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.
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Featured Event
Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonโt want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS
Coming up
Dance for Parkinsonโs at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinsonโs Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PDยฎ program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinsonโs teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinsonโs at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinsonโs, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinsonโs is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.
Coming up
The Plateau Jazz Band plays 20s -40s swing dance jazz at Woodhouse Brewing from 5:30-8:30 on Wednesday July 1st. Listen, lesson, dance, dine and drink. Bob Folker teaches a half hour introductory/intermediate swing dance lesson from 5:30-6, the band plays for the dancers till 7, then Bob teaches a second half hour lesson and the band plays another hour long set of music. Things wrap up around 8:30 or so. Listening is free. Lessons and dance $10 The Plateau Jazz Band is a six-piece traditional jazz band from Santa Cruz, California. They play New Orleans influenced, Preservation Hall inspired, prohibition era swinging dance jazz. Their repertoire includes hot jazz songs like Dr. Jazz & That's a Plenty, blues tunes like St. Louis Blues & St. James Infirmary Blues, and swing dance standards like Blue Skies, Dinah, & Iโm Going to Sit Right Down (and write myself a letter).
Coming up
A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.
Coming up
With a nearly decades long contemporary folk career, Alela Dianeโs work is akin to the changing of the seasons: a quiet, but extraordinary facet. Woven in with lovely guitar melodies, her ineffable voice soothes the listener with buoyant lilting and haunting harmonies. The lyrics in her latest album, Whoโs Keeping Track of Time, unveil her intimate fascination with the mystery of the changing seasons and passing moments. Gentle rhythm and soaring strings accentuate Alelaโs slow but steady lyrical honesty. Vulnerably grasping at how time comes for us all, Alelaโs music serves as a comfort to the weary heart. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz
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410 upcoming events ยท from 2026-08-04 ยท to 2026-08-11
The Arboretum opens its gates to the community free of charge on the first Tuesday of every month. Come enjoy our gardens and wildlife. Don't forget to stop by our wonderful gift shop and retail plant nursery. Community Days are popular; please consider carpooling or using alternative transportation.
Enjoy Dynomite Farmโs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
Tuesday, August 04 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm Dignity Mobile Wellness Clinic provides evaluations, screenings, and treatment and connects you to services that support physical and mental health on 1st & 3rd Tuesdays. Hrs: 9-12 & 1-3. Bilingual.
Date: Every Tuesday, except Holidays Time: 10am - 12:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Event Description: Join your community every Tuesday between 10am-12pm at the Diversity Center. Nic is ready with a different activity or workshop each week, and volunteers are on hand with snacks, beverages, and community. August Activities: August 4: Tote Bag Painting activity with Nic Get your beach bag ready and customize your own tote bag with Nic. All supplies provided. August 11: Qigong with Tara Settle the mind and body and engage in gently movement. All levels welcome. August 18: โWord is Out - Stories from Some of Our Livesโ (1977) documentary viewing and discussion with Nic One of the most important LGBTQ+ documentaries ever made, it is considered the first documentary about gay people by gay people. Though it is criminally under-watched, Word is Out had a huge impact, even on pioneers like Vito Russo. This film was made by six LGBTQ+ filmmakers and features interviews with 26 LGBTQ+ pe
From Trees to Shining Seas โ Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Todayโs Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.
Tuesday, August 04 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us Tuesdays at Aptos Library to learn, play, and compete in Backgammon! All skill levels welcome - enjoy strategy, fun, and friendly competition in a relaxed social setting.
Tuesday, August 04 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
0 booked, 4 available Glazing
Tuesday, August 04 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm This club is designed for intermediate-level participants, so if you're just starting out, you might find it a bit challenging at first.
The Felton Farmersโ Market is a treasured weekly gathering place โ started in 1987 it is the second longest running market in Santa Cruz County. SCCFM took over operations in 2009 and our team has developed deep ties to the community. Every Tuesday a quality collection of regional farms and food businesses throw up their tents to sell a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, seafood and other staple foods. Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Felton Market is an essential part of the regional food system as well as a resource for nutritious organic foods and basic agricultural education.
Tuesdays, May through October โ over 30 years running, and the second-oldest market in the county (started in 1987). Regional farms set up tents full of fresh produce, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, and seafood, connecting you straight to the people who grow your food. Run by SCCFM since 2009, with deep ties to Felton. The kind of market regulars call a second home.
In this workshop, you will: break down, understand, and use your syllabus as a tool for success. The Successful Slug Workshop series, hosted by Learning Support Services Peer Coaches, are open to all UCSC undergraduate students and focus on academic skills and tools to support your success as a student. At each workshop, you will be introduced to a topic, engage in active learning, be given resources to begin implementing the same day, and have an opportunity to learn more if you are interested. You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of Californiaโs nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeโwhether a student service, faculty program, or community eventโis designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .
Tuesday, August 04 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Join us for process-focused art workshops using various mediums, prompts, and mindfulness to boost wellbeing and ease stress. No experience needed; materials provided.
Tuesday, August 04 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Practice your English and make new friends!
(OUTSIDE GROUP ) The Older Lesbiansโ Group: Where in All The World Are The Lesbians? First and Third Tuesday, August 4, 2:00 - 3:30 pm (RSVP for location) Topics are chosen at the beginning of each meeting. Share your most compelling topic about navigating life as an older lesbian, in a safe, confidential environment. Join us if you are an older (you decide what age that is), self-identified lesbian, interested in sharing your journey with others. Meetings are held at a group memberโs home. RSVP to [email protected] prior to each meeting for the address.
Be a Master Builder at our Library Legoยฎ 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 libraryโs collection of bricks. Bring the whole family along to join in on the fun. This program takes place at the Main Library, Childrenโs Play Space Area. Volvemos a la acciรณn ~ ยกSea un maestro de obras en nuestro Club de Legoยฎ! 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 colecciรณn de legos de la biblioteca. Se invita a toda la familia a participar en la diversiรณn. Este programa se llevarรก a cabo en nuestra Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Niรฑos.
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
Step into a realm of revitalization at our pharmacy, where we proudly introduce our exclusive hydration injection services. Designed to replenish your bodyโs essential fluids and nutrients swiftly and effectively, our hydration injections offer a rejuvenating experience that goes beyond traditional methods. Our skilled and caring professionals utilize cutting-edge techniques to administer a customized blend of hydration, vitamins, and minerals directly into your system, ensuring a rapid and targeted response. Whether youโre seeking a post-workout boost, recovering from illness, or simply aiming to enhance your overall well-being, our hydration injections provide a quick and convenient solution. Experience the transformative power of hydration at our pharmacy, where health and vitality converge for a renewed and invigorated you.
Tuesday, August 04 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 class for learning Hula and Tahitian dance, exploring the culture and traditions of Hawaiian and Polynesian performance.
Wing Chun martial arts classes with instructor Marcus at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, meeting multiple times per week.
Queer Book Club at The Diversity Center Date: The first Tuesday of every month Time: 6:00-9:00 PM Location: The Diversity Center Ages: 18+ Cost: FREE! Open to all! Come eat, drink, and chat about LGBTQ+ lit. :) This monthโs book is "Monk and Robot" by Becky Chambers. This book club is an intergenerational opportunity to bond with people of different ages. Text Jeffrey at 732-272-5896 for details and to be added to the Whatsapp group. .
Brian Fitzgerald is an active member of the Bay Area music scene. An accomplished jazz guitarist and teacher, he draws from a deep musical background and education. He has toured and performed extensively as both a sideman and band leader. He has performed at Monterey Jazz Festival, Cabrillo Music Festival, Los Gatos Fiesta de Artes, Bing Music Series at Stanford, Santa Cruz Jazz Festival, and more. He is the dynamo behind the scenes at Kuumbwa Jazz who handles all the education programs (including their Summer Jazz Camp) and manages all the booked artists.
Hugging Porcupines Productions presents Trivia Night, every Tuesday evening at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. Trivia is always free to play. Grab your team and challenge yourself to 6 rounds of fun trivia.
Weekly karaoke night at The 418 Project, inviting singers to take the stage and perform.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience August Wilsonโs Fences, under the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzโs DeLaveaga Park this summer. Fences By August Wilson Directed by Susan Dalian August Wilson joins the Santa Cruz Shakespeare stage for the first time in 45 years. Fences is the perfect offering, wonderfully in line with the Santa Cruz Shakespeare seasonโs theme: Till Death Do Us Part. Troy Maxson is one of Wilsonโs great creations; Shakespearean in scope; a wordsmith and brilliant storyteller. He has survived the terrible trauma of his past and built himself a good life. But the backbone of that life, the spine that keeps it standing strong, is his wife Rose. Like all of Wilsonโs best work, Fences is both mythic and intimate; the questions it asks both human and eternal. Fences runs July 28 โ August 28. Tickets available for purchase starting May 1. More information through the link in the orange button above. Seasonal box office hours beginning May 1 are Tuesday through Friday from 12p.m. to 4p.m. Call the number above.
InterAct Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring Sam Regal Are you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on August 4, 2026 at Satori Arts for InterAct , a FREE open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring poet Sam Regal. Sam Regal is a poet, artist, and the Instruction and Exhibitions Librarian for Special Collections and Archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is also the editor of the American Printing History Associationโs Printing History journal. A multifaceted creator and scholar, Regal blends her background in library science with her passion for language and book arts. 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)
As with everything we do, we bring the fun! This isnโt your average ordinary trivia. Itโs โBrunoโs Styleโ. We sing, we play instruments, we dance and we drink. Fill up on Tacos and Margs and get ready for a night of fun! โ If youโre looking for a quiet night with boring trivia for the brainiacs you wonโt find it at Brunoโs. With musical clues for our players โ we have the most fun trivia around. We turn the music up loud and we make a lot of noise! Itโs free to play with prizes for the winners. With $3 tacos and the buy a Margarita or Modelo and get a free taco deal, youโre going to have a great night at the best bar in town. Bring your friends and form a team or come by yourself and make some new friends, youโll have a blast!
0 booked, 7 available
Free live music every Tuesday night with the Del Mar Trio at Callahan's in Santa Cruz.
Join us for Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion! Every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm Hosted by Michael Cahalan Pair one of our 16 beers on tap with some lively Trivia, every Tuesday at 6:30pm. No sign-ups required - just come a little early to snag a table in the beer garden. Free to play | Prizes | Up to 6 per team
Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 โ Free showing of Ferris Buellerโs Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 โ Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 โ Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,
Enjoy Dynomite Farmโs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
Horses are deeply attuned to nonverbal cues; our posture, breath, and inner state shape how they respond. When weโre centered, they notice. This gentle, horse aligned class explores the power of postureโand how we show up . Through foundational Pilates-based movement, youโll deepen postural alignment, improve stability, and cultivate a calm, grounded presence.No experience needed.$10/class Free with membership: https://beyondliberty.org/groupwellnessmembership
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.
Wednesday, August 05 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm Dignity Mobile Wellness Clinic and Santa Cruz Public Libraries are partnering to offer services that support the health of patrons with weekly Wednesday visits to the Scotts Valley branch library.
From Trees to Shining Seas โ Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Todayโs Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.
4 booked, 10 available Noelle Lightbourne
Event date: August 5, 2026 Event Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: 2021 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 Watsonville, CA 95076
Wednesday, August 05 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join us for great stories followed by a hands-on craft.
Event date: July 29, 2026 Event Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Location: 2021 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 Watsonville, CA 95076
Visit the IAS, UCSCโs premier art galleries, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10โAugust 16, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right , the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj , a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies , a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics, performance, and visual art. The IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday, 12 pm โ 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right Libia Posadaโs first solo exhibition in the United States features installations, sculptures, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments, gauze bandages, crutches, used books, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal, social, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons. Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements The internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation, produced in community from things collected, found, purchased and donated, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people, spirits, and ideas. Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies Collage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video, painting, and installation, layers and folds conceal and reveal, delving into the experience, both bodily and emotive, of living in time
Instructors: Alexandra Johnson, MD, Kevin Johnson and Dena Ehrlich We spend much of our time being sedentary, lost in our minds. Yet each movement you make throughout your day is an opportunity to be present. Self-Breema exercises are simple and dynamic, and offer a direct experience of body-mind connection. As you practice in class, you increase your ability to be present during your day. You will leave class nurtured, revitalized, and with newfound positivity! You are also welcome to drop in to this class in person at Hummingbird Valley (free of charge; no registration required). Registration for the online attendance of this class is available via the ticket link. Registering for in-person or online is completely free.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Shakespeareโs Much Ado About Nothing, un-der the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzโs DeLaveaga Park this summer. Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles Pasternak One of Shakespeareโs wittiest and most beloved comedies, the 2026 season will open with Shakespeareโs Much Ado About Nothing. Of all the couples in Shakespeare, perhaps none is more widely loved than Beatrice and Benedick. Their battle of wits; their antagonism turned to eroticism; their history. Before the play begins, they already seem to define each other. The audience, like the other characters in the play, wait with excitement as their wits clash, and eventually, as their love blossoms. Much Ado About Nothing runs July 11 โ August 30. More information or to purchase tickets, follow the link in the orange above, or contact the box office Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4pm at the number listed above.
Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!
Wednesdays, 1โ5 pm, year-round. Our biggest and oldest market is a block off Pacific. Open since 1990, with farms that helped build the organic movement. Eat with the seasons: fruits, vegetables, flowers, and pasture-raised meats, plus some of the county's most diverse food stalls, naan and curry, Eritrean dishes, pupusas, crepes, and long-ferment breads. Fill your bags, then stay for a meal
Dance for Parkinsonโs at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinsonโs Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PDยฎ program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinsonโs teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinsonโs at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinsonโs, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinsonโs is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.
Schoolโs about to start and we all want to get the children off to school with the best start possible. Where to find the best produce and veggies? You know, itโs the farmers markets all around the area. They have friendly, knowledgeable people and easily the best of fresh and interesting fruits. There are lots of other vendors selling interesting things to consider and buy for gifts. More locations and dates are available at https://www.montereycfb.com
Wednesday, August 05 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm Join us for free Pilates at the Library! All levels welcome. Bring your own mat and water. Enjoy a fun, energizing workout led by volunteer Jennifer Balboni. First come, first served!
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 ยฟConoces 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 โdesde juegos de mesa hasta manualidades. Este programa se llevarรก a cabo en la Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Adolescentes, de 4:00-5:00pm, el primer miรฉrcoles de cada mes. Audiencia: Adolescentes
Every Wed from 4 to 8 pm at our Downtown Santa Cruz Tasting Room + Wine Bar Join us for a night of wigging out in Downtown Santa Cruz! Wear a wig, and weโll have a surprise for you. Weโll play cool music, games, trivia, and much more! Letโs wig out and keep Santa Cruz weird! Wig Out Wednesday Special: 2 empanadas and a glass of wine (Riesling, Rose, or Homestead) for $19.
Wednesday, August 05 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Do you love ping pong? Drop-in to the Felton Library Community Room anytime between 3-5 every 1st Wednesday to have some fun. Adult players of any level are welcome! A waiver must be signed to play.
Take a midweek pause and recharge your energy โจ Join us for BioCharger & Vibrational Sound Table Healing Happy Hourโa unique experience designed to support relaxation, recovery, and energetic balance. This drop-in session allows you to unwind, reset your nervous system, and leave feeling refreshed and aligned. ๐ Wednesdays | 4:30โ6:00 PM ๐ฒ $25 per session โ ๏ธ Limited to 15 spotsโreserve early
Entre Nosotras: Open to Spanish-speaking women with cancer at all stages, from diagnosis through treatment and the healing process. Groups are led in Spanish and meet at Pajaro Community Health Trust Kathleen A. King Community Room : 85 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076 . Please call 831-761-3973 for details. Led by Chila Correa. Meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, 5 to 7 pm.
Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball Date : Wednesdays, last session October 28 Time : 5:30 - 10:00 pm Location : Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) Cost : Free Santa Cruz Gay Beach Volleyball has been fabulizing Main Beach since 1979. We meet at 5:30 pm on Main Beach Court 16 (across from La Bahia) every Wednesday evening during Daylight Saving Time and play till it's too dark or too cold or we're just hungry. All skill levels - including no skill at all - are welcome. We're here to have fun, connect and yes, sometimes even play surprisingly good volleyball. Socializing on the sidelines is often as busy as the playing on our courts. Afterwards we head to dinner at a local restaurant or sometimes a potluck. Free to participate. ALL (yes, we mean you!) are welcome. Come out and play! .
The Plateau Jazz Band plays 20s -40s swing dance jazz at Woodhouse Brewing from 5:30-8:30 on Wednesday July 1st. Listen, lesson, dance, dine and drink. Bob Folker teaches a half hour introductory/intermediate swing dance lesson from 5:30-6, the band plays for the dancers till 7, then Bob teaches a second half hour lesson and the band plays another hour long set of music. Things wrap up around 8:30 or so. Listening is free. Lessons and dance $10 The Plateau Jazz Band is a six-piece traditional jazz band from Santa Cruz, California. They play New Orleans influenced, Preservation Hall inspired, prohibition era swinging dance jazz. Their repertoire includes hot jazz songs like Dr. Jazz & That's a Plenty, blues tunes like St. Louis Blues & St. James Infirmary Blues, and swing dance standards like Blue Skies, Dinah, & Iโm Going to Sit Right Down (and write myself a letter).
The Sanctuary Exploration Center is excited to announce "She to Shining Sea," a new photography exhibition featuring several local artists. Their work captures the beauty of Monterey Bay from a different perspective, and will leave guests feeling inspired by the natural beauty and amazing talent present in the Monterey Bay. Join us on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30โ8 p.m. at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz for the opening reception: an evening immersed in the beauty of our sanctuary, exploring life as a wildlife photographer with the artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for seating and a panel featuring the exhibition photographers starts at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free, open to all ages, and no registration is required. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibition will be on display at the Sanctuary Exploration Center from August 5 - September 27, viewable during public hours, Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.
A regular tango class in Downtown Santa Cruz, offering a way to learn Latin dance in a social, cultural setting.
Using the fabrica and partial courtyard. Please donโt schedule loud activities in subrosa at the same time.
