Pleasure Point: Surf Competition
Pleasure Point County Park E Cliff Drive and 33rd Avenue, Santa CruzThis weekend, head to Pleasure Point Hook to cheer on the Santa Cruz Scholastic Surf League competition. Throughout the season, they organize a series of five exciting events, carefully designed to test the mettle of the participants and create a thrilling atmosphere for spectators. Middle and high school surfers will compete in divisions for boys and girls in both Shortboard and Longboard disciplines, recognizing and celebrating the diverse talents that make up our surfing community.
Cabrillo College: Aptos Farmers Market
cabrillo college 6500 Soquel Dr, AptosMarket customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced olive oil, fresh pasta and gourmet sauces, organic juices, handmade sauerkraut, Corralitos smoked sausages and bacon, artisan breads and baked goods, organic honey, mushrooms, sprouts and microgreens, farm fresh eggs, flowers, potted plants, seedlings, herbs, and an unsurpassed selection of certified California grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Big Basin Plant Walk
Hike at Big Basin with one of our knowledgeable docents and plant enthusiast through the majestic Redwoods post fire. See which plants are thriving after the CZU Lightning Complex fire and possibly see some Banana Slugs! Plan for 3 hours of easy walking and 2-4 miles on trails and fire roads. Dress in Layers, bring water and a snack. Rain or high wind will cancel. Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or we recommend you reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 8:45 am.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected].
Westside Santa Cruz: Farmers Market
Westside Farmers’ Market Mission St. Ext. and Western Drive, Santa CruzThe Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of the west end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the University of California, Santa Cruz campus. Sitting on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt this market is a great launching location for a day outdoors at Natural Bridges beach, Wilder Ranch or any adventure spot up the coast. It is also just a hop, skip and a jump, or bike ride, from Downtown. A community hub for over 15 years, the Westside Market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, beer, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cultural meals, live local music and a full espresso bar operated by Syllable. With an abundance of free parking and accessibility on its side, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing any time of the year.
Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve
Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, WatsonvilleDocent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis – visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
Big Basin Plant Walk
Hike at Big Basin with one of our knowledgeable docents and plant enthusiast through the majestic Redwoods post fire. See which plants are thriving after the CZU Lightning Complex fire and possibly see some Banana Slugs! Plan for 3 hours of easy walking and 2-4 miles on trails and fire roads. Dress in Layers, bring water and a snack. Rain or high wind will cancel. Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or we recommend you reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 8:45 am.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected].
Big Basin Redwood State Park – Plant Walk
Join us for a guided program about the native plants at Big Basin State Park. During this program, we will learn to identify a handful of native plants, and chat a bit about their life histories, traditional uses, ecologies, etc.This program is a 2 hour walk on the 0.6-mile Redwood Grove trail; a flat, easy, and family-friendly trail.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to register for this program.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Rain Forest Weekends
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, FeltonLearn about California’s own Coastal Redwood Forest, aboard a 100-year-old steam train. Along the journey, you will get to hear fascinating information about the coastal redwoods and their ecosystems from docent specialists.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder CreekCome learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk in the Woods
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder CreekJoin a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire. Each docent and staff person has their own niche and is excited to share their passion with you!Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register
Big Basin Redwoods State Park – Redwood Grove Guided Walk
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder CreekJoin staff for a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Grove at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to register
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder CreekLearn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. They will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. They will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coastal redwoods, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and the park’s future. Registration is required to ensure your spot on the walk.
Wilder Ranch State Park – Guided Coastal Walk
On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Sign up here!Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.
Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours
Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa CruzStroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! The monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park at (831)423-0871 to find out the current population. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. Parking near the trail accessible entrance is $10.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, FeltonCoast 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!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Redwood Loop Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, FeltonEvery weekend day at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Old Growth Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants over 200 feet tall. They say that the Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed!
Wilder Ranch: Historic Grounds Tours
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa CruzDiscover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860’s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Please reserve your spot online.
Actors Theatre: 8 Tens @ 8 Festival
Actors’ Theatre 1001 Center St., Santa CruzThursday Through Sunday at 8pm (2pm on the Weekends) Until 2/16/25. Festival Winners Play 2/28 – 3/9! The annual 10-minute play festival is one of the most anticipated and popular events of the theatre season in Santa Cruz! There will be 16 winning plays and 16 directors. Presented on two separate evenings, there will be plenty of drama, comedy and surprises to keep theater goers entertained, moved and delighted.
Tannery Arts Center: Footloose
Colligan Theater 1010 River Street, Santa CruzFridays and Saturdays at Various Times Through 1/25/25 All About Theatre presents Footloose the Musical featuring a live orchestra! Set to the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. The Tannery Arts Center is an eight-acre campus that is home to twenty-eight commercial rate art studios. The Colligan Theater is a part of that campus and a place to watch over 12 theatrical productions a year for your entertainment.
SC Civic Center: Central Coast Fighting Championship
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa CruzDaniel Compton is a Santa Cruz native with a current pro MMA record of 8-3-0. He created the Central Coast Fighting Championship (CCFC) as an amateur Mixed Martial Arts promotion that showcases the finest talent from Northern California and beyond. Considered a steppingstone to larger promotions, including the UFC and LFA, you will not only see local fighters, but also see local musician, Lorenzo Figueroa. Lorenzo will be performing on Fight Night, and Fight Night Santa Cruz is a big deal!
Tannery Arts Center: Footloose
Colligan Theater 1010 River Street, Santa CruzFridays and Saturdays at Various Times Through 1/25/25 All About Theatre presents Footloose the Musical featuring a live orchestra! Set to the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. The Tannery Arts Center is an eight-acre campus that is home to twenty-eight commercial rate art studios. The Colligan Theater is a part of that campus and a place to watch over 12 theatrical productions a year for your entertainment.
Actors Theatre: 8 Tens @ 8 Festival
Actors’ Theatre 1001 Center St., Santa CruzThursday Through Sunday at 8pm (2pm on the Weekends) Until 2/16/25. Festival Winners Play 2/28 – 3/9! The annual 10-minute play festival is one of the most anticipated and popular events of the theatre season in Santa Cruz! There will be 16 winning plays and 16 directors. Presented on two separate evenings, there will be plenty of drama, comedy and surprises to keep theater goers entertained, moved and delighted.