Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour

Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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]

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Tree Identification

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

Learning about different tree species? How in-tree-guing! During this 1 mile walk, we'll be chattin' about a handful of trees that reside in the park, and giving you the tools you need to identify species during your future park visits. Beleaf us, it'll be a great time!This free program will meet in front of the Visitor Center and meander down River Trail and back through the Redwood Grove. Hard rain cancels! Hope to see you there! Click here to RSVP.

UCSC: Narrow Sea Modern Musical Performance

UCSC Music Center Recital Hall UC Santa Cruz, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, United States

Head to the UCSC Music Center Recital Hall for an unforgettable experience. Dive into a world of music, art, and creativity at this in-person event. Get ready to be inspired and amazed by talented performers and artists. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply looking for a fun night out, Narrow Sea has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow music lovers and immerse yourself in a sea of creativity.  Program:  Daedalus, Errollyn Wallen, voice and string quartet  Kaddish Canon, Larry Polansky: trumpet and piano  Ensembles of Note, Larry Polansky; unspecified instrumentation Apocryphal Dances, Kenji Bunch: string quartet  Le Quattro Volte, Robert Hughes: koto, two flutes, two horns, drone  Yuki Yasuda, koto  Narrow Sea – Caroline Shaw (b.1982) Five movements Soprano, piano, percussion 

$23.18 – $44.52

UCSC: Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors

UCSC Theatre Arts Second Stage 411 Kerr Rd, Santa Cruz, United States

The Comedy of Errors is one of William Shakespeare’s most farcical comedies. Set in the Greek city of Ephesus, The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of identical twins who were accidentally separated at birth. Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant, Dromio of Syracuse, arrive in Ephesus, which turns out to be the home of their twin brothers, Antipholus of Ephesus and his servant, Dromio of Ephesus. When the Syracusans encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities ensue. If thou art a twin—or willing to dress like one—get 2-for-1 admission with promo code TWINS2FOR1 you order through Eventbrite. 

$5 – $20

Surfer’s Path 5k/10k

Pleasure Point County Park E Cliff Drive and 33rd Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This event captures the essence of the epic Surfer’s Path Half Marathon course, albeit in a condensed form. There are both 10k and 5k races, providing participants with an opportunity to engage in a scenic run or walk along the captivating coastline. Starting at the gateway to Pleasure Point where surf shops, restaurants, and the coastal ambiance converge, epitomizing the renowned surf culture of the region. The course leads participants onto the picturesque East Cliff Drive, offering breathtaking views of the expansive Monterey Bay. Journeying along this scenic route, participants will encounter the iconic Harbor Lighthouse before reaching the turnaround point at Twin Lakes Beach.  The culmination of the race is a triumphant finish in the heart of Capitola Village, adding a touch of charm to the overall experience, and plenty of diversions all along the way for spectators! 

$70 – $90

Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Burleigh Murray Ranch

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!

Rancho del Oso – Birdwatching

Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center 3600 Hwy 1 at Waddell Creek, Davenport, CA, United States

Come spend the morning lookin' at a handful of bird species and learn about their behaviors, life histories, and diagnostic features! We're sure to see year-round residents in addition to seasonal migrants. Program meets at the Visitor Center and follows a section of the Marsh Trail. Click here to RSVP for this program! Hope to see you there!

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

Roaring Camp Railroads: Rain Forest Weekends

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

Learn about California’s own Coastal Redwood Forest, aboard a 100-year-old steam train. Along the journey, you will get to hear fascinating information about the coastal redwoods and their ecosystems from docent specialists. 

$27 – $45

Pajaro Valley Arts: Whatever Exhibition

Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA, United States

In a world where hashtags often impose classification, this show, free of a specific theme, invites artists to explore limitless self-expression. The collection offers a diverse range of perspectives and mediums, creating a vibrant mosaic of works. #whatever is intentionally open-ended, encouraging visitors to let go of expectations and embrace the unexpected.  Featuring 135 prominent local artists across various media, the exhibit also includes over 200 additional pieces available for purchase in the PVA Gallery Store and throughout the gallery. 

Free

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: A Guided Walk in the Woods

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

Join a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire. Each docent and staff person has their own niche and is excited to share their passion with you!Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register

Big Basin Redwoods State Park – Redwood Grove Guided Walk

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

Join staff for a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Grove at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to register

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!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Guided Redwood Hike

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

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center, rain or shine. This event is free, but the parking fee at all state parks for the day is $10.

Free