Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Fall Creek Guided Hike

Fall Creek Unit Trailhead, Felton Empire Rd, Felton, CA 95018, USA

The Fall Creek unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods is extraordinary, and we want to explore it with you! On this multi-mile hike, we'll be meandering along Fall Creek to the historic Barrel Mill and Lime Kiln sites. Join us on June 19th at 9:00am to explore this beautiful creek system and learn a bit about its history.RSVP for this event here!We'll meet in the main parking lot of Fall Creek (located off Felton Empire Grade).

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.

Abbott Square: Paint Night

Abbott Square 725 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA

Follow along with local artist, Ana of Follow the Sun, to create your own tropical beach inspired masterpiece! In just two hours you will be guided, step by step, in creating our painting of the day. Great for complete beginners and seasoned creatives alike. You have the freedom to add your personal touch – tweak the colors & composition, or just follow along with the instruction! We will learn and practice various painting techniques as we go, with plenty of room for creativity. One-on-one help is always available & all supplies are included – 16″x20″ canvas, paint, brushes, and aprons. We will be set up outside on the patio! Grab a drink from Front & Cooper & a meal from one of the many eatery options while you paint. Grab a friend, a drink, and let’s create!

$35

Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts

Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United States

Bring 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)

Free

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. 

Wilder Ranch State Park – Rail Trail Groundbreaking Ceremony

Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Rail Trail Groundbreaking CeremonyThursday June 20 from noon to 1:30 pmConstruction of Segment 5 of the Rail Trail will getunderway this summer, connecting Wilder Ranch State Park to the town ofDavenport, 8 miles north of Santa Cruz. Join us for the groundbreaking ceremonyof this exciting expansion on June 20! In addition to the ceremony andspeeches, activity booths and light refreshments will be available. For more information, visit www.sccrtc.org/seg5

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.

Santa Cruz Harbor: Free Water Taxi

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

The free, inner-harbor water taxi operates between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, on summer weekends and holidays.  In addition to weekend service, the water taxi will operate on Thursday evenings during the Crow’s Nest beach barbecues from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.  Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations:  X1 Gate (northeast harbor)  AA Dock (southwest harbor)  Launch Ramp (southeast harbor)  Please visit the Port District’s website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock. 

Free

Westside Humble Sea: Astronomy on Tap

Humble Sea Brewery 820 Swift Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Head to the Humble Sea Brewing Co. for a free event out of this world!  There will be astro trivia and prizes.  Learn about the Shadow the Scientists initiative, which allows the general public to follow and understand live observations with the largest telescopes in the world!

Bookshop Santa Cruz: Elizabeth Acevedo

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

Elizabeth has a talent for performance, so her appearance in Downtown Santa Cruz for the paperback release of her bestselling novel, Family Lore, is bound to be entertaining! The story, if it is not already on your shelf, is of one Dominican American family told through the voices of its women.

Free

Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties

Midtown Block Party Lot 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Go Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday!  Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors  The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts May 31 to August 31.  Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show  May 31st: Dylan Rose Band – Opener: Shoreline Middle School Band June 7th: Doah’s Daydream – Opener: Soquel High Jazz Band  June 14th: Funkranomicon – Opener: Trianna (GTRI)  June 21st: The Cruzers – Opener: Ripatti & Rose  June 28th: Hijinx – Opener: Mo Cruz (Animo)  July 5th: The Money Band – Opener: Jim Buhisan  July 12th: Santa Cruda – Opener: Th New Horizon Band  July 19th: The Joint Chiefs – Opener: Jake Nielsen & Triple Threat  July 26th: Locomotive Breath – Opener: Joshua Cremer  August 2nd: Anthony Arya  August 9th: Cowboys After Dark – Opener: Shawn Yanez  August 16th: Ribsy’s Nickel – Opener: The Rayburn Brothers  August 23rd: Spun – Opener: Dave Miller (Nomad)  August 30th: Alex Lucero Band – Opener: Honey Disposition

Free

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park – Old Fashioned Campfire

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, 144 School St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Join us for an old fashioned family campfire this summer! Bring a picnic dinner and lawn chairs, and enjoy making your own fresh tortillas on the comal. Listen to some live music by Robby & Friends, and come together around the campfire for an evening of silly skits, fun stories, and classic campfire songs with the best view of Santa Cruz! 5:30 - 6:45 Live music, picnic and tortilla-making6:45 - 8pm Campfire songs & storiesThis event is FREE, call (831) 425-5849 for more information, or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Free Book of Life Movie on the Beach

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Every Friday night on the beach in front of the Colonnade, bring your family and your blanket or low-back chair to experience the ultimate movie night!  Watch your favorite movies while munching on mouthwatering Boardwalk treats, from kettle corn and saltwater taffy to corn dogs and turkey legs. Seating has first come, first served and each movie will have a 15-minute intermission.  Lost Boys: June 14 from 9pm -10:45pm Book of Life: June 21 from 9pm – 10:45pm Barbie: June 28 from 9pm – 11pm The Sandlot: July 5 from 9pm – 11pm Endless Summer: July 12 (special events from noon – 10:45pm – movie from 9:00 p.m-10:45 p.m.) Wonka: July 19 from 9pm – 11:15 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: July 26 from 9pm – 11pm Trolls: August 2 from 9pm – 10:45 The Goonies: August 9 from 9pm to 11pm 

Free

Big Basin Redwoods State Park – Plant Walk

Hike at Big Basin with one of our knowledgeable docents and plant enthusiast through the majestic Redwoods post fire. See which plants are thriving after the CZU Lightning Complex fire and likely see some Banana Slugs! Plan for 4 hours of easy walking and 2-4 miles on trails and fire roads. Dress in Layers, bring water and a snack. Rain will cancel. Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or we recommend you reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 8:45 am.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected].