Growing Up in Santa Cruz

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

Wilder Ranch State Park Homeschool Day

Join us for a Ranch Kid Field Trip at Wilder Ranch State Park! This special event allows your homeschool, non-traditional or small class to participate in a self-guided field trip at Wilder Ranch State Park. This opportunity allows you to self-guide your own field trip, while participating in volunteer-lead stations, games, and activities. This event is free and comes with a free activity booklet geared towards ages 6-11.Can't make this event? Join us in February for a repeat of this event! Parking in the day-use lot is $10. Questions? email us at [email protected]

Wilder Ranch State Park Ranch Kid Homeschool Day

Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Join us for a Ranch Kid Field Trip at Wilder Ranch State Park! This special event allows your homeschool, non-traditional or small class to participate in a self-guided field trip at Wilder Ranch State Park. This opportunity allows you to guide your own field trip, while participating in volunteer-lead stations, games, and activities. This event is free and comes with a free activity booklet geared towards ages 6-11. Day-use parking is $10

Santa Cruz MAH: Accidentally Wes Anderson

Santa Cruz MAH 705 Front Street, Downtown Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH), is debuting Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures in Santa Cruz, in collaboration with the online phenomenon and community of the same name (AWA). The exhibition takes guests on a worldwide visual journey to the most beautiful, idiosyncratic locations — including Santa Cruz County — with each photo tinged with the unmistakable esthetic of filmmaker Wes Anderson.  The MAH exhibition, includes a selection of community-sourced images of quirky places and locales from California’s Central Coast. Some images pay homage to the 2024 centennial celebration of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper roller coaster, the oldest coaster in California that opened in 1924.   The exhibition highlights Santa Cruz’s history and architecture alongside similarly-inspired images from around the globe. Through collaboration with UC Santa Cruz and resident artists in the county, the photos provide a glimpse into the ubiquitous Anderson-esque aspects of the city.

$8 – $10

Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Stockton Kings

Kaiser Permanente Arena 140 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

See the 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024 NBA G League Franchise of the Year on their home turf! All home games with the Santa Cruz Warriors will continue to feature giveaways for at least the first 1,000 fans in attendance. More than half of NBA players boast NBA G League experience, so this is your chance to see elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. See tomorrow’s superstar athletes today!

$24.07 – $121.16

Actors Theatre: 8 Tens @ 8 Festival

Actors’ Theatre 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Thursday Through Sunday at 8pm (2pm on the Weekends) Until 2/16/25. Festival Winners Play 2/28 – 3/9! The annual 10-minute play festival is one of the most anticipated and popular events of the theatre season in Santa Cruz! There will be 16 winning plays and 16 directors.  Presented on two separate evenings, there will be plenty of drama, comedy and surprises to keep theater goers entertained, moved and delighted.  

$32 – $70

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

Gilda’s on the Wharf: Valentines Day

Gilda’s on the Wharf Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, United States

Head to Gilda’s on the Wharf for a perfect romantic meal with gorgeous views from the wharf!

$8 – $36

Santa Cruz MAH: Accidentally Wes Anderson

Santa Cruz MAH 705 Front Street, Downtown Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH), is debuting Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures in Santa Cruz, in collaboration with the online phenomenon and community of the same name (AWA). The exhibition takes guests on a worldwide visual journey to the most beautiful, idiosyncratic locations — including Santa Cruz County — with each photo tinged with the unmistakable esthetic of filmmaker Wes Anderson.  The MAH exhibition, includes a selection of community-sourced images of quirky places and locales from California’s Central Coast. Some images pay homage to the 2024 centennial celebration of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper roller coaster, the oldest coaster in California that opened in 1924.   The exhibition highlights Santa Cruz’s history and architecture alongside similarly-inspired images from around the globe. Through collaboration with UC Santa Cruz and resident artists in the county, the photos provide a glimpse into the ubiquitous Anderson-esque aspects of the city.

$8 – $10

Watsonville: Farmers Market

Downtown Watsonville CA, United States

The 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.

MJA Vineyards Tasting Room: Valentines Day Live Music

MJA Vineyards Tasting Room Ingalls Street 328, Santa Cruz, United States

MJA embraces the spirit of Santa Cruz Mountain winemaking, brought to you in their Westside tasting room.  On Valentine’s Day, enjoy live music on their patio from gifted local composer and instrumentalist, Bill Walker. He will bring his cinematic, adventurous and innovative layered guitar sounds to your laid-back afternoon!

La Posta Italian Cuisine: Valentine’s Dinner

La Posta Italian Cuisine Seabright Avenue 538, Santa Cruz, United States

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one at La Posta! Get your reservation early for this neighborhood restaurant bringing the soul of Italian cuisine into the heart of Seabright.

$109.75

Natural History Museum: Valentines Beach Glass and Bubbles Craft

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Give the gift of an experience to your loved one this Valentine’s Day! As part of this special seasonal offering, discover the beauty of beach combing as you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece made from shoreline treasures. Using local and sustainably sourced resources, Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day participants will learn the basics of environmental sculpture and design with step-by-step instruction. Transform sea glass, driftwood, and botanicals into unique, coastal-inspired art.  In this workshop, sip sparkling wine as you create an 8×10 sea glass Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day scene that adds a local touch of coastal charm to your home. Enjoy a creative experience and leave with a finished framed piece that captures the magic of the shoreline. Perfect for a holiday gift, a personal home decoration, or an activity to be shared with friends or family.  No prior art experience is required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 21+/all experience levels. Wine, cheese, and other light refreshments will be served. All art supplies included. 

$45

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium: The Great Gatsby Ballet

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

Step into the jazzy world of the Roaring Twenties with this new production of the World Ballet Company. See the glitz, glamour, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel LIVE on stage, featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, an all-star creative team, lustrous hand-crafted costumes, and lavish, groundbreaking sets. The original score evokes the energy and atmosphere of the 1920s. World Ballet Company’s “The Great Gatsby” is a must-see feast for the eyes. Get your tickets today and be among the first to experience this lavish new production!

$15 – $105

South Point Seascape: Junebugs’ Valentines Day Spectacular

South Point Seascape – Taproom & Coffee House Seascape Village 10, Aptos, United States

Junebug and band perform a Valentine’s themed show of classic songs, original tunes, and jazzy blues that will knock your socks off. You can expect folk-fusion fingerstyle guitar, but don’t be surprised if the show includes tap dance, harmonica, autoharp, kazoo, trumpet, ukulele or banjo! Junebug Bayer is a local performance artist that has wandered around collecting talents that exemplifies Santa Cruz County Quirkiness! 

Free