Growing Up in Santa Cruz

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

Felix Kulpa Gallery: ‘Mining the Plastocene’ Opening Reception

Felix Culpa Gallery Elm Street, Santa Cruz, United States

Santa Cruz Mountain erstwhile resident and international artist, Tara de la Garza, transforms her own yearly consumption of plastic into minimalist sculptures that challenge our notion of worth and waste.  This solo show, spanning two galleries, includes LED light forms with pillars embedded with plastic, monumental origami sculptures crafted from a year’s collection of window envelopes. A blending of nature and the built world, recycled 3D printed shelves hold miniature gardens of Santa Cruz driftwood and beach plastic.  The November 1st opening aligns with Santa Cruz First Friday, giving visitors the chance to engage with themes of waste and sustainability while enjoying the lively local art scene.  The Opening Reception is free and open to the public on November 1, from 5 pm to 8pm.  The exhibit will be on display throughout the month of November, Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 6pm

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

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

Land of Medicine Buddha: Sound Journey

LAND OF MEDICINE BUDDHA 5810 Prescott Road,, Soquel CA

Sound healing is a sacred and powerful meditative practice. Kalden Kho draws on his traditional Tibetan background, using chanting and a variety of musical instruments, to help you regain your ideal vibration, leading to a more balanced state – physically, mentally, and emotionally.  In person only.  Everyone is welcome to join. Please feel free to bring along your yoga mat and blanket or pad to relax on.

Free

Santa Cruz Warriors vs. South Bay Lakers

Kaiser Permanente Arena 140 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Cheer on your Santa Cruz Warriors, the most advanced players in the world outside of the NBA, as they compete against the South Bay Lakers in a 3,200 seat facility near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Warriors also announced that all home games will have a giveaway for at least the first 1,000 fans in attendance.

$16 – $200

Castro Adobe Open House

184 Old Adobe Rd Watsonville, CA, United States

Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State HistoricParkCastro AdobeOpen House: Indigenous Peoples on the RanchoSaturday, November 16th from10:30 am to 3:30 pmNovemberis Native American Heritage Month. Join us at the Castro Adobe to learn aboutthe contributions of the Indigenous people as skilled laborers for the Castroson Rancho San Andres. Some of the first cowboys in California were Indigenousand were known as vaqueros! Learn about other roles Indigenous peoplehad as farmers, construction workers, blacksmiths, and cooks, and how theyplayed a vital role in the economy of the ranchos. California State Parksacknowledges the Awaswas-speaking Aptos people, a band of the Ohlone tribes whostewarded the land long before it was called Rancho San Andres.  Listen to live music andenjoy our recently installed interpretive displays.  Reservations for a free 90-minute docent ledtour are recommended at: www.santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse Eventmade possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. For more information call (831) 226-9669   

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.

Big Basin 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 possibly see some Banana Slugs! Plan for 3 hours of easy walking and 2-4 miles on trails and fire roads. Dress in Layers, bring water and a snack. Rain or high wind 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].

Big Basin: Plant Walk

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

Hike at Big Basin with one of the knowledgeable docents and plant enthusiasts through the majestic redwoods.   See which plants are thriving since the big fire in 2020, and possibly see some Banana Slugs! Plan for 3 hours of easy walking and 2-4 miles on trails and fire roads. Dress in layers, bring water and a snack.   Rain or high wind will cancel.   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 8:45 am. 

Free

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.