First Friday Santa Cruz
Multiple locations throughout Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun.
Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties
Midtown Block Party Lot 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa CruzGo 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
Watsonville Plaza: Summer Concert Series
Watsonville Civic Plaza 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesThe Watsonville summer outdoor Music in the Plaza concert series is back! Enjoy an evening of music outdoors. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, then sit back and relax to the sounds of summer. A variety of bands from different genres will be showcased at these concerts. Grab a bite at the downtown restaurants or farmers market and enjoy the music from 6-8 PM on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month throughout the summer. June 21, 2024 July 5, 2024 July 19, 2024 August 2, 2024 August 16, 2024 September 6, 2024
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.
Kuumbwa Jazz Center: David Nihill Comedy
Kuumbwa Jazz Center 320-2 Cedar St., Santa CruzA night of comedy, storytelling and reading recommendations with Irish comedian David Nihill. After selling out last time David Nihill is back in Santa Cruz with his new show, Shelf Help. Leaving Dublin, Ireland where he was born and raised until the age of 22, David got drunk on travel and never quite hit sobriety of it. He has lived and worked in twelve countries and visited over seventy. His shows draw on his wide travels, cultural observations, attempts at language study, (occasional) international drinking session(s) and being a mildly confused immigrant. David is the winner of the prestigious annual San Francisco Comedy Competition, and runner up in the Moth’s largest US Grand Slam storytelling competition. Also, a bestselling writer, David recorded his debut special for Dry Bar Comedy in 2019 and has been featured on TED.com, Sirius XM, The Irish Independent, Inc, NPR, and the Huffington Post among others. A festival favorite, David’s videos have also gone viral many times with over 400 million views and a social following of over 1.5 million people.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Birdwatching Hike
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesSpend the morning with resident and migratory birds of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park! On this 1 mile stroll, which will last approximately 1.5 hours, participants have the opportunity to observe, and listen to, a handful of bird species in the park. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The meeting location changes on a monthly basis, so please register for free through the link below for more information.
Cabrillo College: Aptos Farmers Market
cabrillo college 6500 Soquel Dr, AptosMarket 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.
Elkhorn Slough: Early Bird Tour
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserach Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (Royal Oaks), CA, United StatesAmateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides lead these 2-3 mile walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home, and giving tips on identifying species.
Scotts Valley: Farmers Market
Joe and Linda Alberti Clubhouse 5060 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesEstablished 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 StatesThe 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.
Roaring Camp: Roarin’ The Redwoods Car Show
Roaring Camp 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesHead to Roaring Camp Railroads to see a non-judged show of classic, muscle cars, hot rods truck and more from 1975 and older. Enjoy Roaring Camp’s western themed town, have a snack, or purchase a ride on the steam train! Local lunch vendors will be on site too!
Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve
Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United StatesDocent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis – visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
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
Cruise Coffee Cafe: Coffee Shopping Marketplace
Cruise Coffee Cafe 246 Kings Village, Scotts Valley, United StatesEvery first Saturday of the month, head to Scotts Valley for coffee, vendors and all the fun at Cruise Coffee Cafe!
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.