Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Guided Redwood Hike

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center, rain or shine. This event is free, but the parking fee at all state parks for the day is $10.

Free

Wilder Ranch: Historic Grounds Tours

Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Discover 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 Cruz, CA, United States

Thursday 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.  

$32 – $70

Actors Theatre: 8 Tens @ 8 Festival

Actors’ Theatre 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Thursday 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.  

$32 – $70

Felton: Farmers Market

Felton Farmers’ Market 120 Russell Ave, Felton, CA, United States

The Felton Farmers’ Market is a treasured weekly gathering May through October, now running for over 30 years. We appreciate the dedicated customers who call this market a second home. Your support of regional agriculture and small, local businesses makes a difference. The Felton Farmers’ Market was started in 1987 and is the second oldest market in Santa Cruz County. SCCFM took over operations in 2009 and our team has developed deep ties to the community. Every Tuesday a quality collection of regional farms and food businesses throw up their tents to sell a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, seafood and other staple foods. Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Felton Market is an essential part of the regional food system as well as a resource for nutritious organic foods and basic agricultural education.

Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Stroll 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.

Free

Downtown Santa Cruz: Farmers Market

Downtown Farmers’ Market 700-798 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-5pm year round. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. Established in 1990, many of the farms that sell here were and remain pillars of the organic and ecological farming movement. This is the place to eat with the seasons! The variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pastured meats and other products is swoon worthy. The Downtown Market also spotlights a large variety of up-and-coming, unique cultural food businesses. This weekly spot may serve up the most diverse selection of ethnic foods in the county including naan and curry, Japanese fermented misos, Eritrean dishes, crepes, El Salvadorean pupusas, traditional Italian cookies, fish and chips and long-ferment fresh breads. Shopping at the Wednesday market is a wonderful way to support regional responsible farms and small local businesses. Fill your grocery bags! Then sit down for a delightful meal and rest your weary arms.

Free Online Parent Drop-In: Youth Mental Health

The Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health offers free Parent Drop-Ins, 1-hour sessions where parents can seek guidance from experts specializing in specific youth mental health disorders. Parents can also connect with others facing similar challenges. Each Zoom session is hosted by expert clinical psychologists who specialize in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use, suicidality, and psychotropic medication. Parent Drop-Ins are held on the last Wednesday of every month at 5:30 pm. Register to receive the Zoom link, and submit questions ahead of time. Upcoming Parent Drop-Ins: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom We also offer Parent Drop-In session for schools and parent groups.

Free

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery: Comedy Night

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing 402 Ingalls Street #27, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Microbrewery that makes organic beers and serves them in a dog-friendly biergarten is bringing back the Wednesday night comedy shows! Catch the best comedians from far and wide every week. 

Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Stroll 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.

Free

Actors Theatre: 8 Tens @ 8 Festival

Actors’ Theatre 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Thursday 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.  

$32 – $70

Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Stroll 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.

Free

Watsonville: Farmers Market

Downtown Watsonville CA, United States

The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville.  Don’t miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.  Bring your appetite  as there are tons of delicious prepared foods to try.

Actors Theatre: 8 Tens @ 8 Festival

Actors’ Theatre 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Thursday 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.  

$32 – $70