0 booked, 6 available Chris Finnie
Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. 2026 Lineup: June 3, 2026: Rockinโ Big Band Blues with The Delta Wires June 10, 2026: Surf/Garage Rock with The Trestles June 24, 2026: Originals and Quirky Covers with Coffee Zombie Collective July 1, 2026: Fun Rockโn Party Music with Spun July 8, 2026: Classic Rock with B-Movie Kings July 15, 2026: Top 40/Dance 70โs through today with Mercy & The Heartbeats July 22, 2026: Funky Mostly Original Pop with Extra Large July 29, 2026: Latin Rock & Salsa with Santa Cruz Latin Collective August 5, 2026: R&B, Soul & Funk with The Joint Chiefs Band August 12, 2026: Top 40โs Dance with The Peelers August 19, 2026: Oldies Dance Band with The Digbeats
Santa Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats dot the waves almost as frequently as surf boards here, benefiting from the tides and currents that make this beach town so special. So it is no surprise that the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Santa Cruz Yacht Club have become a nexus for the sailing community, with a calendar packed with activities and a weekly regatta, which brings out even the biggest land lover to admire the race every Wednesday.
A weekly event at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, focused on setup activities. Details are sparse.
Trivia every Wednesday! Hosted at Front and Cooper inside of Abbott Square Market Go test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails! Brought to you by Hugging Porcupines Productions
This is Motion Pacific's Advanced Contemporary Jazz Dance class for adults.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Shakespeareโs Much Ado About Nothing, un-der the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzโs DeLaveaga Park this summer. Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles Pasternak One of Shakespeareโs wittiest and most beloved comedies, the 2026 season will open with Shakespeareโs Much Ado About Nothing. Of all the couples in Shakespeare, perhaps none is more widely loved than Beatrice and Benedick. Their battle of wits; their antagonism turned to eroticism; their history. Before the play begins, they already seem to define each other. The audience, like the other characters in the play, wait with excitement as their wits clash, and eventually, as their love blossoms. Much Ado About Nothing runs July 11 โ August 30. More information or to purchase tickets, follow the link in the orange above, or contact the box office Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4pm at the number listed above.
A weekly evening of tango in Santa Cruz, offering a chance to learn, dance, and connect with a new community.
With a nearly decades long contemporary folk career, Alela Dianeโs work is akin to the changing of the seasons: a quiet, but extraordinary facet. Woven in with lovely guitar melodies, her ineffable voice soothes the listener with buoyant lilting and haunting harmonies. The lyrics in her latest album, Whoโs Keeping Track of Time, unveil her intimate fascination with the mystery of the changing seasons and passing moments. Gentle rhythm and soaring strings accentuate Alelaโs slow but steady lyrical honesty. Vulnerably grasping at how time comes for us all, Alelaโs music serves as a comfort to the weary heart. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz
Wednesday, August 05 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm Are you permaculture curious? Maybe you've heard the term, but don't quite get what it's all about?
Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 โ Free showing of Ferris Buellerโs Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 โ Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 โ Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,
National IPA Day Come grab a beer with us on National IPA Day!
SUBMERGE exists for the dancers and for the artists. It's a dance party, a movement meditation and a fantastic workout all at once. Drawing inspiration from the great dances of music festivals and burning man, as well as the best parts of the ecstatic dance movement, SUBMERGE exists to provide dancers a deep canvas for movement, and also for experienced artists (often with decades of wisdom) to get fairly paid. 100% of ticket revenues go to the artists.
1 booked, 8 available Katy Kenyon-Abel
Enjoy Dynomite Farmโs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
From Trees to Shining Seas โ Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Todayโs Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.
0 booked, 4 available Glazing
Event date: August 6, 2026 Event Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: 275 Main Street, Suite #100 Watsonville, CA 95076
Well-being offering: Guided Mindfulness Group Date: Weekly on Thursdays Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Ages: Adults and teens welcome Cost: FREE Program description: Give your brain a break, and reconnect with the present moment, using guided breathing and mindfulness techniques. All LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome. View our Community Agreements for Diversity Center groups.
Thursday, August 06 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Join us for a drop-in needlework group every first Thursday at La Selva Beach Branch Library.
This exhibition brings together a range of analog games โ including board, card, role-playing, and other participatory works โ that engage social and political realities in different ways. The works span widely circulated commercial games to independently produced projects, one-of-a-kind artworks by artists, faculty, alumni, and students, and materials drawn from UC Santa Cruz Special Collections and Archives. In part, the exhibition challenges the persistent assumption that games and play are detached from social and political life. On the contrary, game designers and artists across diverse perspectives and positions have long used play to engage questions of social systems, lived experience, and how power operates. This exhibition does not attempt to represent that full spectrum. Instead, it brings together a particular set of works that foreground how games can make systems visible, intervene in them, and imagine alternatives. All games embody values, whether intentional or not. โ Mary Flanagan , game designer and scholar Across all of these works, games are not only forms of entertainment, though they may be that as well. They are encountered in multiple ways: as objects, as systems, as artworks, and as experiences that unfold unpredictably through interaction. In each case, rules and constraints shape what participants can do. In these different forms, the works stage systems โ such as housing and land ownership, capitalism, race and identity, civil rights and protest, fascism, and colonialism โ in ways that are simplified and easy to see, opening space to recognize similar structures beyond the game. In this sense, the works suggest that rules are not neutral โ they organize experience, distribute power, and produce meaning. Games are the art of agency. โ C. Thi Nguyen , philosopher The exhibition is intentionally dense. This abundance reflects the breadth of ways games operate across contexts, from activism and education to art and everyday life. While it cel
Thursday, August 06 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!
Visit the IAS, UCSCโs premier art galleries, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10โAugust 16, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right , the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj , a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies , a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics, performance, and visual art. The IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday, 12 pm โ 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right Libia Posadaโs first solo exhibition in the United States features installations, sculptures, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments, gauze bandages, crutches, used books, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal, social, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons. Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements The internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation, produced in community from things collected, found, purchased and donated, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people, spirits, and ideas. Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies Collage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video, painting, and installation, layers and folds conceal and reveal, delving into the experience, both bodily and emotive, of living in time
Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!
Calling all music lovers! Join our Music Club to jam, perform, and connect with fellow musicians. Everyone is welcomeโcome be part of the rhythm!
Step into the MAH's Archives Reading Room during our weekly Open Archives hours. Meet the archivist, see a unique item from the collection on display, and discover where Santa Cruz history is preserved. Please note: Open Archives is an informal drop-in experience, not a time for in-depth research appointments. If you'd like to schedule research time, please contact us in advance by email or phone. We usually pop open the archives every week-though every now and then we take a break. For more information, email [email protected]
Thursday, August 06 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm This club is designed for intermediate-level participants, so if you're just starting out, you might find it a bit challenging at first.
Far West Fungiโs Santa Cruz Store & Cafรฉ is launching Myco-Mixers โ Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fungi! Each Myco-Mixer will feature complimentary bites, product samples, and happy hour discounts on cafรฉ favorites. Guests can meet the Far West Fungi team, learn about unique mushroom products, and discover new flavors to take home. Head Far West in Santa Cruz each week to taste house-made tacos, explore featured products, and find your new favorite mushroom treats. Whether youโre a foodie, mushroom enthusiast, or just looking for a fun Thursday outing, Myco-Mixers are the perfect way to experience local one-of-a-kind flavors!
Thursday, August 06 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm Play Mahjong with fellow enthusiasts! Beginners welcome with weekly Hong Kong Style lessons. Other styles offered too. Tiles provided or bring your own.
Thursday, August 06 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Stop by each week for a new creative craft.
Thursday, August 06 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! Age 6+
A tech cafe at the Watsonville Main Library where participants can experiment with Sphero robots.
Are you interested in learning about technology? Visit us during our weekly Tech Cafรฉ 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 ยฟLe interesa aprender sobre tecnologรญa? Visรญtanos durante nuestro programa semanal Tech Cafรฉ, donde tendrรกs la oportunidad de obtener respuestas a preguntas bรกsicas relacionadas con la tecnologรญa y probar una nueva tecnologรญa. Este programa se llevarรก a cabo los jueves de 4:30 a 6:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal (a menos que se indique otro horario o lugar). La tecnologรญa que mostraremos cambiarรก cada mes; las tecnologรญas que se presentarรกn: - enero (el programa comienza el dรญa 15): Doodle Pens - febrero: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) - marzo: Impresora 3D - abril: Spheros (robots programables) - mayo: Cricut - junio: Glowforge - cortadora lรกser (este programa se llevarรก a cabo en la sucursal Freedom) - julio: iPad Stop Motion (pelรญculas) - agosto: Spheros (robots programables) - septiembre: Impresora 3D - octubre: Doodle Pens - noviembre: Cricut - diciembre: Makey Makeys (placas de circuitos) Audiencia: Para todas las edades
A weekly Congo dance class in Santa Cruz. Participants learn traditional African dance movements in a group setting at The 418 Project.
Every Thursday along with our regular menu we offer a prix fixe pasta dinner! Enjoy three courses starting with a fresh farmers market mixed green salad, your choice of Pappardelle Bolognese, Truffled Tortiglioni or our seasonal risotto. Finish with a scoop of our housemade chocolate gelato or seasonal sorbet. Three courses for $40!
Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA Dock (southwest harbor) Launch Ramp (southeast harbor) Please visit the Port Districtโs website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.
Come join us and help celebrate the Grand Opening of Offshore Pilates!
Play the new board game Aqua Cruz! Thereโs a lot that goes into keeping the water flowing in Santa Cruz, which is completely dependent on local rainfall for the Cityโs water supply. To show customers what it takes to plan for a reliable water future, the Santa Cruz Water Department has developed Aqua Cruz, a board game that puts players in charge. Every decision counts in the race to close the water supply gap. Aqua Cruz players will strategize which projects to pursue while navigating real-world challenges to keep the water flowing! The event is free to attend and no RSVP is necessary. Aqua Cruz is recommended for ages 13 and older.
Ripatti & Rose - Live at Chaminade Resort & Spa
Biblioteca Watsonville Primer jueves del mes, 5:30-7:30pm Facilitado por Roselyn Macias el primer jueves de cada mes ยกBienvenidos al grupo Mariposa de la Comunidad LGBTQ+ de Watsonville del Centro de Diversidad! ยฟTiene 18 aรฑos o mรกs, se siente solo, sin apoyo? O quieres conocer a otros como tรบ. Lo encontraste. Aquรญ obtendrรก recursos, apoyo, capacitaciones y tendrรก nuevas conexiones en la comunidad. Watsonville Library Every first Thursday of the month, 5:30-7:30pm Facilitated by Roselyn Macias on the first Thursday of the month Welcome to The Diversity Centerโs Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ support group in Watsonville ! Are you 18 or older, feel alone, unsupported, or want to meet others like yourself? You found us. Here you will get resources, support, trainings, and make new connections in your community.
5:30-7:30pm As the lead guitarist for the China Cats and Painted Mandolin, Matt Hartle has established himself as the preeminent jam band guitarist for Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. You can also find him hosting a weekly deep dead jam, where he welcomes Bay Area players for Grateful Sunday shenanigans. Matt's unique voice and intricate playing style always gets the audience on their feet and feeling their groove. You'll be dancing to songs from legends like Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, as well as rock, blues, jazz, americana, and of course some Matt Hartle originals.
Free live music on the beach with a rock and blues band, paired with BBQ and cold drinks. A relaxed seaside evening for all.
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
This is Motion Pacific's Adult Intermediate Modern class for adult dancers.
Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected โ The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument โ or guitar, banjo, and brass โ itโs the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! August 6 from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm: Pono Hawaiian Grill at 120 Union Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Museum of Art and History at 725 Front Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 8 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 9 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz
Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected โ The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument โ or guitar, banjo, and brass โ itโs the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! Click the link in the orange button above for more details. August 6 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Pono Hawaiian Grill at 120 Union Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Museum of Art and History at 725 Front Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 8 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 9 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Shanty Shack Brewing at 138 Fern Street in Santa Cruz
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
Join us at Bargetto Winery in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! 6-8PM No cover charge. Wine by-the-glass for purchase. Food will be available for purchase. Open seating, no reservations required. No outside food is permitted. For more info please call: (831) 475-2258
Head to Bargetto Wineryโs creekside courtyard in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! There is no cover charge and wine by the glass and light snacks are available for purchase. May 7, 2026: Alex Lucero May 14, 2026: James Durbin May 21, 2026: The Joint Chiefs May 28, 2026: Sambada June 4, 2026: Alex Lucero June 11, 2026: The Breaux Show June 18, 2026: Beach Cowboys June 25, 2026: The Joint Chiefs July 2, 2026: Alex Lucero July 9, 2026: James Durbin July 16, 2026: 10 OโClock Lunch Band July 23, 2026: Highwater Blues July 30, 2026: The Joint Chiefs August 6, 2026: TBD August 13, 2026: TBD August 20, 2026: TBD August 27, 2026: TBD September 3, 2026: TBD
Something wicked this way comes, indeed. Starting this weekend and running through August 30th, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents one of The Bardโs most infamous plays, Macbeth. Coincidentally the playโs first ever performance is believed to have been in 1606 marking this as the 420th anniversary, which is very Santa Cruz. And for anyone familiar with Macbeth, itโs easy to see why itโs lasted throughout the ages. Witches, murder, moral failings and tons of tragedy are beautifully sewn throughout the acts, stitched together with lines such as โBlood will have blood,โ and โthe wine of life is drawn.โ -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
Join us for Coaster Stomp Line Dance at Brunoโs Bar and Grill! The fun starts at 7pm with two lessons and plenty of open dancing. Join their expert instructors as they guide you through a night filled with plenty of boot-scootinโ boogie. Stay for a little while or the whole event! $10 cover charge
In 2026, jazz is often considered an old personโs genre. Letโs face it, itโs not like the jazz clubs are the hot spots all the kids are clamoring to get into. However, Sylvia Cuenca is trying to change that. A powerhouse drummer from the San Francisco and New York scenes, Cuenca is bringing together multiple generations of musicians together to play original numbers as well as standards throughout Americaโs past. Featuring saxophonist Rico Jones, pianist David Kikoski, Wallace Roney Jr. on trumpet, and bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, they are showing every generation why jazz will never go out of style. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
Thursday, August 06 2026 6:30pm - 8:00pm Test your trivia knowledge with Victor or Brian. We ask 30 questions about a random array of subjects. Who's better at doling out trivia than librarians?
Purchase tickets here Show 8pm // 21+ ***This is a standing room general admissions show. There will be a limited number of chairs located in the back of the concert hall. Seating will be first come first served. Bar and food will be open at 5pm.
A young, wholesome, and seemingly normal couple, Brad and Jan, set out to visit their old professor, but their plans change when a large storm causes their car to go flat. Desperate to get out of the rain, they find an old castle that is home to Dr. Frank-N-Furter. From there, the night only becomes weirder. That night will be one they and the audience will not forget. This cult classic continues to entertain crowds, and this run is no different. Audience members can purchase interactive goodie bags with their tickets and participate in a costume contest. Goes until August 22.
Grab some lawn chairs and some blankets and cozy up for this free movie night on Seabright! July 9: The SpongeBob Movie July 16: Legally Blonde July 23: Minecraft Movie July 30: Shrek August 6: Hoppers August 13: Goat
Thursday, August 06 2026 7:00pm - 8:30pm Join us for an evening dedicated to the beauty and charm of our feline companions.
Anthony Arya plays the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with his band on the Colonnade stage Thu August 6th 8:30-9:30 pm.
Enjoy free live music every Thursday evening throughout the summer at the Boardwalkโs Colonnade Stage. Grab a bite, enjoy a refreshing drink, and dance along to a rotating lineup of bands and talented artists with the ocean as your backdrop. 2026 Lineup: โข June 18, 2026: Fire Peach โข July 2, 2026: El Brick โข July 9, 2026: Shawn Yanez โข July 16, 2026: Flaco El Jandro โข July 23, 2026: Papiba & Friends โข July 30, 2026: The Deadlies โข August 6, 2026: Anthony Arya
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
Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 โ Free showing of Ferris Buellerโs Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 โ Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 โ Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,
Enjoy Dynomite Farmโs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
First Friday is our monthly $10 coworking day at NextSpace Working alone sucks... NextSpace is not only a coworking space in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, but a thriving community of individuals who are passionate about their work and eager to connect with others. NextSpace offers a variety of resources and events to help you grow your business and build relationships. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker, you'll find a supportive and inspiring environment at NextSpace. If you are curious about coworking, this is a great time to try it out! For just $10 (normally $30), you'll enjoy complimentary coffee and tea, speedy internet, space to work, and meet a welcoming & vibrant community. Wrap the day up by joining for happy hour at precisely 3:58pm. We look forward to seeing you here at the coolest coworking space!
Mindful Movement with Horses Blending Tai Chi, Qigong, Horses and Mindfulness and informed by Polyvagal Theory, this class supports nervous system regulation, embodied awareness, and safe connectionโwith yourself, the herd, and the natural world. All proceeds benefit BEYOND liberty, a nonprofit horse sanctuary and equine education center improving the lives of both humans and horses through education, experiential learning and wellness and enrichment programs. $10 drop-in. Registration required: https://BeyondLibertyandPMR.as.me/MindfulnessThroughMovement
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]
From Trees to Shining Seas โ Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Todayโs Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.
Free Public Tours of the City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility are here. Don't miss this educational community favorite activity! Summer Public Tours Are Back! Public Tours of the Resource Recovery Facility will be offered every Friday at 10 AM from June 12th through August 14th, 2026. A single Saturday will also be offered on July 25th. Out of consideration for others, please only sign up on Saturday if Fridays are not an option for you. Come join us! Get ready to discover the journey your recycling and food scraps takeโand see firsthand how your actions make a difference! Visitors will see what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of material that Santa Cruzians place into their blue recycle bins every single day. We will also learn why it is important to โrecycle right,โ avoid โwish-cycling," and why we can't rely on a triangle and a blue bin anymore. Visitors will see a mountain of scrap metal, learn about the facilityโs Household Hazardous Waste Program, and see the Food Scrap Pre-Processor Machine. Donโt miss out on this chance to become a waste reduction pro! Tours are limited to 20 people. Children must be at least 8 years old. Youth ages 8 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes 48 hours before the tour date. No Drop-Ins. Safety Notice: This tour includes stairs and standing/walking for approximately 45 minutes. On this tour, you may be exposed to loud noises, dust, or tight spaces. Please note that this is a working industrial facility with potential hazards, and your safety is our top priority. Please wear closed-toe sturdy shoes and long pants. We will provide safety vests, eye protection, ear protection, and hard hats. Please inform City staff before your tour date if you will need accommodations.
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
Mindfulness Meditation: Guided meditation & talk with a facilitator Description:For women newly diagnosed, recovering, or coping with the effects of cancer or chronic illness. Meeting Time: 1st and 3rd Friday of every month, 11:00am - noon Facilitator: Claire Schneeberger
Friday, August 07 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm Join our Bridge Club for friendly games and social fun, open to players of all skill levels.
