This event is all about personal health and conscious economics. We're offering a full day event where attendees can sample movement classes, place-based workshops and more, from a dozen local small businesses. Our goal? To give you an affordable opportunity to discover as many local healing outlets as possible and promote those dedicating their lives to helping others. NOTE: Though we call ourselves a "festival", this will be a more intimate event, taking place at a private redwood estate in Scotts Valley with a maximum of 100 guests. We hope you'll take the time to connect with others, especially any practitioner who amazed you. Catered lunch from Julia's Vegetarian Restaurant + live music is included in the ticket
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.
β Featured this season
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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 Bayβs 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, youβll have the opportunity to observe live plankton under a microscope and get an up-close look at these incredible microscopic organisms. Whether youβre 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 Collegeβs 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
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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.
βοΈ Happening today
Monday, August 1028 events on today. No plans required, just go.
What's happening
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3 upcoming events Β· Festivals Β· from 2026-08-15 Β· to 2026-08-16
Wellness Day at Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival
TherapyWorks, in collaboration with the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, is excited to announce the first-ever Wellness Day at this yearβs Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival! As the host of Wellness Day, TherapyWorks is honored to help create a dedicated space highlighting local health, wellness, prevention, education, and community care providers. This new festival experience is designed to bring meaningful visibility to the many organizations, practitioners, and businesses supporting the well-being of individuals and families throughout Scotts Valley and the greater Santa Cruz County community. Although Wellness Day is a brand-new addition to the festival for 2026, the vision for creating a dedicated health and wellness experience has been in the works for years. We are so excited to finally bring this idea to life. Interested in applying to be a Wellness Vendor? To reserve your vendor space, please complete the registration form and submit your payment below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjcET4ItwBlluPZRk8-IgUym6a53UXyxPZ81jna8e7J0S0cA/viewform?usp=send_form
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 βTickets Without Dogsβ. Entry tickets are for the whole event, but your dogβs 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
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