annual Parks & Rex Dog Pool Party Fundraiser!
Join Santa Cruz County Parks Department and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter for the 11th Annual Parks & Rex Dog Pool Party FUNdraiser at the Simpkins Family Swim Center! Everyone will have a blast at this end-of-summer celebration with great food, music, and fun in the pool for adults, children, and your dog, too! Get your ticket now and join in on the fun on Saturday, August 15th, 2026 from 11 AM to 4 PM! All proceeds will benefit County Parks youth programs and Animal Shelter programs. Plus, don't miss out on our amazing raffle with prizes worth up to $1,600! Learn more at bit.ly/parksandrexinfo Ticket information: Adults are $15 presale/ $20 day of and kids are $5 presale/ $10 day of. Dogs are free!Sign up for your presale tickets and tickets for dog swims all on Rec.us. One presale swim time per dog and a minimum of one handler to one dog is required. Additional human tickets are available as “Tickets Without Dogs”. Entry tickets are for the whole event, but your dog’s 20-minute swim window will be indicated on your ticket. You can check in with WoofPack day of for additional swim times, subject to availability
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
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.
Everyone will have a blast at this end-of-summer celebration – take the whole family, including your dog! Enjoy local craft beer, wine, great food, ice cream, games, music and fun in the pool for adults, children and your dog too! Sign up for your dog’s swim time before the event.
A Special Science Saturday Series We're hatching something new this spring. Guest educators from 4-H Youth Development, University of California are taking over one Saturday a month for a six-session series exploring science through studying the incredible, edible egg. Kids will use microscopes, conduct buoyancy experiments, and yes ...even try walking on eggs. This UC-developed curriculum goes deeper than our usual Science Saturday format, with small group investigations and structured lessons that build on each other week to week. Great for homeschool families who want documented STEM learning, and for any curious kid who likes getting messy with science. Grades K–6. Registration Coming Soon! March 21 | April 18 | May 16 | June 20 | July 18 | August 15 About 4-H Youth Development, University of California 4-H is the nation's largest positive youth development organization, with an international presence reaching nearly 6 million young people. As the youth program of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H helps kids build life skills through hands-on projects in science, agriculture, leadership, and more.
Get ready to splash some color and ink as you create your own summer bouquet masterpiece with Heidi Michelle!
The Musers are the rascal Megan McLaughlin, bass sage Tom Kuhn, and lilting Leslie Jackson. Together they provide a safe space to get goofy. The Musers harken back to The Banana Slug String Band and even farther back to The New Zoo Revue. But instead of Freddie, Henrietta and Charlie, it’s Megan, Tom and Leslie. The Musers intentionally seek a playful level of songwriting and engagement with the audience. The Musers are a great palate cleanser, like a mouthful of lime sorbet to replace the banter of monkey chatter that takes up our days. Time to expand your joy with music. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open.
SC Beach Boardwalk: National Roller Coaster Day
Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day by taking a spin on our National Historic Landmark, the Giant Dipper. First 100 riders on the Giant Dipper will receive a Boardwalk Souvenir Cup. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply.
Everyone is invited to the International Musical Saw Festival! The festival begins at 10 am Sunday, August 16, at Roaring Camp in Felton, California. The world’s greatest saw players will join other acoustic musicians in a variety of musical performances. You’ll hear bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, blues, classical works, and show tunes throughout the day. The highlight of the festival is the musical saw contest, which takes place from 11:00 PM – 1:00 PM. All saw players are invited to compete in the contest. The presentation of awards takes place at 3:00 PM, followed by the chorus of saws, when up to 30 saw players play together. This one-of-a-kind event is free and fun for the whole family. You can wander the marvelous grounds of Roaring Camp, see live steam trains, eat, and listen to the wonderful sounds of the musical saw. Whether you’re a musician, a fan of music, or just a fan of the unusual, this special event is for you. For more information, check out www.sawplayers.org.
The Olive Tree: A Santa Cruz Poetry Open Mic
The Olive Tree is a poetry mic and public gathering space hosted by local poet Gabriel Kittle-Cervine. This monthly event seeks to honor the deeply rooted tradition of spoken word poetry in Santa Cruz, while uplifting the emerging voices of today. Each monthly event includes a free writing workshop, poetry open mic, and a featured reader at the end, highlighting new publications from local writers, as well as the works of touring poets. @ The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, every 3rd Sunday afternoon! 2:30 - Free Workshop; 3:30 - Sign Ups, 4:00 - Open Mic, 5:00ish - Featured Poet Informed by previous public offerings like The Word Church, Kinetic Poetics Project, Poetry Santa Cruz, among others, this space is intended to create a new opportunity for local poets of all ages and cultural backgrounds to express themselves honestly and emphatically on a public stage. This is a room for honesty, accountability, and radical co-existence; through the practice of telling our truth, and being able to hold the truth of others, we seek to build our sense of community. All vinyl house music. 10$ suggested entry donation. 4 minutes per poet. Follow @olivetreepoetrymic on Instagram to learn more, and we hope to see you there!
Monday, August 17 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm Join us every Monday at the Felton Branch for a knitting party. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome.
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10
Event date: August 18, 2026 Event Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: 275 Main Street, Suite #100 Watsonville, CA 95076 Description: Looking for interactive and engaging activities for your child? Join us for Sensory Play, each month will feature a different theme and new ways to stimulate your growing child's senses. Activities may include: water play, kinetic sand, touch-and-see tables, slime, finger painting, instrument exploration, aromatic experiences, and new tastes. Audience: Children aged 1-5 and their caregivers.
