This Weekend in Santa Cruz: August 24th – 26th, 2018

By Valerie Lemke

Photo credit: Jennalee Dahlen

There’s plenty of summer fun packed into the first weekend after back to school…

You’ll find movies and bands on the beach, tequila and tacos in the park, and a derby doubleheader downtown.

Dogs get their own pool party and some of our favorite local stores have banded together for a one-day sale you definitely don’t want to miss.

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

Quick Links

Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Upcoming

Thank you to the Santa Cruz Derby Girls for sponsoring this week’s roundup. We hope you can join us this Saturday for a Derby Doubleheader at the Civic. Be sure to use code SCLife18 at checkout to save 10% (discount not valid on game day so grab your tickets today).

Click here to get more information about the game, and here for tickets. Use code SCLife18 at checkout for 10% off.

Friday

Super Stoked Surf Mamas of Pleasure Point Movie Premiere Night

When: 8/24 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Doors open 6:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Hope Church
Cost: Kids $7.20 and Adults $13.41; Kids 5 and under Free

This inspiring film documentary chronicles the lives of five Santa Cruz surf moms who helped each other to continue surfing during pregnancy and after their children were born. The night will open at 7 pm with music from The Shapes with lead singer/guitarist Ashley Lloyd, one of the moms featured in the documentary. A short documentary, La Maestra will follow. Doors open at 6 pm.

Get more info here.

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

When: 8/24 at 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free

The Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach series at the Boardwalk continues with this legendary rock and roll band. Songs like We Built this City and Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now are just a few of the hits on their expanded set list. Female vocalist, Stephanie Calvert joins the band this Friday night for two show times.

Get more info here.

Food Truck Friday in Scotts Valley

When: 8/24 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Skypark
Cost: Free admission

It’s time for the monthly Food Truck Friday featuring a line-up of six local food trucks and live music by The Bourbon Brothers and Little Sister. There will be a Beer/Wine Garden fundraiser benefiting the the Scotts Valley Education Fund. Bring your family and friends for a fun evening out for a great cause.

Get more info here.

Movies on the Beach

When: 8/24 Movie begins at 7:30 pm
Where: Capitola Beach
Cost: Free

Take the family out for a summer movie night at the beach! This week will feature the computer animated film “Sing”. Seating begins at 6:30, movie begins at 7:30. Free popcorn between 7-7:30. Bring a beach chair, flashlight and a blanket.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

MUSIC/DANCE

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

MORE

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Saturday

Celebrating James: An event in honor of James Aschbacher

When: 8/25 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Rio Theater
Cost: Free

A celebration of life will be held in honor of beloved local artist and arts advocate, James Ashbacher. The event will be held at the Rio Theater with guest speakers, music, food and a champagne toast to mark his passing. Doors open at 6:00 pm.

Get more info here.

Monterey Bay Dahlia Society Annual Show

When: 8/25 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm & 8/26 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Museum of Art and History
Cost: Free

Hundreds of beautiful dahlias will be on display to dazzle you at this annual show. Come and see what’s new this year and enjoy the spectacular arrangements. There will be demonstrations, seminars, photo opportunities and even a raffle!.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Derby Girls Double Header – Santa Cruz Harbor Hellcats vs. Sacramento BEASTars

When: 8/25 at 6:45 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Cost: $17-$33

August is Derby Girl Month and it’s time for a double-header! Check out the new talent as the Grommets play alongside the Saltwater Sassies for an action packed exhibition game. Mayor David Terrazas will make an official derby proclamation and will blow the first whistle. The main event kicks off 6:45 pm when The Harbor Hellcats face off against the BEASTars from Sacramento Roller Derby. .

Get more info here and purchase tickets here (use promo code SCLife18 at checkout to save 10%).

