Food & Drink
Roaring Camp Railroads: Starlight Evening Dinner Party
Roaring Camp 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesEvening train and dinner excursion departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels along the San Lorenzo River through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Roaring Camp. Upon arrival, a delicious steak dinner awaits you. After dinner, get up and move to a live band. On the return trip to Santa Cruz, the train ride brings the forest to life with dazzling color and light. The evening event is four hours, returning to the Boardwalk when the stars are overhead.
Crow’s Nest: Thursday Night Beach Parties
The Crow’s Nest Restaurant 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEach Summer on Thursday evenings, the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment right on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage and Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ and outdoor bar, beach parties are a unique and popular event. Families are welcome, and there is no admission charge! After the sun sets the fun begins upstairs with dancing to the best of local live bands beginning at 8:30 pm with only a $5 cover charge. May 23, 2024: Sambada (Brazilian Rhythms) / Fuse (Funk, Soul and Rock & Roll) May 30, 2024: Harry & The Hitmen (Classic Motown and Soul) / Burnin Vernon (Funk, Soul, R&B, Jazz and Blues) June 6, 2024: Izzy & The Haze (Contemporary Pop, R&B, Hip Hop)/Big Bad Wolf (Blues, Grunge, Folk) June 13, 2024: The Cruzers (Folk, Pop, R&B) / Fire Peach (90’s Rock Covers) June 20, 2024: Jive Machine (Old-School Funk, Progress) / Locomotive Breath (Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock) June 27, 2024: Extra Large (High Energy Dance Band) / Hall Pass (Indie Rock) NO BBQ BEACH PARTY 4th OF JULY July 11, 2024: The Lost Boys (70s and 80s Party Rock) / Velvet Jones (Funk, Soul, Rock) July 18, 2024: Fishhook (Classic Rock) / Cake by the Ocean (Pop, R&B, Dance, Disco-Funk) July 25, 2024: The Messengers (Funk, Soul, Groove) / Afrohilife (Tropical Fusion-Funk Dance Music) August 1, 2024: Houserockers (Rock, Funk, Blues, 60s Soul, R&B, Swing) / John Michael Band (Funk, Soul, Reggae, Blues, 90’s Rock) August 8, 2024: The Joint Chiefs (Funk, Acid Jazz, Classic R&B) / Rusty Rock N Roll (Classic Rock Covers) August 15, 2014: The Dylan Rose Band (Rock & Roll) / Anthony Arya Band (Americana Rock) August 22, 2014: Sambada (Samba, Reggae, Funk) / Sweet Voodoo (Mashup covers of Classic Rock, Funk and Soul)
Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties
Midtown Block Party Lot 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa CruzGo Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists – Live Music – 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 31 to August 31. Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show May 31st: Dylan Rose Band – Opener: Shoreline Middle School Band June 7th: Doah’s Daydream – Opener: Soquel High Jazz Band June 14th: Funkranomicon – Opener: Trianna (GTRI) June 21st: The Cruzers – Opener: Ripatti & Rose June 28th: Hijinx – Opener: Mo Cruz (Animo) July 5th: The Money Band – Opener: Jim Buhisan July 12th: Santa Cruda – Opener: Th New Horizon Band July 19th: The Joint Chiefs – Opener: Jake Nielsen & Triple Threat July 26th: Locomotive Breath – Opener: Joshua Cremer August 2nd: Anthony Arya August 9th: Cowboys After Dark – Opener: Shawn Yanez August 16th: Ribsy’s Nickel – Opener: The Rayburn Brothers August 23rd: Spun – Opener: Dave Miller (Nomad) August 30th: Alex Lucero Band – Opener: Honey Disposition
Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series
Nicholson Vineyards 2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, CA, United StatesEnjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! They will be featuring local food vendors. Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians July 6 & 7: Epoch Eats & True Blue Studio Music by R&B July 13 & 14: Mattia Pizza & Scout + Sea Music by Sam Kellerman July 20 & 21: Chubby Tacos & Luna Dorada Music by Dave Tate July 27 & 28: My Mom’s Mole & Natalia Aandewiel Music by Tom Jacobs August 3 & 4: Areperia 831 & Nathan Goldsmith Music by Will Breman August 10 & 11: The Pesce Veggie & Papelline Music by Kip Allert August 17 & 18: SC Eatery & Sierra Evans Music by Michelle Lambert August 24 & 25: Taquizas Gabriel & Desert Moon Designs Music by Wild + Blue August 31 & September 1: Real Taco & The Clay Chalet Bottle Bash Event
Crow’s Nest: Thursday Night Beach Parties
