Arts and Culture
Francisco Jiménez, The Circuit Graphic Novel
Sequoia High School in Freedom 229 Green Valley Road, FreedomBookshop Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education welcome bestselling author Francisco Jiménez (The Circuit) for a celebration of The Circuit Graphic Novel at Sequoia High School in Freedom. Poignantly told from a young boy's perspective, the popular and award-winning memoir centered on a Mexican family working California's fields is now a powerful graphic novel. Food and drinks provided by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. Please register for this free event on our website, purchase of book required to join the signing line.
Big Basin State Park: Art in the Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesThe oldest California State Park is celebrating California State Parks Week with Art in the Park! This is a free event! View art exhibits that celebrate Big Basin’s recovery from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Create your own art! Enjoy a guided nature journaling hike (no experience or art supplies needed). Enjoy kids’ arts and crafts with your little ones. Watch en plein air painters work their magic in real time! Food is available for purchase from food trucks or bring your own picnic. Be sure to pack sun protection, bug spray, and drinking water before you leave for this event. The Big Basin parking lot will fill early, but the Santa Cruz Metro Route 35B bus to Big Basin will be FREE and offer EXTRA SERVICE for this event. The vehicle day-use fee is $8 with a parking space reservation, $10 first-come, first served. For more information, call (669) 899-1516 or email [email protected].
Downtown Santa Cruz: Makers Market
Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market Pacific Ave and Lincoln St, Santa CruzVisit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers & artists in beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz! Located on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln Streets, this monthly market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods! *In the event of rain, the market will be held on the following Sunday
Abbott Square: Paint Night
Abbott Square 725 Front St, Santa Cruz, CAFollow along with local artist, Ana of Follow the Sun, to create your own tropical beach inspired masterpiece! In just two hours you will be guided, step by step, in creating our painting of the day. Great for complete beginners and seasoned creatives alike. You have the freedom to add your personal touch – tweak the colors & composition, or just follow along with the instruction! We will learn and practice various painting techniques as we go, with plenty of room for creativity. One-on-one help is always available & all supplies are included – 16″x20″ canvas, paint, brushes, and aprons. We will be set up outside on the patio! Grab a drink from Front & Cooper & a meal from one of the many eatery options while you paint. Grab a friend, a drink, and let’s create!
Capitola: Sunday Art at the Beach
Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United StatesEnjoy an afternoon in Capitola at the Sunday Art at the Beach event this summer at Esplanade Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. Browse quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media from local artists. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
World Arts Festival 2024
Tannery Arts Center 1070 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesCelebrate the diversity and richness of our community at this year's World Arts Festival! On Sunday June 23rd from 1-5PM, Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center offers free family-friendly performances outdoors at the Tannery Arts Center. The festival includes dance and music performances by new and beloved Santa Cruz and Bay Area artists, including White Hawk Indian Council, Antara Asthaayi Dance, Raizes do Brasil Capoeira, Senderos, and more. Artisans and vendors will be selling traditional crafts and wares, with food and beverages from Areparia831 and My Mom’s Mole.
First Friday Santa Cruz
Multiple locations throughout Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn 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.
Capitola: Sunday Art at the Beach
Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United StatesEnjoy an afternoon in Capitola at the Sunday Art at the Beach event this summer at Esplanade Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. Browse quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media from local artists. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Cabrillo College: In The Heights
Cabrillo College Crocker Theater 6500 Perimeter Dr., Aptos, CA, United StatesThe musical, In the Heights, tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures. Where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.