โConfluenceโ: where separate currents meet. This beautiful exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. โConfluenceโ is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from โThe Leftoversโ at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM
Friday, August 07 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm Join us for lively conversations and thoughtful insights at our monthly movie discussion group.
Make the MAH your first stop this weekend with FREE First Friday. Explore all three floors of the museum and see our latest exhibitions, check out our giftshop, and hangout among art and history! Then stay into the night dancing to live music out in Abbott Square. First Friday hours are 12-8pm. See you then!
Visit the IAS, UCSCโs premier art galleries, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10โAugust 16, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right , the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj , a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies , a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics, performance, and visual art. The IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday, 12 pm โ 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right Libia Posadaโs first solo exhibition in the United States features installations, sculptures, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments, gauze bandages, crutches, used books, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal, social, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons. Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements The internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation, produced in community from things collected, found, purchased and donated, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people, spirits, and ideas. Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies Collage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video, painting, and installation, layers and folds conceal and reveal, delving into the experience, both bodily and emotive, of living in time
Friday, August 07 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm We are knitting at Live Oak Library on Fridays.
Friday, August 07 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians.
Take a guided tour of the MAH by one of our staff members! At the MAH, our tours don't just take you through art and history. They immerse you in it and connect you to Santa Cruz and beyond. If you're ready to dive into a new perspective, join us every Friday for an informative private tour free with admission. Art experts, historians, and educators are here to help. Plus, stick around to meet new people or check out our new gift shop. If you are an educator and interested in booking a tour for your class or group, browse our educational field trips here.
Friday, August 07 2026 12:30pm - 2:30pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
On August 8th, composer Clarice Assadโs new commissioned work, Kontrol, will premiere at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. The afternoon before, Assad will join D. Riley Nicholson, Executive Director of the Cabrillo Festival, and Pranav Anand, Faculty Director of The Humanities Institute, for a pre-rehearsal discussion about the inspirations for the piece, which explores impacts of AI on musical creation and performance, both now and in the near future. Stay afterward for the final rehearsal of Kontrol before the premiere on the 8th. Free and open to the public.
The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Donโt miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Bring your appetite as there are tons of delicious prepared foods to try.
Friday, August 07 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Sharpen your word skills and enjoy friendly competition at our Scrabble Club - fun for all levels.
Event date: August 7, 2026 Event Time: 02:00 PM - 09:00 PM Location: Peck Street and Union Street Watsonville, CA 95077
Friday, August 07 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
First Friday at The Painted Cork โ Live Music, Art Lounge & Local Art Celebrate First Friday with us at our vibrant Westside Santa Cruz studio! From 3โ8 PM, enjoy an evening filled with creativity, community, and live music. ๐ผ๏ธ Local Art Showcase Browse artwork created by local Santa Cruz artists throughout the studio โ a perfect way to support and connect with our creative community. ๐บ Local Beer & Wine Sip on favorites from Santa Cruz breweries and wineries while you enjoy the music and art. ๐ถ Live Music โ No Cover Weโre excited to welcome Wasabi Santa Cruz, performing alongside a cover band for a full afternoon of great local music. Come relax, sip, and enjoy โ no charge for the music. ๐จ Art Lounge (DIY Creative Experience) Explore your creativity in our Art Lounge! Choose from a variety of DIY painting and craft projects while enjoying a drink from our beer and wine bar. All supplies included Written instructions or video tutorials Social, selfโpaced experience Kitchen open until 7 PM Reserve your project online and weโll have everything ready when you arrive. Bar seating is firstโcome, firstโserved (no project purchase required). Join us for a lively, creative First Friday celebration on the Westside!
We invite you to join us for our 19th Annual WIC Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair, on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 3pm. We will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week and sharing information about our services and those of our community partners. There will be fun activities for the whole family, music, healthy snacks, raffle prizes, and more. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world to highlight the importance of human milk and it's impact on health.
Please, join us every Friday this month, as we are open late and will be showcasing ALL our local Fine Artists that are hanging around this summer including, Nick Conte, Lupe Santos, Sylvia Valentine, Maylene Rasmussen, Sally Bookman, Beth Shields, Thomas Kinkade, Salvador Dali, and Michelle Nicely. We are also happy to announce we will be keeping the famed Rock n Roll photography of Jay Blakesberg. He has shot for Rolling Stone Magazine for over 40 years and is sole photographer for Dead and Company. Now, in the Grammy Museum. Look for our upcoming private event September, First Friday.
Please enjoy a group show from local artists that are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent. Some art may talk about the life experiences of the artists, and some are simply the authentic expression of a disabled person. We hosted an art party on the principles of Disability Justice in July, and some of those art pieces will be in the show. First Friday Opening: 8/7 from 4-8pm. We are a small gallery. For anyone who has sensitivity to crowds, we recommend visiting us during our open hours during the week: w-th 2-6pm f: 4-8pm s-s: 1-5pm Snacks provided by Annies Cashew Dip and Trini Badillas Salsa www.thevisionsanctuary.com Participating Artists: โ Tyler โEpitimus Primeโ Gettner โ Cherryy โ Erin Harmon โ Marley Calamity โ Enigma โ Alias, et al. โ Sunny Mackey โ Cazoshay Marie โ Alicia Wyneken โ Star Flower โ Jessica Ann Roberts โ Water Woody โ Franki โ ArteMacabre โ Indigo Knightly โ Rosebud Wild โ Ember Katzirah
Kara is an award-winning natural world photographer who lives in the Pleasure Point Neighborhood of Santa Cruz. She learned the love of travel at a young age and was given her first camera at the age of ten. Ever since sheโs traveled the world making photos. While she loves traveling to faraway places to photograph endangered species, her main love is where she lives. She recently published a childrenโs book of her photos showing the Monterey Bay with its unique diversity from its mountains to the sea. Meet Kara at our First Friday reception, Aug. 7, 4-7 p.m. at the Silver Mountain Tasting Room, 328 D Ingalls St. Enjoy a glass of wine while chatting with Kara about her extensive travels and stunning photography.
Join us for First Friday Gallery Night and Live Music at The Green Spot! We are excited to continue our gallery spotlight in-store with featured artist Leah Rose. Trianna will kick things off with live music, playing guitar and singing to set a warm, chill vibe for the evening. Come by, enjoy our classic charcuterie trays, and browse the gallery at your own pace. You can purchase Leah Roseโs art all month long, and First Friday is the perfect time to meet the artist spotlight and take something home. We would love to see you, so stop by the Green Spot for a welcoming night of art, music, and good bites!
Friday, August 07 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.
I invite you to explore Susan Brownโs world, at Gabriella Cafe, First Friday, August 7, 5โ7 PM. Susan Brownโs works capture the essence of Santa Cruz downtown, neighborhoods, and nearby towns and favorite local destinations. Youโll see Santa Cruz County in a different way! Many of her well known paintings give life to lesser known places, such as โjust a street.โ Her Santa Cruz County paintings are not typical โcoastal or beach scenes;โsuch as her acrylic painting, โDavenport Evening,โ (shown in the San Diego Museum of Art Exhibition, March 2025-November 2026); which poses questions for the viewer; asking where the road may lead, and evoking a sense of recognition or deja vu, whether or not one has actually been there. Susan uses technique, color and perspective to give the viewer a sense of place that somehow feels both familiar and new at the same time. We look forward to showing you the โOther Santa Cruz.โ
The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is pleased to announce the Santa Cruz County Arts Commissionโs 2026 Spotlight Award recipients: Tish Bertino (Visual Artist), and Barbara Martin (Drummer/Percussionist). The artistsโ work will be exhibited on the 5th floor of the County Governmental Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, from August 3-October 9, 2026. A First Friday opening reception will be held August 7 from 5-7 p.m. The natural world serves as the source of inspiration for Tish Bertinoโs paintings, where she invites and encourages the viewer to visit real and imaginary places where shape, vibrant color, luminous light, and a sense of movement provide literal form to the pieces. Tishโs style is loose and expressive impressionist. A longtime resident of Santa Cruz, Tish runs and hikes through the woods and along the ocean allowing natureโs beauty to feed her soul and inspire her works. She returned to school in her mid-thirties to earn both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. For several years she taught art in local elementary schools. Painting is a source of immense joy for Tish and considers the process of creating art essential to leading a balanced and meaningful life. Barbara Martin is a Drummer and Multi-Percussionist, originally from Guantanamo City, Cuba. While studying music in at college Santa Clara, Cuba, she had the opportunity to perform with the Harvard Symphony Orchestra, as well as other traditional and popular Cuban bands. She also gained extensive teaching experience while in college by teaching music at the middle and high school levels. Arriving to the United States in 2016, she has taught music in various schools and performed in different bands throughout California. She is currently studying Music at Cabrillo College as well as working as a TA for the Music Department, where she also co-directs the Cabrillo Latin Jazz Ensemble. She currently directs, plays drums/percussion and i
Get stoked, Santa Cruz! ๐๐ธ We are beyond hyped to host an exclusive art exhibit featuring the legendary work of decorated surf and ocean photographer, Dave โNellyโ Nelson! If you love the ocean, surf culture, and mind-blowing photography, this is one night you absolutely cannot miss. Come hang out, grab some good vibes, and be the first to witness an incredible collection of never-before-seen images from Nellyโs archives. Plus, weโre hosting an exclusive book signingโthe perfect chance to snag a legendary piece of Santa Cruz surf history straight from the man himself! ๐ค Hereโs whatโs going down: What: Dave โNellyโ Nelson Art Exhibit & Book Signing When: Opening Night Reception โ Friday, August 7, 2026 | 5:00 PM โ 9:00 PM Where: Sunny California โ 912 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Bonus: Weโre hosting an epic RAFFLE! Make sure to sign up at the door for your chance to win some amazing prizes. ๐๏ธ๐ฅ (Canโt make it to opening night? No sweat! The show will be running through the entire month of August. But this is your chance to hang with the man himself) See you there! ๐ @nellysmagicmoments @sunnycalifornia_santacruz #DaveNellyNelson #SantaCruz #SantaCruzSurf #SurfPhotography #OceanPhotography #SunnyCalifornia #SantaCruzEvents #SurfCulture #SkatePhotography #ArtExhibit #MontereyBay
The Institute of the Arts and Science(IAS) is excited to announce our August first Friday event! Friday, August 7th join us at the IAS and enjoy after hours viewing of the exhibition, exhibition related activities like letter writing to those included in Libia Posadaโs โBlue Portraitsโ and much more Time: 5:00 p.m. โ 7:00 p.m. When: Friday, August 7th, 2026 Where: Institute of the Arts and Sciences 100 Panetta Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
As sisters, we have spent our lives collecting thingsโobjects, stories, memories, fragments of the ordinary and the extraordinary. While our artistic paths have taken different forms, we share a fascination with making connections and finding meaning in unexpected places. In this exhibition, textiles, assemblage, found objects, and artifacts become vehicles for exploration. Familiar materials are transformed through stitching, layering, arranging, and reimagining. A discarded object becomes a relic. An eye chart becomes a chair. A faded photograph becomes the beginning of a story. Neither of us is interested in providing answers. Instead, we are drawn to questions: What stories do objects carry? What do we choose to remember? What do we overlook? How does meaning change when something is removed from its original purpose and given a new life? Curious Sisters celebrates wonder, discovery, and the pleasure of seeing the world through a lens of possibility. It is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and follow your own sense of curiosity wherever it may lead About Judy & Wendy: Judy Stabile has never met a piece of fabric, an old eye chart, or an intriguing object she couldnโt imagine becoming something else. Originally trained as a sculptor, she now works primarily with textiles, printmaking, and surface design, creating one-of-a-kind garments, furnishings, and mixed-media pieces that blur the line between art, clothing, and storytelling. She is fascinated by pattern, repetition, stitching, printing, and the endless possibilities hidden inside ordinary materials. Judy approaches her studio like a laboratory for curiosity. A medical diagram might become a chair. An eye exam might become a coat. A scrap of cloth might spark an entirely new narrative. Her work is playful, thoughtful, and driven by a belief that the most interesting discoveries often begin with the simple question: โWhat would happen ifโฆ?โ As one of the Curious Sisters, Judy shares with her sister Wen
Enjoy games with prizes all along downtown Boulder Creek! There will be a kid zone, photo booth, vendors and more!
First Friday at Santa Cruz Art Expressions ๐จ๐ถ Doors open at 5 PM for an evening of art, music, and creative connection at Santa Cruz Art Expressions. Enjoy a live DJ set, light refreshments, and the buzz of First Friday energy as the gallery comes alive. Meet featured artist Kelli C. Foss, known for her vibrant abstract paintings and unmistakable, intuitive style. Guests are invited beyond the gallery walls and into her personal studio for an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at her process, works in progress, and the creative world that shapes her art. In addition to Fossโs work, explore a curated selection of artists on display throughout the space, offering a rich mix of styles and perspectives. Come to mingle, move to the music, and immerse yourself in an inspired evening celebrating art and community in the heart of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Clay puts on first friday with ceramics, paintings, jewelry and more! Jungle boogie theme ๐
For Augustโs First Friday, Minnow Arts is presenting the work of F U Tattoo artists and their extended friends! Swing by for an evening filled with socializing with the artists and viewing their work. The type of work includes paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. DJ @chicano_electric will be providing music for the event. We hope to see you there!
Free summer block party in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, makers, and family fun.
Meet a local author, see live raptors, and explore our Mini Nature Museum. First Friday at the Land Trust. Free & all ages welcome! Whether youโre an avid birder, a curious beginner, a family looking for a fun Friday evening, or someone whoโs ever stopped to wonder, โWhat bird is making that sound?โ โ this evening is for you! Join the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for a special bird- themed First Friday celebrating the incredible birds that call Santa Cruz County home. Meet local bird experts, connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, and discover how protecting open spaces helps birds and our entire community thrive. Throughout the evening, expect: ๐ฆ Live raptors ๐ A local author ๐ชถ An interactive nature museum ๐๏ธ Local conservation-minded vendors ๐๏ธ Free admission Whether youโre hoping to identify your first bird, inspire a young naturalist, or simply spend an evening surrounded by people who love the outdoors, weโd love to see you there. When: Friday, August 7th, 5:00 โ 8:00 pm Where: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Office, 911 Center St, Santa Cruz 95060 Hereโs Whatโs Waiting for You ๐ Meet the Author of Birds of Santa Cruz Discover the remarkable birds that call Santa Cruz County home alongside someone who knows them best. Local author Sophie Wood Brinker will share stories from her beautifully illustrated book, Birds of Santa Cruz, and sign copies throughout the evening. Whether youโre hoping to identify the birds visiting your backyard, prepare for your next hike, or simply deepen your appreciation for the wildlife around you, Sophie will be available to answer questions, share her expertise, and help you see our local landscapes through a new lens. ๐ฆ Experience Live Birds of Prey There is nothing quite like seeing a hawk, falcon, or owl up close. Join a local falconer for a live falconry demonstration featuring magnificent birds of prey and learn about the centuries-old tradition of falconry, the incredible adaptations that make these birds such skilled hunte
Join Beth Stiles of One-Handed Knitting for a fun First Friday event featuring her amazing, knitted creations that she does with one hand! We will have some delicious treats, beverages and a fun community of people at the Live Oak Refillery on Friday August 7th from 5pm-8pm. Come join Beth and all her friends for a fun and cozy gathering! Browse and support Bethโs beautiful handcrafted knitted creations by purchasing one (or more!) of her unique pieces. Weโd love to see you there! A little bit about Beth: Hi, Iโm Beth. I have been knitting for 58 years. I knit with one hand, since I have cerebral palsy. Itโs a way for me to relax. I have made hats, minister stoles, Afghans, baby blankets, mini-Afghans, grandparents baby blankets, scarves, mittens and much more. I am a third generation knitter.
Go Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food โ Artists โ Live Music โ Vendors The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts May 29 to August 28.
First Friday at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, featuring artist-led offerings and community connection. Focus on supporting BIPOC, women, and artists.
On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun.
Join us for an evening celebrating the wonders of our local coastline at August First Friday! Seaweed Summer highlights the beauty, ecology, and hidden life of seaweeds found along the Santa Cruz shoreline. Enjoy food, drinks, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn from local partners and naturalists about the important role seaweed plays in marine ecosystems, from habitat building to climate resilience. Explore interactive tables, creative art-making, and community organizations sharing ocean-inspired work. Join community partners including: City of Santa Cruz Sea Otter Savvy Seymour Center Save our Shores UCSC Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department Sunflower Star Laboratory Cabrillo College OโNeill Sea Odyssey Kylene Gilmore Olivia Merriam Noelle Kaslly As always, First Friday is free and open to all. Come connect with nature, science, and community as we celebrate the coastal world right in our backyard. Museum admission is free all day, and evening festivities take place from 5:00โ8:00 PM outside in Tyrrell Park.
Please join us for this extra special exhibit! Come to the artist reception and meet Jack, hear about his unique art and life. Make a reservation for a table or a fire pit, or just grab a spot at the bar. We are open early and late, so donโt miss this colorful show. Abstract Paintings by Jack Mento Born in Hawaii and growing up in Syracuse, NY my nickname was Diamond which in Hawaiian is Kaimana. Although Hawaii will always be my spiritual home, I have lived in different places including Hawaii, New York, Arizona, Colorado and currently in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills in Northern California. My art is a unique expression of the many roads Iโve traveled, the things Iโve felt and seen, and the countless colorful adventures this life has given me. I started painting in 1986 and realized it was a deep way to express myself. At first my art had more of a realistic style that depicted my everyday experiences. Over time my work developed into a visual impression of the world around me and the mystery within. The art always seems to take me beyond what I imagined. Sometimes when I paint, I realize I am merely a witness to what transpires while the brush is in hand. I hope my art reaches people on a level that evokes their imagination about their own inner landscape as well as their curiosity about the world outside themselves. I believe one function of Art is to make visible to you the Mysteries of life on an emotionally deeper level. It is the life within and without that truly has led me to create what you see here. Contact info: Email : [email protected] Website : kaimanaart.com Venmo: @John-Mento-7
Calvary Cultural Center is excited to present Connor OโNeillโs whimsical, jazzy artwork. Connorโs art screams of lyrical adventure, inviting the viewer to stay for a while and explore. Please join us for this solo artist event and reception. Read about Connor and his work in Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine https://www.scvibesmagazine.com/stories/connor-oneill or check out his clothing line Pen Pal at http://www.instagram.com/penpalsocialmedia.
