Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
831.420.5260 | cabrillomusic.org
Cabrillo Festival invites you to join our global community of composers, musicians, and creators as we pivot to a completely new experience…a virtual 2020 season! Led by 2020 Grammy Award-winning Music Director and Conductor Cristian Măcelaru, Cabrillo Festival remains all about “music of our time, for our time.” Over two full weeks you’ll explore bold ideas in music, culture, and society, culminating with a world premiere orchestral commission, featuring members of the award-winning Cabrillo Festival Orchestra recorded from their homes around the world.
For more information about times of each event and to register please visit their website.
County of Santa Cruz Government Center
831.454.2000 | pvarts.org
Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit, Vote! Your Vote is Your Voice/ ¡Vote! Su Voto es Su Voz, aims to inform, inspire and develop greater interest in the non-partisan democratic process. Co-curated by Maria Gitin and Pajaro Valley Arts Curator Judy Stabile, the exhibit features Bob Fitch photography from the archives of Stanford University Library and artifacts from civil rights veteran Maria Gitin. The exhibit includes contemporary regional artists interpretation of voting rights and informative displays from Santa Cruz County Elections Department and Watsonville City Clerk’s Office. A visual timeline highlights key events in voting rights history including the historic Watsonville v. Gomez case. The exhibit is presented in partnership with Santa Cruz County Elections Department, and Santa Cruz County Arts Commission.
A First Friday Reception will be held Friday, February 7th, 2020 5:00-8:00 pm.
Artists Participating: Jessica Carrasco, Myra Eastman, Bob Fitch, Jane Gregorius, Hedwig Heerschop, Matt Herron, Lucien Kubo, Jaime Sánchez, Sandra Takashima Shaw and Peggy Snider. Photo Art: “We the People” by Peggy Snider.
The exhibit is free and open to the public, suitable for students and adults. Venue is ADA accessible.
Free
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
Make it and take it! Come create and take home a fun souvenir, an activity for the whole family to share. For example, find out what gray whales eat by creating a bright sun catcher for your window, or create a fancy fish with paper, paint, and color. Build a seal or sea lion puppet decorated with your own special seal nose, complete with whiskers! Join the hands-on fun at the crafts table! Free with admission to the Seymour Center. Sponsored by: Sigma Alpha of Omega Nu.
City of Watsonville Nature Center
831.768.1622 | www.cityofwatsonville.org
Every week, the Watsonville Nature Center offers a bilingual guided tour of the Wetlands. This Nature Center displays a diversity of wildlife habitats, including the Pajaro River, the Watsonville Sloughs and Pinto Lake. Over 200 species of waterfowl, raptors and songbirds live in and migrate through the wetlands, making it and ideal place to watch for feathered creatures, or enjoy one of the many trails winding through the area. Join us in exploring our award winning trails through this rich wetland habitat. Meet at the Nature Center. No reservations required! Binoculars provided! Families with children welcome! Great for all ages! Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and dress for weather.
Free
Castle Rock State Park
831.291.8273 | www.parks.ca.gov
In Pursuit of Perseids: Castle Rock State Park (August 11 – 12, 2020) LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE – REGISTRATION OPENS FEB. 1, 2020 Enjoy a mesmerizing backpacking trip under the stars. Scheduled around the annual Perseids meteor shower, this journey through Castle Rock enables you to view shooting stars in the quiet and darkness of the backcountry. Perseids are only clearly seen every other year due to a full moon, and this trip includes camping far away from any city lights. While the highlight of this exploration is the meteor shower, daylight brings panoramic ocean and mountain views. Telescopes and treats are provided as everyone stays up past midnight for this unique event. Trip fee is $175. A Professional Will Guide the Way A California State Naturalist will guide you through Castle Rock’s backcountry, sharing the natural wonders of the area and the unique history of the park. Our experts are Wilderness First Responder-certified, California Naturalist-certified and have many years of experience leading backcountry overnight and day hikes interpreting the natural and cultural history of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Based on their experience, you can expect to hear great stories and have fun along the way. Additionally, the naturalists provide expertise and guidance in backpacking set up, equipment and logistics. Registration Online registration for a limited number of backpacking spots opens February 1, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. Participation is open to adults 18 or over and children ages 13 to 17 accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, email backpacking@parks.ca.gov, or call 831.278.0195.
