Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park – Old Fashioned Campfire

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

Join us for an old fashioned family campfire this summer! Bring a picnic dinner and lawn chairs, and enjoy making your own fresh tortillas on the comal. Listen to some live music by Peter Weiss & the Earth Rangers, and come together around the campfire for an evening of silly skits, fun stories, and classic campfire songs with the best view of Santa Cruz! 5:30 - 6:45 Live music, picnic and tortilla-making6:45 - 8pm Campfire songs & storiesThis event is FREE, call (831) 425-5849 for more information, or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Santa Cruz Mission State Park: Old Fashioned Campfire

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 144 School St., Santa Cruz

Enjoy an old-fashioned family campfire this summer! Bring a picnic dinner and lawn chairs then enjoy making your own fresh tortillas on the comal. Listen to some live music and gather around the campfire for an evening of silly skits, fun stories, and classic campfire songs with the best view of Santa Cruz!   5:30 – 6:45 Live music, picnic and tortilla-making  6:45 – 8pm Campfire songs & stories  This event is FREE, call (831) 425-5849 for more information, or email them at [email protected] if you have any questions

Free

Pigeon Point-End of Summer Stargazing

The Fog Signal Building will be open until 8pm where visitors can see the first order Fresnel lens light up the evening. Enjoy a gorgeous sunset and then join the Santa Cruz Astronomy Club for stargazing starting at 8pm. They will be sharing their telescopes with us! Event will be canceled in case of excess fog.

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Nashville Nights Featuring Cannan Smith

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

Ranch 1917 and Chaminade Resort are bringing Nashville back to Santa Cruz! The hit concert series continues Friday, August 23 with country sensation Cannan Smith. Overnight packages and tickets are on sale now for all dates.    Get up close and personal with some of Nashville’s hottest musical acts. Experience an intimate concert while watching the sun set over Monterey Bay.    April 19 – Love and Theft  May 24 – Eric Paslay  June 21 – Gracee Shriver and Noel Bisesti   July 26 – Craig Campbell  August 23 – Cannan Smith

$65 – $75

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.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Santa Cruz Trail Run

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

Giant redwoods dominate the landscape in our Santa Cruz Trail Run. Aside from coiling single-track that opens to expansive roads and paths–and even sand–participants will enjoy the ocean breezes pouring in from the Santa Cruz coast. This race delivers everything from river crossings to high ridges with aid stations every 5-6 miles for refueling before tackling the next beautiful, albeit strenuous, section. This is a perfect race for family and friends to attend. They can cheer, enjoy Henry Cowell Park, and consume post-race food fit for a trail running king or queen!

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.

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.

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.

Arana Gulch: Historical Walking Tour

Agnus St. Trail Head Mentel Avenue, Santa Cruz, United States

You won’t want to miss this exhilarating historical walking tour of Arana Gulch with neighborhood historian Dan Model, an Eastside resident. Dan dives into vibrant narratives, from the first Mexican settlers to the present day, and shares the mystery of the “Ghost of the Gulch”. He’ll explore the development of the Small Crafts Harbor with Port Commissioner Reed Geisreiter providing insights about the Harbor operations today. Optional lunch at one of the Harbor’s restaurants.  Meet at the corner of Agnes St. and Mentel Ave. at 10am. Be ready for a one-mile, two-hour tour, some of which are not suitable for walkers with strollers.

$20

Loch Lomond: Loch Walk and Bear Stories of the Santa Cruz Mountains

Loch Lomond 100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton, CA, United States

Today, the only grizzly bear left in the state of California is the one on the state flag.  California grizzlies were much larger than the average 800-pound grizzly since it did not have to hibernate.  Hear the old stories from Ohlone bear hunts to clashes with livestock and even bull and bear fights as you explore a habitat now completely devoid of them.  Your walking guide will regale you as you explore this beautiful hidden gem of the county. This event is free, but parking at the venue will be $10.

Free

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
Event Series Potter the Otter Exhibit

Potter the Otter Exhibit

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United States

The Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery is thrilled to announce a season of celebration in honor of its 10th anniversary and a decade of discovery in our community. Join us for the exciting kick-off event as we unveil the "Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure" traveling exhibit. Dive into adventure with Potter the Otter™ on his quest to be healthy and strong! This hands-on interactive exhibit, spanning over 1,500 sq ft, brings the beloved First 5 children's books to life through the power of play. Built by The San Jose Children's Discovery Museum for preschool and kindergarten-age children this exhibit is enjoyable for all interested in living a healthy life. August 24th-November 11th Open to the public Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Public Admission: $3 Museum Members: Free Sponsored by First 5 Santa Clara, First 5 Santa Cruz, Omega Nu, New Leaf Community Markets, & Capitola Kids Dentistry

$3

Museum of Discovery: Potter the Otter

1855 41st Ave Ste J05, across from Wetzel’s Pretzels in the Capitola Mall 41st Avenue, Capitola, United States

The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is thrilled to announce a season of celebration in honor of its 10th anniversary and a decade of discovery in our community. Enjoy the exciting kick-off event as they unveil the “Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure” traveling exhibit. Dive into adventure with Potter the Otter™ on his quest to be healthy and strong! This hands-on interactive exhibit, spanning over 1,500 sq ft, brings the beloved First 5 children’s books to life through the power of play. Built by The San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum for preschool and kindergarten-age children this exhibit is enjoyable for all interested in living a healthy life. August 24th-November 11th Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

$3

Santa Cruz Beach Train

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

From Trees to Shining Seas – Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.