The Institute of the Arts and Science(IAS) is excited to announce our August first Friday event! Friday, August 7th join us at the IAS and enjoy after hours viewing of the exhibition, exhibition related activities like letter writing to those included in Libia Posadaโs โBlue Portraitsโ and much more Time: 5:00 p.m. โ 7:00 p.m. When: Friday, August 7th, 2026 Where: Institute of the Arts and Sciences 100 Panetta Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun.
First Fridays at The 418 Project First Friday of Every Month 5:00โ9:00 PM The 418 Project โข 155 S River Street, Santa Cruz Free Admission Celebrate the vibrant creativity of Santa Cruz at First Fridays at The 418 Project! Each month, our lobby transforms into a welcoming marketplace and gathering space featuring local artists, makers, vendors, and creative organizations. Browse original artwork, discover handmade goods, meet the people behind the work, and enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community. Whether youโre looking to support local artists, find something unique, or simply spend an inspiring evening downtown, First Fridays is a place to connect with the creative spirit of Santa Cruz. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Come explore, meet local creatives, and experience why The 418 Project is a place to move and be moved.
We are thrilled to host the landmark 95th California Landscape Exhibition! This year, we invite you to join our team, our volunteers, and our community alongside distinguished juror Warren Chang to honor the stunning, diverse scenes that define California. Awards for first, second, third, and honorable mentions will be announced around 6 to 6:30pm.
โEpiphanies โ Solo exhibition by Zara Kand July 3-August 28 Receptions : July 3 and Aug 7 Gallery Hours : Thurs-Sun , 11-6pm Zara Kand is a south California Artist who paints dreamy emotional themes with dark psychological undertones .
Santa Cruz Korean Center K-Gallery will show various Fan Art and Sale. Korean Artist EunKyung Lee Otte will show and tell her unique and authentic hanging fan, holding fan etc. Santa Cruz Korean Center K-gallery is located Tannery Art Center . 1050 River St. Studio 114 Santa Cruz CA 95060. K-Gallery will demo fan Art around 6 Pm on Aug. 7 Come and Enjoy Summer special Fan Art show and Sale!
Offshore Sounds First Friday in Santa Cruz. Late hours at the record shop with local vinyl DJs and new arrivals.
The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center opens its doors for a monthly First Friday open house.
Gallery 125 at The Tannery is open for First Friday from 5 to 8pm on August 7th. We have paintings, prints, cards, sculpture, jewelry, pastels, assemblage, etc. in all sizes and prices to meet everyoneโs taste and budget. Come visit us! Showing the work of Beth Shields, Lynne Todaro, Melissa West, Linda Fillhardt and Joan Hellenthal.
Treehouse Dispensary hosts a monthly First Friday event on the first Friday of every month. These events feature live music, local artists, makers, and an art market with up to 20 different vendors, along with shop-wide discounts and community activities. The shop is open 8:00 AM to 9:45 PM daily. We're proud to offer everyday savings for our community: New Members: 10% off your first order Wisdom Discount (65+): 5% off Medical Patients: 10% off Students & Teachers: 20% off with valid ID Veterans: 20% off *Please note that discounts do not stack with other deals. Ask staff for exclusions.
5:30-7:30pm Local Honey is a Santa Cruz-based band that drips with honey sweet harmony and hums with tight, inventive musicianship. Local Honey's repertoire pays homage to some of the the big voices of the last seven decades, including Big Mama Thornton, Rachael Price, Gladys Knight, Stevie Nicks, Grace Slick, and Amy Winehouse, among other divas. They seek out feel-good songs with strong vocals and infectious beats and make them their own. Though Local Honey is a new band, all of them are veterans of the Santa Cruz and Monterey music scenes. Members have worked with Honeytone, Ten O'Clock Lunch, Come Together, Backyard Birds, Menage, and Bay Bop. Over the years they've played in different combinations at many venues, including Michael's on Main, Chaminade, Davenport Roadhouse, Hallcrest Vineyards, Joe's Bar and the Food Lounge.
Enjoy live music from location musicians every Friday and Saturday. Venue is 21+ with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options.
Join us Friday August 7th, from 6:00-9:00pm for the astrophotography of Christian Ryun! Up for August & September Meet The artist while enjoying wine & refreshments in our beautiful Loft! Message from the artist: My name is Christian Ryun and I am a photographer based in Santa Cruz, CA. In middle school, I worked all summer to afford my first camera. From dragonflies to water drops, that little camera opened the door to a lifelong love of photography. I found my passion in astrophotography through the Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017. Something that awe inspiring really grabbed a hold of me and I have been hooked ever since. In addition to photography, I have also been backpacking around the Western US for over 20 years. It was only natural that some of the darkest skies I could find for astrophotography would be in the backcountry!
A documentary screening about mischief and theft at Walt Disney World, including the half-million-dollar animatronic heist. Followed by filmmaker Q&A.
Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected โ The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument โ or guitar, banjo, and brass โ itโs the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! Click the link in the orange button above for more details. August 6 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Pono Hawaiian Grill at 120 Union Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Museum of Art and History at 725 Front Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 8 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 9 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Shanty Shack Brewing at 138 Fern Street in Santa Cruz
Rebecca Coupe Franks / Trumpet Nancy Heth / Vocals and Piano
Jug band music is often just seen as goofy, but it also has a rich history. It was born in the 1910s in the Southern United States. It blends African, European, and American styles of music. It can be played casually on a corner or a porch or professionally at large events like the Kentucky Derby. The genre even saw a revival in the 1950s. Today jug band music has expanded to include those who play the original jug band songs or people who use homemade instruments to make music. Members of the jug band Trolley Drop, Greg Meyer and Peter Thomas, will be diving deep into this fascinating and colorful history at the MAH. -Isabella Marie Sangaline; Good Times Santa Cruz
Every first and third Fridays at Cat Alley Street, our beat conductors take you on a high-style ride showcasing underground street sounds- Brought to you by Subterrestrials Records. Doors and Bar open at 6pm, Music at 9pm. No Cover, 21+
Currently, Cat Alley Street has local artist Harry Hat displaying his fun, whimsical drawings/painting on our walls, along with other pictures that fit our aesthetic. Cat Alley Street is a swanky 1920s themed vampire nightclub, located at the Catalyst upstairs. We have a full bar, beautiful lounge, and great DJs playing electronic dance music Thursday thru Sunday, usually with no cover. This venue is 21+. Occasionally we have live jazz or bluegrass in the Sun Room. The bar & lounge open at 6pm, DJs start at 9. We will soon have food service at the Catalyst downstairs food counter, which can be brought upstairs. Our intention is all about creating an atmosphere that feels beautiful, safe, and genuinely welcoming.
An outdoor music event held in the plaza, offering a chance to enjoy live performance in downtown Watsonville.
First Friday Santa Cruz & Radius Gallery present a special exhibition! The Art of Flowers โ Call for art and fresh floral designs Calling all floral designers, 3D vessel crafters (must hold water), and artists working in a variety of 2D and 3D media with a theme of flowers โ weโd love to see non-literal, abstract and surreal work! Performance art welcome! Application is open to all Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Monterey & San Mateo county artists. Up to two original works can be entered on the same form for consideration. No prints or reproductions please. Submissions will be reviewed and selected by the exhibition curators. APPLY HERE IMPORTANT INFO: Exhibition Location: Radius Gallery | 1050 River St #127, Santa Cruz,CA Exhibition Dates: August 6-16 Opening Reception: August 6, 6-8pm First Friday: August 7, 5-9pm Open Gallery Hours: Wed-Sun, 12-5pm Other special events TBA Application Deadline: July 3, midnight Application fee: $25 Acceptance Notifications Sent: July 10 Art Delivery: July 29-30 Florals designed in gallery: August 4-5 Commission on Sold Work: 60/40 (Artist/Gallery) Curated by Ann Hazels & Bree Karpavage. Contact: Bree Karpavage โ [email protected] with questions.
Join Us to Hold Grief, Witness, and Care for Gazaโs Children 36 handmade quilts. 720 infants remembered. Watching from a distanceโin a country whose government is implicatedโwas not bearable. So community members stitched with care, imagining the babies who should have been wrapped in these quilts. Weโll reflect, witness, and grieve in solidarity that moves us toward greater responsibility. Light refreshments will be served.
First Friday Art Event
The Second Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival Thursday August 6th โ Sunday August 9th, 2026 Free admission for all events! Contact [email protected] Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected โ The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument - or guitar, banjo, and brass - itโs the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! Calendar of events: Thursday August 6th, 5:45-7:30 pm at Pono Hawaiian Grill. 120 Union St. Downtown Santa Cruz. ยท Join the Trolley Drops at their monthly jug band sing and play along. Bring your voice and/or instruments and your good humor. Lyrics projected on the wall. Itโs free. Friday August 7th, 6-9 pm at Abbott Square Market and the MAH, 725 Front St. Santa Cruz ยท 6 pm in the MAH lecture hall: โThe Wild & Wacky History of Jug Band Musicโ, a presentation by the Trolley Drops. ยท 7 pm at Abbott Square: The Puffball Collective plays dance music, โProhibition to Psychedelia: Jug Band Roots as Rock.โ Saturday August 8th, Noon-9 pm at Abbott Square. 725 Front St. Santa Cruz ยท Five bands will play one hour sets with sing-alongs or solo performances between sets. ยท Alphabetically the bands are: The Rivertown Skifflers The Quake City Jug Band The San Lorenzo Valley Ramblers The Trolley Drops The Washboard Rhythm Company Sunday August 9th, 2-5 pm at Shanty Shack Brewing. 138 Fern St. Santa Cruz. ยท Jug Band Happy Hour: various members of the five Jug Bands will perform some of their favorite songs in a more intimate setting.
Join Us to Hold Grief, Witness, and Care for Gazaโs Children 36 handmade quilts. 720 infants remembered. Watching from a distanceโin a country whose government is implicatedโwas not bearable. So community members stitched with care, imagining the babies who should have been wrapped in these quilts. Weโll reflect, witness, and grieve in solidarity that moves us toward greater responsibility. Light refreshments will be served.
The August show features Gelli, Mono, and Relief prints with PATT participants: Bob Rocco, Andrรฉe LeBourveau, Ann Miya, Lu Lee, A V Pike, Jane Gregorius, Susan Gilchrist, and Cindy Haug, and guest artist Margitta Dietrick.
Pole Fitness 101 is more than just aerial training. Get movement training youโll use for life! โ Pole technique with dance & fitness modules โ Functional conditioning โ Mobility & flexibility training โ High level Xpert Xpole certified (L1-L4) โ FRC certified Mobility Specialist (FRCms) Drop in on one class or attend the fully programmed module for 7 weeks! Fridays 6 pm. www.ohanastudiosantacruz.com
โConfluenceโ: where separate currents meet. This exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. โConfluenceโ is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. We will be hosting live, improvisational jazz music from the talented musicians of โthe Leftoversโ
Thread Bare: Erotic Textiles Make your way to LGC Friday August 7th from 6-9pm for a collection of suggestive pieces from local sewists, weavers, knitters, crotcheters, and embroidery artists. Ranging from the lighthearted to lewd, this collection is sure to be entertaining and titillating. Featuring works by Amanda Payne Ann Altstatt Arden Rosenthal Bobby Gordon Colette Rabin Derek Pratt Haley Ricci J Atencio Juliette Saux Lisa Sprinkle Martabel Wasserman Pete Brook Sophie Bassett LGC is an inclusive space and all are welcome, be aware of adult themes when bringing in younger viewers. 115 river st S Next to Mobo Sushi
After a brief hiatus from first friday, Kraken Art Studio & Gallery is backโand weโre still Kraken! Join us for our August First Friday as we reopen our doors and welcome the community back into our creative space. Browse artwork by John Martinez, Mark Perry, and Beverly Connelly, explore our working studio, and enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and downtown Santa Cruz. Weโre excited to be back and look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones.
We are a cover band out of San Jose playing a mix of Jam Band, R&B and Classic Rock. We tend to play songs just off the beaten track but that people still recognize. We cover a very wide variety of artists including Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Stevie Wonder, Hall and Oates, Eric Clapton, Phish, Paul Simon, Jimmy Cliff and more.
Confluence: where separate currents meet. The exhibition brings together two distinct practices, each shaped by its own materials, process, and point of view - meeting at a single point within the gallery. Carter's work begins from a place of not knowing, letting intuition guide the encounter between material and chance. Arias describes her work as primitive contemporary, presenting her sculptures as if they belonged in a history museum - objects that carry the weight and presence of relics. Together, their work forms a quiet conversation about what separate paths can become when they meet. "Susana and Glenn each bring such a deeply distinctive artistic voice to their work," said Rose Sellery, exhibition curator. "Confluence explores the fertile ground where two creative currents meet. Their work remains unmistakably their own, yet in conversation with one another it reveals new layers of meaning, beauty and possibility." Confluence is shown alongside work from more than 25 local and regional artists whose work the gallery is proud to represent, reflecting M.K. Contemporary's ongoing commitment to the Santa Cruz arts community. The exhibition opens with a First Friday reception on August 7, featuring live improvisational jazz from The Leftovers. The public is invited to attend.
Artisans & agency is delighted to feature the luminous paintings of Brian Rounds for the month of August. His plein air paintings of Santa Cruz woodlands and coasts are the perfect way to wrap up the summer and head into fall. We hope you can join us on August 7 from 6-8pm, to admire his work and meet Brian Rounds in person. A word from the artistโฆ Art has the power to instill in us a sense of belonging. When I was growing up in California, rapid suburban development resulted in a dichotomous landscape โ places of commerce intermixed with patches of land left somewhat wild. While the grid of technology and commodity provides many benefits, the forests, creeks, and trails present something indispensable: contact with what is ancient and nameless. My landscape paintings offer a sanctuary, a meditation, a place where one can lose oneself in the contours of nature. I seek places that inspire me with harmonies of composition, tone, and color, and there begins the process of building a small reflection of the world before meโan absorbing task urged on by the gradual and changing passage of light. Through the act of painting outdoors, I hope to express the unique and mysterious pull that landscape holds when we take time to feel a connection to it. Not unlike the American luminists, who explored natureโs mysteries by rendering light and color in spatially expansive landscapes, I strive to make light palpable and offer the viewer a sense of wonder and engagement with the natural world.
Join us from May to October as Chef Samuels and his culinary team create gourmet four-course dinners expertly paired with wines from local California vineyards. Enjoy a romantic evening in the Chaminade courtyard overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. 21+ only. Tickets and Overnight Packages (two tickets included) on sale now. See 2026 calendar below. Friday, May 1 in partnership with Beauregard Vineyards Friday, June 5 in partnership with Caymus Vineyards Friday, July 10 in partnership with Wente Vineyards Friday, July 24 in partnership with Storrs Winery Friday, August 7 in partnership with Fableist Wine Co. Friday, September 11 in partnership with Serial Wines October Date TBD in partnership with Alfaro Family Vineyards
Subject: Come Drum, Connect, and Celebrate Life โ Now Twice a Month! Dear Friends, Due to continuing requests from our growing circle, Iโm 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 7:00โ8:30 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm Donation: $10 I provide hand drums and percussion instruments, and youโre 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 humanityโs 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 miracleโthe blessingโof life, and to uplift and empower one another. Come play! Many Blessings, Jim
ALO stands for Animal Liberation Orchestra - because music liberates the inner animal, of course. As liberated as they come, Zach Gill, Dan โLeboโ Lebowitz, and Steve Adams have certainly been at this a long time. The trio met while still pre-teens in Saratoga, California, where they quickly connected through their love of music. In junior high, they got the idea to put together a band for their eighth-grade talent show. Zach recounts the struggle of the emerging artist thusly: โItโs hard to get all the pieces right, you know, youโre chasing a dream and an abstract vision, and youโre going through puberty. Itโs kind of a lot.โ Lebo elaborates, โWe met at a time in our lives where we were coming of age and craving identity. Music, and more specifically, our band, gave us a vessel with which we could โset sailโ on the ocean of lifeโ. And the rest is history, but history is always a crooked path. You end up where you belong, but the journey is never quite what you expected when you took the first step. Twenty five years in, Gill (keyboards/vocals), Lebo (guitar/vocals), Adams (bass, vocals) and newest addition, Bay Area drum legend-in-training Ezra Lipp (drums, vocals), have recorded their greatest work to date. Quite simply, this is what happens when a band doesnโt break up โ the culmination of a lifetime of shared effort and camaraderie, four master collaborators at the peak of their craft with nothing left to prove, a near-telepathic cohesion. These guys have played with everybody. From royalty like Phil Lesh and members of the Grateful Dead to So Cal surf-troubadour Jack Johnson. If the show happened in California, youโll almost always find one of them in the corner of the shot and, sometimes, even in the center. But you donโt really hear the bandโs magic until you hear them together. And it urges repeat listening, because itโs a rich stew that only fully reveals itself with time, attention, a few tears, and a lot of love. ALO call their music โjam-pop,โ and the de
Zach Adleman performs live at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz for an evening of music.
A weekly line dancing event at the Crow's Nest in Santa Cruz, offering a casual and social way to learn country line dances by the waterfront for $10.
Fridays & Saturdays 8pm-10pm through October. Opening weekend July 10-11! Experience the magic once again as this beloved art and light installation returns to the Santa Cruz Mountains for its second year. Lighted lanterns hang high overhead surrounded by thousand year old redwoods that are uplit to create a unique and awe-inspiring retreat back to nature.
A young, wholesome, and seemingly normal couple, Brad and Jan, set out to visit their old professor, but their plans change when a large storm causes their car to go flat. Desperate to get out of the rain, they find an old castle that is home to Dr. Frank-N-Furter. From there, the night only becomes weirder. That night will be one they and the audience will not forget. This cult classic continues to entertain crowds, and this run is no different. Audience members can purchase interactive goodie bags with their tickets and participate in a costume contest. Goes until August 22.
