Mid August is upon us and we might suddenly realize that we need to grab summer by reins and start checking off the activities that remain on on our summer bucket list. Maybe you realized that you haven’t even started a list. Well no worries, we’ve got you covered! This weekend has so many fun events to choose from, you might be able to knock that list out once and for all.
There are plenty of festivals, music and outdoor events for those who want to be out and about this weekend. But, if you want to avoid the summer sun and heat of the day, we even have some suggestions for that. You can attend some amazing performances, shop a book sale to benefit local libraries or relax with friends with some fantastic local food and craft drinks and much more.
Happy weekend, Santa Cruz!
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Thank you to the Santa Cruz Derby Girls for sponsoring this week’s roundup. August brings us two opportunities to support the Derby Girls. Join the Derby Girls at New Bohemia Brewing Co. on Aug. 18 for “Black & Blue Happy Hour” and head to the Civic later this month for a Derby Doubleheader on Aug. 25. 
Click here to get more information about the Black and Blue Happy Hour, and here for tickets to the August doubleheader. Use code SCLife18 at checkout for 10% off.
Friday
2018 Farm to Table Wine Dinner Series – Summit to Sea Wineries
When: 8/10 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Chaminade Resort & Spa
Cost: $110 per person including tax and gratuities. SOLD OUT
Start your evening with wine appetizers on the outdoor patio while you take in the spectacular view of the Monterey Bay. A five course dinner will be served at 6:30 featuring the best in locally sourced food and wine. This month’s featured winery is Summit to Sea Wineries. The seating arrangement is open style to encourage mingling among guests.
AAT Presents Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr
When: 8/10 @ 7:00 PM, 8/11 @ 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM, and 8/12 @ 2:00 PM
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
Cost: $13 -$20
All About Theatre presents their youth production of this Broadway smash hit. This lively musical takes place in New York City in 1922 and is told through the character of Millie Dillmount, a young woman finding her way on her own during changing times for women in the 1920s.
Night Market
When: 8/10 from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Food Lounge
Cost: No cover charge
Spend a summer evening in the courtyard at the Santa Cruz Food Lounge enjoying local food, special craft beverages and live music. A variety of local vendors, including Hanloh Thai, Mattia Pizza, and Akebulan African Cuisine, will present their best in food and drink while you relax and listen to live music by Zachary Freitas from 6-8.
Blue Öyster Cult
When: 8/10 at 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free
This favorite rock band is back at the Boardwalk for this week’s FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach concert. Hits include The Reaper, Burnin’ for You and Godzilla. Everyone needs more cowbell in their life, so head on down for a night of music and summer fun!
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- LIVE MUSIC BY HALL PASS @ Abbott Square
- Sarah McKenzie @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Desierto Tour en Santa Cruz @ The Catalyst
- The Messiahs @ Crow’s Nest
- LOVE ETERNAL @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- Freddie McGregor @ Moe’s Alley
- GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! w/ MYLETS and FLORAL @ The Crepe Place
- WILD CHILD @ The Catalyst
- Live Again @ Severino’s
- Jazz The Dog @ Michaels on Main
- Apple City Slough Band plus Patrick Maguire’s Rye Dawn @ Michaels on Main
- Ho’omana Hawaiian Band @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
- Paint and Sip 8/10~ Family Class~ Sea Turtles @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Paint and Sip 8/10~ California Coast @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- FRIDAY MAKE NIGHT: TRASH TO TREASURE @ MAH
OUTDOORS
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Old Fashioned Campfire for the Whole Family at the Mission @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Campfire Programs @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Program @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
MORE
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
The Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries Art Book Extravaganza
When: 8/11 – 8/12 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Felix Kulpa II Art Gallery, 209 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz
Cost: Free Admission
It’s an extravaganza of art books! Come and support the Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ Community Corrections Facilities program and peruse through a huge selection of art books for purchase. There will be a $7 bag sale on Sunday from 3:00-5:00. Help support a great cause.
Celebration Choir 22 Annual Spirituals Night
When: 8/11 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Mt. Hermon Conference Center
Cost: Free
This year’s annual benefit concert “Turn the World Around: Stronger Together” will feature Gospel and Spirituals with both new and favorite music from the Celebration Choir. Jazz Saxophonist, Tony Bolivar, and Concert Pianist, Marti Williams, will be joining the choir.
