Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train

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

Travel 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 States

Kick 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.

$15

Watsonville: AAPI Identity Art Show

Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA, United States

What 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.

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.

Santa Cruz: WEDNESDAY NIGHT SAILBOAT RACES

Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Santa 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.

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. 

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.

Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train

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

Travel 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 States

What 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.

Free

UCSC: Farmstand

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The 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.

Seacliff Inn: Sip and Stroll

Seacliff Inn 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos

Every third Thursday, join Seacliff Inn for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists come together to show and sell their works. What goes better with art than wine? The featured winery of the month will be offering tastings of three varietals for you to enjoy in the company of your most creative Aptos neighbors.

Event Series Potter the Otter Exhibit

Potter the Otter Exhibit

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United States

The Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery is thrilled to announce a season of celebration in honor of its 10th anniversary and a decade of discovery in our community. Join us for the exciting kick-off event as we unveil the "Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure" traveling exhibit. Dive into adventure with Potter the Otter™ on his quest to be healthy and strong! This hands-on interactive exhibit, spanning over 1,500 sq ft, brings the beloved First 5 children's books to life through the power of play. Built by The San Jose Children's Discovery Museum for preschool and kindergarten-age children this exhibit is enjoyable for all interested in living a healthy life. August 24th-November 11th Open to the public Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Public Admission: $3 Museum Members: Free Sponsored by First 5 Santa Clara, First 5 Santa Cruz, Omega Nu, New Leaf Community Markets, & Capitola Kids Dentistry

$3

Castro Adobe Open House

184 Old Adobe Rd Watsonville, CA, United States

Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State HistoricParkCastro Adobe Open House: MexicanIndependence DaySaturday, September 21 from 10:30 am to 3:30pmHappy Mexican IndependenceDay! In 1821, the newly formed country of Mexico gained its independence fromSpain. However, Spanish culture remained on the ranchos of Alta Californiaduring the Mexican rancho period of California history. Come learn about theblending of different cultures at the Castro Adobe, and how the influence ofdifferent cultural groups was evident throughout California, from the saddlesthat vaqueros sat upon to the structure of the Potter-Church Gardenbehind the Castro Adobe. Listen to live music and enjoy our recentlyinstalled interpretive displays.  Reservationsfor a free 90-minute docent led tour are recommended at: www.santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse Eventmade possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. For more information call (831) 226-9669