Moes Alley presents the soulful sounds of Eric Lindell & The Westside Summer League! Friday, August 7, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$30 in advance / $35 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====ERIC LINDELLBorn in San Mateo, California in 1969, Lindell spent countless hours in San Francisco, soaking up the musical sounds of the city, eventually leading him to pick up first the bass and then the guitar and harmonica. With a love of music and skateboarding, Lindell formed a few punky garage bands early on while his musical horizons expanded. He listened to the deep blues of Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Jimmy Reed and Albert King before drifting toward the R&B sounds of The Impressions, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, soaking up the soul and learning how to craft a song. After performing at bars on the West Coast with a few short-lived bands, Eric formed his own group in 1993. He quickly gained a loyal Northern California audience thanks to countless performances and many late-night jam sessions. Established stars like Charlie Musselwhite and Tom Waits attended his shows, as did overflow crowds of music fans.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience August Wilsonโs Fences, under the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzโs DeLaveaga Park this summer. Fences By August Wilson Directed by Susan Dalian August Wilson joins the Santa Cruz Shakespeare stage for the first time in 45 years. Fences is the perfect offering, wonderfully in line with the Santa Cruz Shakespeare seasonโs theme: Till Death Do Us Part. Troy Maxson is one of Wilsonโs great creations; Shakespearean in scope; a wordsmith and brilliant storyteller. He has survived the terrible trauma of his past and built himself a good life. But the backbone of that life, the spine that keeps it standing strong, is his wife Rose. Like all of Wilsonโs best work, Fences is both mythic and intimate; the questions it asks both human and eternal. Fences runs July 28 โ August 28. Tickets available for purchase starting May 1. More information through the link in the orange button above. Seasonal box office hours beginning May 1 are Tuesday through Friday from 12p.m. to 4p.m. Call the number above.
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 Campโs 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 Campโs food services and gift shop will be open.
Stay for the entertainment from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by Magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Admission is free! Monday, June 15, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Kris Bentz 9:00pm Acrobatics with Molly Keczan Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Magic with Kris Bentz Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ Live Music with Fire Peach Friday, June 19, 2026 โ Free showing of Ferris Buellerโs Day Off movie on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 22, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:30pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! 9:00pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza Wednesday, June 24, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for Mexico Game Thursday, June 25, 2026: World Cup Watch Party for USA Game Friday, June 26, 2026 โ Free showing of the movie Kicking and Screaming on the beach at 9pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Monday, June 29, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:30pm Magic with Patrick Livingstone 9:00pm Surfing Magic with Doug Hofkins Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:30pm Circus Comedy with Coventry & Kaluza 9:00pm Circus Acrobatics with MeeZee! Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ Live Music with El Brick Friday, July 3, 2026 โ Independence Day Celebrations Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm โ DJ Dance Party with Santa Cruz DJ Company Sunday,
Get the full lineup: bit.ly/Free-Movies-on-the-Beach FREE Movies on the Beach Friday Nights at 9pm June 12 โ August 7, 2026 (Except July 3) Beach in front of the Colonnade The Goonies - August 7 at 9 PM Thereโs nothing quite like watching your favorite movies under the stars with your toes in the sand, enjoying the nostalgic flavors of classic Boardwalk treats. Grab your blankets and your favorite people for a Boardwalk movie night packed with unforgettable fun! Admission FREE! โข Each movie will include a 15-minute intermission. โข Seating is first-come, first-served. โข Low-back chairs and blankets are encouraged for seating; please allow others space and a good view. โข Smoking is not permitted on the beach or Boardwalk. Alcohol and glass are prohibited on the beach. โข A limited number of assistive listening devices (ALDs) are available for check-out at the Mini Golf Kiosk inside Neptune's Kingdom. โข If you require other special accommodations or would like to request Closed Captioning, please contact the Manager on Duty at least 48 hours in advance of the movie at (831) 423-5590. Free Movies on the Beach is sponsored by KDON, KOCN, KWAV, KCDU, and the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Printable Schedule: coming soon... ENJOY THE SHOWS!
Every Friday night (Except 3rd of July this year) on the beach in front of the Colonnade, bring your family and your blanket or low-back chair to experience the ultimate movie night! Watch your favorite movies while munching on mouthwatering Boardwalk treats, from kettle corn and saltwater taffy to corn dogs and turkey legs. Seating is first come, first served and each movie will have a 15-minute intermission. June 12, 2026: The Lost Boys June 19, 2026: Ferris Buellerโs Day Off June 26, 2026: Kicking and Screaming July 10, 2026: 13 Going on 30 July 17, 2026: Back to the Future July 24, 2026: A Minecraft Movie July 31, 2026: Jurassic Park August 7, 2026: The Goonies
Dig deeply into this seasonโs Shakespeare productions with a special weekend of lectures, discussions and hands-on activities. In partnership with UCSCโs Shakespeare Workshop and The Humanities Institute, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about each play during the day and then enjoy the production that same evening. This year, Weekend with Shakespeare will be held at the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park on August 8th (Much Ado About Nothing) and August 9th (Macbeth). Admission is free to all, but seating is limited. Please register below to reserve your seats. Schedule for Weekend with Shakespeare Saturday, 8/8 โ Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare 11:00 a.m. โ Welcome (Sean Keilen, UCSC) 11:15 a.m. โ Actor Panel (Charles Pasternak and members of the company, SCS) 12:15 p.m. โ Boxed lunch (courtesy of Shakespeare Workshop) 1:00 p.m. โ Visiting Scholar (Eli Simon, UC Irvine) 2:00 โ End of program Sunday, 8/9 โ Macbeth by William Shakespeare 1:00 a.m. โ Welcome (Sean Keilen, UCSC) 11:15 a.m. โ Actor Panel (Charles Pasternak and members of the company, SCS) 12:15 p.m. โ Boxed lunch (courtesy of Shakespeare Workshop) 1:00 p.m. โ Visiting Scholar (Eli Simon, UC Irvine) 2:00 โ End of program Sean Keilen is Professor of Literature and UC Santa Cruz, the founder of Shakespeare Workshop, and Head of Dramaturgy at Santa Cruz Shakespeare. Charles Pasternak is Artistic Director at Santa Cruz Shakespeare, before which served as Artistic Director of The Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Co in Los Angeles for over fifteen years. He has had a wide-ranging career as an actor and director at theatres across this country including American Players Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, three seasons with The Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis and four with Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Eli Simon is a Chancellorโs Professor of Drama at UC Irvine, where he has served as chair and head of actin
Dig deeply into this seasonโs Shakespeare productions with a special weekend of lectures, discussions and hands-on activities. In partnership with UCSCโs Shakespeare Workshop and The Humanities Institute, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about each play during the day and then enjoy the production that same evening. This year, Weekend with Shakespeare will be held at the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park on August 8th ( Much Ado About Nothing ) and August 9th ( Macbeth ). Admission is free to all, but seating is limited. Please register below to reserve your seats . Schedule for Weekend with Shakespeare Saturday, 8/8 โ Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare 11:00 a.m. โ Welcome (Sean Keilen, UCSC) 11:15 a.m. โ Actor Panel (Charles Pasternak and members of the company, SCS) 12:15 p.m. โ Boxed lunch (courtesy of Shakespeare Workshop) 1:00 p.m. โ Visiting Scholar (Eli Simon, UC Irvine) 2:00 โ End of program Sunday, 8/9 โ Macbeth by William Shakespeare 1:00 a.m. โ Welcome (Sean Keilen, UCSC) 11:15 a.m. โ Actor Panel (Charles Pasternak and members of the company, SCS) 12:15 p.m. โ Boxed lunch (courtesy of Shakespeare Workshop) 1:00 p.m. โ Visiting Scholar (Eli Simon, UC Irvine) 2:00 โ End of program Sean Keilen is Professor of Literature and UC Santa Cruz, the founder of Shakespeare Workshop , and Head of Dramaturgy at Santa Cruz Shakespeare . Charles Pasternak is Artistic Director at Santa Cruz Shakespeare , before which served as Artistic Director of The Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Co in Los Angeles for over fifteen years. He has had a wide-ranging career as an actor and director at theatres across this country including American Players Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, three seasons with The Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis and four with Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Eli Simon is a Chancellorโs Professor of Drama at UC Irvine, where he has served as chair and head
Every Saturday from late spring through fall, a circle of regional farms, local food businesses and makers set up their stands in Scotts Valley โ 9 to 1, sun on the redwoods. It's been running since 2009 alongside the City of Scotts Valley, and it's grown into the kind of seasonal ritual you plan your weekend around. Come for the shopping, stay for the slowing down. The market doubles as a resource for nutritious food and agricultural education, and a gathering place for families, friends and neighbors โ whether you're a weekly regular or just passing through the mountain town for the morning. Find it all amid the stalls: organic vegetables, fruits and herbs; pasture-raised chicken and duck eggs; flowers, artisanal meats, fresh bread and seafood; pastries; and ready-to-eat plates you can dig into right there with the music going.
Saturday mornings at Cabrillo College in Aptos, 8 to noon. A certified farmers' market with the week's fresh produce and plenty of free parking. Show up early and shop the good stuff first.
Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.
Beati Quorum, a new and growing Ensemble, is seeking new local members. Beati Quorum is a small, hybrid professional / volunteer ensemble based in Santa Cruz. We focus on a cappella singing, Renaissance through contemporary works, and collaborations with artists from our local network to international groups. Visit www.beatiquorum.org to set up an audition today.
Enjoy Dynomite Farmโs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
Sandhills Tour - Hike around an ancient seafloor?! Yes please! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Santa Cruz Sandhills, we'll be meandering through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800' above present-day sea level! Join us on August 8th at 9:00 am to explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. RSVP for this event here . Let's plan to meet in the campground parking lot (located off Graham Hill Rd.). We hope to see you there! Hard rain cancels.
Classic cars and coffee every Saturday morning, in East Lake Village Shopping Center. It doesn't get much better. Come walk around the expansive parking lot, look at some beautifully restored cars, drink delicious coffee, and visit with your community. Stay awhile and enjoy one of the many great eateries in the shopping center!
Come enjoy picking your own organic strawberries and/or flowers at the campus farm! When: U-picks will take place on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm, July 11โAugust 22, or while supplies last. PLEASE NOTE that u-pick will not occur on Saturday, July 4. Where: Free parking will be available in the Hay Barn lot or lot 115/116 during u-pick hours. Please do not park in the dirt lot at the farmโs back gate. Please walk to the check-in table near the strawberries/flowers at the farm to pre-pay and collect your u-pick container(s). We will have directional signage displayed. There is one ADA parking spot on the farm. The UCSC Farm has uneven, hilly terrain. If you require accommodations to fully participate, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate. Cost: UCSC students with valid ID get 25% off produce. Strawberry pints โ $4 each Strawberry flats (12 pints) โ $44 Flowers โ $25 for 32oz deli container Flower buckets โ $75 Payment: Credit card payments only (you will need a smartphone to scan a QR code and enter your card info manually). Dogs are not allowed on the UC Santa Cruz campus (service animals are OK).
Saturday mornings at Hwy 1 and Western Drive, year-round. Fifteen-plus years on the Westside, with 100% certified organic produce, pasture-raised meats, sustainable seafood, flowers, and eggs, plus cook-to-order meals, live local music, and espresso from Syllable. On the edge of the greenbelt, minutes from Natural Bridges and Wilder Ranch, a bike ride from Downtown. Free parking, easy to reach.
This is a mixed-level ballet class for adult ballet dancers with Elizebeth Randall Rains.
You will be going out to the Santa Cruz Wharf to collect the plankton and take data on the physical conditions. You will then go to a lab at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Center to look closely at your subjects (plankton) under the microscopes. These are the microscopic organisms that produce half the oxygen you breathe (phytoplankton) and the zooplankton, that form the base of the food chain.
Join us for a morning filled with plankton! These are the microscopic organisms that produce half the oxygen we breathe (phytoplankton) and the zooplankton, that form the base of the food chain. We will be going out to the Santa Cruz Wharf to collect the plankton and take data on the physical conditions. We will then go to a lab at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Center to look closely at our subjects (plankton) under the microscopes. REGISTER About the Speaker Jane Silberstein received her undergraduate degree in science (emphasis on marine science) at UCSC, and later obtained her graduate degree at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Invertebrate Marine Ecology. She has spent the last 40 years learning and teaching about the marine life in the bay and ways to engage audiences with this information. Jane has been teaching about plankton for 10 semesters at Cabrillo College with a program called the Pacific Plankton Program, and worked on plankton projects for many years at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Accessibility and Logistics There will be two parts in this program (field work and lab portion) โ Please note that transportation between venues is not provided, so plan accordingly. Dress in comfortable layers, long pants, hat, sunglasses,and closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or sandals). Please plan to bring any water and snacks you will want during the program. Please bring a notebook if you have one, otherwise, weโll bring paper, to draw and describe the amazing microscopic drifters we find in the Monterey Bay! Capacity : 20 Ticket Price: $35 General | $25 Student Discounts : $5 member discount Age limit: 10+. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
You will be going out to the Santa Cruz Wharf to collect the plankton and take data on the physical conditions. You will then go to a lab at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Center to look closely at your subjects (plankton) under the microscopes. These are the microscopic organisms that produce half the oxygen you breathe (phytoplankton) and the zooplankton, that form the base of the food chain.
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join Certified Zentangle Teacher Lisa Hoesing for an introductory workshop and monthly meetup to practice the method. The monthly meetup will take place on the second Saturday of each month in the Ow Community Room. All supplies will be provided at the event, thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Capitola Library . Periodic workshops to welcome new beginners will also take place. Take a look
Writing Circle: Open to the writer in each of us, this group allows for creative exploration in a supportive space right where you are. Each session is a surprise. Your creations are prompted by writing activities and the stories of your lifeโbring your notebook and invite your muse. Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month, 10 am to 12 noon at WomenCAREโs Soquel office.
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.).
Explore a creative practice that transforms emotions into meaningful expression. Through guided prompts and artistic exploration, participants will develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and deeper connection to their inner experience. No artistic experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
From Trees to Shining Seas โ Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Todayโs Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.
Write Queer, a creative writing group Date: May 9, and the Second and Fourth Saturdays Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 Noon Cost: Free Location: The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Ages: 18+ Join Jesse and Peggy for all or part of this series, running from March through May. Unleash your creativity at Write Queer, an 18+ group for writers of all levels. Respond to provided prompts, or bring your own projects. Meetings include writing time, optional sharing and positive feedback. Please bring a pen and paper or a laptop. .
Starting in April, on both Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of each month, the City of Santa Cruz staff will lead tours of Loch Lomond Reservoir on the Newell Jewell (pontoon boat). The tours start at 11AM on both days and lasts about an hour. Attendance is limited to 25 people and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The Loch Lomond Recreation Area is a 180-acre reservoir and part of the 2,800-acre watershed land holdings that the City of Santa Cruz Water Department manages in the Newell Creek watershed. It is open daily from late March through mid-October when the park closes for the season.
Explore a western pond with City Water Resources Analyst, Jenny Viera. As essential ecosystem engineers, turtles maintain ecological balance, such as cycling nutrients and creating burrows for other wildlife. Protecting them also preserves biodiversity and cultural heritage. The monthly โLoch Walksโ are included in the entry fee for the Recreation Area. There is a $10.00 charge per vehicle for entrance to the park. Walk participants are encouraged to dress for variable weather conditions and to wear proper footwear for hiking on dirt trails and for changes in elevation. The Loch Lomond Recreation Area is a 180-acre reservoir and part of the 2,800-acre watershed land holdings that the City of Santa Cruz Water Department manages in the Newell Creek watershed. Loch Lomond serves as Santa Cruz Cityโs only drinking water reservoir. To RSVP for the Loch Walk, please call 831 335-7424.
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. Itโs 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 โ Birds, Bees & Butterflies April 12th โ Easter on the Farm with Egg Hunt May 10th โ Springtime on the Farm June 14th โ Olden Days on the Farm July 12th โ Summertime Fun on the Farm August 9th โ Round-Up at the Ranch September 13th โ Visit Yesterdayโs Farm during the Santa Cruz Fair October 11th โ Tractor-or-Treat November 8th โ Harvest on the Farm December 13th โ Holidays on the Farm
Learn about the western pond turtle at Loch Lomond Reservoir during a free presentation led by City Water Resources Analyst Jenny Viera as part of the Newell Jewell School Interpretive Program. The talk will also include a pontoon boat tour and is part of the Santa Cruz Water Departmentโs Loch Lomond Learning Series. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. Space is limited; call 831-335-7424 to reserve a spot.
Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA Dock (southwest harbor) Launch Ramp (southeast harbor) Please visit the Port Districtโs website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.
Staff offers a guided adobe tour centered on the experiences of Native communities in the Santa Cruz mission providing insight into daily life, cultural change, and the impacts of the mission system. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and enduring presence of Indigenous people in the region. Reservation Link:
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm In partnership with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us each Saturday morning for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors.
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.
No set up - nothing special just stage space
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Big stories, tiny prices! Browse our pop-up book sale packed with great finds. $5 a bag!! Every purchase supports the Aptos Library. Stop by, snag a stack, and support your library today!!!
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm In this two-part short story workshop, writers will explore how to shape a story from an initial idea into a more focused, compelling draft.
In the Provenรงal tradition, enjoy a to tour the cellar and vineyard property with the stewards of this special place! After a seasonal walk & talk around the property, youโll gather on the Terrace for French Workerโs Lunch paired with featured wines.
Join us at our Santa Cruz Mountains winery for seasonal hikes through the vines and finish with a Provenรงal Workerโs lunch paired with wine.
Saturday, August 08 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm The Zentangle Method is a fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join Certified Zentangle Teacher Lisa Hoesing for an introductory workshop and monthly meetup.
Discover the calming and creative power of music ๐ถ 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. ๐ 1st & 3rd Saturdays ๐ต All levels welcome โ ๏ธ Limited to 10 spotsโadvance booking recommended
Confluence: where separate currents meet. The exhibition brings together two distinct practices, each shaped by its own materials, process, and point of view - meeting at a single point within the gallery. Carter's work begins from a place of not knowing, letting intuition guide the encounter between material and chance. Arias describes her work as primitive contemporary, presenting her sculptures as if they belonged in a history museum - objects that carry the weight and presence of relics. Together, their work forms a quiet conversation about what separate paths can become when they meet. "Susana and Glenn each bring such a deeply distinctive artistic voice to their work," said Rose Sellery, exhibition curator. "Confluence explores the fertile ground where two creative currents meet. Their work remains unmistakably their own, yet in conversation with one another it reveals new layers of meaning, beauty and possibility." Confluence is shown alongside work from more than 25 local and regional artists whose work the gallery is proud to represent, reflecting M.K. Contemporary's ongoing commitment to the Santa Cruz arts community. The exhibition opens with a First Friday reception on August 7, featuring live improvisational jazz from The Leftovers. The public is invited to attend.
Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
The Second Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival Thursday August 6th โ Sunday August 9th, 2026 Free admission for all events! Contact [email protected] Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected โ The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument - or guitar, banjo, and brass - itโs the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! Calendar of events: Thursday August 6th, 5:45-7:30 pm at Pono Hawaiian Grill. 120 Union St. Downtown Santa Cruz. ยท Join the Trolley Drops at their monthly jug band sing and play along. Bring your voice and/or instruments and your good humor. Lyrics projected on the wall. Itโs free. Friday August 7th, 6-9 pm at Abbott Square Market and the MAH, 725 Front St. Santa Cruz ยท 6 pm in the MAH lecture hall: โThe Wild & Wacky History of Jug Band Musicโ, a presentation by the Trolley Drops. ยท 7 pm at Abbott Square: The Puffball Collective plays dance music, โProhibition to Psychedelia: Jug Band Roots as Rock.โ Saturday August 8th, Noon-9 pm at Abbott Square. 725 Front St. Santa Cruz ยท Five bands will play one hour sets with sing-alongs or solo performances between sets. ยท Alphabetically the bands are: The Rivertown Skifflers The Quake City Jug Band The San Lorenzo Valley Ramblers The Trolley Drops The Washboard Rhythm Company Sunday August 9th, 2-5 pm at Shanty Shack Brewing. 138 Fern St. Santa Cruz. ยท Jug Band Happy Hour: various members of the five Jug Bands will perform some of their favorite songs in a more intimate setting.
Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc., and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. You donโt want to miss this! Meet at the visitor center. Although the event is free, the vehicle day-use fee is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!
Visit the IAS, UCSCโs premier art galleries, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10โAugust 16, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right , the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj , a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies , a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics, performance, and visual art. The IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday, 12 pm โ 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right Libia Posadaโs first solo exhibition in the United States features installations, sculptures, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments, gauze bandages, crutches, used books, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal, social, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons. Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements The internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation, produced in community from things collected, found, purchased and donated, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people, spirits, and ideas. Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies Collage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video, painting, and installation, layers and folds conceal and reveal, delving into the experience, both bodily and emotive, of living in time
โConfluenceโ: where separate currents meet. This beautiful exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. โConfluenceโ is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from โThe Leftoversโ at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM
Celebrate our 12th Anniversary with.. THIRTY of OUR favorite breweries! Live Music + Food + Merch All you can responsibly drink! Advance 21+ tickets $50 | $65 day of Friendly dogs allowed on leash
Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! Saturdays from noon to 5pm โ Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from 1pm to 4pm โ Enjoy listening to local musicians Pack a picnic spread, gather your friends and family, and sip on their refreshing summer wine flight, featuring the best of our warm-weather selections. Book your reservation today! July 11 & 12: The Clay Chalet and music by Dos Bros July 18 & 19: Indigo and Vine and music by Jo Coleman July 25 & 26: Sour Sammy Sourdough and music by Six String Mixtape August 1 & 2: Scout and Sea and music by Half Pass August 8 & 9: Lili Arnold Studios and music by Eden Edell August 15 & 16: Desert Moon Design and music by Kip Allert August 22 & 23: Papelline Jewelry and music by Zach Bailey August 29 & 30: Anna Gail Designs and music by Jeff Smith September 5 & 6: All You Knead and music by Cake Party!
Saturday, August 08 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Write a poem in a creative and supportive environment.
Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions?Call (669)758-1963or email [email protected]
Saturday, August 08 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm Adults need playtime, too! Come play some new or old favorite tabletop games. Bring your own or play some of the library's games. No prior gaming experience is necessary. 18+. Every 2nd Saturday.
Saturday, August 08 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Learn about Iranian rituals and beliefs in relation to dance, as well as how Iranian culture has impacted global music and dance traditions.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience August Wilsonโs Fences, under the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzโs DeLaveaga Park this summer. Fences By August Wilson Directed by Susan Dalian August Wilson joins the Santa Cruz Shakespeare stage for the first time in 45 years. Fences is the perfect offering, wonderfully in line with the Santa Cruz Shakespeare seasonโs theme: Till Death Do Us Part. Troy Maxson is one of Wilsonโs great creations; Shakespearean in scope; a wordsmith and brilliant storyteller. He has survived the terrible trauma of his past and built himself a good life. But the backbone of that life, the spine that keeps it standing strong, is his wife Rose. Like all of Wilsonโs best work, Fences is both mythic and intimate; the questions it asks both human and eternal. Fences runs July 28 โ August 28. Tickets available for purchase starting May 1. More information through the link in the orange button above. Seasonal box office hours beginning May 1 are Tuesday through Friday from 12p.m. to 4p.m. Call the number above.
Through the hands-on exploration of a bustling beehive on Chaminade's grounds, you will learn about the intriguing world of honey bees in a way that very few get to experience. Your hive tour, led by Northern Roots Bee Co.โs professional beekeepers, will include suiting up in beekeeping attire and learning about the different roles and contributions that bees make in the colony. Weโll finish the experience with a honey tasting where participants delight in the nuanced flavors of varietal honeys. This experience is open to overnight resort guests and community members.
Kanekoa, band of limitless possibilities, is one of Hawaiiโs premier live music experiences, selling out shows wherever they perform.
Join us for live music, 5 boutique wines & charcuterie at our ridge top winery!
Barb Bartels began studying fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York at eighteen, where she developed her skills in garment design, fashion illustration, and pattern making during a transformative era in American fashion. There she received critiques and mentorship from pioneering designer Claire McCardell, whose innovative approach emphasized comfort, movement, simplicity, and clothing designed for the realities of womenโs lives. The watercolor sketches featured in Quiet Revolution were created during Barbโs years at Parsons and reflect the influence of that remarkable period. Their graceful lines and expressive silhouettes capture a moment when American fashion embraced elegance through simplicity and ease. After completing her second year at Parsons, Barb chose to marry and raise a family before returning to the fashion industry in the 1970s. She designed and created patterns for Esprit and Gunne Sax before building a successful freelance career in design and pattern making in Los Angeles. These sketches represent both the beginning of Barbโs creative journey and a pivotal moment in fashion history. They reflect the spirit of a quiet revolutionโone that reimagined how women dressed with grace, comfort, confidence, and freedomโand stand as a lasting record of her artistic vision and lifelong love of design.
Stax Johnson is an independent rock and blues artist based out of California's Central Coast. With B3 hammond organs coupled with smooth guitar licks and deep rooted back beats, he transcends musical genres while incorporating pieces of the blues, rock and roll, and soul into a style all his own. Stax Johnson and his band have performed at various festivals and venues across the U.S. with artists that include Robbie Krieger of The Doors, Chris Isaak, Leon Russell, The Pointer Sisters, The Guess Who, John Mayall, Charlie Musselwhite, Ratt, Greg Kihn, Blues Traveler, Y&T, and The Blue Oyster Cult. Stax Johnson & Company includes Manny Castro(bass guitar and vocals), Robbie Bohn (lead guitar and vocals), Brad Burchell (drums), and Stax Johnson(guitar, keys, vocals, and harmonica).
Saturday, August 08 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!
Acoustic musical guests make for a lively accompaniment to the afternoon! Enjoy a tasting of 5 of the current Roberts Ranch wines complete with abundant charcuterie boards! Meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, chocolate and even warm appetizers make appearances at this lovely and casual tasting experience. (See Seltzer & Charcuterie option for those not partaking in the wine tasting.) Your tasting begins at the crush pad where you will sign in and get your first pour and plate of charcuterie. From there you are welcome to find a comfortable spot to enjoy the views. Pace your tasting and food experience according to your preference. Enjoy a flavorful and relaxing afternoon! Attended children and well-behaved pups are welcome to join. Please sign up for a childโs ticket so they can be prepared with snacks and drinks for the kids.
You won't want to miss CASA of Santa Cruz County's premier fundraising event, Imagine! All proceeds raised go towards our programs supporting children and youth in the foster care and/or juvenile probation systems of Santa Cruz County. Joyous welcome festivities include youth performances, music, raffle, photo booth, and more, while enjoying complimentary appetizers, beverages, and great conversation. Enjoy a scrumptious full-course dinner prepared and served family style by the student chefs at Cabrillo's Culinary Arts program as we celebrate some amazing youth of our community. This is followed by our ever-exciting live auction that you won't want to miss! And concludes with dessert, and dancing. Purchase your tickets today!
Saturday, August 08 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm Downtown Library Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18. Instructor is Chess Master Gjon Feinstein.
Hear the future of new music in this free chamber concert of original works programmed, produced, performed and presented by our adventurous 16โ24-year-old Youth Ensemble. FREE!
Hear the future of new music in this free chamber concert of original works programmed, produced, performed and presented by our adventurous 16โ24-year-old Youth Ensemble. FREE!
Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonโt want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS
5:30-7:30pm Jazz quartet based in Santa Cruz, CA. Death And Saxes is: John Bouwsma - Tenor Saxophone Harrison Brand - Guitar Jamie Brudnick - Upright Bass Ben Sibley - Drums
Game Night for Trans and Non-binary Young Adults, hosted by TransFamilies Date : Saturday, August 8 Time : 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Location : The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Ages : Young adults 18+ Welcoming all Trans and Non-binary young adults (18+) for board games, cards, laughter, and friendship. Pizza and drinks provided. Please bring your favorite game or two to share. .
A screening of the film "Elvira Notari: Beyond Silence" at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz. A documentary exploring the life of a pioneering filmmaker.
A crowd favorite band that is 3 generations deep! Playing classic Hawaiian music as well as contemporary. Hula is a must!
Karaoke for hub and hub adjacent folx Hosted by Tal
Have you never done line dancing before? Never fear! Wendy will lead you through a variety of line dances. Go enjoy lively dancing and a fun time. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Beer, wine, sodas and snacks will be available for purchase.
A genre-expanding program examining power, agency, and the forces that shape contemporary life. Clarice Assadโs Kontrol (Festival Commission, world premiere), featuring violinist Philippe Quint, is a genre-defying work for narrator, projections, violin, and orchestra that interrogates the role of technology in human autonomy. Defending Greenwood (Movement III: June 1, 1921) (West Coast premiere) by Jackson A. Watersโwinner of the 2026 Cabrillo Emerging Black Composers Prizeโbears witness to the Tulsa Race Massacre, countering historical erasure through musical testimony and remembrance. Merging the Viennese waltz with electronic dance music, Hannah Ishizakiโs Spin (West Coast premiere), evokes motion, disorientation, and suspended time. As elegant triple-meter gestures collide with pulsing, club-like rhythms, the piece blurs past and present, creating a dizzying soundscape that feels both nostalgic and uncannily immediate. Dan Dediuโs Concerto for Orchestra (U.S. premiere) closes the program with a virtuosic and celebratory showcase of the ensemble, dedicated to Cristian Mฤcelaru in recognition of their long-standing artistic collaboration.
Conducted by Cristian Mฤcelaru Clarice Assad: Kontrol (Philippe Quint, Violin) (Festival Commission & world premiere) Jackson A. Waters: Defending Greenwood (West Coast premiere) Hannah Ishizaki: Spin (West Coast premiere) Dan Dediu: Concerto for Orchestra (U.S premiere) A genre-expanding program examining power, agency, and the forces that shape contemporary life. Clarice Assadโs Kontrol (Festival Commission, world premiere), featuring violinist Philippe Quint, is a genre-defying work for narrator, projections, violin, and orchestra that interrogates the role of technology in human autonomy. Defending Greenwood (Movement III: June 1, 1921) (West Coast premiere) by Jackson A. Watersโwinner of the 2026 Cabrillo Emerging Black Composers Prizeโbears witness to the Tulsa Race Massacre, countering historical erasure through musical testimony and remembrance. Merging the Viennese waltz with electronic dance music, Hannah Ishizakiโs Spin (West Coast premiere), evokes motion, disorientation, and suspended time. As elegant triple-meter gestures collide with pulsing, club-like rhythms, the piece blurs past and present, creating a dizzying soundscape that feels both nostalgic and uncannily immediate. Dan Dediuโs Concerto for Orchestra (U.S. premiere) closes the program with a virtuosic and celebratory showcase of the ensemble, dedicated to Cristian Mฤcelaru in recognition of their long-standing artistic collaboration.
Subject: Come Drum, Connect, and Celebrate Life โ Now Twice a Month! Dear Friends, Due to continuing requests from our growing circle, Iโm 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 7:00โ8:30 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm Donation: $10 I provide hand drums and percussion instruments, and youโre 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 humanityโs 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 miracleโthe blessingโof life, and to uplift and empower one another. Come play! Many Blessings, Jim
๐ค Grab your boots and join us for a night of line dancing! ๐๐บ The Ben Lomond Village Alliance invites you to an evening of music, dancing, and community at Park Hall on Saturday, August 8! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have never tried line dancing before, Wendy's Mountain Line Dance will guide you through the steps. All ages and experience levels are welcome! ๐ Saturday, August 8 ๐ช Doors open: 6:30 PM ๐ถ Dancing: 7:00โ8:30 PM ๐ Park Hall, Ben Lomond ๐๏ธ $10 (tickets available online and at the door) Beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks will be available by donation. Bring your friends, meet your neighbors, and enjoy a fun summer evening together. We can't wait to see you on the dance floor! For tickets and more information, visit BenLomondVillage.org.
Mickey Avalon has no shortage of street cred or endless raw raps about male prostitution or smoking crack. Avalonโs early home life reeked of addiction, and he left his father for the streets of Hollywood, California. Slinging weed and trying to find purpose, Avalon even dabbled in orthodox Judaism (his grandmother is a holocaust survivor). A marriage and a family got pushed aside for their own personal raging heroin addiction. But Avalonโs story and music is all about overcoming the odds and pushing past great struggles. Ever since Avalon showed up on MySpace Records with the single, โJane Fonda,โ he have been on the frontline of musicโs edge. Punk, Hip Hop, Rap, Glam and Mickey Avalon. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz
Hailing from the vibrant Monterey Bay Area music scene, JAM and the Buttered Biscuits have been serving up a delicious blend of bluesy funk rock music since the Fall of 2024. Formed to bring frontman Jeffrey A. Meyer's (JAM) two solo albums to the stage, the recipe has been evolving ever since. While Meyer's "Wilder Times" and "Colors of the Mind" albums served as the basis of the repertoire, the group has added a new flavor to the work and new songs along the way. Leo MacDonald was among the first to joinโbringing smooth buttery bass linesโwith drummer, Cliff Nichols, and his driving rhythmic grooves on the pots and pans following closely behind. Meyerโs guitar and vocals are complemented by Fernando Giraldoโs fiery lead guitar work and the indispensable blues and country seasoning provided by Brad Kava on harmonica. With their Monterey Bay roots, JAM and the Buttered Biscuits are a must see act on California's Central Coast. You can catch them up and down the coast including Santa Cruz, Monterey, the San Francisco Bay Area, Morro Bay and beyond.
Fridays & Saturdays 8pm-10pm through October. Opening weekend July 10-11! Experience the magic once again as this beloved art and light installation returns to the Santa Cruz Mountains for its second year. Lighted lanterns hang high overhead surrounded by thousand year old redwoods that are uplit to create a unique and awe-inspiring retreat back to nature.
Live music by WoodMill at Henfling's of Ben Lomond.
A young, wholesome, and seemingly normal couple, Brad and Jan, set out to visit their old professor, but their plans change when a large storm causes their car to go flat. Desperate to get out of the rain, they find an old castle that is home to Dr. Frank-N-Furter. From there, the night only becomes weirder. That night will be one they and the audience will not forget. This cult classic continues to entertain crowds, and this run is no different. Audience members can purchase interactive goodie bags with their tickets and participate in a costume contest. Goes until August 22.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Shakespeareโs Much Ado About Nothing, un-der the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzโs DeLaveaga Park this summer. Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles Pasternak One of Shakespeareโs wittiest and most beloved comedies, the 2026 season will open with Shakespeareโs Much Ado About Nothing. Of all the couples in Shakespeare, perhaps none is more widely loved than Beatrice and Benedick. Their battle of wits; their antagonism turned to eroticism; their history. Before the play begins, they already seem to define each other. The audience, like the other characters in the play, wait with excitement as their wits clash, and eventually, as their love blossoms. Much Ado About Nothing runs July 11 โ August 30. More information or to purchase tickets, follow the link in the orange above, or contact the box office Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4pm at the number listed above.
South Dakota-born Shawn Colvin broke out in a big way right from the beginning of her recording career. Colvinโs remarkable debut album, 1989โs Steady On appeared on the Billboard 200 chart, spawning a hit single and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Since then, Colvin has continued to cultivate an ardent fan base, one that includes critics and a diverse audience of music lovers. Two more Grammy Awards, an ASCAP Pop Music Award and an Americana Trailblazer Award have all followed. These days Colvin concentrates more on live performance than recording. Her last release of new material was 2018โs The Starlighter. -Bill Kopp; Good Times Santa Cruz
Free beachside event featuring live music, BBQ, and cold drinks. A relaxed evening by the water with food and entertainment.
Saturday, 8:00 PM - Performing with "WOODMILL"
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 Campโs 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 Campโs food services and gift shop will be open.
Groovesters! Shake off the cold at Joe's in Boulder Creek! Join us on August 8th from 8:30pm to 11:30pm and warm up those dancin' shoes! Saturday, August 8 The Groovy Judy Band Grooves! Joeโs Bar 13118 State Route 9 Boulder Creek, CA 831-338-9417 8:30pm โ 11:30pm 21+ FREE
Star Walks - Astronomy-based program where participants are guided up to the observation deck, where they will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet in the campfire center of the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park campground. RSVP for this hike here .
Enjoy this astronomy-based guided hike where you will be guided up to the Observation Deck, perched on an ancient seabed, over 800 feet above sea level and 17 miles from the beach. You will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. Follow the link in the orange button above to RSVP. Although this event is free, it costs $10 to park at State Parks. If you plan to visit any other state park earlier in the day, hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park for the day, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!
