Family Friendly
Live Oak Jack Rabbit 1-Mile Run & Student Art Contest FUNdraiser
The 3rd annual Live Oak Jack Rabbit 1-Mile Run and Student Art Contest FUNdraiser will take place on Sunday, April 14th, at Shoreline Middle School on 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:00 AM. Registration for the 1-mile races on the USATF-certified track are open to the public online at: http://tinyurl.com/LOJR2024 The first wave of runners takes off at 9:00 AM and races continue every 15 minutes through 11:45 AM. Race registration fee is $10 per runner with the funds raised going to support the art program for the Live Oak School District students. All are invited to join this community fun run for the 1-mile challenge as a solo runner or as part of a relay team, view student art on display and cast your vote for your favorites, browse the merchant marketplace, enjoy food, entertainment and community partner booths. For more information about the event sponsor, the Live Oak Education Foundation non-profit group, visit their website at: www.LiveOakEdFoundation.org
Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza
Branciforte Small Schools 840 N. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is an authentic cultural festival with food, music, dance, and crafts presented each spring by Senderos. This local festival is like the traditional fiestas celebrated each summer in Oaxaca, Mexico. Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word that means “a commitment of sharing and cooperation.” Guelaguetza is a celebration that honors the gods for sufficient rainfall and a bountiful harvest.
Francisco Jiménez’s La Mariposa and Breaking Through
Mexican Heritage Plaza 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San JoseTeatro Visión presents Francisco Jiménez’s La Mariposa and Breaking Through, adapted for the stage by Leo Cortez. Jiménez’s memoirs have resonated across generations, in their message of love, determination, and the importance of one’s mentors. In La Mariposa, a young Panchito arrives in the U.S. with his family, and finds his way amid a life of constant moving and in a school where he doesn’t understand a word his teacher says. As he watches his classroom caterpillar transform into a butterfly, he too begins to learn to spread his wings. Breaking Through follows him to his teenage years, where Panchito comes to love school and reading. A dream to become a teacher awakens in him. But when his responsibility to his family clashes against his own desires, he must navigate the competing priorities that face him. The novels are presented as two one-act plays performed together—La Mariposa in Spanish and Breaking Through in English. Both plays include projected supertitles in English and in Spanish.
Downtown Santa Cruz: Earth Day Celebrations
Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEarth Day 2024 will be held at beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz on Cooper St, Pacific Ave, and Abbott Square. Local businesses and organizations will gather for a day of fun and environmentally focused activities and education. This event will feature: - Live music from Coffee Zombie Collective - Face Painting from Brenda's Facepainting - MotherSong with Joya Winwood (singalong for families with babies) shows at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - Samba Stilt Walkers from Emotiv Dance - Photobooth - Local vendors - Educational booths This free, family-friendly event will have many activities for kids to take part in, like the interactive Passport Program where kids can earn a sweet treat from Mission Hill Creamery or Pacific Cookie Company by participating. There will be an environmentally focused fashion show featuring local kids from the Fashion Teens program. Celebrate Earth Day with us in Downtown Santa Cruz on Pacific Ave, Cooper Street and Abbott Square. ⭐ A big thank you to all of our sponsors for making this event possible ⭐ Joby Aviation GoodTimes KSBW Community Printers Santa Cruz County - Recycling & Solid Waste Allterra Solar GreenWaste Central Coast Community Energy Santa Cruz METRO Pacific Cookie Company Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery The Verve Coffee Roasters
Magic Show
8205 Hacienda Lane, Soquel, CA 95073 8205 Hacienda Lane, SoquelEnter the spring RAFFLE FOR A FREE WEEK OF CAMP & experience a typical day squeezed into two hours – great for 1st timers to get comfortable or returners to share camp with friends new to Kennolyn. The first hour is filled with staff introductions, songs, and a camp tour. The second hour is a MAGIC SHOW & games for kids. Drop-ins are welcome and RSVPs are appreciated.
