Chocolate, art, appreciation for nature, and of course love are all in the air this Valentine’s Day weekend.
Whether you plan to take a Romance in the Redwoods hike with your partner or check out The Comedy Strippers with a group of friends, Santa Cruz is offering plenty of different ways to celebrate.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
Artisan Food Market- Valentine Style
When: 2/12 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Food Lounge
When we say the Artisan Food Market has it all, we mean it: food vendors, unique gifts for your special someone, live music, and a newly remodeled bar including local beer, wine, cider and artisan cocktails.
Aloha Friday
When: 2/12 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Pono Hawaiian Grill
Cost: No cover; $10 suggested donation
We’ve finally seen an uptick in rain here in Santa Cruz, so what better way to celebrate than with a tropical storm in the form of Island Breeze? This trio of Hawaiian-influenced musicians is always fun, relaxed, and hula dance-friendly.
The Wheel Love Ride
When: 2/12 at 7:00 pm
Where: Meets at the Bike Church on Pacific Ave.
Cost: Free
Get ready for a fun and safe night on the town with cyclists of all ages and experience levels. Expect costumes, bike decorations, and dance breaks along your 7-10 mile ride through city streets.
2016 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Convocation
When: 2/12 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Cost: Free
Santa Cruz welcomes Alicia Garza, one of the social activists behind the Black Lives Matter movement, to speak about the advancement of people of color and queer communities at the 32nd Annual UCSC MLK Convocation.
Also on Friday
- Nomalakadoja @ New Bohemian Brewing Co.
- Geoff Tate’s Operation:Mindcrime @ The Catalyst
- Kaminanda @ The Catalyst
- One Night Only – An Evening of Chamber Music @ UCSC
- Dirty Downtown Jazz Syndicate @ The Crow’s Nest
- The California Honeydrops @ Moe’s Alley SOLD OUT
- White Album Ensemble Unplugged @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center SOLD OUT
- Wicked Man, Hot Flash Heat Wave, Tony Tricks @ The Crepe Place
- What is Erotic? 2016: Nothing to Hide @ 418 Project
- All About Theatre presents West Side Story @ Louden Nelson Theater
- Random with a Purpose XXIV @ Mainstage Theater
- Hearts for the Arts @ Artisans Gallery
- Local Essence Members´ Exhibit – Part II (L-Z) @ Santa Cruz Art League
- Bitch n’ Stitch @ Tannery Arts Center
- Collective Museum Walking Tour @ UCSC
- Munchkin Minyan @ Peace United Church of Christ
- Lenten Fish Fry Dinners @ St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
- Watsonville Farmers Market @ Downtown Watsonville Plaza
- DIY Bath Salts @ New Leaf Community Markets
Want to see all the best events in Santa Cruz every weekend? Click here to get these Weekend Roundup posts delivered straight to your inbox.Saturday
A Very Pleasure(able) Point Valentine’s
When: 2/13 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: 907 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz
Cost: Free
Shop local and unique at this 1-day Valentines-themed popup featuring the iconic art of Jimbo Phillips, minimalist seaglass jewelry from This Tiny Ocean, lovingly handmade handplanes from Shelter, Skate and Crossfit inspired graphics from Badass Skatemom, microbatched coffee from Iris, and handmade surfboards and surf and bike related goods from Eastside Industries, plus special guests Ashby Confections and Primrose and Lace Lingerie!
Migration Festival
When: 2/13 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Natural Bridges State Beach
Cost: Day-use parking fee $10
Is it time to say goodbye to the monarchs already? Celebrate the migration of butterflies, whales, birds, and many other species at this family-friendly event which offers games and crafts for kids, live music, educational booths and displays, and habitat-cake for everyone!
For the Love of Chocolate
When: 2/13 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: New Leaf Community Markets (Westside, Downtown, Capitola)
Cost: Free
New Leaf will offer chocolate lovers all over Santa Cruz the chance to sample the best of the best and buy a special selection for their Valentine (or secret chocolate stash).
ArtSmart Family Concert: Música Colibrí – Music of Latin America with John Santos
When: 2/13 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Veteran’s Memorial Building
Cost: $10 – $15 OR use your library Discover & Go pass for free admission
Enjoy beats influenced by Mexico, Puerto Rica, Cuba, and many other Latin American countries and cultures at this family concert featuring 5-time Grammy-nominated percussionist John Santos.
