Santa Cruz: Wednesday Night Sailboat Races
Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSanta Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats dot the waves almost as frequently as surf boards here, benefiting from the tides and currents that make this beach town so special. So it is no surprise that the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Santa Cruz Yacht Club have become a nexus for the sailing community, with a calendar packed with activities and a weekly regatta, which brings out even the biggest land lover to admire the race every Wednesday.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour
Younger Lagoon Reserve 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThis 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. A tour is offered on selected Thursdays and Saturdays of each month beginning at 10:30 AM. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 18 participants. Advance reservations are highly recommended using the website link below. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested.
Santa Cruz MAH: Accidentally Wes Anderson
Santa Cruz MAH 705 Front Street, Downtown Santa CruzThe Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH), is debuting Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures in Santa Cruz, in collaboration with the online phenomenon and community of the same name (AWA). The exhibition takes guests on a worldwide visual journey to the most beautiful, idiosyncratic locations — including Santa Cruz County — with each photo tinged with the unmistakable esthetic of filmmaker Wes Anderson. The MAH exhibition, includes a selection of community-sourced images of quirky places and locales from California’s Central Coast. Some images pay homage to the 2024 centennial celebration of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper roller coaster, the oldest coaster in California that opened in 1924. The exhibition highlights Santa Cruz’s history and architecture alongside similarly-inspired images from around the globe. Through collaboration with UC Santa Cruz and resident artists in the county, the photos provide a glimpse into the ubiquitous Anderson-esque aspects of the city.
R Blitzer Gallery: Printed Digital Art Show
R Blitzer Gallery 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, United StatesCommunity of Digital Artists (CODA) have printed their work so it can be mounted on a wall and seen in the real, not the digital world. The show has been organized as part of A Celebration of Photography on the Central Coast, a month-long celebration of photography. It was juried by Ann Jastrab. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 to 4pm.
Newsies the Musical
Colligan Theater 1010 River Street, Santa CruzStop the presses! Experience the high-energy excitement of All About Theatre’s production of Newsies - featuring a live orchestra! Set in turn-of-the-century New York, this Tony Award-winning musical follows Jack Kelly and his fellow newsboys as they rise up against powerful publishers to demand fair pay and justice. Inspired by the real-life Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, Newsies is a thrilling tale of courage, friendship, and the fight for what’s right. Don’t miss your chance to see this inspiring story live at the Colligan Theater - get your tickets now!
Santa Cruz MAH: Accidentally Wes Anderson
Santa Cruz MAH 705 Front Street, Downtown Santa CruzThe Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH), is debuting Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures in Santa Cruz, in collaboration with the online phenomenon and community of the same name (AWA). The exhibition takes guests on a worldwide visual journey to the most beautiful, idiosyncratic locations — including Santa Cruz County — with each photo tinged with the unmistakable esthetic of filmmaker Wes Anderson. The MAH exhibition, includes a selection of community-sourced images of quirky places and locales from California’s Central Coast. Some images pay homage to the 2024 centennial celebration of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper roller coaster, the oldest coaster in California that opened in 1924. The exhibition highlights Santa Cruz’s history and architecture alongside similarly-inspired images from around the globe. Through collaboration with UC Santa Cruz and resident artists in the county, the photos provide a glimpse into the ubiquitous Anderson-esque aspects of the city.
Watsonville: Farmers Market
Downtown Watsonville CA, United StatesThe 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.
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.
Mello Center: Judy Norton With The Watsonville Band
Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts 250 East Beach Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesThe Watsonville Community Band will feature acclaimed actress and vocalist Judy Norton. The free performance, entitled “Lions, Tigers, & Marches! Oh My!” will showcase Judy’s artistry as she sings songs by George Gershwin and “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen, and the Band will perform a wide variety of marches, Broadway show tunes, and band classics. The young and aspiring musicians of the Watsonville Youth Band will also perform. Judy Norton, launched to international fame when she starred as Mary Ellen for 9 years in the Emmy Award winning series “The Waltons.” Since then, she has gone on to numerous television guest-starring roles in film and television while also working in stage productions in the US and Canada.
Chaminade Resort and Spa: Nashville Nights-Jerrod Niemann
Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesRanch 1917 and Chaminade Resort are bringing Nashville back to Santa Cruz! The hit concert kicks off Friday, April 4 with country sensation Jerrod Niemann. Overnight packages and tickets on sale now for all dates. Get up close and personal with some of Nashville’s hottest musical acts. Experience an intimate concert while watching the sun set over Monterey Bay. April 4 – Jerrod Niemann May 30 – Eric Paslay June 20 – Love and Theft August 29 – Canaan Smith
Cocoanut Grove: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight
Cocoanut Grove 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesWatch the Listeso String Quartet bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience! They will be playing Vivaldi’s well known Four Seasons and more at The Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove under the gentle glow of candlelight. Tentative Program “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 1 RV 269: “Spring”” – Vivaldi “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2 RV 315: “Summer”” – Vivaldi “Thaïs: Méditation” – Jules Massenet “Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons: “Spring 3”” – Max Richter “The Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas: Verano Porteño” – Astor Piazzolla “Libertango” – Astor Piazzolla “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 3 RV 293: “Autumn”” – Vivaldi “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 4 RV 297: “Winter”” – Vivaldi
Cabrillo College: Aptos Farmers Market
cabrillo college 6500 Soquel Dr, AptosMarket customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced olive oil, fresh pasta and gourmet sauces, organic juices, handmade sauerkraut, Corralitos smoked sausages and bacon, artisan breads and baked goods, organic honey, mushrooms, sprouts and microgreens, farm fresh eggs, flowers, potted plants, seedlings, herbs, and an unsurpassed selection of certified California grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Birdwatching
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesWe are offering a bird-watching program on April 5th at 9:00 am. Join us to learn all about life histories, behaviors, field markings, etc. On this 1-mile walk, we will make specific observations about characteristics that will certainly help us quack the case for many bird identifications! Let's plan to meet in the campground parking lot off of Graham Hill Road. Hope to see you there! Make sure to bring binoculars and weather-appropriate attire. RSVP for this event at this page.
Westside Santa Cruz: Farmers Market
Westside Farmers’ Market Mission St. Ext. and Western Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of the west end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the University of California, Santa Cruz campus. Sitting on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt this market is a great launching location for a day outdoors at Natural Bridges beach, Wilder Ranch or any adventure spot up the coast. It is also just a hop, skip and a jump, or bike ride, from Downtown. A community hub for over 15 years, the Westside Market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, beer, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cultural meals, live local music and a full espresso bar operated by Syllable. With an abundance of free parking and accessibility on its side, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing any time of the year.
Capitola Mall: Surf City Comic Con
Capitola Mall 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA, United StatesHead to Capitola for a day filled with all things comics, anime, cosplay, and more! Get ready to meet your favorite artists, browse through unique merchandise, and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and fandom. Whether you’re a die-hard comic book fan or just looking for a fun day out, Surf City Comic Con has something for everyone. Don’t forget to dress up as your favorite character and participate in our cosplay contest for a chance to win some awesome prizes!