Santa Cruz Life

This Weekend in Santa Cruz: April 13th – 15th, 2018

By

manresa beach

It’s beginning to feel like spring around here these days. You might be feeling the urge to get out and about to enjoy the longer days, but you don’t know what to do. Well, look no further! We have a unique line-up of events to help you find some good weekend fun.

You can spend a day celebrating the kids in your life, grab some opportunities to take in some shows or spend an evening swapping succulents. How about checking out some amazing bonsai trees? You can even learn how to grow and care for your own. These are only a few of the many things in store for a great weekend!

See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:

Thank you to 1440 Multiversity for sponsoring this edition of the Weekend Roundup. Moms and dads, if you’re looking for ways to alleviate the stress of parenting in the modern world, check out 1440’s upcoming seminar on Creative Approaches to Parenting Stress with Dr. Shefali & Dr. Dan Siegel.1440 parenting

Click here for tickets.

Friday

SUCCULENT SWAP & PLANTING PARTY

When: 4/13 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
Cost: FREE

Bring your own succulent plant cuttings and trade with someone else! Soil and a variety of recycled containers will be provided for you to make your own your own arrangements. All ages welcome.

Get more info here.

Evolution of Organic – Santa Cruz Premiere

When: 4/13 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building
Cost: $20 at the door; $17 in advance

Come and see the Santa Cruz film premiere about a small group of people on a journey to bring big change to transform the way we grow and eat food. Narrated by Frances McDormand.

Get more info here.

MANY ROADS – AN EVENING OF SHORT PLAYS

When: 4/13 – 4/14 at 7:30 pm & 4/15 at 2:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo College Theater
Cost: $15/$17

Enjoy a unique performance as Cabrillo Theatre Arts presents a collection of ten short plays by ten new directors in Cabrillo’s Black Box Theatre. Artistic direction by Sarah Albertson

Get more info here.

Night Market

When: 4/13 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Food Lounge
Cost: Free admission (Food and drinks for purchase.)

It’s the second Friday of the month, which means it’s time for an evening of delicious pop-up cuisine by local vendors, live music and crafted cocktails at Night Market! Bring your friends or make some new ones at this fun event.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

email iconWant 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

Grand Opening of Joe & Linda Aliberti Clubhouse

When: 4/14 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: 5060 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley
Cost: Free

Boys and Girls Club presents the grand opening of their newest clubhouse for kids and teens ages 8 through 18. The celebration will include a dedication ceremony by  community and elected officials, as well as an open house with activities such as arts and crafts, carnival games and even a petting zoo.

Get more info here.

Second Saturdays in Historic Downtown Felton with music by Whiskey West

Whiskey West

When: 4/14 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Felton Community Deck
Cost: Free

Saturday afternoon in downtown Felton will be popping with fun as a line up of pop-up vendors, local artisans and live music from Whiskey West will be assembled on the Felton Community Deck. Take a stroll downtown for some relaxing atmosphere.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai 30th Annual Exhibit

When: 4/14 – 4/15 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Cost: $5

Over 100 amazing bonsai plants will be on display at this event. Watch demos of bonsai techniques and even buy a tree or supplies. Spend a fun day learning about this ancient art. Door prizes, raffle, live entertainment and refreshments, too.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Jewish Film Festival – Opening Night Reception

When: 4/14 – 4/18 
Where: Venues include Temple Beth El, Del Mar Theater, and more
Cost: No charge; donations appreciated

Celebrate the opening night of the Santa Cruz Jewish Film Festival with delicious food, fantastic raffle prizes and of course…films! View the movie trailers that will be in this year’s program here.

Get more info here.

SCDG Glitter vs. Goth Scrimmage

When: 4/14 from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Where: SCDG Practice Facility 440 Kings Village Rd.
Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door; $5 spectators

It will be an afternoon of high volume action on wheels as the Santa Cruz Derby Girls host their first coed Black and White scrimmage. Wear your black and white shirts in support of this event!. You can come as a spectator or even sign up to skate.

Get more info here.

Songkran, Thai New Year Feast!

When: 4/14 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Cost: $59

Celebrate Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, with a 5-course feast! Chef Lalita Kaewsawang, inspired by her recent trip home to Thailand, has created a menu featuring tempting street food dishes, family favorites, and a couple of surprises along the way. Don’t miss your chance to experience a unique dining adventure and authentic Thai cuisine.

Get more info here.

MANY ROADS – AN EVENING OF SHORT PLAYS

See Description Under Friday Section

Also on Saturday

santa cruz instagramKeep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.

Sunday

Kids Day 2018

When: 4/15 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Pacific Ave. Sidewalks
Cost: FREE

Head to downtown Santa Cruz for a day to celebrate kids! The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz presents this day of fun for community youth that will include performances, hands-on activities, and in-store specials. You can also learn about local recreational and community programs for kids and with many informational booths on site.

Get more info here.

An Evening of Gospel and Jazz with The Shining Souls – Featuring Tammi Brown

When: 4/15 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Cost: $20/Advance $25/Door | All Ages

Guitarist Don Caruth had originally put together an ensemble of top Gospel performers to play at an event for his mother, but then decided to also bring this special show to wide audiences.  Come and enjoy an unforgettable night of Gospel music. Doors open at 6:15

Get more info here.

MANY ROADS – AN EVENING OF SHORT PLAYS

See Description Under Friday Section

Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai 30th Annual Exhibit

See Description Under Saturday Section

Also on Sunday

Featured Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss

What: Return of the Hellcats
Where: Santa Cruz Derby Girl Stadium (Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium), 307 Church St.
When: Saturday, April 21st
5:45pm – Doors open
6:30pm – Bout starts The Hellcats are back just in time to take on their neighboring rivals from the north, the Root Force from Humboldt Roller Derby. Support the Hellcats by wearing black and blue spiced up with our favorite cat accessories.Get more info here.

What: 5th Annual Día de los Niños
Where: Branciforte Small Schools
When: Saturday, April 28 at 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT Bring the family out for Dia de los Ninos , a traditional day in Mexico to celebrate kids. There will be multicultural dance performances, music, plenty of activities, food and even a book giveaway. Funds raised support the Branciforte Small Schools Campus.Get more info here.

PS – Get coverage of the best Santa Cruz events and other Santa Cruz Life content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up below…

Get Free Updates

Sign up below to get new posts, just like this one, delivered straight to your inbox.

Valerie Lemke

Valerie Lemke is a transplant from the Bay Area to Santa Cruz County over 25 years ago, and hasn't looked back since. She is a local freelance writer and photographer who loves writing about and photographing one of the most beautiful regions in the world, the Central Coast.

>
X