Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Redwood Loop Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Every weekend day at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Old Growth Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest.  On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants over 200 feet tall. They say that the Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed!

Free

Scotts Valley: Fall Bake-Off and Festival

Scotts Valley Community Center 360 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Go to the Scotts Valley Fall Bake–Off and Festival and enjoy music, pumpkins, arts and crafts, games and more!  Admission is free, but how can you resist purchasing a tasting ticket once you see all the sweet dessert treats to sample?

Free

Downtown Santa Cruz: “Encounter” Art Exhibition

m.k. contemporary art gallery Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy a captivating new exhibition featuring the works of eight talented artists from Santa Cruz and the wider bay area. The exhibition will run through November 24th, 2024. “Encounter” explores the moment of convergence—where materials, ideas, and experiences collide. Each piece captures the ephemeral nature of these intersections, provoking curiosity and inviting viewers into a space of contemplation and connection. The work challenges perception, inviting introspection while offering intimate yet expansive reflections on the world around us. Exhibition Dates:
October 4th – November 24th, 2024  Closed Mondays through Wednesdays.  Open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM M.K. Contemporary Art invites art lovers and the general public to experience this powerful collection of works in person. The gallery is located in Downtown Santa Cruz, easily accessible to visitors from across the Bay Area.

Free

Wilder Ranch State Park: Historic Ground Tours

Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860’s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home.   *This is a 1 hour tour that starts at 1PM on both Saturday and Sunday *Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505

Wilder Ranch: Historic Grounds Tours

Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860’s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Please reserve your spot online.

Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour

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

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email wilderranch@ports-ca.us

Annieglass: Fall Leaves Watercolor Class

Annieglass 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, CA, United States

Spend a fall afternoon with Santa Cruz artist, Heidi Michelle as she guides participants in painting a fall leaf wreath with watercolors. The class begins with basic design techniques to warm up the group, then moves into a demo, followed by a step-by-step process of painting fall leaves. Items provided: good quality paper (10”x 14”) board and tape a brush palette paint Best of all, you leave with a beautiful finished painting. Wine or sparkling beverages are provided. Take 20% off in our retail store for first-quality Annieglass products. *You must cancel 48 hours before the event to receive a full refund if you are unable to attend.

$80

Santa Cruz Wharf: Swing Dancing

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Whether you dance East Coast, West Coast, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Jitterbug, Balboa, Collegiate Shag or Blues you will find music, friends, and food while you improve your dancing digs! All levels, and various styles plus a social dance with great ambiance are welcome! Go Join the fun on the Second Saturday evening of each month at the Santa Cruz Wharf stage (weather permitting)!

Santa Cruz Civic Center: Roller Derby Autumn Double Header

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Head to the Civic Center for the Autumn double header!    Grab yourself a beer, sit on the sidelines and cheer on the local roller derby teams! Santa Cruz Roller Derby’s Travel C (The Sirens) and Travel A (The Bombshells) will be taking the track.    4:45pm: The Seabright Sirens  7:00pm: The Boardwalk Bombshells 

$11 – $30

Santa Cruz: Three’s Company Music Trios

Peace United Church of Christ 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Hear new music in groups of three!  Music for Three Bongos, a Bird Trio, English horn with 2 violins, vocal trios, and arrangements for improvisations with even more musical trios!

$17.85 – $35

Live Oak: Farmers Market

Live Oak Farmers’ Market 15th Street & East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Started in 2000, this neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved and depended on by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. Here the atmosphere is bumping with families, cyclists, beach goers, locals, visitors, the young and the old. Shoppers find an excellent selection of organic produce from regional farms. The tables are stacked high with tree-ripened fruits, greens, fresh bread, pastries, nuts and legumes, sustainable seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and seasonal flowers. Many visitors spend hours at the market, filling their bags with berries, chicories and bagels – then moving onto a unique meal from one of the accomplished cooks that sell at the market. Sunday brunch offerings include traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes, gyoza, savory and sweet crepes and farm-driven meals that spotlight the harvest in clean, creative and bright arrangements. Watsonville-based Hidden Fortress Coffee provides that hot, comforting cup of goodness that brings us back to the simple pleasures of life. This is your Sunday destination.

Wilder Ranch State Park: Backcountry Hike

Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

On this hike you will be discovering the natural history of Wilder Ranch as well as the people and forces that shaped it. Be prepared to explore for 5 hours on this 8 mile hike with 1000 ft. of elevation gain. Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good hiking shoes. It is also highly recommended you bring at least 32 oz of water and lunch to eat on the trail. Meet by the Visitor’s Center by the front of the Meder House in the historic complex. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Reservations are required using the website link below.

Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Hike

Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Discover the natural history of Wilder Ranch as well as the people and forces that shaped it. Be prepared to explore for 5 hours on this 8-mile hike with 1000 feet. of elevation gain. Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather good hiking shoes, 32 oz of water and lunch to eat on the trail. Meet outside the Visitor’s Center. The hike is free, but parking is $10.

Free

Downtown Santa Cruz: Antiques Faire

Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire Lincoln Street (between Pacific and Cedar), Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.

Bean Hollow State Beach – Guided Walk

Join a State Park Educator and enjoy the flora, fauna, and coastal views on this leisurely 1.5 mile out-and-back along the bluffs between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach. Hike is mostly flat with some mild elevation gain and loss. In the springtime, this hike will be bursting with color as the wildflowers bloom! Meet at the Bean Hollow State Beach south parking lot on Hwy 1. Exact location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jQQT6TYsGdb7Wuko9Time: 10:00amParking:  Free parking located at Bean Hollow State Beach South Parking LotPreparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and bring plenty of water & snacks.  Steady rain will cancel. Contact: halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or (669)758-1819