Special Event
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: Laura Hecox Day
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThere will be free admission all day at the Museum of Natural History for the annual Laura Hecox Day. Celebrate the pioneering lighthouse keeper, naturalist, and Museum founder. Born in 1854 and raised in the original Santa Cruz lighthouse, she spent her childhood exploring the tidepools and trails of our region. Laura curated a natural history collection that became the foundation of Santa Cruz’s first museum and still serves our community after 119 years. Go learn about the Museum’s rich cultural and natural history, engage in arts, crafts, and games for kids, & get your hands dirty helping with the Pilkington Creek Restoration project!
Vine Hill Auction Gala
Boardwalk's Cocoanut Grove 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSail away with us at the Auction Gala 2025! Join us for an unforgettable Yacht Rock Party at the Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove, featuring the smooth sounds of Mustache Harbor. Enjoy an evening that includes dinner, an open bar, fantastic music, and fabulous auction items as we come together to support Vine Hill. Don your best yacht attire, bring your dancing shoes, and get ready to rock the night away! Captain's Orders: Party Like a Yacht Star!
Wilder Ranch State Park Ranch Kid Homeschool Day
Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USAJoin us for a Ranch Kid Field Trip at Wilder Ranch State Park! This special event allows your homeschool, non-traditional or small class to participate in a self-guided field trip at Wilder Ranch State Park. This opportunity allows you to guide your own field trip, while participating in volunteer-lead stations, games, and activities. This event is free and comes with a free activity booklet geared towards ages 6-11. Day-use parking is $10
Omega Nu 35th Annual Ducky Derby
Harvey West Park Friendship Garden 326 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz, CADucky Derby 2025 Saturday, April 26th 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Harvey West Park – Friendship Gardens Omega Nu welcomes you back to Harvey West Park for our 35th Annual Ducky Derby and Carnival. A fun-filled day for the entire family! Come to the duck races and cheer our plucky ducks over the finish line while enjoying food, games, and music. Listen as the bugle blares signaling the start of each race and children run to watch as thousands of rubber ducks course down the water raceway. Adopt a duck and have a chance to win over 100 prizes. All proceeds from duck adoptions go directly back to our community through the Omega Nu Scholarship program and grants provided to teachers, nonprofits, and charitable organizations. The ducks race rain or shine! To learn more about how you can support the Santa Cruz community through Omega Nu and Ducky Derby, please visit our website duckyderbysantacruz.org Come and enjoy a great day at the park! Admission is Free.