Kids Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
✨ Free Sewing Classes ✨ Ready to unleash your creativity and learn a new skill? Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced sewer, our free sewing classes are for you. Join us for a fun, hands-on experience where you can: Learn sewing basics - no experience required. Build your skills - Pick the project that matches your skill level. Meet new friends - all ages and backgrounds encouraged. Bring your own projects - get help with what you want to create. This program will take place on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm at the Freedom Library, Creative Cafe. All ages & skill levels welcome. These classes will be facilitated in English. https://www.watsonville.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=7326
Tuesday, August 18 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm This Bingo program for people with special abilities (disabilities) is adaptable to all because it uses pictures!
Tuesday, August 18 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Aptos Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18 with knowledge of basic rules (how the pieces move). Instructor is Chess Master Dana Mackenzie.
InterAct Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring Kate O'Neill Are you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on August 18, 2026 at Satori Arts for InterAct , a FREE open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring poet Kate O’Neill. Kate O’Neill has been working for social change since Earth Day 1970. She holds degrees in Education (Ed.D. Harvard, ’97) and Creative Writing (MFA, IAIA, ’18) and has served as a community college professor for more than three decades. Her poems have appeared in Poetry Ireland Review , Journal of War, Literature and the Arts, Taos Journal of Poetry, Skylight 47 and in numerous anthologies. Her works include a full-length book: Harp in Hand: Poems of Ireland (3: A Taos Press, 2026) and a chapbook Flap & Dust: Poems of Resistance (Bookleaf, 2026) both forged in belonging, resistance and a sense of spirit. She holds dual United States-Irish citizenship and lives with her wife and family in Northern New Mexico. Come share your spoken word work or poetry with the community, or come out to support our local readers! Sign up to read starting at 6:30 pm. Limited seating. For more information, visit https://www.satoriarts.org/upcoming-events. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Free. Satori Arts, 815 Almar, #9, Santa Cruz (warehouse building near the back, follow signs)
A free weekly dance jam for babies and their caregivers at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, with movement, music, and play in a joyful environment.
A bilingual storytime for toddlers with stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish, promoting early literacy and language skills.
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.
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
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.
Thursday, August 20 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Jackie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our lovely Felton Community Room every Thursday at 11am, followed by a craft!
Thursday, August 20 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! Age 6+
Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in the area, so consider enjoying a free water taxi ride from other parking areas! 2026 Lineup: May 21, 2026: Sambada May 28, 2026: Space Heater June 4, 2026: James Durbin & The Lost Boys June 11, 2026: Ancestree June 18, 2026: Jive Machine June 25, 2026: Cake by the Ocean July 2, 2026: Ripatti Rose Band July 9, 2026: Extra Large July 16, 2026: Fishhook July 23, 2026: Harry & The Hitmen July 30, 2026: Matt Masih & The Messengers August 6, 2026: The Houserockers August 13, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 20, 2026: La Familia August 27, 2026: Alex Lucero Band September 3, 2026: Sambada
Leave your mark on Santa Cruz history by volunteering at the historic Evergreen Cemetery every Friday from 9:30am-12pm. No need to register, just show up ready to work! All ages are welcome to help, including high school students seeking community service hours. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Please bring a mask and your own bottled water. For more information, email [email protected]
Friday, August 21 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Use your imagination and build anything you can dream! Lego and Duplo blocks will be available for children and youth to tinker with, build, explore, and creatively play! No registration necessary.
Free summer block party in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, makers, and family fun.
3rd Friday Community Drumming Class w/ Jim Greiner
We're gathering again for our Third Friday Community Rhythms Class in Soquel Village at The Congregational Church of Soquel (the white church with the steeple). We'll be in the Parrish Hall. 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CAFriday, January 16th, 7 to 8:30pm.The donation is $10. Doors open at 6:30pm.I provide percussion instruments, and bring your own favorites. All levels of experience are most welcome at this family-friendly event!I give a few fun and easy tips on playing the instruments for beginners, and demonstrate how to use rhythm as a playful, positive Life Practice by getting into a powerful groove personally and as a community... and then I guide the group on a step-by-step Rhythm Journey!Gathering together in rhythm is an age-old, universal way to celebrate life and community!Every beat of every groove we play reminds us that we’re part of something ancient and beautiful, something that connects us across generations and cultures. We humans are at our best when we engage together to celebrate the miracle... the blessing... of life, and to uplift and empower ourselves as individuals and as communities!Come play!For more information about using Rhythm to reinforce powerful, positive patterns of attitude and action... Life Rhythms: https://santacruzdrumlessons.com/
First & Third Fridays Community Drumming Class With Jim Greener
Subject: Come Drum, Connect, and Celebrate Life — Now Twice a Month! Dear Friends, Due to continuing requests from our growing circle, I’m very excited to expand our Community Drumming Classes in Soquel Village from gathering on the third Friday of each month to meeting on the FIRST and THIRD FRIDAYS, beginning February 6th! Where: The Congregational Church of Soquel (the white church with the steeple) Parish Hall 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA When: First & Third Fridays of every month 7:00–8:30 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm Donation: $10 I provide hand drums and percussion instruments, and you’re always welcome to bring your own favorites. All levels of experience are warmly welcome at this family-friendly gathering! For beginners, I offer a few fun and easy tips for playing hand drums and percussion instruments, while exploring universal foundation rhythms. From there, I add more advanced elements for experienced players, guiding the group through a step-by-step Rhythm Journey that I've conducted globally for thousands of corporate and community sessions over the past four decades. Along the way, I also demonstrate how rhythm can become the foundation for a playful, positive Life Practice... reinforcing powerful Life Rhythms and supportive patterns of attitude and action. Together, we cultivate a strong, joyful Groove ... the powerful state of entrainment known as the Zone and Flow... personally, and as a community. Gathering in rhythm is one of humanity’s oldest ways of celebrating life, beginning when our ancestors first gathered around the fire... clapping hands, stomping feet, and howling at the stars... we have used rhythm to connect, empower and rejoice. Every beat reminds us that we are part of something ancient and beautiful, linking us across generations and cultures! We humans are at our best when we come together to celebrate the miracle—the blessing—of life, and to uplift and empower one another. Come play! Many Blessings, Jim
Rushadicus the Infamous Cello Goblín is a post-medieval metal jester of otherdimensional glee who prefers precarious perches to dazzle and delight. With mystical language of Sneth and textural noise-based birdstudied kazoo, it causes a romping nonsense catharsis party of weird wiggly wizardry: a "bejickment" for the brave, the curious, and the wild of mynde... All ages. Tickets available at door day of show.