Watsonville Municipal Airport
831.768.3575 | www.cityofwatsonville.org
Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to show (qualified aircraft) and admire these historical aircraft.
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | www.roaringcamp.com
The California Blacksmith Association Presents the 5th Annual Hammer-In. Watch demonstrators push the boundaries of hot metal, bring ancient techniques to life and share with the community their talent and dedication to the blacksmith craft. Activities include: Forest and Beach Train, Gold Panning, Kids Crafts, Live Music and Marshal and Deputy with the dancing horse, Silverado.
West Cliff Summer Series
(831) 801-8203 | brotherspromotions.com
New location: West Cliff at the Surfer’s Museum and Lighthouse Field parking log. The local food trucks combine with local bands to make it a great night out for the whole family.
LIVE MUSIC • FOOD
3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
July 17, 2020 • August 14, 2020 • September 18, 2020
Let the fun begin!
ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTOCOLS OBSERVED. PLEASE WEAR A MASK/FACE COVERING.
Free
Bookshop Santa Cruz
831-423-0900 | www.bookshopsantacruz.com
Bookshop Santa Cruz invites you to a free online event with green architecture pioneer Lloyd Kahn for a presentation of his new book, The Half-Acre Homestead: 46 Years of Building and Gardening.
Coastwalk
707.829.6689 | coastwalk.org
Camp all four nights in the forested bluffs at New Brighton State Beach. Explore Wilder Ranch State Park and enjoy guided tours of a working dairy farm; an 1840 adobe; and a Victorian farmhouse. Experience Coastal and mountain hikes through old growth redwoods and the 10-mile section of the well-known Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. Explore sections of the Coastal Trail that take you to a monarch butterfly preserve, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Surfing museum, and picturesque Capitola, California’s oldest seaside resort town. All meals provided.
5 days/4 nights
Rating: Moderate
Max Capacity: 20
$675 Non-Member Price
$650 Coastwalk Member Price
Watsonville Municipal Airport
831.768.3575 | www.cityofwatsonville.org
Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to show (qualified aircraft) and admire these historical aircraft.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
Experience Seymour Marine Discovery Center’s fascinating marine-life exhibits for free on Community Days throughout the year.
Free
Rio Theatre
831.423.8209 | www.riotheatre.com
Lunafest, the fundraising film festival dedicated to championing women filmmakers and bringing women together in their communities. This unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through seven short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. All proceeds from Lunafest benefit WomenCARE and Chicken & Egg Pictures, a nonprofit organization that supports women nonfiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative storytelling catalyzes social change.
Various locations
santacruzopenstudios.com
Explore the hidden world of art! Visit artists in their studios, learn about their processes, purchase original works of art. Free mobile app and printed guide have artist information and maps. Open Studios is a free self-guided tour, produced by Arts Council Santa Cruz County, that invites the public into more than 300 artist studios across Santa Cruz County. Open Studios 2020 will take place the first three weekends of October. Art by Michael Hall.
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | brotherspromotions.com
This festival combines food trucks, breweries, and artisans and music, where the attendees will vote for their favorite food truck and brew. The venue, Roaring Camp is a historic tourist attraction, in a park-like setting with large Oak and Sycamore trees providing shade. Roaring camp is adjacent to Henry Cowell Cowell Redwoods State park and is just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz. There will be no admission fee for attendees, and convenient on-site parking is available at $10 per car. This is a rain or shine event. A portion of the proceeds will go to support Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Free
Santa Cruz Mission Plaza Park
www.parks.ca.gov
Celebrate archaeology day at the Santa Cruz Mission with hands-on activities, demonstrations, and tours. How do artifacts give us clues to the past? Follow the archaeological process from the dig to the display and discover the stories told by artifacts. Rain cancels. Free event. Event made possible by Santa Clara University’s Department of Archaeology, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, and California State Parks.
