April showers still bring fantastic events this weekend.
Head to a museum or two for First Friday festivities. Learn all about miniature bonsai trees, or watch some miniature trains chugging through the Santa Cruz Mountains.
And enjoy a couple of firsts in Santa Cruz—the inaugural VegFest and the Boardwalk Fun Run.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
First Friday at the Museum
When: 4/5 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Cost: Free
The Museum of Natural History will host their annual exhibit bringing together science and art. The Art of Nature exhibit displays a wide variety of media and subjects that highlights the work of over 30 local artists. Bring the family to explore the museum, watch live demos with scientific illustrators, and enjoy refreshments.
April Free First Friday: ‘We’re Still Here’ Opening
When: 4/5 from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Cost: Free
Don’t miss opening night of the newest exhibition at the MAH. “We’re Still Here” brings awareness of the social isolation of seniors. A local group of community seniors, advocates, and artists created this exhibit of artwork and action cards that highlights the impact of social isolation of those over 60. You can also drop in to make a postcard for a local senior.
The Radical Zine Reading and Art Show Night
When: 4/5 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Resource Center for Nonviolence
Cost: Free
Celebrate the release of the latest issue of The Radical Zine, “Fight Poverty, not the Poor”. Contributors of this issue will discuss their work and what inspired them. Also, check out the live music, open mic, local artist exhibits, and an opportunity to connect with your fellow community members.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Happy Hour @ Crow’s Nest
- Ginger & Juice + Coffee Zombie Collective @ Moe’s Alley
- Manorlady w/ The No.44 and Shoobies @ The Crepe Place
- Delhi 2 Dublin @ The Catalyst
- Nora Cruz Band @ Severino’s
- Jazz the Dog @ Michael’s on Main
- Hank & Ella With The Fine Country Band plus Gerard Egan @ Michael’s on Main
- Steven Espaniola @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
THEATER/ARTS
- First friday reception for DeComposition ..work by mary tartaro @ Stripe
- You Are Here – First Friday @ Claraty Arts Project
- Light Worlds : Photographic Abstractions by Wynn Bullock and Robert Strizich @ Radius Gallery
- Abstract Santa Cruz 2019 Reception @ R. Blitzer Gallery
OUTDOORS
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Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai 31st Annual Exhibit
When: 4/6 – 4/7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: The Museum of Art & History
Cost: $5 General, Free for Members and Children Under 5
Everything you wanted to know about Bonsai and more! See demonstrations from Bonsai Masters to learn the techniques of creating these artistic and beautiful trees. Enjoy performances by Watsonville Taiko (Saturday) and The Nori Project (Sunday), as well as Sumi-e Japanese ink paintings and origami demonstrations. We highly recommend buying raffle tickets for this one!
Santa Cruz VegFest
When: 4/6 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Cocoanut Grove
Cost: Free
Want to know more about living a plant-based, cruelty-free and environmentally-friendly lifestyle? VegFest will feature local restaurants, food exhibitors and samples for your enjoyment, as well as presentations and discussions. Come and see what’s new in the world of beauty and fashion with cruelty-free and sustainable products, too.
Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre In Concert 2019
When: 4/6 – 4/7 at 2:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater
Cost: $10.40 to $20
Step out for an afternoon of ballet as Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre presents Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. This performance brings a mix of neoclassical and contemporary music and dance to the Cabrillo Crocker stage. Choreographed by Robert Kelly and Ron Cunningham.
Roaring Camp: Model Railroad Exhibit
When: 4/6 – 4/7 at 9:00 am
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
Bring the family for a fun day of trains! Model trains will be on display as well as a railroad track with a scale model of the Central Coast. Play engineer as the model trains chug over the Santa Cruz Mountains through the redwoods to the Boardwalk. After having fun with the minature trains, you can go outside to see or ride the big trains of Roaring Camp!
April in Santa Cruz Festival
When: 4/6 at 7:30 pm
Where: Music Center Recital Hall
Cost: FREE and open to the public; Parking $5
UCSC Department of Music presents this contemporary music festival which features an entire month of weekend performances. The first event features the work of Professor Karlton Hester with Quantum Elders Hip-Bop Ballet. This performance will showcase global-African dance, spoken word, wind, string and percussion instruments, turntable, beat box and digital artwork.