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open.
RAINBOW PLAYGROUP @ Raíces y Cariño (Community Offering)
Event: RAINBOW PLAYGROUP @ Raíces y Cariño Date: 4th Saturday of the Month Saturday, January 25 Time: 10:30 am -12:00 pm Location: RC Fam 7 Hangar Way, Suite B, Watsonville, CA 95076 Ages: 0-10 years old and younger and their caregivers, with siblings welcome. Cost: FREE Event Description: A monthly bilingual playgroup for LGBTQIA+ families and allies. This play group is for children who are 10 years old and younger and their caregivers, with siblings welcome. We will have an art activity, a story, some light snacks, and PLAY! Please, do not bring sick children to Rainbow Playgroup. Families are asked to maintain the confidentiality of all playgroup attendees and no photography is permitted. RSVP Form ¡Grupo de Juego Arcoiris! Un grupo de juego bilingüe para familias LGBTQIA+ y aliados El cuarto sábado del mes 10:30am-12pm, Raíces y Cariño, 7 Hangar Way, Suite B, Watsonville, CA 95076 Este grupo de juego es para niños de 10 años o menos y cuidadores, y se admiten hermanos. Tendremos un
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
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.
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
Portola Redwoods State Park - Old Tree Trail Guided Hike
Ready for an adventure beneath towering Coast Redwoods? This program is for you! Join us for an easy 0.5 mile hike through a gorgeous grove to share an experience with the redwood trees, and learn a little bit about their life history. We'll meet at the Old Tree Trail head, just down the road from the Visitor Center, at 1:00pm. Please wear weather-appropriate attire and be prepared to walk about 1 mile on easy trail. Click here to RSVP .
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.
Boulder Creek Fire Department Summer BBQ & Dance
The Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department holds its annual Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance on Saturday, August 22, 5:30 to 11 p.m. at the Boulder Creek Fire Station, 13230 Central Ave. Firefighters serve a tri-tip and chicken dinner in the apparatus bay, and three live bands (Kentucky Mule, Barnstormers, and 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, free for kids under 5, with a $100 family 4-pack available online. Proceeds buy rescue and medical equipment for the all-volunteer department. Tickets and details: bcfd.com
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
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
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open.
Year of the Horse Fundraiser in Soquel for Japan Cultural Fair
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at a local horse ranch! We will be having a fundraiser on Sunday, August 23, 1-5pm. For details, please see here: https://www.jcfsantacruz.org/horses Willow Pond Ranch will be open to visitors. Small donations requested to support the Japanese Cultural Fair of Santa Cruz. Pony rides available! Ranch tour: See the horses, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks and hear about what goes on at a horse ranch.
Monday, August 24 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm Join us every Monday at the Felton Branch for a knitting party. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome.
A Softball specific weekly clinic designed to keep our gloves and our feet smooth on defense. This clinic is held once a week at Jade Street Park by our college level coaches that are working on fundamentals, form, and execution. Clinic is for 12+ athletes.
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10
Kids Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
Tuesday, August 25 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Aptos Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18 with knowledge of basic rules (how the pieces move). Instructor is Chess Master Dana Mackenzie.
A free weekly dance jam for babies and their caregivers at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, with movement, music, and play in a joyful environment.
A bilingual storytime for toddlers with stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish, promoting early literacy and language skills.
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!
Free & family-friendly! Two talented pianists face off in a musical showdown full of crowd favorites, sing-alongs, and spontaneous comedy. You bring the requests, they bring the show! Bring your beach chairs, grab a treat from Capitola Village, and enjoy a summer afternoon of music, laughter, and community on the coast. Requests encouraged. Dancing inevitable. Fun guaranteed.
The Art of Building a Future (RSSC Discussion Group)
Join us 4th Wednesdays, 6-8pm at SubRosa for The Art of Building a Future - a café for discussion and practice for creating the future we want to live in, now! Hosted by @rojavasc1 Bring your thoughts and experience and enjoy some light refreshments. Will be held in the courtyard weather permitting. COVID precautions encouraged. 6pm - 8pm // totally free! // all-ages // dry space // safe(r) space // anti-capitalist space // respect the space and each other! SubRosa is at 703 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, CA Also part of the @freeskoolsantacruz 2026 session - more info about other class in bio at @freeskoolsantacruz and @subrosa_space —@@@@@— SubRosa is a collectively run anarchist community space - a place to meet people, share resources and ideas, challenge our assumptions and act on our passions. Let’s create together the world(s) we want to live in now. @subrosa_space And SubRosa is part of the Hub Community Center at 703 Pacific Ave in downtown Santa Cruz - a constellation
Join us for Plant Bingo at Home by Zinnia's on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. for an evening of houseplants, bingo, and fun! Your $20 ticket includes one bingo card for six or more rounds, with a houseplant prize awarded each round and a grand prize up for grabs in the final game. Want more chances to win? Add up to two extra bingo cards for just $5 each. Space is limited to 25 participants, tickets required
Thursday, August 27 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Jackie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our lovely Felton Community Room every Thursday at 11am, followed by a craft!
