Santa Cruz Beach Train
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesFrom 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.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesTravel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Slime Week at the Museum of Discovery
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United StatesKick off your summer and get ready for a week of gooey, glorious fun at the Children's Museum of Discovery's Slime Week! Enter the Slime Lab and explore different textures, colors, and types of slime in a sensory experience you will never forget! Don't want the fun to end? Work with our slimeologist to mix up a custom creation at our take-home Slime Bar.
Watsonville: AAPI Identity Art Show
Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesWhat is Identity? Enjoy an exploration of identity through the lens of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists. From traditional forms to contemporary expressions, each work offers a unique perspective inviting you to ponder the complexities of culture, heritage, and self-discovery. Sunday, August 11 from 2-4pm at 37 Sudden St; Opening Reception Sunday, August 11 at 2:30pm at 37 Sudden St; Watsonville Taiko Performance Saturday, August 17 from 2-3pm at 280 Main St; Storytelling Matinee Saturday, August 24 from 2-3pm at 280 Main St; Storytelling Matinee Sunday, September 8 from 2-3pm at 37 Sudden St; Poetry Reading & Artist Talk with Shirley Ancheta The Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
Downtown Santa Cruz: Farmers Market
Downtown Farmers’ Market 700-798 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe 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.
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.
Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts
Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United StatesBring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. June 12: Spun (Funky Rock) June 19: Pacific Roots (Reggae Rock) June 26: Ribsy’s Nickel (Rock/Reggae) July 3: Dirty Cello (Blues & Rock) July 10: Mike Hammar & The Nails (Contemporary Blues) July 17: Extra Large (Original Pop) July 24: The Joint Chiefs (R&B, Soul, American Roots) July 31: Dolce (Old School, R&B, Soul, American Roots) August 7: Space Heater (Funk/Dance/Jam) August 14: The Inciters Band (60’s Style Original Soul) August 21: Cowboys After Dark (Classic Rock/Funk) August 28: Alex Lucero (Soul/Americana)
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery: Comedy Night
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing 402 Ingalls Street #27, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe 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.
Santa Cruz Beach Train
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesFrom 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.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesTravel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Watsonville: AAPI Identity Art Show
Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesWhat is Identity? Enjoy an exploration of identity through the lens of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists. From traditional forms to contemporary expressions, each work offers a unique perspective inviting you to ponder the complexities of culture, heritage, and self-discovery. Sunday, August 11 from 2-4pm at 37 Sudden St; Opening Reception Sunday, August 11 at 2:30pm at 37 Sudden St; Watsonville Taiko Performance Saturday, August 17 from 2-3pm at 280 Main St; Storytelling Matinee Saturday, August 24 from 2-3pm at 280 Main St; Storytelling Matinee Sunday, September 8 from 2-3pm at 37 Sudden St; Poetry Reading & Artist Talk with Shirley Ancheta The Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
UCSC: Farmstand
Cowell Ranch Hay Barn 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Center for Agroecology Farmstand is open to all and features organic vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers grown at the UCSC Farm and Chadwick Garden. Find the Farmstand at the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn near the base of campus every Thursday from 12:30-6pm, beginning June 20 and continuing through September 26, 2024.
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)
Santa Cruz Harbor: Winemakers Sail
Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesChardonnay Sailing Charters features a different local winery every Friday evening from May through October. Enjoy the fabulous wines provided and entice your palate with complimentary hours-d’oeuvres while taking in the stunning views of the California coastline. Learn about the local wineries and the art of winemaking. Watch the sunset, raise your glasses, and give a toast to a wine tasting at its finest!