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Tammi Brown Band! @ Santa Cruz Memorial Veterans Hall
- RISE! Healing Our World One Song at a Time @ Inner Light Center, 5630 Soquel Drive, Soquel
- Live Music by Shadows of Society w/ Mykhail @ Abbott Square
- Alice DiMicele with Special Guests Mama Crow & Daniel Paul Nelson @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Extra Large @ Crow’s Nest
- Scott Capurro – Comic, Actor, Author @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- Flor De Caña @ Moe’s Alley
- Magic In The Other w/ King Dream & Scary Little Friends @ The Crepe Place
- Cali Fire Bass Relief @ The Catalyst
- Gunna @ The Catalyst
- Mat Masih & The Messengers @ Severino’s
- Joint Chiefs @ Michael’s on Main
THEATER/ARTS
- Art in the Library – “Nature’s Song” Art Reception @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
- Invocations @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
MAKE/CRAFT
- Watercolor Florals @ All Hands Workshops
- Vertical Succulent Gardens @ All Hands Workshops
- Natural Dyeing with Avocados @ The Craftsmen Collective
- Adult Arts & Crafts Workshop: DIY Travel Journals @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
- Annieglass Decorate a Glass Egg Ornament Workshop @ Annieglass Incorporated
- Golden Gate Twilight ~ Ages 21 and up ~ @ The Painted Cork
- Sunflower ~ SUNDAY FUNDAY $5 OFF ~ Ages 21 and up ~ @ The Painted Cork
OUTDOORS
- Old-Growth Redwood Tours @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Old Cove Landing Trail @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Open House at the Castro Adobe: Vaqueros y Bandidos @ Castro Adobe State Historic Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
MORE
- Local History: Scotts Valley’s Fun Years! @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
- Montery Bay Dahlia Society Plant Sale @ 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos
- STAND UP TO CLIMATE CHANGE Concert @ De Anza Mobile Home Park Clubhouse
- Imaginarium @ Capitola Mall Shopping Center
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Boardwalk Fun Run
When: 4/7 from 6:30 am to 11:00 am
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: $25 and $45
Gather the kids, put on your running shoes and head to the Boardwalk for something new and different! Choose from a 1K race for kids 12 and under, or a 5K race for ages 4 and up. After the races, have some fun on the rides and at the arcade, or head for some relaxation at the beach.
Get more info here.
Downtown Maker’s Market
When: 4/7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Pacific Avenue
Cost: Free
The Santa Cruz Mountain Maker’s Market is a gathering of 40 local artists, plus a free concert featuring Apple City Slough Band. Stroll and shop local along the downtown streets– treasure hunting is good exercise!
Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai 31st Annual Exhibit
See Description Under Saturday Section
Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre In Concert 2019
See Description Under Saturday Section
Roaring Camp: Model Railroad Exhibit
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Tim Bluhm @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- Crooked Branches, Lauren Wahl & Simply Put, Wild Iris @ Moe’s Alley
- Lucky + Love w/ Steilacoom, Elevate the Sky and The Problem of Time @ The Crepe Place
- Dabin @ The Catalyst
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michael’s on Main
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
- Social Media Photography 101 @ All Hands Workshops
- Paint and Sip: 4/7: Tropical Paradise ~ Ages 21 and up ~ @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
OUTDOORS
- The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin
- Ohlone Plant Use @ Big Basin
- Seacliff History Walk @ Seacliff State Beach
- The Road Less Traveled – A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Felling the Giants @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
MORE
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Run.Sweat.Love 5K-1K Fest
What: Run.Sweat.Love 5K-1K Fest
Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
When: Saturday, April 13
This fun family race benefits the Mini Mermaid Running Club and the Young Tritons Running club for kids. Get your running shoes on and support these young athletes! Stay after the race for music, art displays, food vendors, and family activities. Runners, walkers and strollers are all welcome to this accessible event.
Garden Planting and Wool Day
What: Garden Planting and Wool Day
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park
When: Saturday, April 27
Spring is in the air and it’s time to plant the garden and shear the sheep at Wilder Ranch! Learn how wool is made and see the demonstration of “sheep to shawl”. You can also help plant the heirloom garden just as they would have in 1900. Farm and garden craft activities and games for the whole family.
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