Join us for Yappy Hours in the Kincentricity Garden every last Thursday of the month! Meet the pups that are up for adoption (paperwork to fill out onsite), sip on a few "Barktinis", and enjoy furry-friend festivities like the option for dogs to make their very own paw paintings!
Thursday, August 27 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! Age 6+
Are you interested in learning about technology? Visit us during our weekly Tech Café program where you have the opportunity to get basic tech-related questions answered and test a new piece of technology. This program will take place on Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm at the Main Library (unless otherwise indicated). The technology we demo will change each month; here is a list of what technology will be featured: - January (program starts on the 15th): Doodle Pens - February: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) - March: 3D Printer - April: Spheros (programmable robots) - May: Cricut - June: Glowforge - laser cutter (This program will take place at the Freedom Branch) - July: iPad Stop Motion movies - August: Spheros (programmable robots) - September: 3D Printer - October: Doodle Pens - November: Cricut - December: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) Audience: All Ages ¿Le interesa aprender sobre tecnología? Visítanos durante nuestro programa semanal Tech Café, donde tendrás la oportunidad de obtener respuestas a preguntas básicas relacionadas con la tecnología y probar una nueva tecnología. Este programa se llevará a cabo los jueves de 4:30 a 6:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal (a menos que se indique otro horario o lugar). La tecnología que mostraremos cambiará cada mes; las tecnologías que se presentarán: - enero (el programa comienza el día 15): Doodle Pens - febrero: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) - marzo: Impresora 3D - abril: Spheros (robots programables) - mayo: Cricut - junio: Glowforge - cortadora láser (este programa se llevará a cabo en la sucursal Freedom) - julio: iPad Stop Motion (películas) - agosto: Spheros (robots programables) - septiembre: Impresora 3D - octubre: Doodle Pens - noviembre: Cricut - diciembre: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) Audiencia: Para todas las edades
Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in the area, so consider enjoying a free water taxi ride from other parking areas! 2026 Lineup: May 21, 2026: Sambada May 28, 2026: Space Heater June 4, 2026: James Durbin & The Lost Boys June 11, 2026: Ancestree June 18, 2026: Jive Machine June 25, 2026: Cake by the Ocean July 2, 2026: Ripatti Rose Band July 9, 2026: Extra Large July 16, 2026: Fishhook July 23, 2026: Harry & The Hitmen July 30, 2026: Matt Masih & The Messengers August 6, 2026: The Houserockers August 13, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 20, 2026: La Familia August 27, 2026: Alex Lucero Band September 3, 2026: Sambada
Battle for prizes! Join us for our Pokémon Club Tournament in partnership with Swords and Boards and Game Vault on Thursday, August 27 from 6:00-7:30pm. Each round will last 20 minutes, and a few participants will receive prizes. Snacks and refreshments will be offered. Beginners to pros of all ages are welcome to attend. https://www.watsonville.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=7355
Free jazz nights every other Thursday at Abbott Square Market. All ages welcome to enjoy local jazz artists in an outdoor plaza setting.
Leave your mark on Santa Cruz history by volunteering at the historic Evergreen Cemetery every Friday from 9:30am-12pm. No need to register, just show up ready to work! All ages are welcome to help, including high school students seeking community service hours. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Please bring a mask and your own bottled water. For more information, email [email protected]
Friday, August 28 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Use your imagination and build anything you can dream! Lego and Duplo blocks will be available for children and youth to tinker with, build, explore, and creatively play! No registration necessary.
Free summer block party in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, makers, and family fun.
Parents' Night Out (Ages 6½–12) Enjoy a night off while your child spends the evening creating at SC Maker Studios! Kids will explore our maker stations, including 3D printing, woodworking, sewing, beading, and laser engraving with guidance from our instructors, and take home their handmade projects. Dinner included with registration. Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Drop-off: 5:30–5:45 PM | Pick-up: 7:45–8:00 PM) (Dinner included) Available Dates: Friday, August 28 – Pizza Night Friday, September 18 – Taco Night Friday, October 9 – Quesadilla Night Friday, November 20 – Pasta Station Friday, December 18 – Sandwich Night Register early—spaces are limited! https://scmakerstudios.com/parents-night-out/
A fun market featuring 30 amazing local vendors! We have new vendors every month so there is always something new to check out! Enjoy strolling the garden and meeting the peacocks.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
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.
Saturday, August 29 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm Play tabletop board games and have some fun!
The 8th Annual KBCZ Music Fest returns Saturday August 29th to Garrahan Park in Boulder Creek. Our 4 bands are The Mother Corn Shuckers, Squidrow Orchestra, Trestles and the headliner is local mountain favorite, The Coffis Brothers. Local breweries offering beer/wine and cider, Vendors and kids activities. All proceeds benefit KBCZ 89.3 FM Boulder Creek Community Radio which is celebrating 10 years on the air! Kids Under 5 are free and parking is free. Advance Tickets are available at www.kbcz.org
Enjoy a reception and benefit dinner on the UCSC Farm followed by dancing in the Hay Barn! This event will feature music, appetizers, tours, and local wine followed by a seasonally-focused, locally-sourced meal featuring produce from the UCSC Farm and local partners. As the sun sets, head down to the Hay Barn for music, dancing, and dessert. The evening’s program: 4:00pm: Reception and farm tours followed by dinner 7:00pm: Dancing in the Hay Barn
A performance by Kid Kameleon & The Lounge Lizards. Suitable for kids.