The Crow’s Nest Restaurant 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEach Summer on Thursday evenings, the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment right on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage and Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ and outdoor bar, beach parties are a unique and popular event. Families are welcome, and there is no admission charge! After the sun sets the fun begins upstairs with dancing to the best of local live bands beginning at 8:30 pm with only a $5 cover charge. May 23, 2024: Sambada (Brazilian Rhythms) / Fuse (Funk, Soul and Rock & Roll) May 30, 2024: Harry & The Hitmen (Classic Motown and Soul) / Burnin Vernon (Funk, Soul, R&B, Jazz and Blues) June 6, 2024: Izzy & The Haze (Contemporary Pop, R&B, Hip Hop)/Big Bad Wolf (Blues, Grunge, Folk) June 13, 2024: The Cruzers (Folk, Pop, R&B) / Fire Peach (90’s Rock Covers) June 20, 2024: Jive Machine (Old-School Funk, Progress) / Locomotive Breath (Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock) June 27, 2024: Extra Large (High Energy Dance Band) / Hall Pass (Indie Rock) NO BBQ BEACH PARTY 4th OF JULY July 11, 2024: The Lost Boys (70s and 80s Party Rock) / Velvet Jones (Funk, Soul, Rock) July 18, 2024: Fishhook (Classic Rock) / Cake by the Ocean (Pop, R&B, Dance, Disco-Funk) July 25, 2024: The Messengers (Funk, Soul, Groove) / Afrohilife (Tropical Fusion-Funk Dance Music) August 1, 2024: Houserockers (Rock, Funk, Blues, 60s Soul, R&B, Swing) / John Michael Band (Funk, Soul, Reggae, Blues, 90’s Rock) August 8, 2024: The Joint Chiefs (Funk, Acid Jazz, Classic R&B) / Rusty Rock N Roll (Classic Rock Covers) August 15, 2014: The Dylan Rose Band (Rock & Roll) / Anthony Arya Band (Americana Rock) August 22, 2014: Sambada (Samba, Reggae, Funk) / Sweet Voodoo (Mashup covers of Classic Rock, Funk and Soul)
Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties
Midtown Block Party Lot 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa CruzGo Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists – Live Music – 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 31 to August 31. Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show May 31st: Dylan Rose Band – Opener: Shoreline Middle School Band June 7th: Doah’s Daydream – Opener: Soquel High Jazz Band June 14th: Funkranomicon – Opener: Trianna (GTRI) June 21st: The Cruzers – Opener: Ripatti & Rose June 28th: Hijinx – Opener: Mo Cruz (Animo) July 5th: The Money Band – Opener: Jim Buhisan July 12th: Santa Cruda – Opener: Th New Horizon Band July 19th: The Joint Chiefs – Opener: Jake Nielsen & Triple Threat July 26th: Locomotive Breath – Opener: Joshua Cremer August 2nd: Anthony Arya August 9th: Cowboys After Dark – Opener: Shawn Yanez August 16th: Ribsy’s Nickel – Opener: The Rayburn Brothers August 23rd: Spun – Opener: Dave Miller (Nomad) August 30th: Alex Lucero Band – Opener: Honey Disposition
Santa Cruz Farmers Market: Pop Up Breakfast
Westside Farmers’ Market Mission St. Ext. and Western Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Santa Cruz Farmers’ Markets folks never miss an opportunity to celebrate around good food. Since 2012 they have been hosting pop-up breakfast events at their markets. At these sweet gatherings guests sit down at long tables with friends and enjoy a fresh, multi-course meal. Each event spotlights an admired local chef giving rise to sensational mixes of simple cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from the very farms that are sold at the markets. Local youth leaders, graduates of the food justice organization FoodWhat, serve the fair and farmers speak about their work. Events are unique, each one offering its own pleasing qualities: a cider or wine tasting, local musicians, seasonal pickles, creative flavor pairings, cultural foods, words from a local fisher or flower grower. Guests walk away satisfied and happy, with only a memory of place and time…and a full belly. On August 10th chef Diego Felix of Colectivo Felix curates the meal, sure to be a phenomenal first round for this unique and rebelliously vibrant and diverse cuisine. Argentina Style Empanada – Stuffed with cheese, summer squash, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms South American Tapioca and Cheese Puff Breads – Topped with tomato and a spice Bolivian inspired salsa called llajwa Aji De Gallina – Fogline chicken in yellow pepper cream sauce, hardboiled egg, pickled onion, citrus, cilantro, olives Jimmy Nardellos – Mild peppers, pickled the Mexican escabeche way and grilled. Mid-Summer Salad – Lettuce, shaved fennel, Meyer lemon, toasted nuts and hoja santa vinaigrette Sweet Finish – Joey’s Abuelita horchata tres leches, seasonal fruit and honey Registration begins at 9:30am and the first course will be served at 10am. This is a leisurely, multi-course meal, expect to be in our company until about noon. Bring your own plate and silverware – spoon, fork and knife. You’ll find everything else you need at the event.
