Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties

Midtown Block Party Lot 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Go Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday!  Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors  The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts May 31 to August 31.  Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show  May 31st: Dylan Rose Band – Opener: Shoreline Middle School Band June 7th: Doah’s Daydream – Opener: Soquel High Jazz Band  June 14th: Funkranomicon – Opener: Trianna (GTRI)  June 21st: The Cruzers – Opener: Ripatti & Rose  June 28th: Hijinx – Opener: Mo Cruz (Animo)  July 5th: The Money Band – Opener: Jim Buhisan  July 12th: Santa Cruda – Opener: Th New Horizon Band  July 19th: The Joint Chiefs – Opener: Jake Nielsen & Triple Threat  July 26th: Locomotive Breath – Opener: Joshua Cremer  August 2nd: Anthony Arya  August 9th: Cowboys After Dark – Opener: Shawn Yanez  August 16th: Ribsy’s Nickel – Opener: The Rayburn Brothers  August 23rd: Spun – Opener: Dave Miller (Nomad)  August 30th: Alex Lucero Band – Opener: Honey Disposition

Free

UCSC Hay Barn: Superfoods and Spice Blends

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Make your own powdered blends of dehydrated vegetables, herbs, spices, and salts to flavor food and add nutrients to meals. Learn the nuances of preserving garden produce through dehydration then create culinary magic by grinding the dried materials into a powder that we will blend into delicious flavor rubs, dips, and spice mixes to use at the table or while cooking.  After going through the process from produce to powder, instructors will provide a selection of ingredients so you can make your own spice blend to take home. You will also leave with recipes and a whole lot of new ideas. Towards the end of the session, you’ll sample some pre-made blends, alone and in snacks, while you sip mocktails. It will be a party! 

$40

Watsonville Plaza: Summer Concert Series

Watsonville Civic Plaza 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA, United States

The Watsonville summer outdoor Music in the Plaza concert series is back! Enjoy an evening of music outdoors. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, then sit back and relax to the sounds of summer. A variety of bands from different genres will be showcased at these concerts. Grab a bite at the downtown restaurants or farmers market and enjoy the music from 6-8 PM on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month throughout the summer. June 21, 2024 July 5, 2024 July 19, 2024 August 2, 2024 August 16, 2024 September 6, 2024

Free

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Moonlight Madness

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

Join us for an astronomy-themed evening at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. We'll be learning about the moon, stars, solar system, planets, all things astronomy, through activities, games, interactive models, etc. 6:00-8:00 - jazz music and interactive astronomy booths 8:00-9:00 - guest speaker presentation 9:00-10:00 - moonlight walk through the Redwood Grove 9:00-11:00 - telescope viewing with Santa Cruz Astronomy Club Event is held at the entrance to the Redwood Grove. Hope to see you there!

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

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.

Bookshop Santa Cruz: Bookstore Romance Day Bookbinding 101

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

As part of National Bookstore Romance Day, Bookshop Santa Cruz will be giving a lesson on bookbinding!  For the price of the class, you will receive 1 paperback copy of Emily Henry’s novel Book Lovers, and you will save your spot in the bookbinding class to turn your paperback into a hardback.  All materials will be provided.  Adults only (to keep little fingers away from the heat press).  Head to the historic Skylight Room inside Bookshop Santa Cruz for the class.  There will be other romance goodies too!  Even if you are not in the class, you can take a picture with your favorite romance novel and tag the Bookshop (@bookshopsc) on the day to enter their raffle! 

Big Basin Redwoods State Park – Plant Walk

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

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].

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.

Roaring Camp: Blacksmith Hammer In

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

Roaring camp will be open to the public for viewing of the California Blacksmith Association as they demonstrate how they push the boundaries of hot metal and bring ancient techniques to life.   While it is free to go view the talent and dedication of these smithies, you will be hard pressed to pass up a train ride!  Consider purchasing before you go to beat the crowds and make yourself the hero to your group.

Free

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.

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

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.

Live Earth Farm: U-Pick Strawberries

Live Earth Farm 1275 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA, United States

Spots are limited for 2 hours at 10am, and 12:30 on Saturdays & Sundays. Dates are subject to change without notice.  Discounts apply to produce the more you pick! Bring buckets, boxes, or other containers to harvest into, or purchase containers from them for a small fee. Make sure to dress accordingly – layers, hats, sunblock. Load up the kids, pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it!