Melt Me Into The Ocean
When: 8/11 at 3:00 pm
Where: Ocean View Park
Cost: Free
An afternoon of sound, images and technology as local renowned artists bring you an event that uses sound to connect visitors to a sense of place in Santa Cruz. From underwater recordings, to homemade technology such as radios, this will surely be a unique sound experience you won’t want to miss. This event includes periodic performances along Seabright Beach, as well as a sound walk from Seabright to Ocean View Park.
David Zeltser, The Universe Ate My Homework
When: 8/11 at 4:00 pm
Where: Bookshop Santa Cruz
Cost: Free
Kids, this one is for you! Imagine finding a parallel universe where you’ll never have to do homework again. Abby has discovered exactly that and is ready to end homework for good. But will she be able to find her way back? Come to Bookshop Santa Cruz to meet local author David Zeltzer as he presents his newest book. Open seating is set up about an hour before the event begins.
41st Annual International Musical Saw Festival
When: 8/11 & 8/12 see website for times and locations
Where: Scribner Statue on Pacific Ave. and Roaring Camp
Have fun with family and friends as you discover the musical side of this handy tool. The fun starts with an open jam at the Scribner Statue outside of Bookshop Santa Cruz. Sunday’s festivities continue at Roaring Camp Railroads with several different events, including a musical saw contest and even a workshop to teach you how to play, too!
Weekend with Shakespeare
When: 8/11 & 8/12 – see website for times
Where: UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and The Grove at DeLaveaga Park
Cost: Lecture series is Free. Evening performances: $20–$56
A weekend of Shakespeare artists and scholars hosting lectures, discussions and demos about this season’s productions of Romeo and Juliet and Love’s Labour’s Lost. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy in the grove after the lecture series with more discussion and an evening performance to follow.
AAT Presents Thoroughly Modern Millie
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- LIVE MUSIC BY BEAT STREET @ Abbott Square
- Sin Sisters Burlesque @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Blue Ocean Rockers @ Crow’s Nest
- JERRY CELEBRATION BAND @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- SPACE HEATER + DJ Kikkoman @ Moe’s Alley
- The Hallow Roots w/ 3 Up Front @ The Crepe Place
- IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE @ The Catalyst
- Patio Acoustics with Dave Muldawer @ Severino’s
- Nora Cruz Band (R&B) @ Severino’s
- Pestilent Death, Incineratehymn, Varnok, Eviscerate @ The Blue Lagoon
- Gary Blackburn @ Michaels on Main
- Locomotive Breath @ Michaels on Main
THEATER/ARTS
- Notes from a Journey: Orchestra Concert @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
- Artist’s Reception: Chris Hall @ Boulder Creek Branch Library 13390 West Park Avenue, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
- The Producers @ Cabrillo Crocker Theater
MAKE/CRAFT
- Make a Beer Mug Clay Workshop @ Annieglass @ 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, CA
- Paint and Sip 8/11~ Family Class~ Heart Shaped Hands @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Paint and Sip 8/11~ Emerald Bay Sunset @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Paint and Sip 8/11~ Steamer’s Lane Lighthouse @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
OUTDOORS
- Back Country Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Hidden Gems of Big Basin: Flowers of Big Basin @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Connect with Nature Program @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Sempervirens Falls Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Little Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Life on the Ranch: Family Living History Day @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Tours @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Redwood Tours @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Old Tree Trail Hike @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Discover the Santa Cruz Sandhills @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Programs @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Program @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Wharf Experience @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
MORE
- Pink Day at the Challenger @ Seascape Sports Club
- Taste of Summer with the Food Bin @ The Food Bin
- Aptos Farmers Market @ Cabrillo College
- A Walk On Water @ Cowell’s Beach
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Cabrillo Festival Student Staff Ensemble Concert
When: 8/12 at 3:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Cost: Free
The Cabrillo Student Staff program is designed to bring a unique musical learning experience to young adults of all levels. Come out for a Sunday afternoon to hear the latest in music from these exceptionally talented musicians ages. Tickets are not required for this free event.
