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★ Featured
Did you know that every other breath we take comes from phytoplankton? Dive into the hidden world of plankton and discover the tiny organisms that form the foundation of Monterey Bay’s rich marine ecosystem. Join marine scientist and educator Jane Silberstein for an engaging introduction to phytoplankton, zooplankton, and the remarkable roles they play in supporting ocean life. After the talk, you’ll have the opportunity to observe live plankton under a microscope and get an up-close look at these incredible microscopic organisms. Whether you’re a curious beachgoer, an aspiring naturalist, or simply fascinated by the ocean, this lecture will leave you with a new appreciation for the life drifting just beneath the surface. These amazing organisms form the base of the marine food web, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, influence the color of the ocean, and support countless species throughout Monterey Bay and beyond. REGISTER HERE Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Ticket Price: $12 Discounts: $5 member discount About the Speaker : Jane Silberstein brings more than 40 years of experience studying and teaching about the marine life of Monterey Bay. She earned her undergraduate degree in science with an emphasis in marine science from UC Santa Cruz and her graduate degree in Invertebrate Marine Ecology from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. During her 33 years at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Jane worked on all three plankton guide stations, sharing the fascinating world of plankton with visitors from around the globe. She has also taught plankton through Cabrillo College’s Pacific Plankton Program for nearly six years, inspiring students to explore the remarkable microscopic organisms that support life in the ocean. Jane is passionate about making the microscopic world accessible to audiences of all ages and helping others discover the incredible diversity of life drifting just beneath the surface. Accessibility and Logistics : This program will take place
★ Featured
Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes Steve Hawk, the longest serving editor of Surfer (1991-1998), who will share his thrilling new novel Nearshore , a mix of literary suspense and coastal noir which follows an unlikely trio on the California coast who investigate a nuclear terrorist act. Hawk will be in conversation with Charles Duhigg at this event.
It's Monday Open Mic at the Ugly Mug! Sign ups at 5p Beer, Espresso Drinks and Desserts available
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Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.
28 events on today. No plans required, just go.
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Showing 60 of 357 upcoming events · from 2026-08-10 · to 2026-08-17
Enjoy Dynomite Farm’s 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 - 12:00pm Join us Mondays 10:30am-12pm at Aptos Library for social Bridge! All skill levels welcome. Enjoy fun, friendship, and mental stimulation.
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. You’ll have an opportunity to practice with a group and get the support you need to start a regular practice of your own. Claire is a certified meditation teacher and Stanford CCARE Ambassador of Compassion.
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 - 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.
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.
-Natalie
It's Monday Open Mic at the Ugly Mug! Sign ups at 5p Beer, Espresso Drinks and Desserts available
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10
This is Motion Pacific's Beginning Jazz Fusion class for adult dancers.
4 booked, 2 available Chris Finnie
A weekly Afro-Brazilian dance class focusing on rhythm and movement.
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
Come join us! Mondays @ 6pm Yoga 7pm Meditation and Sound Healing ❤️🩹 $10 a class, no one will be turned away 🫶
Learning to be Community-Minded How do children learn to be part of a community, attentive to what’s 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 children’s 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 cat’s name: “Doctor Barbara Rogoff”). 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 — 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 Bowie’s greatest hits, the band strives to bring his timeless artistry to new audiences, ensuring that his spirit continues to inspire for generations to come. One night only: Monday, August 10 @ 7PM. Santa Cruz Shakespeare's Monday Night Revels are special, eclectic performances held on Monday nights—traditionally a "dark" night with no mainstage plays—at 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 Farm’s 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.
Event date: August 11, 2026 Event Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: 275 Main Street, Suite #100 Watsonville, CA 95076
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: “Word is Out - Stories from Some of Our Lives” (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
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!