Watsonville Municipal Airport
831.768.3575 | www.cityofwatsonville.org
Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to show (qualified aircraft) and admire these historical aircraft.
Various locations
santacruzopenstudios.com
Explore the hidden world of art! Visit artists in their studios, learn about their processes, purchase original works of art. Free mobile app and printed guide have artist information and maps. Open Studios is a free self-guided tour, produced by Arts Council Santa Cruz County, that invites the public into more than 300 artist studios across Santa Cruz County. Open Studios 2020 will take place the first three weekends of October.
Roaring Camp Railroads
831.335.4484 | www.roaringcamp.com
Step into the incredible world of steam power at the Steam & Harvest Festival presented by Kinetic Steam Works and Roaring Camp Railroads. Welcome Fall with heritage children’s activities like scarecrow making, pumpkin patch picking, candle making, and gold panning. Behold a variety of steam and belt-powered equipment on display. Admission is free for the whole family. Harvest & Steam themed activities include ‘Make & Take’ Scarecrows, Blacksmith and Print Shop demonstrations, gold panning, candle making and much more. Parking $10.
Various locations
santacruzopenstudios.com
Explore the hidden world of art! Visit artists in their studios, learn about their processes, purchase original works of art. Free mobile app and printed guide have artist information and maps. Open Studios is a free self-guided tour, produced by Arts Council Santa Cruz County, that invites the public into more than 300 artist studios across Santa Cruz County. Open Studios 2020 will take place the first three weekends of October. Art: by-Susan Megorden
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
Science Sunday is for everyone interested in the world around them. Join us for a public lecture from a marine scientist, who presents current research and topics in an entertaining and easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date photos, video, and discussion. Science Sunday lectures are designed to make science interesting and “user-friendly” for everyone. Lectures are one hour long. Doors open to the lecture hall at 1:00 pm. Lecture passes are available at the admissions counter at 12:30 pm. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served. No late seating. Lectures include time for a few questions at the end. Science Sunday is free with membership or admission. UCSC undergrads free with valid student ID. Recommended for ages 10 and older.
Cocoanut Grove
831.423.5590 | www.facebook.com
The Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival features genuine sea glass and artist-made creations while benefiting our local marine environment. This year the festival celebrates its 12th anniversary. The festival features over 40 artists, a chance to win an amazing gift basket 4 times each day, easy parking and a full bar and food are available for purchase.
Watsonville Municipal Airport
831.768.3575 | www.cityofwatsonville.org
Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to show (qualified aircraft) and admire these historical aircraft.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
831.724.5671 | www.goathillfair.com
Goat Hill boasts over 80 dealers on the scenic grounds of the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds. Our fabulous vendors represent all things we love…vintage treasures, antiques, clever up-cycled junk, artisan food, all in a beautiful venue. Guests will find exceptional and unique vintage treasures. The dazzling displays of items and collectibles by the vendors that love to sell them, will make a fun and memorable outing!
Agricultural History Project Center and Museum
831.724.5898 | aghistoryproject.org
Every month we produce a 2nd Saturday on the Farm, a family event that focuses on a particular area of agriculture. Visitors can participate in the regular activities of the Ag History Project plus others related to the day’s special focus. We have created some unique interactive educational activities to help you have fun learning about past agricultural practices. What we like to call our “usual” activities include: Wooden cow milking – we have life-size wooden cows with rubber teats that help you learn how to milk a cow. Kid-driven tractor – we retrofitted a John Deere tractor so that anyone can learn to drive it. You sit in the seat and control the steering wheel while a trained volunteer stands on a platform to your right to controls the speed. We even have space for a parent or friend to stand to your left and enjoy the ride. Tractor Simulator – we have a stationary tractor that you can drive down a crop row. The computer screen in front of you displays how well you are handling the tractor. Puppet Theater – each month we have a new show playing. Facilities are handicapped accessible.