Dig deeply into this seasonโs Shakespeare productions with a special weekend of lectures, discussions and hands-on activities. In partnership with UCSCโs Shakespeare Workshop and The Humanities Institute, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about each play during the day and then enjoy the production that same evening. This year, Weekend with Shakespeare will be held at the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park on August 8th (Much Ado About Nothing) and August 9th (Macbeth). Admission is free to all, but seating is limited. Please register below to reserve your seats. Schedule for Weekend with Shakespeare Saturday, 8/8 โ Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare 11:00 a.m. โ Welcome (Sean Keilen, UCSC) 11:15 a.m. โ Actor Panel (Charles Pasternak and members of the company, SCS) 12:15 p.m. โ Boxed lunch (courtesy of Shakespeare Workshop) 1:00 p.m. โ Visiting Scholar (Eli Simon, UC Irvine) 2:00 โ End of program Sunday, 8/9 โ Macbeth by William Shakespeare 1:00 a.m. โ Welcome (Sean Keilen, UCSC) 11:15 a.m. โ Actor Panel (Charles Pasternak and members of the company, SCS) 12:15 p.m. โ Boxed lunch (courtesy of Shakespeare Workshop) 1:00 p.m. โ Visiting Scholar (Eli Simon, UC Irvine) 2:00 โ End of program Sean Keilen is Professor of Literature and UC Santa Cruz, the founder of Shakespeare Workshop, and Head of Dramaturgy at Santa Cruz Shakespeare. Charles Pasternak is Artistic Director at Santa Cruz Shakespeare, before which served as Artistic Director of The Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Co in Los Angeles for over fifteen years. He has had a wide-ranging career as an actor and director at theatres across this country including American Players Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, three seasons with The Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis and four with Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Eli Simon is a Chancellorโs Professor of Drama at UC Irvine, where he has served as chair and head of actin
Enjoy Discretion on a boat! For schedule of beer cruises & tickets, visit the links below. We'll see you out on the oceanโฆ Chardonnay Sailing Charters Discretion sails on 5/27, 8/26, 9/16, 10/21 O'Neill Yacht Charters Discretion sails on 6/27, 7/30, 8/9, 9/19, 10/11
Dig deeply into this seasonโs Shakespeare productions with a special weekend of lectures, discussions and hands-on activities. In partnership with UCSCโs Shakespeare Workshop and The Humanities Institute, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about each play during the day and then enjoy the production that same evening. This year, Weekend with Shakespeare will be held at the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park on August 8th ( Much Ado About Nothing ) and August 9th ( Macbeth ). Admission is free to all, but seating is limited. Please register below to reserve your seats . Schedule for Weekend with Shakespeare Saturday, 8/8 โ Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare 11:00 a.m. โ Welcome (Sean Keilen, UCSC) 11:15 a.m. โ Actor Panel (Charles Pasternak and members of the company, SCS) 12:15 p.m. โ Boxed lunch (courtesy of Shakespeare Workshop) 1:00 p.m. โ Visiting Scholar (Eli Simon, UC Irvine) 2:00 โ End of program Sunday, 8/9 โ Macbeth by William Shakespeare 1:00 a.m. โ Welcome (Sean Keilen, UCSC) 11:15 a.m. โ Actor Panel (Charles Pasternak and members of the company, SCS) 12:15 p.m. โ Boxed lunch (courtesy of Shakespeare Workshop) 1:00 p.m. โ Visiting Scholar (Eli Simon, UC Irvine) 2:00 โ End of program Sean Keilen is Professor of Literature and UC Santa Cruz, the founder of Shakespeare Workshop , and Head of Dramaturgy at Santa Cruz Shakespeare . Charles Pasternak is Artistic Director at Santa Cruz Shakespeare , before which served as Artistic Director of The Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Co in Los Angeles for over fifteen years. He has had a wide-ranging career as an actor and director at theatres across this country including American Players Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, three seasons with The Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis and four with Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Eli Simon is a Chancellorโs Professor of Drama at UC Irvine, where he has served as chair and head
Tri Santa Cruz is one of the most fun and scenic events on the west coast. The race has a sprint and international (Olympic) distance triathlon, with relays and aquabike categories for both races. There is a special, non-competitive Family & Friends wave for people who are new to triathlon or just want to have a fun day. The sheltered swim and flat bike and run course make this a perfect place for a first race. The bike ride is a totally closed course and both the bike and run courses follow the coastline to create one of the most scenic races around! It also makes cheering on your athlete a vacation itself!
Started in 2000, this neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved and depended on by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. Here the atmosphere is bumping with families, cyclists, beach goers, locals, visitors, the young and the old. Shoppers find an excellent selection of organic produce from regional farms. The tables are stacked high with tree-ripened fruits, greens, fresh bread, pastries, nuts and legumes, sustainable seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and seasonal flowers. Many visitors spend hours at the market, filling their bags with berries, chicories and bagels โ then moving onto a unique meal from one of the accomplished cooks that sell at the market. Sunday brunch offerings include traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes, gyoza, savory and sweet crepes and farm-driven meals that spotlight the harvest in clean, creative and bright arrangements. Watsonville-based Hidden Fortress Coffee provides that hot, comforting cup of goodness that brings us back to the simple pleasures of life. This is your Sunday destination.
The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.
Highlights Loop Guided Hike- Want to experience the different ecosystems in Henry Cowell State Park first hand? Look no further than this diverse loop through an old-growth redwood forest and the unique Santa Cruz Sandhills. On this guided hike, we will gain 500 feet over 4.5 miles in about 3 hours. Come prepared with good walking shoes and water. Let's plan to meet in front of the Visitor Center at 9:00 am. RSVP here to save your spot!
Enjoy Dynomite Farmโs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
Join us for Sunday drop-in Meditations 9-10 am weekly. In person onlyโ in the Gompa at Land of Medicine Buddha with Venerable Yangchen! Venerable Yangchen's guided meditations bring together a refreshing and precious combination of simplicity, depth, and accessibility. These weekly, hour-long sessions are of great relevance and value to long-term Buddhist practitioners as well as to complete newcomers to meditation. The practice begins with brief instruction, 10 minutes of silent meditation, followed by guided analytical meditation and discussion based on the theme of the week.
Sunday mornings near the sea, year-round: regional organic produce, delicious meals and a live music series for the Eastside. EBT/SNAP accepted.
Join artists Gina Athena Ulysse and Nicolรกs Dumit Estรฉvez Raful Espejo Ovalles Morel for a day-long contemplative retreat. Schedule of events: 10am-1pm Where Are We Going? A 6-mile walk spanning all locations of Redwoods Rasanblaj from the UCSC Quarry to Variance Objects and the MAH in downtown Santa Cruz, and ending at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences. Please bring water and appropriate footwear. Meet at the UCSC Quarry at 10am. Attendees are also welcome to join at the MAH at approximately 11:30am. 1pm-2pm Lunch A light lunch will be provided for those who plan to join for both the conversation and walk. 2pm-3:30pm It Was Never Meant To Be Secular A dialogue at the IAS galleries between Gina Athena Ulysse and Nicolรกs Dumit Estรฉvez Raful Espejo Ovalles Morel.
Wing Chun martial arts classes with instructor Marcus at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, meeting multiple times per week.
A small but mighty amazing community market. In beautiful Corralitos, which is located in south Santa Cruz county. The country feel is real with local produce, local flowers, local honey, baked goods, plants, crafts, and so much more. An amazing Jewel hidden in the south County of Santa Cruz also we are right next to Aldridge Park and the famous Corralitos meat market. See you all there. Rain or Shine. Located 127 Hames Road Corralitos 11-3pm plenty additional parkiing @Aldridgepark
Description: Tianguis Realmente Gratuito. Todo es gratis. Really Really Free Market - every second Sunday - 11am - 2pm. No money. No trades. Everything is free. This gathering is not about the "stuff" we give and take, but more about how we can freely give and receive from each other. This is a form of anti-capitalist mutual aid where everyone is invited to participate and share care. ยกTodo es gratis! No intercambio de dinero, no negocios, no trueques. Trae lo que gustes, toma lo que necesites. Este mercado gratuito es basado en una economรญa de regalar. Learn more about the Santa Cruz Really Really Free Market (RRFM) and RRFMs in general - go to link in bio https://instagram.com/rrfm_ and http://journal.subrosaproject.org/2022/09/really-really-free-market-info-history.html Please wear a mask for community care. with the Really Really Free Market Crew ([email protected]) http://www.subrosaproject.org/ // https://www.facebook.com/subrosaproject // https://www.instagram.com/subrosa_space
For a more casual local draw, Low Tide features weekly dining specials including The Monday Slice ($20 signature pizzas), Wine Down Wednesdays (ยฝ price bottles under $80), and Sunday Golden Hour offerings (4PM-6PM with $6 draft beer and house wine)
Come to the Second Sunday AVALON VISIONS PSYCHIC and HEALING ARTS FAIR where an array of intuitive professionals is available for your consultation, as well as market stalls filled with inspiring good for purchase. Join us for good vibes the Second Sunday of every month at 2815 Porter Street in Soquel. See you there!
Go explore the harbor shops, restaurants and experiences with very little car traffic! Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations: X1 Gate (northeast harbor) AA Dock (southwest harbor) Launch Ramp (southeast harbor) Please visit the Port Districtโs website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.
Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Do you struggle to find tasty, healthy food while traveling, camping, or backpacking? With good preparation, it doesn't have to be that way!
โConfluenceโ: where separate currents meet. This beautiful exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. โConfluenceโ is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from โThe Leftoversโ at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM
Sunday, August 09 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm Local chapter of a global secular (non-religious) movement of people who meet to celebrate life together in congregations and communities around the world. Meets 2nd Sunday of the month 11am to 1 pm.
Visit the IAS, UCSCโs premier art galleries, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10โAugust 16, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right , the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj , a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies , a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics, performance, and visual art. The IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday, 12 pm โ 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right Libia Posadaโs first solo exhibition in the United States features installations, sculptures, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments, gauze bandages, crutches, used books, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal, social, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons. Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements The internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation, produced in community from things collected, found, purchased and donated, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people, spirits, and ideas. Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words, But Melodies Collage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video, painting, and installation, layers and folds conceal and reveal, delving into the experience, both bodily and emotive, of living in time
Take Out: Rhythms Within performance at Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center.
Experience an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 ft. tall, and connect one on one with park staff. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc., and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. You donโt want to miss this! Meet at the visitor center. Although the event is free, the vehicle day-use fee is $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for parking at one state park, you have paid for them all. There are 14 state parks in Santa Cruz County alone!
Beati Quorum, a new and growing Ensemble, is seeking new local members. Beati Quorum is a small, hybrid professional / volunteer ensemble based in Santa Cruz. We focus on a cappella singing, Renaissance through contemporary works, and collaborations with artists from our local network to international groups. Visit www.beatiquorum.org to set up an audition today.
Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions?Call (669)758-1963or email [email protected]
Enjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! Saturdays from noon to 5pm โ Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from 1pm to 4pm โ Enjoy listening to local musicians Pack a picnic spread, gather your friends and family, and sip on their refreshing summer wine flight, featuring the best of our warm-weather selections. Book your reservation today! July 11 & 12: The Clay Chalet and music by Dos Bros July 18 & 19: Indigo and Vine and music by Jo Coleman July 25 & 26: Sour Sammy Sourdough and music by Six String Mixtape August 1 & 2: Scout and Sea and music by Half Pass August 8 & 9: Lili Arnold Studios and music by Eden Edell August 15 & 16: Desert Moon Design and music by Kip Allert August 22 & 23: Papelline Jewelry and music by Zach Bailey August 29 & 30: Anna Gail Designs and music by Jeff Smith September 5 & 6: All You Knead and music by Cake Party!
Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected โ The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument โ or guitar, banjo, and brass โ itโs the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! Click the link in the orange button above for more details. August 6 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Pono Hawaiian Grill at 120 Union Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Museum of Art and History at 725 Front Street in Santa Cruz August 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 8 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Abbott Square at 118 Cooper Street in Santa Cruz August 9 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Shanty Shack Brewing at 138 Fern Street in Santa Cruz
Moes Alley Presents a rockin Sunday matinee with Gary Blackburn Band! Sunday, August 9, 2026Doors: 1pm / Show: 2pm$15 in advance / $20 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====Gary Blackburn BandGary Blackburn Band based in Santa Cruz, CA., and the Monterey Bay brings their high energy roots rock based in the Rock, Country, Blues genres. The Gary Blackburn Band currently performs at music venues up and down the Central Coast and Bay Area, blending old school with contemporary, the band will weave a musical journey up on the stage, and you will be dancing! Fronted by Santa Cruz local, and celebrated veteran singer songwriter, Gary Blackburn, the band performs familiar rocking covers along with a few of Garys originals. You can hear one of Garys country tunes, Carolina on KPIG 107.5 Freedom, California. With Gary on guitar and lead vocals, the band also features, Sean Woodward, lead guitar, mandolin, harmony vocals, Kevin Taylor, keyboards, harmony vocals, Dan Waller, bass, harmony vocals, and Tom Duncan, drums. The Gary Blackburn Band brings it yall, come have some fun!
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Shakespeareโs Much Ado About Nothing, un-der the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruzโs DeLaveaga Park this summer. Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Charles Pasternak One of Shakespeareโs wittiest and most beloved comedies, the 2026 season will open with Shakespeareโs Much Ado About Nothing. Of all the couples in Shakespeare, perhaps none is more widely loved than Beatrice and Benedick. Their battle of wits; their antagonism turned to eroticism; their history. Before the play begins, they already seem to define each other. The audience, like the other characters in the play, wait with excitement as their wits clash, and eventually, as their love blossoms. Much Ado About Nothing runs July 11 โ August 30. More information or to purchase tickets, follow the link in the orange above, or contact the box office Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4pm at the number listed above.
The Second Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival Thursday August 6th โ Sunday August 9th, 2026 Free admission for all events! Contact [email protected] Jug band music is scrappy, soulful, and a little unexpected โ The songs are an energetic and artful blend of old-time jazz with blues and gospel. It can be played using washboards, jugs, kazoos; anything that can be turned into an instrument - or guitar, banjo, and brass - itโs the kind of music that makes you stop and smile! Calendar of events: Thursday August 6th, 5:45-7:30 pm at Pono Hawaiian Grill. 120 Union St. Downtown Santa Cruz. ยท Join the Trolley Drops at their monthly jug band sing and play along. Bring your voice and/or instruments and your good humor. Lyrics projected on the wall. Itโs free. Friday August 7th, 6-9 pm at Abbott Square Market and the MAH, 725 Front St. Santa Cruz ยท 6 pm in the MAH lecture hall: โThe Wild & Wacky History of Jug Band Musicโ, a presentation by the Trolley Drops. ยท 7 pm at Abbott Square: The Puffball Collective plays dance music, โProhibition to Psychedelia: Jug Band Roots as Rock.โ Saturday August 8th, Noon-9 pm at Abbott Square. 725 Front St. Santa Cruz ยท Five bands will play one hour sets with sing-alongs or solo performances between sets. ยท Alphabetically the bands are: The Rivertown Skifflers The Quake City Jug Band The San Lorenzo Valley Ramblers The Trolley Drops The Washboard Rhythm Company Sunday August 9th, 2-5 pm at Shanty Shack Brewing. 138 Fern St. Santa Cruz. ยท Jug Band Happy Hour: various members of the five Jug Bands will perform some of their favorite songs in a more intimate setting.
Join Coleen Douglas--biologist turned nature communicator--for this FREE event. This 90-minute experience features a brief discussion indoors, then a short walk outside the library on paved pathways to be with the trees and to practice communicating. Author of the book "Nature Spirits Want To Talk With Us," Coleen provides practical step-by-step guidance and a sense of magic and fun to lead you into deeper connection with nature. www.coleendouglas.com
Local non-profit American Sign Language Services Community hosting a bingo fundraiser at the Aptos Grange on Sunday's 3PM - 8PM , Monday's 5PM to 10PM.
Sing your heart out! We will start at 3pm....ends when the cops show up or when I throw in the towel....No way you can be too late to get into the rotation.....We use Karafun, so the artists who own the songs get paid ROYALTIES via BMI or ASCAP. Venmo & TIP JAR FOR THE KJ. Beer and Wine , Bar Food Menu. Plenty of free parking.
3:00-5:00pm JADe is an Acoustic Trio performing in the Santa Cruz / Bay Area, playing acoustic rock, adult contemporary, beautiful ballads and more from the 60's to present. They feature 3 lead vocals with fabulous harmonies, 2 guitars, flute and melodica.
Read to the Rescues โจwith Pregnant Mare Rescue ๐ด๐Give your little one a magical experienceโฆ 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.๐๐ฌ Itโs a one-on-one reading time in a calm, supportive space; perfect for young readers and parents whoโd love to learn more about our sanctuary.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of jazz and stories from Ukraine at the Songrise Andrey Chmut Benefit Concert at the picturesque Bargetto Winery. All proceeds will benefit Songrise Internationalโs vital music programs and initiatives for youth globally. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon with live jazz, a festive dinner, fine wines, silent and live auctions, and the chance to make a meaningful difference!
Silent meditation.
A show! * see you at work - emma bottomlining
The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music season concludes with a luminous program looking toward collective possibility, resilience, and belonging. Ascending Creatures (West Coast premiere) by Festival newcomer, Eunike Tanzil, draws inspiration from the coordinated flight of birds, exploring the interplay between individuality and unity through motion and sound. Through interlocking musical lines and evolving textures, Tanzil emphasizes the power of collective movement. Lisa Bielawaโs Pulse (West Coast premiere), featuring violinist Tessa Lark, unfolds as a driving, heartbeat-like concerto, weaving rhythmic intensity and American musical threads into a shared sense of motion and momentum. Drawing on Larkโs deep roots in Appalachian fiddle traditions, the work evokes the spirit of folk dance and storytelling, blending vernacular musical language with Bielawaโs contemporary orchestral voice. Celebrating marriage equality with both joy and remembrance, Rainbow Promise (U.S. premiere) honors the struggle that made it possible. Composed by Elena Kats-Chernin, the piece rings with a spirit of pure celebration and joy, but not without offering reflection on the struggle that made such celebration possible. Sean Shepherdโs Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) closes the season with an homage to movement and belonging by โan exciting composer of the new American generationโ (New York Times). A self-proclaimed โwell-treated vagabond,โ Shepherd composed Wanderlust as an homage to his cosmopolitan experiences across the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, representing both his paradoxical, palpable sense of rootlessness and his desire to sink roots, pulling inspiration from disparate places and searching for the idea of home. POST-SEASON REFLECTIONโfollowing the Grand Finale Former (1993-1995) U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove joins the Festival for a special closing reflection, performing original poetry honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. alongside Samuel Barberโs Adagio
Something wicked this way comes, indeed. Starting this weekend and running through August 30th, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents one of The Bardโs most infamous plays, Macbeth. Coincidentally the playโs first ever performance is believed to have been in 1606 marking this as the 420th anniversary, which is very Santa Cruz. And for anyone familiar with Macbeth, itโs easy to see why itโs lasted throughout the ages. Witches, murder, moral failings and tons of tragedy are beautifully sewn throughout the acts, stitched together with lines such as โBlood will have blood,โ and โthe wine of life is drawn.โ -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
Presented by: Ruby Hernandez, Adron Beene, Susan von Thun or Erin Carlson-Jones with Joyce Leonard. Each Sunday, one of the musicians performs a sound bath. This is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in sound vibrations produced by instruments like gongs and singing bowls. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity by allowing the sounds to wash over the body and mind. Joyce offers Reiki, providing a moment of personal attention, inviting you to settle more fully into stillness and the healing experience.
