The dog days of summer will be bringing us great weather this weekend, perfect for attending festivals, relaxing with some amazing outdoor concerts or even watching an authentic outrigger race… all of which you can find this weekend around Santa Cruz County!
Speaking of dog days, there’s even day at a local festival where your four-legged family member is invited!
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
Cyrano de Bergerac
When: 8/16 – 8/19 at 8:00 pm
Where: Siltanen Park Amphitheater
Cost: $5-$20 suggested donation
Gay Innocent Heartless Theatrics presents a retelling of this classic play like you’ve never seen before! Full of sword fights, plenty of panache, and of course Cyrano and her very large nose. Bring snacks and a blanket for seating and enjoy an evening of swashbuckling entertainment and wordplay!
Get more info here.
Free Friday Night Concerts: The English Beat
When: 8/17 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free
The Free Friday Bands on the Beach summer concert series kicks your weekend off with The English Beat. This band originated in Birmingham, England and will be bringing an evening of unique sound of reggae, rock, pop and soul to Boardwalk. Two show times to choose from, or stay for both!
MCT Presents “Exactly” at New Works Weekend
When: 8/17 – 8/18 at 8:00 pm & 8/19 at 2:00 pm
Where: Park Hall
Cost: $7 ($8.24 w/ service fee)
For the 7th year in a row Mountain Community Theater is presenting a play written by a local playwright. This year’s play “Exactly” was written by Tim Woods, author of three novels and several plays. The story is about a theatrical producer who is looking for a reason to live when he meets up with a Silicon Valley techie who desperate for a producer for his play. Join in on the “talk back” after each performance. Produced by Alaina Boys. PG-13 for mature themes.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams w/Levi Jack @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- Live Music By The Dan Beck Band @ SANTA CRUZ MAH
- John Pizzarelli @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- SALES @ The Catalyst
- Hot Fuse @ Crow’s Nest
- Harry & The Hitmen, Strange Hotels, Eric Morrison & The Mysteries @ Moe’s Alley
- Dan Too w/ M. Lockwood Porter @ The Crepe Place
- Kaye Bohler Band @ Severino’s
- Jeff Blackburn & Friends @ Michaels on Main
- Extra Large @ Michaels on Main
- Nate Kana’e returns in August! @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
- Paint and Sip 8/17~ Open Studio! @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Paint and Sip 8/17~ Surfer’s Monument @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Succulent Swap & Planting Party (ROUND 2) @ SANTA CRUZ 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
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Programs @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Program @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
MORE
- Beer and Ice Cream Pairing with Anderson Valley Brewing @ New Leaf Community Markets
- Watsonville Farmers Market @ Downtown Watsonville Plaza
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
28th Annual Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival
When: 8/18 – 8/19 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Pescadero I.D.E.S Grounds
Cost: Free
Hop in the car for a quick family trip up Hwy 1 to Pescadero for the 28th Annual Pescadero Arts & Fun Festival. Enjoy a day of fine arts, handmade crafts, live entertainment, kids activities, a fun run and even a raflle! Please note that no pets are allowed.
Made in The Mountains
When: 8/18 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Boulder Creek
Cost: Free
The third Saturday of the month brings an afternoon of local art, crafts and live music to downtown Boulder Creek. Take a relaxing stroll through town and see what unique items you can find for gifts, for your home or just because. Spend $50 and you can enter to win $100 in Boulder Bucks.
Scotts Valley 19th Annual Art, Wine & Beer Festival
When: 8/18 – 8/19 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Skypark
Cost: Free
This festival is celebrating its 19th year with a weekend of fun for the entire family! Saturday kicks off with the Scotts Valley Cops ‘N Rodders Car Show that starts with a parade from the Boardwalk to the Capitola Esplanade and back to Skypark in Scotts Valley. Sunday is “Bring Your Dog Day” so even your favorite canine can enjoy the festivities.
Black and Blue Happy Hour with the Santa Cruz Derby Girls
When: 8/18 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: New Bohemia Brewing Co.
Cost: Free Admission
August is Derby Girl month and you can celebrate with the Santa Cruz Derby Girls this Saturday at NuBo. There will raffle prizes, a chance to win tickets to the August 25th game, and if you’re up for it…a chance to arm wrestle a derby girl.
Growing Homeless Garden Project
When: 8/18 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Homeless Garden Project Farm: Shaffer Rd at Delaware
Cost: Free
The Homeless Garden Project hosts an open house at their Natural Bridges farm site. Learn about the plans for their new permanent site located at Pogonip Farm. Hear updates and comments from Mayor David Terrazas and project representatives at 11:15. Tours and samples will follow. Please RSVP.
