Watsonville: Farmers Market
Downtown Watsonville CA, United StatesThe 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.
First Friday Santa Cruz
Multiple locations throughout Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun.
Downtown Boulder Creek: First Friday and Ugly Sweater Contest
Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesBundle up in the tackiest sweater you’ve ever been gifted for the holidays and head to the redwoods! As you look through arts and crafts, you will be treated to live music. There will be food and drink to purchase while you are there and watch out for the First Friday Boulder Creek Folks! You may just win a prize for the ugliest sweater!
Downtown Santa Cruz: A Christmas Carol
Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSanta Cruz Shakespeare presents a world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, by Artistic Director Charles Pasternak. This Carol will hew closely to Dickens’ original text while embracing the exciting, inspiring spirit that SCS is known for. Featuring Mike Ryan as Scrooge, as well as local favorite Julie James, the production will take place at the historic Santa Cruz County Veteran’s Memorial Building.
Rio Theatre: Big Band Holidays
Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) spreads holiday cheer on its annual Big Band Holidays tour. Rising star vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Robbie Lee join the JLCO to bring Yuletide greetings to dozens of cities across the country. Under the music direction of JLCO trombonist Chris Crenshaw, the evening will feature soulful renditions of holiday classics, playful improvisation, and entertaining storytelling. Enjoyed by audiences of all ages, these uplifting performances create lasting memories that will keep you returning to Big Band Holidays for years to come. Please note: Wynton Marsalis will not appear with the JLCO on this performance.
Steamer Lane: Surf Competition
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point 700 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThis weekend, head to Steamer Lane 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.
Cabrillo College: Aptos Farmers Market
cabrillo college 6500 Soquel Dr, AptosMarket 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.
Early Bird Tour
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserach Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (Royal Oaks), CA, United StatesAmateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides lead these 2-3 mile walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home, and giving tips on identifying species.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Birdwatching
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesWe are offering a bird watching program on December 7th at 9:00am. Join us to learn all about life histories, behaviors, field markings, etc. On this 1-mile walk, we will make specific observations about characteristics that will certainly help us quack the case for many bird identifications! Let's plan to meet in the main parking lot of the park. Hope to see you there! Make sure to bring binoculars and weather appropriate attire. RSVP for this event at this page.
Westside Santa Cruz: Farmers Market
Westside Farmers’ Market Mission St. Ext. and Western Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe 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 StatesEstablished 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.
Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve
Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United StatesDocent-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.
Downtown Holiday Parade
Downtown Santa Cruz: Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Street Pacific Avenue from Water to Locust Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration and the annual tradition of highlighting Santa Cruz County schools, youth based organizations and local nonprofits. The Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators. Rain or Shine! The parade route starts at the intersection of Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue and ends at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Water Street.
Potter the Otter Exhibit
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United StatesThe 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
Cruise Coffee Cafe: Coffee Shopping Marketplace
Cruise Coffee Cafe 246 Kings Village, Scotts Valley, United StatesEvery first Saturday of the month, head to Scotts Valley for coffee, vendors and all the fun at Cruise Coffee Cafe!