Santa Cruz Events: August 3rd

Summer ain’t over yet, which means there are still bands on the beach to kick off the weekend and festival season is in full swing.

This weekend, two local businesses celebrate milestone anniversaries, the circus is in town, and we have events celebrating everything from strawberries to non-stop music that will have you dancing in the streets.

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

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Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Upcoming

Friday

First Friday

Hello, August! There’s just something special about the first Friday of the month. It’s practically a holiday in Santa Cruz, where we celebrate art and artists, live music, and free admission to some pretty cool places.

Enjoy free admission to the following venues:

Take a First Friday Art Tour and connect with local artists. Here are some ideas to get you started:

PACIFIC WAVE’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

When: 8/3 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Pacific Wave, Abbot Square, the MAH
Cost: Free

Happy 25th Anniversary, Pacific Wave! Come out for First Friday festivities and enjoy an art show by Jimbo Phillips, skate demos and skate-related art activities, giveaways, plus live music in Abbot Square and free admission to the MAH.

Get more info here.

Y&T

When: 8/3 at 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free

The Friday Night Bands on the Beach series continues this week with Y&T! Hits include “Rescue Me”, “Mean Streak”, and “Summertime Girls”. Come for the first show, stay for the second, or let the music be your soundtrack as your ride the Giant Dipper. Fun Fact: The band’s original name was Yesterday & Today.

Get more info here.

Circus Vargas

When: from 8/2 – 8/6
Where: Capitola Mall
Cost: $25 – $72

The circus is in town with a pirate-themed twist! This animal-free show features a cast of human performers— jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artists, magicians, contortionists, clowns, and more. Be sure to arrive early for a free interactive pre-show and the opportunity to meet the talented cast.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

OUTDOORS

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Saturday

Church Street Fair

When: 8/4 & 8/5 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Where: Church/Center Streets Downtown
Cost: Free

Get ready for a street fair like no other, with art, food, wine, and non-stop music and dance performances from around the world. Kids will love the creativity tent and the highlight of the weekend (according to my kids), a free family concert which includes a tour of the orchestra!

Get more info here.

Inner Light Annual FLEA MARKET

When: 8/4 from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: 5630 Soquel Dr, Soquel
Cost: Free

Shop a variety of new and/or gently used items at bargain prices while helping Inner Light Ministries at this annual fundraising event. Visit the unique indoor Jewelry Boutique and join in the free family fun with a bounce house and childcare activities while you shop.

Get more info here.

Books & Brews La Selva Beach Summer Fair!

When: 8/4 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: La Selva Beach Library

A book sale and local craft beer take center stage at this annual books and brews event. There will also be an arts & craft fair, bake sale, food truck, face painting, and kids’ crafts. Live music on the lawn features Toby Gray Highway Buddha, Jane Merdith Daugherty, Girls & Company, Barnyard Birds, and Honeytone.

Get more info here.

2nd Annual KBCZ 90.1 Music Festival

When: 8/4 from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Junction Park, Downtown Boulder Creek
Cost: Free

Come out and support local community radio at Boulder Creek Community Radio’s 2nd Annual Music Fest. The live music lineup includes Who’s Holdin’, The Leftovers, Carie and the Soulshakers, Paperback Ryders, and Pan Dulce. Come hungry and thirsty for Lagunitas, Steel Bonnet, Santa Cruz Cider Company, Roadside Cafe and G’s Mexican Tacos.

Get more info here.

Street Smarts Traffic Safety Back-to-School Blast

When: 8/4 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
Cost: Free

Calling all drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians of all ages: Come learn about traffic safety! This free family-friendly event features 12 booths with activities, games, and information about safe rules of the road. Some of the topics covered will be driving while “intexticated”, bike safety checkups, and helmet fittings. All may enter a free raffle of 25 traffic safety items including youth bike, bike helmets and reflective gear.

Get more info here.

ANNIEGLASS 35TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

When: 8/4 from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Annieglass
Cost: Free

Annieglass is celebrating 35 years of glassmaking! Visit the Watsonville studio for cake and bubbly, demos and studio tours (highly recommend), a children’s folklorico performance, and live music from The Greyhound Blues Band. There will also be a silent raffle benefitting Girls Inc. of the Central Coast, an organization that motivates and inspires young girls to make smart choices and pursue higher education.

Get more info here.

WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

When: 8/4 & 8/5 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Where: Historic Downtown Watsonville
Cost: Free

Eat, drink, and be berry at the 24th Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival! In addition to live music, food, pie-eating contests, and arts ’n’ crafts, you can take a walk down Strawberry Lane to try strawberry kabobs, smoothies, jams, shortcakes, funnel cakes, cupcakes and other strawberry-themed treats.

Get more info here.