Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Mission – Wool Spinning & Weaving

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, 144 School St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

How did an isolated settlement clothe the hundreds of people who lived there? Take an in-depth look at the cloth industry of Mission Santa Cruz. We will follow the path of wool from the sheep to the shirt and have the chance to try your hand at a drop spindle and spin your own wool. This event is FREE.  Rain or Shine. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located on School St. off Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz. Please call (831) 425-5849 for more information or email us at [email protected]

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 [email protected]

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Low Times Car Show

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United States

This event will feature an exciting lineup, including outdoor and indoor staging with show cars arriving from across California, a diverse array of vendors, tantalizing food trucks, an RC drift track, models, a live DJ, a raffle giveaway, and an award ceremony to cap it all off. As they gear up for their fourth installment of Low Times, this event is anticipated to have the best turnout yet. This event promises to be truly unforgettable, and you won’t want to miss out. So, be sure to mark your calendars for a remarkable occasion in the automotive industry, featuring incredible builds, delectable food, a stunning venue, and, of course, plenty of good times.

$12 – $20.00

Sanctuary Exploration Center: World Oceans Day

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center 35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, CA, United States

Explore the ocean through art at the Sanctuary Exploration Center’s “Sanctuary Saturdays” this summer! In honor of World Ocean Day, the Center will host paintings and sculpture inspired by the sanctuary’s diversity from local artists Tim Cockrell and Jim Crowley. Join us on June 8th for the opening reception, featuring a keynote from the artists, plus family friendly activities and refreshments. This event is free and open to the public.

Free

“Today” Anniversary Edition Book Launch

Mr Toots Coffee House, Capitola CA 231 Esplanade, Capitola, CA, United States

June 8, 5-7pm at Mr Toots Coffee House in Capitola. Local Capitola resident and author, Russell Rogers is launching his Anniversary Edition book called Today. There are 5 books in the series. Each book represents one year in the first five years of a child's life. Each page is colorful, large easy reading words, filled with everyday outside activities and great for the first time reader. The message is simple, encouraging families to get outside and do activities together. These books can be enjoyed by the entire family. The Today book series is a great gift idea, a book to be enjoyed by first time parents, young families, grand parents, schools, libraries, local stores etc... The Anniversary event is the launch of the combined book series into one larger, hardback book with several activity ideas at the bottom of each page. IG movetoday365 FB Russell Rogers Web movetoday365.com Email [email protected]

Free

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium : John Williams Spectacular

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

5:00 PM – STREET PARTY Where you will find live music, food trucks, costumes, and dancing!   7:30 PM – POPS CONCERT Featuring selections from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, ET, Jurassic Park, and more!

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 8am-6pm. 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: [email protected] or (669)758-1819

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour

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

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA 95018, USA

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday and Sunday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

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 [email protected]

Butano State Park Guided Walk

Butano State Park Visitor Center, 1500 Cloverdale Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, USA

Join a State Park Interpreter and enjoy the flora and fauna of Butano State Park on this moderate 2.5 mile loop. This hike features creekside riparian habitat, redwood forest, and oak woodlands. Hike includes a short section of steep terrain; trekking poles are encouraged.Meet at the Butano State Park Visitor Center. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.Remember to bring water as none is available in this park!Walk-ins welcome, pre-registration encouraged! Use this link to register.

Santa Cruz MAH: History of Drag with Themed Cocktail

Santa Cruz MAH 705 Front Street, Downtown Santa Cruz

It’s not your everyday history lesson when the fabulous Rogue Roulette is your professor. Enjoy a themed craft cocktail as you travel back in time through the history of drag. This ‘In Pour Taste’ is in celebration of Pride month.

$30

Half Moon Bay State Beach – Junior Rangers

Francis Beach Amphitheater, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA

During this 1-hour program for ages 7 to 12, kids become Junior Rangers by participating in hands-on activities to earn prizes while learning how to protect the natural world! Activities vary from nature walks, to games, to nature-inspired crafts and are based on a different theme each week. Register in advance here. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the amphitheater at the north end of the campground.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts

Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United States

Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. June 12: Spun (Funky Rock) June 19: Pacific Roots (Reggae Rock) June 26: Ribsy’s Nickel (Rock/Reggae) July 3: Dirty Cello (Blues & Rock) July 10: Mike Hammar & The Nails (Contemporary Blues) July 17: Extra Large (Original Pop) July 24: The Joint Chiefs (R&B, Soul, American Roots) July 31: Dolce (Old School, R&B, Soul, American Roots) August 7: Space Heater (Funk/Dance/Jam) August 14: The Inciters Band (60’s Style Original Soul) August 21: Cowboys After Dark (Classic Rock/Funk) August 28: Alex Lucero (Soul/Americana)

Free