Cyrano de Bergerac
See Description Under Friday Section
MCT Presents “Exactly” at New Works Weekend
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Ski Mask The Slump God @ The Catalyst
- Room 9 @ Crow’s Nest
- RANDY McALLISTER @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- MIDNIGHT NORTH + The Painted Horses @ Moe’s Alley
- The Hard Times Shows Present: Super Whatevr w/ Elder Brother and King Shelter @ The Crepe Place
- The Hard Times Presents: Super Whatevr w/ ELDER Brother and King Shelter @ The Crepe Place
- Emo Night Brooklyn: Santa Cruz @ The Catalyst
- Tsunami (Classic Rock, R&B) @ Severino’s
- Patio Acoustics with Shawn Yanez @ Severino’s
- Watkins Glen Revisited with Phil McGee & Friends @ Michaels on Main
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
- Paint and Sip 8/18~ Golden Gate Bridge @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Paint and Sip 8/18~ Beach Sign @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Drawing for the Love of Nature @ Rancho Del Oso
OUTDOORS
- Basket Making Workshop @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Connect with Nature Program @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Little Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Meteor Trail Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Redwood Tours @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Gardens of Time Tour @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Family Discovery Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Tours @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Old Tree Trail Hike @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
- An Evening with the Fresnel Lens @ Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
- Campfire Programs @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Program @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Evenings with the Fresnel Lens @ Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
- Wharf Experience @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
MORE
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Sunday Art & Music at the Beach
When: 8/19 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Esplanade Park, Capitola Village
Cost: Free
Head out to the last event in the Sunday Art & Music at the Beach series this summer. See the mixed media artwork on display for purchase or viewing from our very talented local artists. Relax with live music by Simple Creation and great Capitola atmosphere.
26th Annual Polynesian Festival & Aloha Outrigger Races
When: 8/19 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Municipal Wharf
Cost: Free
Experience the aloha spirit at one of Santa Cruz’s most beloved events. Cheer on the outrigger canoe races then stroll down the wharf for Hawaiian and Polynesian crafts, live music, hula and Tahitian dance, shave ice, and more. Sponsored by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department and Pu Pu O’Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Club.
México en el Corazon 2018
When: 8/19 Doors open at 4:00 pm; Program starts at 5:15 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Cost: Free
The national tour of México en el Corazon (Mexico in the Heart) begins as the Ballet Folklorico Guadalajara and Mariachi Juvenil Colotlán travels 8,000 miles of the US in 35 days. They will hold 19 performances in 21 cities with the show Guadalajara, Guadalajara.
Cyrano de Bergerac
See Description Under Friday Section
MCT Presents “Exactly” at New Works Weekend
See Description Under Friday Section
28th Annual Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival
See Description Under Saturday Section
Scotts Valley 19th Annual Art, Wine & Beer Festival
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- INDIGENOUS Featuring Mato Nanji @ Moe’s Alley
- Bluegrass Jam in the Garden @ The Crepe Place
- Summer Scorcher @ The Catalyst
- Patio Acoustics with John Michael @ Severino’s
- The Box @ The Blue Lagoon
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michaels on Main
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
- Make-A-Plate with Annie Workshope @ 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, CA
- Origami for Peace with Nate and Drew @ Santa Cruz Downtown Public Library
- Santa.Cruz.Studio 8/19: Dock on the Bay ~ Single and Double canvas versions available ~ SUNDAY FUNDAY $5 OFF ~ Ages 21 and up ~ @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Sunday Play: Sun Prints @ SANTA CRUZ MAH
OUTDOORS
- Watsonville Nature Walks @ City of Watsonville – Nature Center
- 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
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hike through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve @ Pescadero State Beach
- Junior Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Twilight Adaptation Adventure @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Programs @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- When Species Collide @ Rancho Del Oso
MORE
- Good Ole Summertime @ Mid County Senior Center
- Science Sunday @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- Pinot Noir And Chardonnay Harvest Dinner @ Deer Park Ranch
- Summer Code Jam With Code Naturally @ SANTA CRUZ MAH
- 7th Annual Farm to Fork Benefit Dinner @ UCSC Farm
- Science Sunday: People in a Changing Sea @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz
- Live Comedy @ Crow’s Nest
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Santa Cruz Derby Girls Doubleheader
What: Santa Cruz Derby Girls Doubleheader
Where: Santa Cruz Derby Girl Stadium (Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium)
When: Saturday, August 25th
Did you know it’s officially Derby Girl Month in Santa Cruz?
Help the Santa Cruz Derby Girls celebrate with this special double header face off!! See upcoming talent in a special Derby Groms exhibition game as well an action-packed match up between our Harbor Hellcats and the BEASTars of Sacramento Roller Derby.
Mayor David Terrazas will be making an official proclamation and blowing the first whistle.
Get more info here and purchase tickets here (use promo code SCLife18 at checkout to save 10%).
Pool Party!
What: Pool Party!
Where: Simpkins Family Swim Center
When: Saturday, August 25 at 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Bring the entire family, including your favorite furry canine family member to this summer celebration. Great food, local craft beer/wine, music, raffle and swimming fun for the entire family, even your dog! All proceeds will go to County Parks youth programs and Animal Shelter programs.
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