Chaminade Resort & Spa welcomes you and your furry friends to our dog-friendly property for an afternoon of play, treats and pup-worthy pampering. Enjoy activities like Dog Pools & Lounge Area, Agility Course & Games (with Bed & Biscuits), Pet Portraits (with DOG Photography), Puppy Picasso Painting (with The Painted Cork), Dog Fashion Show Competition (Two Categories: Best Beach Day Outfit & Best Dressed Dog/Human Duo) and more! There will be a dog menu & special treats Cash Bar, Food & Drink Specials at The View Restaurant for the humans! Overnight package available. RSVP through the link in the orange button above.
Rite Life - A Writing Group Amongst the Dead
This monthly series of writing workshops in Evergreen Cemetery is facilitated by local poet Gabriel Kittle-Cervine. Rite Life is a workshop that blends the act of automatic writing, with our individual practices of ancestor veneration, to confront that which haunts us, and to celebrate that which allows us to live. The workshop was born in 2016 from the vision of a profound poet and spiritual teacher named Honeysun, just a couple of years before she passed beyond this life. Her initial concept for the Rite Life workshop is preserved in the way it's practiced today; still facilitated by Gabe, her friend and pupil, alongside a bright circle of local writers and practitioners of craft. Learn more at www.blankmetafour.com or follow @unclegabe831 on Instagram. All ages welcome, and we'll be there rain or shine-see y'all in the cemetery!
Monday, August 31 2026 12:00am - 11:59pm Kids search for pictures of picture books for a prize.
Monday, August 31 2026 12:00am - 11:59pm Grab & Go crafts
Monday, August 31 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm Join us every Monday at the Felton Branch for a knitting party. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome.
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10
Tuesday, September 01 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Baby Story Time is a sweet introduction to stories, songs, rhymes, and lap play, thoughtfully designed to nurture early literacy and bonding.
Kids Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
Be a Master Builder at our Library Lego® Club! Join us on the first Tuesday of the month from 4:00-5:30pm and get creative with a provided theme or build whatever you want with the library’s collection of bricks. Bring the whole family along to join in on the fun. This program takes place at the Main Library, Children’s Play Space Area. Volvemos a la acción ~ ¡Sea un maestro de obras en nuestro Club de Lego®! Se le invita a participar el primer martes del mes de 4:00-5:30pm, y sea creativo con un tema proporcionado o construya lo que quiera con la colección de legos de la biblioteca. Se invita a toda la familia a participar en la diversión. Este programa se llevará a cabo en nuestra Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Niños.
Tuesday, September 01 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Aptos Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18 with knowledge of basic rules (how the pieces move). Instructor is Chess Master Dana Mackenzie.
Kaika Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
A hula and Tahitian dance class offering instruction in traditional movement through an established dance school.
InterAct Open Mic w/ David Allen Sullivan and Ignatius Valentine Aloysius
InterAct Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring David Allen Sullivan and Ignatius Valentine Aloysius Are you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on Sept. 1, 2026 at Satori Arts for InterAct , a FREE open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring David Allen Sullivan and Ignatius Valentine Aloysius as they read from their latest book, Everything I Touch Is—& Isn’t—You . In Everything I Touch Is—& Isn’t—You , David Allen Sullivan and Ignatius Valentine Aloysius engage in a daring poetic conversation, weaving poems from one another’s lines and inventing new collaborative forms. Written in a time of political fracture, the poems insist on attention, tenderness, and survival. The collection moves through grief, love, politics, and bearing witness, dissolving the boundaries between self and other to reveal a shared, living voice. Former Santa Cruz county poet laureate, David Allen Sullivan won the Mary Ballard Chapbook poetry prize for Take Wing. His book Black Butterflies over Baghdad was selected for the Hilary Tham Capital Collection by Tim Seibles. He teaches at Cabrillo College, where he edits the Porter Gulch Review with his students. Ignatius Valentine Aloysius earned his MFA in Creative Writing from Northwestern University, Chicago, where he teaches. He is the author of the literary novel Fishhead. Republic of Want (Tortoise Books, 2020), & his prose and poetry have appeared in many journals. Ignatius is the current host & curator of the long-running reading series Sunday Salon Chicago. He serves as Co-Chair of the Curatorial Board at Ragdale Foundation, where he is also a Board of Trustees member. Come share your spoken word work or poetry with the community, or come out to support our local readers! Sign up to read starting at 6:30 pm. Limited seating. For more information, visit https://www.satoriarts.org/upcoming-events. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Free. Satori Arts, 815 Almar, #9, Santa Cruz (warehouse building near the back, follow signs)
A free weekly dance jam for babies and their caregivers at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, with movement, music, and play in a joyful environment.
A bilingual storytime for toddlers with stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish, promoting early literacy and language skills.
Wednesday, September 02 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join us for great stories followed by a hands-on craft.
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!
Have a teen in your life looking for a fun after-school activity? From board games to crafts, our monthly Teen Craft and Chill program will offer a fun, interactive activity each month. This program will take place at the Main Library, Teen Room from 4:00-5:00pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Audience: Teens ¿Conoces a un adolescente que busca una forma divertida de pasar la tarde? Se le invita al programa mensual Teen Craft and Chill. Cada mes tendremos una actividad diferente –desde juegos de mesa hasta manualidades. Este programa se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Adolescentes, de 4:00-5:00pm, el primer miércoles de cada mes. Audiencia: Adolescentes
Wednesday, September 02 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by reading to a certified therapy dog. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays. Registration is required.
Wednesday, September 02 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Practice reading to a certified therapy dog! Registration is required.
