Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium: Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

In late July and early August each year, audiences are joined by both preeminent and emerging composers, spectacular guest artists, and an orchestra of dedicated professional musicians from across the globe to give voice to works which are rarely more than a year or two old, and sometimes still wet on the page. The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, even at a seasoned 60 years old, is all about the new—the here and now of contemporary works for orchestra. To quote Financial Times music critic Allan Ulrich, “…in the surf mecca of Santa Cruz, 75 miles south of San Francisco, the Cabrillo Festival has made the contemporary repertoire sound urgent, indispensable and even sexy.”

Cabrillo College: Aptos Farmers Market

cabrillo college 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos

Market 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 – Sandhills Guided Hike

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, 2591 Graham Hill Rd, Scotts Valley, CA 95060, USA

Hike around an ancient seafloor?! Yes please! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Santa Cruz Sandhills, we'll be meandering through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800' above present-day sea level! Join us on August 10th at 9:00am to explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. RSVP for this event here!We'll meet in the campground parking lot (located off Graham Hill Rd.). We hope to see you there! Hard rain cancels. 

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Sandhills Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Get ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800 feet above present day sea level. Explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. The hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Plan to meet in the parking lot of the campground (located off Graham Hill Rd.).

Scotts Valley: Farmers Market

Joe and Linda Alberti Clubhouse 5060 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Established in 2009 with the City of Scotts Valley, this market has become a seasonal treasure to the local community and to those visiting the area looking for a place to slow down and unwind. Here, every Saturday 9am-1pm, from late spring through the fall, a circle of regional farms, local food businesses and other makers set up their stands to offer shoppers and diners an array of delicious edibles. The market is a resource for nutritious food and agricultural education, providing a gathering place for families, friends and neighbors. Whether your a weekly shopper or just passing through, find what you’re looking for amidst the robust selection of organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, pasture-raised chicken and duck eggs, flowers, artisanal meats, breads, seafood, pastries and ready-to-eat cuisine.

Westside Santa Cruz: Farmers Market

Westside Farmers’ Market Mission St. Ext. and Western Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The 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.

UCSC: 50th Anniversary Garden Celebration

UCSC CASFS Farm and Garden 152 Farm Road, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

9:30am-12:00pm — Workshop at the Chadwick Garden “In Praise of the Permanent Raised Bed and Intensive Gardening” with Orin Martin  In honor of 50 years of public workshops, Orin will teach a workshop on an emblematic feature of our organic gardens: the permanent raised bed—a wide bed, intensively planted. Join Friends and fans on the Chalet porch for Orin’s lecture with demonstrations to follow at stations throughout the garden.  12:30pm-3:00pm — Celebration and Talk at the Hay Barn   Gather for food and drink in the Hay Barn at 94 Ranch View Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95064. There will be remarks by Orin on the tradition of public service teaching at the Farm & Garden for 50 years. Orin will look back to 1974, the inaugural year of “Friends-style” garden workshops and the official founding of apprenticeship, and talk about the ongoing, enduring, yet still evolving nature of the Farm & Garden.

Half Moon Bay State Beach – Junior Rangers

Francis Beach Amphitheater, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA

During this 1-hour program for ages 7 to 12, kids become Junior Rangers by participating in hands-on activities to earn prizes while learning how to protect the natural world! Activities vary from nature walks, to games, to nature-inspired crafts and are based on a different theme each week. Register in advance here. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the amphitheater at the north end of the campground.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Gray Whale Cove

Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at State Parks’ McNee Ranch at Montara.  Enjoy a moderate 2 mile hike overlooking the California coast.  From the trail you will be able to view evidence in the landscape of the Ocean Shore Railroad and bunkers left over from the World War II era. Enjoy the ocean views, the coastal plants, and the birds on this exciting hike. Meet on the north side of the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1. If you have any questions or concerns please contact [email protected] or call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today! 

Santa Cruz Farmers Market: Pop Up Breakfast

Westside Farmers’ Market Mission St. Ext. and Western Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The 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. 

$75 – $150

Beautify Felton Pie Contest

Felton

Join 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.

FREE

Downtown Felton: Pie Contest

Downtown Felton Highway 9, Felton, United States

Hey, pie lovers and Bigfoot believers! Are you ready for a slice of local culture? Plan your visit to Downtown Felton for the annual Dessert Pie Contest. Nestled in a scenic mountain town, this event promises a day packed with playful competition that’s perfect for visitors looking to experience the local vibe. It’s a day to witness local bakers showcase their best pie creations, competing for the title of Pie Champion.  This year, they will be spicing up the event with live music, vibrant tie-dye stations, and cornhole boards available for casual play. Don’t miss the pie-eating contest – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!  Plus, with Felton’s legendary ties to Bigfoot, keep your cameras ready. You might just capture a glimpse of the elusive creature among the festivities!

Free

Santa Cruz Beach Train

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

From Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

Younger Lagoon Reserve 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This 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.