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.
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.
Kaiser Permanente Arena: NBA G League Fall Invitational
Kaiser Permanente Arena 140 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Santa Cruz Warriors announced that the 2024 NBA G League Fall Invitational will be held at Kaiser Permanente Arena on September 4 and 6. The invitational will feature a pair of exhibition games between NBA G League United, a team comprised of top NBA G League prospects, and Mega MIS, a premier international program from Serbia. Both clubs have a proven track record of developing elite young talent that has recorded impressive NBA careers.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Museum of Discovery: Potter the Otter
1855 41st Ave Ste J05, across from Wetzel’s Pretzels in the Capitola Mall 41st Avenue, Capitola, United StatesThe 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. Enjoy the exciting kick-off event as they 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 Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
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.
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.
Downtown Boulder Creek: Block Party
Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesArtists will be set up throughout downtown amongst street food sold by local restaurants and live music. There will be a chalk painting contest and more!