Wednesday, September 02 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm Learn how to craft, build, and survive in the world of Minecraft.edu. Ages 8 to 18
Free & family-friendly! Two talented pianists face off in a musical showdown full of crowd favorites, sing-alongs, and spontaneous comedy. You bring the requests, they bring the show! Bring your beach chairs, grab a treat from Capitola Village, and enjoy a summer afternoon of music, laughter, and community on the coast. Requests encouraged. Dancing inevitable. Fun guaranteed.
Thursday, September 03 2026 10:30am - 11:30am For ages 0-5
Thursday, September 03 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Jackie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our lovely Felton Community Room every Thursday at 11am, followed by a craft!
Thursday, September 03 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Stop by each week for a new creative craft.
Thursday, September 03 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Learn how to craft, build, and survive in the world of Minecraft.edu.
Thursday, September 03 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! Age 6+
Are you interested in learning about technology? Visit us during our weekly Tech Café program where you have the opportunity to get basic tech-related questions answered and test a new piece of technology. This program will take place on Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm at the Main Library (unless otherwise indicated). The technology we demo will change each month; here is a list of what technology will be featured: - January (program starts on the 15th): Doodle Pens - February: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) - March: 3D Printer - April: Spheros (programmable robots) - May: Cricut - June: Glowforge - laser cutter (This program will take place at the Freedom Branch) - July: iPad Stop Motion movies - August: Spheros (programmable robots) - September: 3D Printer - October: Doodle Pens - November: Cricut - December: Makey Makeys (circuit boards) Audience: All Ages ¿Le interesa aprender sobre tecnología? Visítanos durante nuestro programa semanal Tech Café, donde tendrás la oportunidad de obtener respuestas a preguntas básicas relacionadas con la tecnología y probar una nueva tecnología. Este programa se llevará a cabo los jueves de 4:30 a 6:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal (a menos que se indique otro horario o lugar). La tecnología que mostraremos cambiará cada mes; las tecnologías que se presentarán: - enero (el programa comienza el día 15): Doodle Pens - febrero: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) - marzo: Impresora 3D - abril: Spheros (robots programables) - mayo: Cricut - junio: Glowforge - cortadora láser (este programa se llevará a cabo en la sucursal Freedom) - julio: iPad Stop Motion (películas) - agosto: Spheros (robots programables) - septiembre: Impresora 3D - octubre: Doodle Pens - noviembre: Cricut - diciembre: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) Audiencia: Para todas las edades
Thursday, September 03 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Stop by each week for a new creative craft.
Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in the area, so consider enjoying a free water taxi ride from other parking areas! 2026 Lineup: May 21, 2026: Sambada May 28, 2026: Space Heater June 4, 2026: James Durbin & The Lost Boys June 11, 2026: Ancestree June 18, 2026: Jive Machine June 25, 2026: Cake by the Ocean July 2, 2026: Ripatti Rose Band July 9, 2026: Extra Large July 16, 2026: Fishhook July 23, 2026: Harry & The Hitmen July 30, 2026: Matt Masih & The Messengers August 6, 2026: The Houserockers August 13, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 20, 2026: La Familia August 27, 2026: Alex Lucero Band September 3, 2026: Sambada
Thursday, September 03 2026 4:30pm - 5:00pm ¡Una hora de cuentos en español!
Ever been inspired to drop everything and create when visiting an exhibition at the MAH? Join us for a Drop-In Drawing session in the gallery from 6-8pm on the first Thursday of every month. This is not a formal lesson, but an opportunity to bring in your own art supplies and sketch what you see. Dry media only (no markers or paint). All ages welcome. Free with admission. The museum will provide stools, feel free to bring a cushion or folding chair if space allows. Groups of 5+ please give advanced notice by emailing [email protected] . Drop-In Drawing Calendar 2025 September 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home October 2 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home November 6 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home December 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home 2026 January 1 - NONE (New Years Day) February 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship March 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship Comment end
Leave your mark on Santa Cruz history by volunteering at the historic Evergreen Cemetery every Friday from 9:30am-12pm. No need to register, just show up ready to work! All ages are welcome to help, including high school students seeking community service hours. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Please bring a mask and your own bottled water. For more information, email [email protected]
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
Free Admission Day! Discover the wonders of nature at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History with free entry for everyone. Explore fascinating exhibits, connect with local wildlife, and make it a day of learning and fun for all ages. PLAN YOUR VISIT OUR EXHIBITS
Friday, September 04 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm Join us for great stories and a fun craft. Ages 4-6
Friday, September 04 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Use your imagination and build anything you can dream! Lego and Duplo blocks will be available for children and youth to tinker with, build, explore, and creatively play! No registration necessary.
Enjoy a shop and swap market throughout downtown Boulder Creek with deals and trades, live craft demos, a kid zone and more!
First & Third Fridays Community Drumming Class With Jim Greener
Subject: Come Drum, Connect, and Celebrate Life — Now Twice a Month! Dear Friends, Due to continuing requests from our growing circle, I’m very excited to expand our Community Drumming Classes in Soquel Village from gathering on the third Friday of each month to meeting on the FIRST and THIRD FRIDAYS, beginning February 6th! Where: The Congregational Church of Soquel (the white church with the steeple) Parish Hall 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA When: First & Third Fridays of every month 7:00–8:30 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm Donation: $10 I provide hand drums and percussion instruments, and you’re always welcome to bring your own favorites. All levels of experience are warmly welcome at this family-friendly gathering! For beginners, I offer a few fun and easy tips for playing hand drums and percussion instruments, while exploring universal foundation rhythms. From there, I add more advanced elements for experienced players, guiding the group through a step-by-step Rhythm Journey that I've conducted globally for thousands of corporate and community sessions over the past four decades. Along the way, I also demonstrate how rhythm can become the foundation for a playful, positive Life Practice... reinforcing powerful Life Rhythms and supportive patterns of attitude and action. Together, we cultivate a strong, joyful Groove ... the powerful state of entrainment known as the Zone and Flow... personally, and as a community. Gathering in rhythm is one of humanity’s oldest ways of celebrating life, beginning when our ancestors first gathered around the fire... clapping hands, stomping feet, and howling at the stars... we have used rhythm to connect, empower and rejoice. Every beat reminds us that we are part of something ancient and beautiful, linking us across generations and cultures! We humans are at our best when we come together to celebrate the miracle—the blessing—of life, and to uplift and empower one another. Come play! Many Blessings, Jim
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
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.