Visit Watsonville Public Library for a FREE Health Screening, no appointment needed! ~ Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley invites library patrons to take advantage of this opportunity to check in on their health and learn more about their risk for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Screenings will take place on the second Tuesday of each month from July through December, between 10:00am-12:00pm at the Main Library. Tuesday, July 14: Diabetes Tuesday, August 11: Blood Pressure Tuesday, September 8: Diabetes Tuesday, October 13: Cholesterol Tuesday, November 10: Diabetes Tuesday, December 8: Blood Pressure This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. This program is supported by Rural Health Connections. Audience: All ages ESPAÑOL ¡Visite la Biblioteca Pública Watsonville para una evaluación de salud GRATUITA, no necesita cita! ~ Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley invita a los usuarios a aprovechar esta oportunidad para revisar su estado de salud y aprender más sobre su riesgo de padecer enfermedades como la diabetes y la presión arterial alta. Los exámenes de salud se llevarán a cabo el segundo martes de cada mes, de julio a diciembre, de 10:00am-12:00pm en la Biblioteca Principal. martes 14 de julio: Diabetes martes 11 de agosto: Presión arterial martes 8 de septiembre: Diabetes martes 13 de octubre: Colesterol martes 10 de noviembre: Diabetes martes 8 de diciembre: Presión arterial Este proyecto cuenta con el apoyo total o parcial del Instituto de Servicios de Museos y Bibliotecas de los Estados Unidos (IMLS) bajo las disposiciones de la Ley de Servicios y Tecnología Bibliotecaria, administrada en California por el Bibliotecario Estatal. Este programa cuenta con el apoyo de Rural Health Connections. Audiencia: Para todas las edades
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 “Notes” section of the Interest Form. Thank You!
Come Join Us for Toddler Tumble Time! We’ll be sharing some of our educational collection items. Bring your little ones to explore and learn about science. Don’t miss out on the fun! ¡Acompáñenos en la Hora de Juegos para Pequeñitos! Compartiremos una selección de artículos de nuestra colección educativa. Venga con sus pequeños a explorar y aprender sobre la ciencia. ¡No se lo pierda! The event is ADA accessible. Materials will be provided. These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services. Estos programas son financiados por el Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre, creado a través AB 209 y administrado por la Oficina de Subvenciones y Servicios Locales de Parque Estatales de California.
Tuesday, 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.
Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer's, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available for some symptoms, and Alzheimer's Association resources.
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 11:00am - 12:00pm Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging.
0 booked, 4 available Glazing
Tuesday, August 11 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm Housing navigation services for people experiencing homelessness.
Join our book club every second Thursday to explore great reads and share engaging conversations with fellow book lovers. A book club organized around discussing the “hot topic” titles in the news, and book buzz— the controversies, the new classics or perhaps overexposed. Registration required: https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/16749444
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.
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.
The Felton Farmers’ Market is a treasured weekly gathering place – 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 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 California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .
Event date: August 11, 2026 Event Time: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM Location: 2021 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 Watsonville, CA 95076
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.
Event date: August 11, 2026 Event Time: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM Location: 275 Main Street, Suite #100 Watsonville, CA 95076
Wing Chun martial arts classes with instructor Marcus at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, meeting multiple times per week.
A hula and Tahitian dance class offering instruction in traditional movement through an established dance school.
Hey Fishhook Fans, We will be rocking the Free Santa Cruz Wharf Summer Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Commons stage on Tuesday, August 11th! This outdoor festival is free and open to all ages! If you have never been there, then expect a treat! It's an absolutely beautiful location with panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and the sunsets are not to be missed! Don't miss it! As you may know, we are the band that does not let up on the gas! Hear all your favorite songs "leveled up" the FISHHOOK way! You know we deliver the best Rock and Roll in town. Location: 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA Let's Party! And bring your friends too. The show starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 8:00 PM.
Come to Peoples Coffee, the official Santa Cruz location for the Southmost events for the Golden Gate Gamemakers! Come join us as a branch under GGG known as Game Designers of Santa Cruz! It’s a relaxed chance to try new board games and card games, get feedback on your own prototypes if you are a game designer, and get advice on the games industry. New designers and interested players welcome! Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your prototype to be tested. We run a small raffle thru the sign in sheet each night for participants to win new and used board game prizes. This is also Peoples Coffees first events they have held! They are generously keeping all services of food and drink available through the entire 6pm to 10pm event! They normally close at 5:30. Thank you Peoples Coffee! For all of our events at Peoples, affogatos (ice cream and espresso) are half off! We now have a Game Library located inside Peoples for anyone to use any time they are open! **Cost** This is a completely free event! Attendees are encouraged to buy some delicious drinks and food from Peoples Coffee. **Parking / Travel** You can park in the main parking lot in front of Peoples Coffee. There is a also side parking behind Peoples, and around the residential area. You are also free to park across the street near Salsas Taco Bar. See GGG’s full code of conduct here. Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate Point of contact and organizer: Courtney Laschkewitsch
“Confluence”: 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. “Confluence” is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. Live improvisational jazz music from “The Leftovers” at the opening on the First Friday of August from 6-8PM
Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Common’s 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: SambaDá 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 !
Henry Kaiser, Bob Bralove, John Hanrahan, Jennifer Burnes, Nathan Moore
297 more events further out
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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