Beautify Felton Pie Contest
FeltonJoin us in Downtown Felton for the annual Dessert Pie Contest on Saturday, August 10, from 10 am to 2 pm! This year's event is set to be our biggest yet with a lively atmosphere perfect for all ages. Delight in a variety of pies from classic apple to innovative flavors, all crafted by talented local bakers vying for the title of Pie Champion. The day doesn't just offer pies but also features live music from local artists, engaging activities like tie-dyeing and cornhole, and plenty of delicious food and drink options. Highlight of the day? Don't miss the pie-eating contest, sponsored by Redwood Hearts Events, guaranteed to entertain! Whether you're a pie aficionado, a music enthusiast, or just looking for a fun outing with family and friends, this event promises a day full of sweetness, laughter, and community spirit. Save the date and be part of the fun! For more details, visit DowntownFelton.com.
Soquel: Homesteaders Market
Soquel Creek Parking Lot 2505 S Main St, Soquel, United StatesEnjoy locally grown produce, cottage industry foods, local meats, cheeses, ferments, natural products, homesteaders’ wares, arts and crafts, honey, candles, cloths, sweet treats, coffee and tea, health and wellness products, services and practitioners, healers, spiritual endeavors, plants, flowers, seeds and herbs, Jewelry, green living and up-cycled garage sale items! If that is not enough to tempt you, there will also be live music, food trucks, a gleaner’s table with free local produce, a seed share/seed bank and a homesteading class from noon to 1pm. Head to the parking lot of the Soquel Creek Animal Hospital parking lot directly across from Beer Thirty and Sunny Side Produce in Soquel.
Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series
Nicholson Vineyards 2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, CA, United StatesEnjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! They will be featuring local food vendors. Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians July 6 & 7: Epoch Eats & True Blue Studio Music by R&B July 13 & 14: Mattia Pizza & Scout + Sea Music by Sam Kellerman July 20 & 21: Chubby Tacos & Luna Dorada Music by Dave Tate July 27 & 28: My Mom’s Mole & Natalia Aandewiel Music by Tom Jacobs August 3 & 4: Areperia 831 & Nathan Goldsmith Music by Will Breman August 10 & 11: The Pesce Veggie & Papelline Music by Kip Allert August 17 & 18: SC Eatery & Sierra Evans Music by Michelle Lambert August 24 & 25: Taquizas Gabriel & Desert Moon Designs Music by Wild + Blue August 31 & September 1: Real Taco & The Clay Chalet Bottle Bash Event
Roaring Camp Railroads: Starlight Evening Dinner Party
Roaring Camp 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesEvening train and dinner excursion departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels along the San Lorenzo River through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Roaring Camp. Upon arrival, a delicious steak dinner awaits you. After dinner, get up and move to a live band. On the return trip to Santa Cruz, the train ride brings the forest to life with dazzling color and light. The evening event is four hours, returning to the Boardwalk when the stars are overhead.
Hotel Paradox: Pool Party and Circus Performances
Hotel Paradox (Solaire Restaurant and Bar) 611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesAwe-inspiring aerialists, jugglers, hoopers, gymnasts, balloons, face painting and more from The Dragon Collective, plus chill poolside beats by Lit n’ Loud Productions. Your ticket includes entry for one person to the event, use of the Hotel Paradox swimming pool and floaties, hot tub, fire pit, ping pong and other games. Cash bar and food available for purchase at the newly reimagined Solaire Restaurant + Bar patio. Sip, splash, savor, repeat! This event is all-ages friendly and pet-friendly (no pets allowed in the pool/hot tub).
Santa Cruz Harbor: Annual Regatta
Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesYou’ve enjoyed the Wednesday night sailboat races all Summer, but you do not want to miss the big Annual Regatta! If you own a sailboat, you do not need to be a member of the Santa Cruz Yacht Club or have a previous race rating to register for the race. Sailboats in all classes are welcome to join. You could watch this Sunday race for free as you do on Wednesday nights. You could join in on the gourmet award ceremony dinner with no host bar and musical entertainment after the race for $35. If you are a certified sailor with a sailboat, you could join the reverse sailing race and attend the award dinner for $50. You could catch a ride on the Chardonnay sailboat participating in the race and attend the dinner for $100. All this and much more for your day at Santa Cruz Harbor!
Seacliff Inn: Wine Pairing Event
Seacliff Inn 7500 Old Dominion Court, AptosMeet the Makers behind Prisoner Wine at this exclusive food & wine pairing at Seacliff Inn. Learn about this bold and innovative wine as you sip your way through their complex portfolio of wines. General Admission Ticket Includes: Three-Course Dinner Three Wine Pairings Take-Home Souvenir
Seacliff Inn: Sip and Stroll
Seacliff Inn 7500 Old Dominion Court, AptosEvery third Thursday, join Seacliff Inn for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists come together to show and sell their works. What goes better with art than wine? The featured winery of the month will be offering tastings of three varietals for you to enjoy in the company of your most creative Aptos neighbors.