Saturday, September 05 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us each Saturday morning for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors.
Saturday, September 05 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Step into a world of imagination with stories, rhymes, and songs for children ages 0–8, shared with families and caregivers in a warm, welcoming space.
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
Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful Scotts Valley Library Branch every Friday at 11:30am. Please note the time change!
Saturday, September 05 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm Play tabletop board games and have some fun!
Got plans yet for Labor Day weekend? How about a fun Block Party in the Seabright neighborhood? On Sunday, September 6, celebrate the end of summer with live music, free activities for kids of all ages, vendors, local food and more! The Block party is located on the closed portion of Murray Street on the corner of Seabright.
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10
Come Join Us for Toddler Tumble Time! We’ll be sharing some of our educational collection items. Bring your little ones to explore and learn about science. Don’t miss out on the fun! ¡Acompáñenos en la Hora de Juegos para Pequeñitos! Compartiremos una selección de artículos de nuestra colección educativa. Venga con sus pequeños a explorar y aprender sobre la ciencia. ¡No se lo pierda! The event is ADA accessible. Materials will be provided. These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services. Estos programas son financiados por el Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre, creado a través AB 209 y administrado por la Oficina de Subvenciones y Servicios Locales de Parque Estatales de California.
Tuesday, September 08 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Baby Story Time is a sweet introduction to stories, songs, rhymes, and lap play, thoughtfully designed to nurture early literacy and bonding.
Tuesday, September 08 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm We will sing, move, and play musical instruments together in Spanish and English. Juntos, cantaremos, nos moveremos y tocaremos instrumentos musicales en inglés y español.
Tuesday, September 08 2026 11:00am - 11:25am Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated Scotts Valley Library Branch every Tuesday at 11am.
Tuesday, September 08 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Puppets, Songs and toys, Oh My!
Kids Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
Tuesday, September 08 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Scotts Valley Branch Library! .
Tuesday, September 08 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Aptos Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18 with knowledge of basic rules (how the pieces move). Instructor is Chess Master Dana Mackenzie.
Tuesday, September 08 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Practice reading to a trained therapy dog! Registration is required.
Come to Peoples Coffee, the official Santa Cruz location for the Southmost events for the Golden Gate Gamemakers! Come join us as a branch under GGG known as Game Designers of Santa Cruz! It’s a relaxed chance to try new board games and card games, get feedback on your own prototypes if you are a game designer, and get advice on the games industry. New designers and interested players welcome! Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your prototype to be tested. We run a small raffle thru the sign in sheet each night for participants to win new and used board game prizes. This is also Peoples Coffees first events they have held! They are generously keeping all services of food and drink available through the entire 6pm to 10pm event! They normally close at 5:30. Thank you Peoples Coffee! For all of our events at Peoples, affogatos (ice cream and espresso) are half off! We now have a Game Library located inside Peoples for anyone to use any time they are open! **Cost** This is a completely free event! Attendees are encouraged to buy some delicious drinks and food from Peoples Coffee. **Parking / Travel** You can park in the main parking lot in front of Peoples Coffee. There is a also side parking behind Peoples, and around the residential area. You are also free to park across the street near Salsas Taco Bar. See GGG’s full code of conduct here. Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate Point of contact and organizer: Courtney Laschkewitsch
A free weekly dance jam for babies and their caregivers at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, with movement, music, and play in a joyful environment.
A bilingual storytime for toddlers with stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish, promoting early literacy and language skills.
Wednesday, September 09 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join us for great stories followed by a hands-on craft.
Toddler & Preschool Storytime at Boulder Creek
Wednesday, September 09 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join us for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful Boulder Creek Library Branch every Wednesday at 11am.
Wednesday, September 09 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Creativity time for teens and tweens at the library!
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!
Wednesday, September 09 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm Learn how to craft, build, and survive in the world of Minecraft.edu. Ages 8 to 18
Wednesday, September 09 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Practice reading to a trained therapy dog! Registration is required.
Thursday, September 10 2026 10:30am - 11:00am Meow-wow! Come read and learn about kittens with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter!
Thursday, September 10 2026 10:30am - 11:30am For ages 0-5
Yesterday's Farm at the Santa Cruz County Fair
Join the Ag History Project at the Santa Cruz County Fair as we present "Yesterday's Farm!" Kids of all ages will enjoy the good ol’ days on the farm - with activities such as Kids’ Drive-a-Tractor, wooden cow milking, rope tying, steer roping and old-fashioned water pumps! We'll have majestic draft horses, new Museum exhibits, Claudia’s Kitchen and Yesterday’s Home demonstrations, vintage tractor and antique vehicle collection, antique engine exhibition, and live sheepdog demonstrations. Visit our charming Country Corner gift shop with unique items for the whole family. And you won't want to miss our popular tractor parades through the Fairgrounds each day! Admission to Yesterday’s Farm is free with paid Fair entry - so come on by during Fair hours and say howdy!
Thursday, September 10 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Songs and Stories
Thursday, September 10 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Jackie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our lovely Felton Community Room every Thursday at 11am, followed by a craft!