A Cinematic Summer In Aptos: The Greatest Showman
When: 8/12. Movie starts at dusk
Where: Aptos Village Park
Cost: Free
“Movie in the Park” is back this week and will feature The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman. This film was inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum. Admission is free but spare change donations will be accepted for the Live Like Coco Foundation. Live music and food truck vendors will be available before the show begins.
Jessamyn Stanley, Every Body Yoga
When: 8/12 at 7:00 pm
Where: Bookshop Santa Cruz
Cost: Free
Join yoga teacher, author and Instagram star, Jessamyn Stanley, as she discusses and signs copies of her new book, Every Body Yoga. Her book contains memoirs and guidance as she discusses her challenges in finding a healthy way of life, as well as 50 yoga poses and 10 sequences all in full color.
Santa Cruz Contra Dance
When: 8/12 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front St., Santa Cruz
Cost: $12 regular, $20 supporters, $8 students. Cash or check.
Everyone is welcome and a dance partner is not required! Join in on the fun of Contra Dance, a New England style folk dance where moves are called out by a “caller” and you eventually end up dancing with everyone in line. Free lesson for newcomers at 5:40 to get you started!
HOME Summer Pop-up Event with SCM Makers Market
When: 8/12 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: HOME Restaurant in Soquel
Cost: Free
This is a one-of-a-kind summer time pop-up event! Held in HOME’s beautiful backyard garden space, this makers market features 20 local artists, live music by Jasmine Bailey & Olde Blue, beer and wine, and a casual seasonal menu prepared by Chef Brad Briske.
AAT Presents Thoroughly Modern Millie
See Description Under Friday Section
The Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries Art Book Extravaganza
See Description Under Saturday Section
41st Annual International Musical Saw Festival in Santa Cruz, CA
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Anthony Gomes – Live in Santa Cruz @ Moe’s Alley
- SUNDAY PLAY: MUSIC BOX AT ABBOTT SQUARE @ Abbott Square
- ALECIA HASELTON AND ISRAEL SANCHEZ @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- OPEN BLUEGRASS JAM @ The Crepe Place
- WAND w/ Nicholas Merz @ The Crepe Place
- THE SOUL REBELS @ The Catalyst
- Patio Acoustics with Mark Creech @ Severino’s
- The Box @ The Blue Lagoon
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michaels on Main
THEATER/ARTS
- Of Other Worlds: Orchestra Concert @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
- The Producers @ Cabrillo Crocker Theater
MAKE/CRAFT
- Annieglass Succulent Arrangement Workshop @ 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, CA
- Paint and Sip 8/12~ Yosemite Falls @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Paint and Sip 8/12~ Golden Summer Night @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
OUTDOORS
- Berry Creek Falls Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Little Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Discover the Santa Cruz Sandhills @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Castro Adobe Open House 2018 @ Castro Adobe State Historic Park
- Twilight Adaptation Adventure @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Programs @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Watsonville Nature Walks @ City of Watsonville – Nature Center
- Younger Lagoon Reserve Tours @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
MORE
- August 12, 2018-Farm Dinner @ Rancho del Oso @ Rancho del Oso @ Waddell Creek
- MUSIC BOX CLASS @ Santa Cruz MAH
- TEDx MeritAcademy @ Rio Theatre
- Santa Cruz Downtown Antique Street Faire @ Downtown Santa Cruz
- Live Comedy @ Crow’s Nest
- Tri Santa Cruz – Triathlon @ Cowell Beach
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
The 20th Annual Kidrageous Carnival
What: Jacob’s Heart Presents: The 20th Annual Kidrageous Carnival
Where: Watsonville City Plaza
When: Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 12 to 5 PM
Grab the kids and take them out to this fun-packed fundraising carnival for a great cause! This 20th annual event is filled with music, dance, magicians, characters, hands-on activities, bounce house, pony rides, a petting zoo and much more! Every booth is in honor of a local child with cancer. Proceeds support Jacob’s Heart families.
Sixth Annual Mole & Mariachi Festival
What: Sixth Annual Mole & Mariachi Festival
Where: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
When: Saturday, September 8, at 11 to 5 PM
Bring your appetite to the 6th Annual Mole & Mariachi Festival! Enjoy live mariachi music, ballet folklórico dancing, activities for kids, and a variety of craft vendors at the mercado. The highlight of the event is the mole tasting competition featuring many different varieties of mole, tasting kits for purchase, and the opportunity to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
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