Pajaro Valley Arts: Mi Casa es Tu Casa

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

Mi Casa es Tu Casa is an annual Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit inspired by the traditional holiday of Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico and beyond through altars to remember and honor those who have passed. This cherished tradition brings together families, communities and friends as they prepare to welcome the spirits back each year. PVA has invited artists, community groups and local residents “into our home” to construct altars, installations, and more to celebrate and pay homage to our ancestors. Opening reception will be held Sunday, November 3 from 1-3pm.  The exhibit will be on display until December 1.  The Gallery hours on Sudden Street are Wednesday-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.

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.

Free

Downtown Santa Cruz: A Christmas Carol

Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents a world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, by Artistic Director Charles Pasternak. This Carol will hew closely to Dickens’ original text while embracing the exciting, inspiring spirit that SCS is known for. Featuring Mike Ryan as Scrooge, as well as local favorite Julie James, the production will take place at the historic Santa Cruz County Veteran’s Memorial Building. 

$22 – $66

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. 

Gayle’s Bakery: Pre-Order Thanksgiving

Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria Bay Avenue, Capitola, United States

Gayle’s will start taking Thanksgiving orders on October 1st.  There are limited quantities, so make sure you order early! They have everything from traditional turkey dinners, sides& appetizers, dinner rolls & rustic breads to handmade pies and holiday desserts.  View their menu online at the link below left. 

$5.25 – $425

The View at Chaminade: Thanksgiving Brunch or Early Dinner

Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Chaminade with a world-class festive buffet overlooking Santa Cruz & the Monterey Bay. $85++ per person (Ages 13+) $25++ per person (Ages 3 – 12) ++ Plus Tax & Gratuity Reservations Required

$25 – $85

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.

Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Stroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! The monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park at (831)423-0871 to find out the current population. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. Parking near the trail accessible entrance is $10.

Free

Pajaro Valley Arts: Mi Casa es Tu Casa

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

Mi Casa es Tu Casa is an annual Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit inspired by the traditional holiday of Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico and beyond through altars to remember and honor those who have passed. This cherished tradition brings together families, communities and friends as they prepare to welcome the spirits back each year. PVA has invited artists, community groups and local residents “into our home” to construct altars, installations, and more to celebrate and pay homage to our ancestors. Opening reception will be held Sunday, November 3 from 1-3pm.  The exhibit will be on display until December 1.  The Gallery hours on Sudden Street are Wednesday-Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Free

Ideal Bar and Grill: Thanksgiving Feast

Ideal Bar & Grill 106 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Take your friends and family to a beachside Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast!  Please follow the link in the bottom left-hand corner to go to the website and reserve your spot due to limited availability.

$30 – $70

Santa Cruz Diner: Thanksgiving Feast

Santa Cruz Diner Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, United States

A Thanksgiving feast without having to make a reservation?  Bring your friends and family to the Santa Cruz Diner! 

$15 – $30

Gilda’s: Thanksgiving Feast

Gilda’s on the Wharf Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, United States

Take your friends and family to Gilda’s on Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast on the wharf with views! They will have a traditional Thanksgiving turkey meal and their dessert specials will be a classic pumpkin pie or apple pie.  They even have a special fun “Cranberry Sauced” drink for adults! Call today at (831) 423-2010 to make a reservation.

$29.95

Shadowbrook: Thanksgiving Feast

Shadowbrook Restaurant 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, United States

Make a reservation for a Thanksgiving Feast at Shadowbrook!  Enjoy delicious food, beautiful views and transportation that makes travel part of the experience! Dress up nicely and enjoy a free shuttle service in a vintage taxi if your hotel is within a 3-mile radius of Shadowbrook.  Or you can park and take the trolley through the gardens to the entrance.  Of course, there is nothing stopping you from meandering through the gardens on foot!  There will be live music in the Rock Room Lounge from 5PM to 10PM by Elie Mabanza.  Walk-ins will be accepted at the Rock Room Bar & Lounge with roof top terrace from 11AM to 10pm. Dining room reservations will be from 11:30AM to 9PM. Traditional Turkey Entree – $37.95 Diestel Family Ranch oven-roasted turkey breast & thigh cranberry-orange relish bourbon-pecan dressing garlic-whipped potato & traditional gravy Pumpkin Pie – $11.95 served with Marianne’s Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pumpkin Cheesecake with a gingersnap crust and topped with apple cider jelly and caramelized apples – $TBD

$37.95 – $50

Santa Cruz Harbor: Winemakers Sail

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

Chardonnay 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!

$82