Free
Various Wineries Santa Cruz County
831.685.8463 | www.scmwa.com
Four times a year, on the third Saturday of January, April, July and November, the wine growing community of the Santa Cruz Mountains comes together to celebrate the generations of farmers, vintners and families that are the roots of this unique mountainous region. The possibilities are as varied as the wineries themselves and promise a fun, unforgettable experience. With your Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Passport (available in physical form or on the Santa Cruz Mountain mobile App) you can visit participating wineries 365 days per year during winery hours of operation as well as on Passport Celebration Days. Passport holders are welcomed into more than 40+ participating wineries throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains, to redeem a tasting flight. Passports are valid for one year from the date of purchase and entitle the bearer to one tasting at each participating winery. Passport must be presented at each winery visited. If purchasing a physical passport online please allow two weeks for processing & delivery. You can also purchase passports at participating wineries, please call ahead to make sure they have some in stock.
Capitola Beach
831.475.6522 | www.capitolachamber.com
Ho…Ho…Ho! By Outrigger canoe and surfboard, Surfin’ Santa and the Reindeer will make their way to the shores of Capitola for their annual visit. Join us on the beach to welcome Santa’s wave riding arrival. Once Santa lands on shore, he’ll joyfully greet the crowd before settling in his beach chair for a nice long visit with all the kids. Be sure to bring your camera to capture a memorable day in Capitola…it makes the perfect Christmas card photo! Enjoy refreshments and face painting while waiting to visit with Santa. We will also be having our annual Christmas Tree Lighting event that afternoon on the corner of Capitola Avenue and Monterey Avenue!
Free
Santa Cruz Harbor
831.475.6161 | www.santacruzharbor.org
Features decorated boats parading throughout Santa Cruz Harbor, rain or shine. This festival is family friendly and perfect for all ages!
Free
Watsonville Municipal Airport
831.768.3575 | www.cityofwatsonville.org
Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to show (qualified aircraft) and admire these historical aircraft.
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | www.parks.ca.gov
Celebrate the warmth of the holiday season with crafts, games, music, and merriment from the early 20th century. We’ll busy your hands with holiday wreath-making, invite you to join in an old-fashioned sing-along around the player piano, and provide you with materials to make Victorian and Mexican holiday crafts. Come play games like dreidel, take a draft-horse carriage ride, decorate the tree, and create ornaments to bring home to your own tree.
Agricultural History Project Center and Museum
831.724.5898 | aghistoryproject.org
Every month we produce a 2nd Saturday on the Farm, a family event that focuses on a particular area of agriculture. Visitors can participate in the regular activities of the Ag History Project plus others related to the day’s special focus. We have created some unique interactive educational activities to help you have fun learning about past agricultural practices. What we like to call our “usual” activities include: Wooden cow milking – we have life-size wooden cows with rubber teats that help you learn how to milk a cow. Kid-driven tractor – we retrofitted a John Deere tractor so that anyone can learn to drive it. You sit in the seat and control the steering wheel while a trained volunteer stands on a platform to your right to controls the speed. We even have space for a parent or friend to stand to your left and enjoy the ride. Tractor Simulator – we have a stationary tractor that you can drive down a crop row. The computer screen in front of you displays how well you are handling the tractor. Puppet Theater – each month we have a new show playing. Facilities are handicapped accessible.
Free
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
Follow along with this DIY at-home experiment to explore the effects of ocean acidification on shelled sea creatures. Watch to learn about the research at UC Santa Cruz that investigates this problem and the things we can change in our daily lives to minimize our carbon footprints—then try the experiment out for yourself!