Thursday, September 10 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Bring your decks and get ready to play
R.E.A.D.: Read Every Amazing Detail @ Live Oak Library Annex
Thursday, September 10 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading and comprehension instruction for readers 1st through 12th grade.
Thursday, September 10 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Learn how to craft, build, and survive in the world of Minecraft.edu.
Thursday, September 10 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! Age 6+
Thursday, September 10 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Stop by each week for a new creative craft.
Thursday, September 10 2026 4:30pm - 5:00pm ¡Una hora de cuentos en español!
Free jazz nights every other Thursday at Abbott Square Market. All ages welcome to enjoy local jazz artists in an outdoor plaza setting.
Leave your mark on Santa Cruz history by volunteering at the historic Evergreen Cemetery every Friday from 9:30am-12pm. No need to register, just show up ready to work! All ages are welcome to help, including high school students seeking community service hours. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Please bring a mask and your own bottled water. For more information, email [email protected]
Friday, September 11 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm A time for free play for children with a participating adult.
Friday, September 11 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated Scotts Valley Library Branch every Friday at 11:30am.
Friday, September 11 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm Join us for great stories and a fun craft. Ages 4-6
Boardwalk Fall Campout Head to the Boardwalk for an overnight event like no other! Perfect for family, friends, teams and school groups. Includes: • Camping under the stars on the Boardwalk • Movie on the beach • Exclusive Carousel time on Friday • Dinner and Breakfast • Free play in the Casino Arcade • Sand sculpture competition • Rides Wristband for Saturday • Discounted parking • $5 of each registration is donated to the American Cancer Society $99.95 per person Deadline September 6, 2026, or until full. Register Now: https://bit.ly/Boardwalk-Fall-Campout-fb
Friday, September 11 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm S.T.E.A.M Projects. Explore Your World
Friday, September 11 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Use your imagination and build anything you can dream! Lego and Duplo blocks will be available for children and youth to tinker with, build, explore, and creatively play! No registration necessary.
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Tickets are available at the link in the orange button above. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Sandhills Tour
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.).
Seymour Center’s Seaside Storytime
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!
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
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.
Agricultural History Project
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
Saturday, September 12 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Meow-wow! Come read and learn about kittens with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter!
Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful Scotts Valley Library Branch every Friday at 11:30am. Please note the time change!
Saturday, September 12 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm Learn about volunteer opportunities and how teens like you can create change in your library! Followed by a chill activity and free snacks (and get your volunteer hours just for showing up)! ACT now!
Boardwalk Fall Campout Head to the Boardwalk for an overnight event like no other! Perfect for family, friends, teams and school groups. Includes: • Camping under the stars on the Boardwalk • Movie on the beach • Exclusive Carousel time on Friday • Dinner and Breakfast • Free play in the Casino Arcade • Sand sculpture competition • Rides Wristband for Saturday • Discounted parking • $5 of each registration is donated to the American Cancer Society $99.95 per person Deadline September 6, 2026, or until full. Register Now: https://bit.ly/Boardwalk-Fall-Campout-fb
Head to the 5th floor Seaside Roof Deck at La Bahia to celebrate the end of summer. Enjoy live music from Cement Ship as chefs fire up a BBQ buffet featuring seasonal, locally sourced fare. Take in panoramic ocean views as the sky shifts from golden hour to dusk, high above the coastline. Ticket price includes buffet and 2 drink tickets. Extras available to purchase through the link in the orange button above.
Read to the Rescues ✨with Pregnant Mare Rescue 🐴💛Give your little one a magical experience… reading aloud alongside a gentle rescue horse. This peaceful moment helps kids build confidence, grow empathy, and create a special bond with our beautiful horses.📖💬 It’s a one-on-one reading time in a calm, supportive space; perfect for young readers and parents who’d love to learn more about our sanctuary.
Monday, September 14 2026 10:30am - 11:30am A time for free play for children with a participating adult.
Monday, September 14 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Join us for Storytime for ages 0-5 featuring songs, rhymes, lap bounces, and stories. After Storytime, stay for Stay & Play!
Monday, September 14 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm Join us every Monday at the Felton Branch for a knitting party. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome.
Monday, September 14 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Practice reading to a certified therapy dog! Registration is required.
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10
Audrey Stanley Grove: Surf City All-Stars
The Surf City All-Stars are the only “tribute” group in which every member has played in The Beach Boys’ band. Experience an unforgettable night of music featuring all the favorite Beach Boys classics, complete with those rich harmonies that made the group famous. This is a family-friendly event. Click the link in the orange button above to purchase tickets.
Tuesday, September 15 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Baby Story Time is a sweet introduction to stories, songs, rhymes, and lap play, thoughtfully designed to nurture early literacy and bonding.
Tuesday, September 15 2026 11:00am - 11:25am Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated Scotts Valley Library Branch every Tuesday at 11am.
Tuesday, September 15 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Puppets, Songs and toys, Oh My!
Tuesday, September 15 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm Practice reading to a certified therapy dog! Registration is required.
Kids Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
Tuesday, September 15 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Scotts Valley Branch Library! .
✨ Free Sewing Classes ✨ Ready to unleash your creativity and learn a new skill? Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced sewer, our free sewing classes are for you. Join us for a fun, hands-on experience where you can: Learn sewing basics - no experience required. Build your skills - Pick the project that matches your skill level. Meet new friends - all ages and backgrounds encouraged. Bring your own projects - get help with what you want to create. This program will take place on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm at the Freedom Library, Creative Cafe. All ages & skill levels welcome. These classes will be facilitated in English. https://www.watsonville.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=7326
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