Growing Up in Santa Cruz

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

Native Plant Garden Workday at Henry Cowell

Native Plant Garden Workday - This is a Native Plant Garden Workday, in which remove non-native plants from the garden, install new signage, prune select plants, and restore habitat. This workday offers an incredible opportunity to familiarize yourself with native plants in the area! Participants should be prepared to spend a few hours on hands and knees yankin' some weeds.This workday will meet in front of the Nature Store. If possible, please bring work gloves and a hand trowel. Park offers a limited supply.Click here to RSVP and be sure to cross reference the above details with the date of your choice!

Watsonville: Farmers Market

Downtown Watsonville CA, United States

The 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.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Bites and Brews

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

At Brews at the Beach near Neptune’s Kingdom, indulge in top Bay Area craft beers paired with delicious local foods, while enjoying FREE live music!  Thursday and Friday evenings from 4-8pm.  October 10: “Southern Comfort”  October 17-18: “Pub Bites”  October 24-15: “Mexican Plates”  October 31-November 1: “All-American Grub”  November 7-8: “Street Food”  November 14-15: “BBQ Bites”  November 21-22: “Almost Turkey Time” 

$24 – $38

Miracle on 34th Street

Park Hall Ben Lomond 9339 Mill Street, Ben Lomond

Mountain Community Theater welcomes in the holiday season with their very own, “Miracle on 34th Street, the Play”, adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies, based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. Directed by Daria E. Troxell, this family friendly, heartwarming production will remind you of the magic of Christmas and the spirit of the season. The production takes place at Ben Lomond's historic Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street. Subscriber and tickets go are available now by visiting mctshows.org Please join us for an “Opening Night Reception” immediately following the performance on Friday, November 22. There will be a “Community Night” on Saturday, November 23, where all tickets are 2 for $25. Evening shows are at 7:30 p.m., not 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m.

$20 – $25

Rio Theatre: The Fab Four Ultimate Tribute

Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

If you want to experience the best Beatles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss The Fab Four-The Ultimate Tribute. The 2024 tour brings their all-new show to the stage, celebrating The Beatles’ first visit to the USA, with performances from the Ed Sullivan show and the Meet The Beatles album, as well as the Beatles’ greatest hits of every era.   The Emmy Award Winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day in The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and “Hey Jude”, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.   Their incredible stage performances include three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career, and this loving tribute to the Beatles has amazed audiences in countries around the world.

$49 – $149.80

Santa Cruz: Turkey Trot

Westside Research Park Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz, United States

Go on.  Earn that feast!  Flat, fast out and back courses that begin & end on Delaware Street by the back entrance to Natural Bridges. A run with spectacular ocean views!  10k, 5k, and kids 1k all offered.   Signature Santa Cruz Track Club finisher socks for all 5k and 10k finishers.   Prizes for top three overall. 

$6.30 – $54

Pleasure Point: Surf Competition

Pleasure Point County Park E Cliff Drive and 33rd Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This weekend, head to Pleasure Point Hook to cheer on the Santa Cruz Scholastic Surf League competition. Throughout the season, they organize a series of five exciting events, carefully designed to test the mettle of the participants and create a thrilling atmosphere for spectators. Middle and high school surfers will compete in divisions for boys and girls in both Shortboard and Longboard disciplines, recognizing and celebrating the diverse talents that make up our surfing community.

Free

Cabrillo College: Aptos Farmers Market

cabrillo college 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos

Market 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.

Scotts Valley: Farmers Market

Joe and Linda Alberti Clubhouse 5060 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Established 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 States

The 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.

Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve

Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United States

Docent-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.

Free

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.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register

Rancho del Oso- Guided Walk

REGISTER HEREThank you for joining us at Rancho del Oso! We're excited to explore with you.We will depart at 11 am. Please meet us at the Nature and History Center. Depending on group preference, there are several routes available.-The Marsh Trail- This seasonally available trail is a 0.8 mile round trip out across Waddell Creek and to our Welcome Center and native plant garden at the base of the Skyline to the Sea Trail (currently closed). When ready, visitors can then either return to the Nature and History Center via the Marsh Trail or walk down to Waddell Beach and cross a short bridge on HWY 1. The bridge on HWY 1 is brief but has a narrow shoulder, some visitors including those with smaller children may prefer to return via the Marsh Trail.-The Hoover Loop Trail- This 0.7 trail gives excellent views of the Waddell Marsh, Waddell Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. A variety of coastal plants decorate the side of the trail, before you eventually rise into the recovering Monterey pine forest.-If time allows, naturalists are happy to lead groups onto both trails.If you have questions, you can call (831) 218-5750 or email [email protected] Note:Please dress in layers, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring binoculars, snacks, water, and sun protection. Please pack in your water as there is not potable water available in the park. With water, it’s a good idea to bring more than you think you need (1-3 liters recommended). There are pit toilets at Waddell Beach and the far side (Welcome Center/Skyline side) of the Marsh Trail, and then standard restrooms at the Nature and History Center.We look forward to connecting with you at Rancho del Oso!