May Faire at Santa Cruz Waldorf School
Santa Cruz Waldorf School 2190 Empire Grade, Sants Cruz, CA, United StatesCome one come all! Come play, create, eat delicious food, enjoy the May Pole music and dance, and have fun amongst the flowers and soak up father suns warms rays! Our Early Childhood department will be offering a puppet show that is not to miss and there will be lots of magic and activities to discover all about our redwood nestled campus. Bring your family and friends! VERY Limited on campus parking for $15 FREE shuttle at UCSC Barn at Bay and High Streets. May Pole Dance at 12pm 7th Grade is offering delicious food for purchase. All Santa Cruz Waldorf Events are Zero Waste. Please bring your own cups, plates, cutlery and napkins. Our Zero Waste wash station will make sure you go home with clean dishes.
Spring Art Market at Tannery Arts Center
Tannery Arts Center 1070 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesJoin us for a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community at the Spring Art Market! Hosted by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County, this free family-friendly event features an array of local artisans and makers showcasing their unique creations. Explore captivating artworks, enjoy live music performances, indulge in delicious food from food trucks, and engage in fun children’s activities. With something for everyone, the Spring Art Market promises a memorable experience for all. Don't miss out!
Bookshop Santa Cruz: Katy Farina, Karen’s Sleepover
Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060, OffsiteFREE IN-STORE EVENT: Come dressed in your favorite pajamas to celebrate and welcome New York Times bestselling author and creator Katy Farina for her latest graphic novel, Karen's Sleepover— another graphic novel in this fun series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, featuring Kristy's little stepsister! Be prepared to have a blast!
HIKE4PEACE
Tara Redwood School 5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel,CAWe are excited to bring back this all family fun Saturday event at the Tara Redwood School Campus in the forest of Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel . Hike4Peace is Tara Redwood School's annual HIKE-A-THON fundraiser and Arts & Crafts Fair . Pledge a student hiker (or yourself) onto one or all of the 8 Verses trails and enjoy an afternoon of music, raffles and games. Meet and greet Tara Redwood School faculty and partake in one or all of the Tara Redwood School creative arts. This is a fundraiser, funding will support Tara Redwood School's scholarship program and classroom development. Also 10% of the proceeds go to a charity of the children's choice. Tara Redwood School, 5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel CA 95073
Public Works Touch-a-Truck Event
Center Street & Church Street Center Street & Church Street, Santa CruzThe highly anticipated Santa Cruz Public Works Department Touch-a-Truck Event is almost here! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 22nd, from 12pm to 2pm at Center and Church Street in Santa Cruz. Climb aboard and explore a wide variety of vehicles up close! From heavy-duty trucks to specialized equipment, there's something for everyone to discover. You can also watch skilled operators showcase their finesse in a road-eo skills competition. Cheer on your favorites as they tackle challenging tasks! Don't miss out on this family-friendly event happening Wednesday, May 22nd, from 12pm to 2pm at Center and Church Street. See you there!
The SLV Music & Art Festival
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesThe 3rd annual SLV Music & Art Festival is an outdoor, community event that features performances by: SLVHS choir and bands, SLVMS bands, SLV Nature Academy Band, SLVE and BCE 5th grade bands, and the SLV Community Band! There is an art show and sale (by donation) put on by the SLVHS Art Department! There will be multiple food trucks and also silent and live auctions that support the SLV Music Boosters. Please come and celebrate community while supporting our growing student musicians and artists!
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Agricultural History Project
Agricultural History Project Center and Museum 2601 East Lake Avenue, Hwy 152, Watsonville, CA, United StatesBring 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. It’s 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!
Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts
Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United StatesBring 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. June 12: Spun (Funky Rock) June 19: Pacific Roots (Reggae Rock) June 26: Ribsy’s Nickel (Rock/Reggae) July 3: Dirty Cello (Blues & Rock) July 10: Mike Hammar & The Nails (Contemporary Blues) July 17: Extra Large (Original Pop) July 24: The Joint Chiefs (R&B, Soul, American Roots) July 31: Dolce (Old School, R&B, Soul, American Roots) August 7: Space Heater (Funk/Dance/Jam) August 14: The Inciters Band (60’s Style Original Soul) August 21: Cowboys After Dark (Classic Rock/Funk) August 28: Alex Lucero (Soul/Americana)
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].
Slime Week at the Museum of Discovery
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United StatesKick off your summer and get ready for a week of gooey, glorious fun at the Children's Museum of Discovery's Slime Week! Enter the Slime Lab and explore different textures, colors, and types of slime in a sensory experience you will never forget! Don't want the fun to end? Work with our slimeologist to mix up a custom creation at our take-home Slime Bar.