Tandy Beal & Company’s ArtSmart Family Concert Series continues monthly through May and strives to offer affordable, artistic entertainment for folks of all ages.
The Comic Strippers
When: 2/13 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $30
If your idea of a good time skews more toward comedy club than strip club, then you’ll love this at times risque parody of male strippers, featuring some of Canada’s most beloved improv comedy actors. Just be sure to leave the little ones at home for this show.
House of Boys Art + Design Art Opening
When: 2/13 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Sawyer Land & Sea Supply
Cost: Free
Local artist Caryn Owen uses soft colors and blurred designs to create abstract art that is as intriguing as it is aesthetically pleasing. Enjoy this art opening and pre-Valentines celebration complete with complimentary Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards wine and Pure Heart Chocolate truffles.
Also on Saturday
- Brian Fallon & the Crowes @ The Catalyst
- The Growlers @ The Catalyst
- Valentine’s Concert with Tuck and Patti @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center SOLD OUT
- Dolcissime: O Sweetest Sound @ Christ Lutheran Church
- Tempest @ Don Quixote’s
- Post Street Rhythm Peddlers @ The Crow’s Nest
- The Redlight District, Kingsborough @ The Crepe Place
- The Red Ball Annual Gala 2016 @ MAH Auditorium
- Sutter Babies Art Days @ Radius Gallery
- Collective Museum Walking Tour @ UCSC
- What is Erotic? 2016: Nothing to Hide @ 418 Project
- All About Theatre presents West Side Story @ Louden Nelson Theater
- Hearts for the Arts @ Artisans Gallery
- Local Essence Members´ Exhibit – Part II (L-Z) @ Santa Cruz Art League
- Random with a Purpose XXIV @ Mainstage Theater
- Love Yourself – A Time for YOU @ Santa Cruz Food Lounge
- Partner Yoga & Wine Tasting @ Poetic Cellars
- Animal Shelter Relief Rescue Adoption Fair! @ PetSmart
- Westside Farmers Market @ Westside Farmers’ Market
- Aptos Farmers Markets @ Aptos Farmers’ Market
- 2 for 1 All-Day Rides at the Boardwalk @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Broom Bash @ Quail Hollow
- Naturalist Training @ Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
- April Martin Spring Trunk Show @ The Warmth Company in Aptos
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire
When: 2/14 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Farmers’ Market
Cost: Free
Make it a vintage Valentine’s Day date at the Santa Cruz Antique Faire! Learn more about the Antique Faire here.
Romance in the Redwoods
When: 2/14 at 1:00 pm
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Cost: Day-use parking fee $10
Enjoy a mellow two-hour walk through the Redwoods as you learn about the courtship and mating habits of native plant and animal species. If you want to escape the commercialism this Valentine’s Day, this is a great opportunity to do so.
Also on Sunday
- The Meditations @ The Catalyst
- Brillz @ The Catalyst
- Charmas A Celtic Valentines Concert @ Don Quixote’s
- The Michael Landau Group @ Moe’s Alley
- Shady Groove @ Moe’s Alley
- Cole Plays (Nat King) Cole @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Sherry Austin & Henhouse with Carolyn Sills Combo @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- The Skiffle Players: A Valentine Skiffle @ The Crepe Place
- Live Comedy @ The Crow’s Nest
- Hearts for the Arts @ Artisans Gallery
- Local Essence Members´ Exhibit – Part II (L-Z) @ Santa Cruz Art League
- Random with a Purpose XXIV @ Mainstage Theater
- Subud Introduction @ Subud Center
- Valentine’s Day Partner Yoga @ Luma Yoga
- Sunday Seaside Crafts @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- 2 for 1 All-Day Rides at the Boardwalk @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Featured Upcoming Event
Pints for Paddling: Outrigger Santa Cruz Fundraiser and Information
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn more about outrigger canoe paddling from the friendly folks at Outrigger Santa Cruz. 20% of beer sales benefits the OSC club so they can continue providing fun programs for racing, fitness, recreation, and family. Mark your calendar!
Get more info here.
What: OSC Fundraiser & Info
Where: Discretion Brewing Co.
When: Monday, 2/22, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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