Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Sevy’s Bar + Kitchen: New Years Eve Bash

Head to Sevy’s for a night of fun and good times! They will have food & drink specials all night with special menus, including a reverse Happy Hour from 8pm until 10pm, and live music from the Joint Chiefs from 8pm-12:30am! Book a reservation at Open Table or take a chance with the first-come, first-serve bar seating.  Late night Happy Hour from 8pm – 10pm  Dinner specials available  Live music: Joint Chiefs Band from 8pm – 12:30am  Make a reservation on OpenTable 

$10 – $50

The 418 Project: Gratitude NYE Party

The 418 Project 155 River Street South, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Head to the 418 as they create the warmest New Year: dance the night away to Sitar Power and MaMuse, add your memories and dreams to the constellation sculpture, grab a Chai or a cocktail at the bars, enjoy an open mic with live music, and thrill to midnight aerial dance and spoken word as you welcome in 2025. Splash out and get a VIP table or grab a general admission ticket.

$20 – $1200

Downtown Santa Cruz: Grateful Dead NYE Celebration

Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The China Cats are a Grateful Dead tribute band based in Santa Cruz and are known for their creative jams and ability to capture the spirit of the Dead’s live shows.  Liquid Light Productions will be adding a light show, and there will be a balloon drop from the rafters of the gorgeously restored 1930’s era Chris Matthews Ballroom.  Dress to the nines! There will be champagne at the Shakedown Street vendor market, and a fully decked out evening of dancing and merrymaking. 

$45 – $50

The Crow’s Nest: Fishhook NYE Party

Crow’s Nest Restaurant 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Fishhook is the band that does not let up on the gas!  You will hear all your favorite songs “leveled up” the FISHHOOK way! Go experience some of the best Rock and Roll in town and bring friends for a party!  There will be party favors and champagne toast! 

$20

Chaminade Resort and Spa: New Year’s Eve Party

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

Get ready to ring in 2025 at Chaminade Resort & Spa while enjoying live music from Vintage Point, a champagne toast, assorted light bite desserts and a cash bar. Get tickets or stay the night with the New Year’s Overnight Package (2 Tickets Included)! 21+ only event.

$39.75

Santa Cruz Civic Center: NYE Galactic Ball

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

Get ready to ring in the New Year like never before!  Head to the Civic Center for an unforgettable night filled with magic, music and starlit celebrations! Dance to the stars, enjoy out of this world drinks, and blast off into the year 2025! 

$69.99 – $2478

Catalyst: NYE Celebration

The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Ring in the new year with Beats Antique, a world fusion and electronic music group that combines music, performance art, and storytelling into a stage show! There will be a special guest appearance from Yaima, a Cascadian Folktronic Duo that will blend some new age mysticism into your new year!  Ages 16 and up welcome.

$64.87 – $93.92

Moe’s Alley: Space Disco NYE Party

Moe’s Alley 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Ring in the new year at Moe’s Ally with intergalactic funksters Space Heater plus DJ traveler!  There will be a countdown with a champagne toast, photo booth and more!  Get your funky disco threads on and party! 21+ only. 

$34.43

Joe’s Bar: New Years Eve Party

Joe’s Bar California 9, Boulder Creek, United States

Rock and Alt-Rock Dance all night long with power trio of Ted Welty (aka T. Rollin), Daniel Lewis, and Rop Ouse!  They will be covering ZZ Top, Cream, Pearl Jam, Robin Trower, Stone Temple Pilots, Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, originals and much more.  If you haven’t been to Joe’s, you haven’t been to Boulder Creek! 

Free

Big Basin Redwoods First Day Hike

Big Basin Main Day Use Visitor Center 21600 Big Basin Hwy, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Join Ranger Brian on early morning First Day Hike!What to Expect: This .7 mile loop trail features slight elevation gains. Big Basin is a forest in recovery following the devastating CZU Fire of 2020. Throughout the hike we'll discuss the role that fire plays in the area's ecology, and the past and future of Big Basin. Length of Hike: 0.7 mile, 1 hoursPreparation: Dress in layers, including raingear. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes are recommended. Mornings in Big Basin can be foggy and damp. There is currently no potable water in Big Basin, so bring bottled water or purchase at the kiosk. Special Instructions: The hike will happen rain or shine. The trail may be muddy and slippery, so shoes with ankle support are recommended. The most direct route to Big Basin is from Highway 236 from downtown Boulder Creek. Parking: Parking is $10 per car payable by debit, credit, or Apple Pay only. No cash accepted. Parking may be reserved ahead of time for $8. Details: https://www.cognitoforms.com/FSCSP1/bigbasinparkingAges: All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pets allowed? No 

The Forest of Nisene Marks First Day Hike

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Aptos Creek Road, Aptos, CA, United States

Where: The Forest of Nisene Marks at George's Picnic Area next to the steel bridge. When: 9:00 am - 1:00 pmWhat: Join us for a four mile, 4 hour walk to the site where  the town of Loma Prieta was located and the hidden spot  deep in the redwood forest where marine fossils can be found. We will encounter the remains of the old lumber mill, follow the trail of the ghost trestles and learn about the wonders of our giant redwoods and their survival. No pets allowed.What to Bring: Bring warm layers, the forest can be cold this time of year. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, a walking stick, water and a light snack. Parking: Vehicle day use fee is $8.00.

Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Gray Whale Cove

Gray Whale Cove Trail Parking Lot 136 Pacific Ave, Pacifica, CA, United States

Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at State Parks’ McNee Ranch at Montara.  Enjoy a moderate 2 mile hike overlooking the California coast.  From the trail you will be able to view evidence in the landscape of the Ocean Shore Railroad and bunkers left over from the World War II era. Enjoy the ocean views, the coastal plants, and the birds on this exciting hike. Meet on the north side of the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1. If you have any questions or concerns please contact [email protected] or call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today! 

Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Burleigh Murray Ranch

Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park 305 Higgins Canyon Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA, United States

Join State Park Docents on a leisurely two-hour walk. Take a journey back in time along Mills Creek at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. This walk will be a 2.5 miles round trip hike with only a small gain in elevation. Along the way you will learn about the lives of early pioneers and farming families who first settled here in the 19th century.  Enjoy one of our area’s hidden treasures. Meet in the parking lot. For more information, call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today!

Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Pescadero Marsh

Cabrillo Hwy S Parking 1 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero, CA, United States

Join a State Park Interpreter on a 2 hour leisurely walk to the observation deck on the North Pond Trail, with a few stops along the way for some opportunities to reflect, write, or draw. This walk is 1.5 miles out and back requires walking on sandy beach. Dress in layers, wear walking shoes, and bring water and sun protection. You may also want to bring binoculars, a camera, or a sketchbook/notebook. Dogs are not permitted. Participation is free, and there is no fee to park. Please plan to meet promptly at 10 AM at the Middle Pescadero Beach Parking Lot. Rain cancels the hike.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact (669) 758-1819 or email [email protected].

Wilder Ranch State Park – First Day Guided Coastal Walk

On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Sign up here!Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.