Conducted by Cristian Mฤcelaru Eunike Tanzil: Ascending Creatures (West Coast premiere) Lisa Bielawa: Pulse (Tessa Lark, Violin) (West Coast premiere) Elena Kats-Chernin: Rainbow Promise (U.S. premiere) Sean Shepherd: Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) The season concludes with a luminous program looking toward collective possibility, resilience, and belonging. Ascending Creatures (West Coast premiere) by Festival newcomer, Eunike Tanzil, draws inspiration from the coordinated flight of birds, exploring the interplay between individuality and unity through motion and sound. Through interlocking musical lines and evolving textures, Tanzil emphasizes the power of collective movement. Lisa Bielawaโs Pulse (West Coast premiere), featuring violinist Tessa Lark, unfolds as a driving, heartbeat-like concerto, weaving rhythmic intensity and American musical threads into a shared sense of motion and momentum. Drawing on Larkโs deep roots in Appalachian fiddle traditions, the work evokes the spirit of folk dance and storytelling, blending vernacular musical language with Bielawaโs contemporary orchestral voice. Celebrating marriage equality with both joy and remembrance, Rainbow Promise (U.S. premiere) honors the struggle that made it possible. Composed by Elena Kats-Chernin, the piece rings with a spirit of pure celebration and joy, but not without offering reflection on the struggle that made such celebration possible. Sean Shepherdโs Wanderlust (West Coast premiere) closes the season with an homage to movement and belonging by โan exciting composer of the new American generationโ (New York Times). A self-proclaimed โwell-treated vagabond,โ Shepherd composed Wanderlust as an homage to his cosmopolitan experiences across the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, representing both his paradoxical, palpable sense of rootlessness and his desire to sink roots, pulling inspiration from disparate places and searching for the idea of home. SEASON REFLECTION โ with support from Bookshop Santa C
TICKETED EVENT AT THE CIVIC: The 2026 Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music concludes with a special appearance by poet Rita Dove, presented with the support of Bookshop Santa Cruz in honor of ou...
A young, wholesome, and seemingly normal couple, Brad and Jan, set out to visit their old professor, but their plans change when a large storm causes their car to go flat. Desperate to get out of the rain, they find an old castle that is home to Dr. Frank-N-Furter. From there, the night only becomes weirder. That night will be one they and the audience will not forget. This cult classic continues to entertain crowds, and this run is no different. Audience members can purchase interactive goodie bags with their tickets and participate in a costume contest. Goes until August 22.
Classic guitar riffs, bright percussion, and twangy vocals, The Beat Farmersโ discography holds a seminal place in the 1980s Roots Rock and Americana scene. Beginning in 1983 in San Diego, the band played bar gigs, refining their craft before catching the attention of a Los Angeles audience. Carrying a sense of play, often leaning into goofy lyricism and a boozey stage-presence, their musicianship shines through uninhibited sets. The original lineup was spearheaded by legendary Country Dick Montana, who passed in 1995. The band carries on his spirit with Joey Harris leading vocals, Jarry Raney on guitar, Rolle Love on bass, and Joel Kmak on drums. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz
Enjoy Dynomite Farmโs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
Little Rangers programs at Natural Bridges State Beach are happening this summer! This free program is best for 3 to 6-year-old kids and includes hands-on activities, play-acting and sharing. Parents or caregivers are required to stay and encouraged to help facilitate the fun and games. Themes this summer include insects, beach exploring, bird watching and nature art. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park. One reservation per family and please write in the names and ages of participating children.
Monday, August 10 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm Play Mahjong with fellow enthusiasts! Beginners welcome with weekly Hong Kong Style lessons. Other styles offered too. Tiles provided or bring your own.
Monday, August 10 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Join us Mondays 10:30am-12pm at Aptos Library for social Bridge! All skill levels welcome. Enjoy fun, friendship, and mental stimulation.
Monday, August 10 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Join seniors like you every Monday for an hour of gathering and sharing about getting older. We will focus on a different topic each week.
Join us Wednesday, May 21st from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM at California Coffee for an informative and uplifting workshop you won't want tfor suo miss! Our featured guest speaker, Manas S. Kshirsagar, AD, MS a NAMA Board Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with years of experience in holistic wellness and healing, will be presenting "Tools for Stress and Anxiety". With today's fast-paced world and the stress levels many of us are unduring, this workshop will offer valuable insight, practical tools and wellness strategies to help bring more balance, peace and calm into our daily lives. Lunch Special Available: Half Sandwich + Chips just $9.99 California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 cacoffeeaptos.com Thank you from myself Sylvia Reyes, and my amazing team for supporting our small business and community events!
Monday, August 10 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm In this practice group, you'll get an introduction to many different approaches to meditation and receive guidance on which practices might be best suited for you. Second Monday of the month meetings.
Monday, August 10 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm Join us every 2nd Monday at the Garfield Park Branch for a yarn party.
Monday, August 10 2026 12:30pm - 3:00pm Join a supportive writing group to share work, give feedback, and grow your craft. All genres and experience levels welcome. Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays, 12:30?3 PM at Aptos Library.
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.
Monday, August 10 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Local non-profit American Sign Language Services Community hosting a bingo fundraiser at the Aptos Grange on Sunday's 3PM - 8PM , Monday's 5PM to 10PM.
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 micโd board games 5 โ 8 Trivia 8 โ 10
It's Monday Open Mic at the Ugly Mug! Sign ups at 5p Beer, Espresso Drinks and Desserts available
-Natalie
Monday, August 10 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm A poetry workshop anyone who would like to establish a writing practice in a safe and encouraging environment.
This is Motion Pacific's Beginning Jazz Fusion class for adult dancers.
Queer & Trans Yoga by Sapphire Yoga Collective Weekly Yoga Class @ TDC Mondays from 6:00 PM -7:15 PM This is a trauma-sensitive, all-levels, all-bodies/abilities class taught by a rotating queer-identifying yoga teacher each week. We highlight self nurturance through yoga asana and meditation, a somatic and mindfulness healing practice that resources us for our own resilience as well as community care. No prior yoga experience necessary. Ultimately, this is a brave space for LGBTQIA++ identifying folks to gather and take deep care. Please bring your our yoga mat and water bottle. Cost: $10-20 suggested donation. No one turned away for lack of funds! @sapphireyogacollective and @yogaforallmovement Questions? Contact Tara Maxon, Well-being Coordinator email: tara.maxon @diversitycenter.org
A weekly Afro-Brazilian dance class focusing on rhythm and movement.
Come join us! Mondays @ 6pm Yoga 7pm Meditation and Sound Healing โค๏ธโ๐ฉน $10 a class, no one will be turned away ๐ซถ
Learning to be Community-Minded How do children learn to be part of a community, attentive to whatโs going on around them and pitching in to help out? Barbara Rogoff builds on her 50+ years researching and participating with a Mayan community in Guatemala to make the case that people everywhere can learn from Indigenous cultural values of relationality and responsibility, which are commonly enacted in everyday family and community life. An important practice in many Indigenous-heritage communities of the Americas is including children collaboratively in the endeavors of family and community life even in the youngest years. In the process, young children often collaborate skillfully and help without being asked, developing community-mindedness through their shared contributions. Barbara Rogoff is UCSC Foundation Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UCSC. She investigates cultural aspects of childrenโs learning and how communities arrange for learning, finding especially sophisticated collaboration, attention, and community-mindedness among children from some Mexican and Indigenous communities of the Americas. She is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Education, and a Fellow of professional organizations in psychology, anthropology, and education. She has received Distinguished Lifetime Contributions Awards from international research organizations as well as the Chemers Award for Outstanding Research, from UCSC. She has held the University of California Presidential Chair and Fellowships of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, Kellogg Foundation, Spencer Foundation, and the Exploratorium, and served as Editor of Human Development. A cat that lives at a University in Pakistan is named in her honor (the catโs name: โDoctor Barbara Rogoffโ). Her award-winning books include Learning Together: Children and Adults in a School Community; The Cultural Nature of Human Development; and Developing
Starman SF is a glorious tribute to the legend, the music, the icon โ David Bowie, celebrating the life, music, and transformative influence of David Bowie, while capturing the essence of his iconic performances and groundbreaking sound. Through their heartfelt renditions of Bowieโs greatest hits, the band strives to bring his timeless artistry to new audiences, ensuring that his spirit continues to inspire for generations to come.โโ One night only: Monday, August 10 @ 7PM. Santa Cruz Shakespeare's Monday Night Revels are special, eclectic performances held on Monday nightsโtraditionally a "dark" night with no mainstage playsโat the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park. These events feature diverse entertainment, including comedy, music, and cabaret-style shows, offering a lively, intimate alternative to the main repertory season
Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.
Contact Improv dance session at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, offered weekly on Mondays.
Sports at Felton Music Hall on Monday, August 10th 2026 Tickets: https://tixr.com/e/190600
Enjoy Dynomite Farmโs show-quality dahlia beds for intimate, unhurried cutting experiences where you and your friends have the field to yourselves. No crowds. No rushing. Just you, your people, and a thousand flowers. Companion passes are available for guests who want to join the fun, explore the farm, and take in the beauty without cutting flowers. Friendly chickens roam the property, there are swings for little ones.
Volunteer Information Sessions at the Arboretum Do you love gardens and gardening? The UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden has a wonderful community of staff, students, and volunteers, ready to welcome you. Opportunities include staffing our gift shop & retail nursery and working to care for our gardens and greenhouses. To learn more, join us at one of our monthly information sessions. They go for about 45 minutes and include an easy walk through the gardens. To attend, please fill out our simple volunteer interest form at the bottom of our volunteer webpage found here: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/ If you need a different day and/or have mobility issues please let us know in the โNotesโ section of the Interest Form. Thank You!
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 ESPAรOL ยกVisite la Biblioteca Pรบblica Watsonville para una evaluaciรณn 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 mรกs sobre su riesgo de padecer enfermedades como la diabetes y la presiรณn arterial alta. Los exรกmenes de salud se llevarรกn 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: Presiรณn arterial martes 8 de septiembre: Diabetes martes 13 de octubre: Colesterol martes 10 de noviembre: Diabetes martes 8 de diciembre: Presiรณn 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 Tecnologรญa Bibliotecaria, administrada en California por el Bibliotecario Estatal. Este programa cuenta con el apoyo de Rural Health Connections. Audiencia: Para todas las edades
Do you love plants, the environment, and helping your community? The UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden has a wonderful crew of staff, students, and volunteers ready to welcome you. Opportunities include working to care for our gardens and greenhouses and staffing our gift shop and retail plant nursery. To learn more, join us at one of our monthly information sessions. We meet at Norrie's Gift & Garden Shop at 10am and take a walk through the gardens to learn more about the Arboretum and to visit a few of our volunteer groups at work. You can fill out an interest form to let us know you'll be coming or just meet us at the gift shop. To find a link to the form and learn more, visit: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/ If you have questions, need a different day, and/or have mobility issues, please email [email protected] Thank You!
Date: Every Tuesday, except Holidays Time: 10am - 12:00 pm Location: The Diversity Center Event Description: Join your community every Tuesday between 10am-12pm at the Diversity Center. Nic is ready with a different activity or workshop each week, and volunteers are on hand with snacks, beverages, and community. August Activities: August 4: Tote Bag Painting activity with Nic Get your beach bag ready and customize your own tote bag with Nic. All supplies provided. August 11: Qigong with Tara Settle the mind and body and engage in gently movement. All levels welcome. August 18: โWord is Out - Stories from Some of Our Livesโ (1977) documentary viewing and discussion with Nic One of the most important LGBTQ+ documentaries ever made, it is considered the first documentary about gay people by gay people. Though it is criminally under-watched, Word is Out had a huge impact, even on pioneers like Vito Russo. This film was made by six LGBTQ+ filmmakers and features interviews with 26 LGBTQ+ pe
Come Join Us for Toddler Tumble Time! Weโll be sharing some of our educational collection items. Bring your little ones to explore and learn about science. Donโt miss out on the fun! ยกAcompรกรฑenos en la Hora de Juegos para Pequeรฑitos! Compartiremos una selecciรณn de artรญculos de nuestra colecciรณn educativa. Venga con sus pequeรฑos a explorar y aprender sobre la ciencia. ยกNo 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 travรฉs AB 209 y administrado por la Oficina de Subvenciones y Servicios Locales de Parque Estatales de California.
Tuesday, August 11 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Tuesday, August 11 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Are you stuck with a technology question? You can make a free appointment with a tech savvy library staff member!
Tuesday, August 11 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us Tuesdays at Aptos Library to learn, play, and compete in Backgammon! All skill levels welcome - enjoy strategy, fun, and friendly competition in a relaxed social setting.
Tuesday, August 11 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging.
Tuesday, August 11 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm Housing navigation services for people experiencing homelessness.
Tuesday, August 11 2026 12:15pm - 2:15pm Join a health book club with educational discussions led by Dr. Rabia Barkins, a licensed holistic health practitioner. Improve overall health with lifestyle changes to diet, exercise, and more.
The Felton Farmersโ Market is a treasured weekly gathering place โ started in 1987 it is the second longest running market in Santa Cruz County. SCCFM took over operations in 2009 and our team has developed deep ties to the community. Every Tuesday a quality collection of regional farms and food businesses throw up their tents to sell a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, seafood and other staple foods. Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Felton Market is an essential part of the regional food system as well as a resource for nutritious organic foods and basic agricultural education.
Tuesday, August 11 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm This club is designed for intermediate-level participants, so if you're just starting out, you might find it a bit challenging at first.
Tuesdays, May through October โ over 30 years running, and the second-oldest market in the county (started in 1987). Regional farms set up tents full of fresh produce, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, and seafood, connecting you straight to the people who grow your food. Run by SCCFM since 2009, with deep ties to Felton. The kind of market regulars call a second home.
Tuesday, August 11 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm Join our book club every second Tuesday to explore great reads and share engaging conversations with fellow book lovers.
Tuesday, August 11 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm Practice your English and make new friends!
In this workshop, you will: Learn the ways you can manage your time and avoid procrastination/burnout. The Successful Slug Workshop series, hosted by Learning Support Services Peer Coaches, are open to all UCSC undergraduate students and focus on academic skills and tools to support your success as a student. At each workshop, you will be introduced to a topic, engage in active learning, be given resources to begin implementing the same day, and have an opportunity to learn more if you are interested. You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of Californiaโs nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeโwhether a student service, faculty program, or community eventโis designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
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.
Wing Chun martial arts classes with instructor Marcus at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, meeting multiple times per week.
A class for learning Hula and Tahitian dance, exploring the culture and traditions of Hawaiian and Polynesian performance.
3 booked, 4 available Kathryn Pierno
โConfluenceโ: where separate currents meet. This beautiful exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. โConfluenceโ is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from โThe Leftoversโ at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM
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! Itโs 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 GGGโs 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
Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Commonโs stage! Every 2 nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and additional shows from 6 to 8pm. Check out Wharf Business pop ups, or make a dinner reservation before the shows. Be sure to bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! May 26, 2026: SambaDรก June 9, 2026: The Viva Santana Show June 23: 2026: The Unauthorized Rolling Stones July 14: 2026: Sweet VooDoo July 28: The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin August 11, 2026: Santa Cruda August 25, 2026: The Joint Chiefs September 8, 2026: Extra Large After parties after every show will take place upstairs at Vino by the Sea !
Do you struggle to find tasty, healthy food while traveling, camping, or backpacking? With good preparation, it doesn't have to be that way!
Henry Kaiser, Bob Bralove, John Hanrahan, Jennifer Burnes, Nathan Moore
Hugging Porcupines Productions presents Trivia Night, every Tuesday evening at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. Trivia is always free to play. Grab your team and challenge yourself to 6 rounds of fun trivia.
A recurring dance class in Santa Cruz. Check with the venue for specific style and level.
Something wicked this way comes, indeed. Starting this weekend and running through August 30th, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents one of The Bardโs most infamous plays, Macbeth. Coincidentally the playโs first ever performance is believed to have been in 1606 marking this as the 420th anniversary, which is very Santa Cruz. And for anyone familiar with Macbeth, itโs easy to see why itโs lasted throughout the ages. Witches, murder, moral failings and tons of tragedy are beautifully sewn throughout the acts, stitched together with lines such as โBlood will have blood,โ and โthe wine of life is drawn.โ -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz
Gaw Vang Williams is a vocalist and educator from Sacramento, California. She became the director of the vocal jazz program at Sacramento State University in 2014, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and Master of Music in Voice Performance. She began teaching in 2004, serving as a music instructor at various high schools and music organizations. In Dynamics & Tone for Vocal Storytelling, Williams will lead participants through the exploration of different vocal tones, and demonstrate how storytelling naturally shapes vocal dynamics. Williams is a sought-after clinician and adjudicator for festivals and workshops throughout the United States. She currently serves as the President of the California Alliance for Jazz and is the vocal jazz traveling clinician for the Monterey Jazz Festival. Canโt make it in-person? You can stream it! Click here to register.
0 booked, 7 available
Award-winning novelist Clifford Mae Henderson returns with Lost in Sound: A Mystery, a thrilling whodunit set in the fictional coastal town of Tres Ojos. A mystery unravels in this unlikely sleepy beach town where tech millionaires brush past homeless encampments. When a neurodivergent landlocked pirate, Captain Eddie, is accused of murder, an unlikely and delightfully eccentric crew bands together to help the captain. The case spirals into a high-profile circus when the victim turns out to be the estranged sister of a country music legend. Henderson brings warmth, wit, and a deep social conscience to the page. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz
Rainbow Sangha Sit, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month , 7:00 - 8:30 pm. The Rainbow Sangha group offers a safer space for individuals who identify as queer, non-binary, transgender, lesbian, bisexual, trans*, gay, intersex, questioning, and others who identify outside of cisgender, heterosexual mainstream culture. Please see more information on the Rainbow Sangha page at Insight Santa Cruz . .
Free live music every Tuesday night with the Del Mar Trio at Callahan's in Santa Cruz.
Join us for Trivia Tuesdays at Discretion! Every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm Hosted by Michael Cahalan Pair one of our 16 beers on tap with some lively Trivia, every Tuesday at 6:30pm. No sign-ups required - just come a little early to snag a table in the beer garden. Free to play | Prizes | Up to 6 per team
If it's happening in person anywhere in Santa Cruz County, whether it's a show, a market, a paddle-out, or a gallery night, we want it on the calendar. Submissions are free and reviewed by our editors.
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