Holistic Health Wellness Fair

When: 8/25 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Lincoln Street between Cedar and Center
Cost: Free

Promoting health and well-being in the local community, this 13th annual fair brings together traditional and alternative practitioners and local businesses to promote wellness. Check out all the healthy options available to you in the Santa Cruz community.

Get more info here.

Tequila & Taco Music Festival Returns to Santa Cruz

When: 8/25 – 8/26 from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm
Where: San Lorenzo Park
Cost: $10 – $40, Kids 12 and under Free

It’s a summer weekend of Tequila and tacos in the park! There will be two days of celebrating tequila and tacos with a tequila sampling on Saturday followed by a family fun day on Sunday with tacos, live music and margaritas. You’ll find local food vendors, craft beers and live music both days.

Get more info here.

BCFD SUMMER BBQ & BANDS FUNDRAISER

When: 8/25 at 5:30 pm
Where: Boulder Creek Fire Department
Cost: $15.00 – $30.00, All Children Under 5 are free

Help the Boulder Creek Fire Department purchase EMT/rescue equipment at this annual summer fundraising dinner. Enjoy a family BBQ dinner of tri-tip or chicken and stay for live music and dancing. Local bands include Hank and Ella with the Fine Country Band, Jesse Daniel and Harry and the Hitmen.

Get more info here.

Magical Midtown Sale

When: 8/25 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Midtown Santa Cruz
Cost: Free

Come to midtown Santa Cruz to celebrate the end of summer (and the start of locals summer!) with a sale in ten participating retail shops. Great deals, popups, food trucks and even Tarot readings are in store. Here’s a rundown of the participating stores and their special one-day offers:

Food Trucks: Aunt Lali’s Ice Cream Truck in front of Home/Work 12-2 & Taco Loco food truck in front of Childish starting at noon.
Home/Work: Storewide sale up to 40% off, plus seconds sale with local artist Lili Arnold Studios and Bay Area ceramicist Lisa Tsubouchi. And to top it all off… tarot card readings with Caity Newsom
Childish: 30% off select items + 10% off Legos
Flourish: Local makers pop-ups with The Golden Poppy Shop, Moss and Moon, and Dlovely Scribe. Live music with Lindsey Wall from 5-6.
Arteak: Storewide sale, along with 30% off teak patio furniture.
Mme: 15% off handbags
Amoureuse: 25% off select items, 15% additional off sale items, plus all day mimosas
Shop Surf: 50% off select inventory, including board shorts and bikinis
Tomboy: Up to 30% off vintage items
Midtown Guitar: 10% off select guitars and ukuleles
Bicycle Trip: Storewide no tax sale

Get more info here.

Pool Party!

When: 8/25 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Simpkins Family Swim Center
Cost: Free

Bring the entire family, including your favorite furry canine family member to this summer celebration. You’ll find great food, local craft beer/wine, music, raffle and, or course, swimming fun for the entire family, even your dog! All proceeds will go to County Parks youth and Animal Shelter programs.

Get more info here.

Also on Saturday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

Freak Show- Santa Freakin Cruz! @ The Blue Lagoon
Artist’s Reception: Chris Hall @ Boulder Creek Branch Library 13390 West Park Avenue, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

MORE

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

Sunday

The “LOVE IN”

When: 8/26 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
Cost: $30 +service fee

NextStage Magical Mystery Troupe will perform songs from the hippie years with an open dance floor and silent auction. Come and relive the 60s and receive a “Hippie Kit” complete with shades, bandana and a peace sign. Emcee is Richard Stockton from Planet Cruz Comedy.

Get more info here.

Cowell Beach Tobacco Butt Cleanup and Art Event

When: 8/26 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: Cowell’s Beach
Cost: Free

Help rid Cowell beach of cigarette butt litter and attend this beach clean up and art event. Volunteers will also place larger-than-life cigarette butts in the sand to show the impact of this litter on our local beaches. RSVP not required, but you can sign the online waiver ahead of time to save time and reduce paper waste.

Get more info here.

MUSIC AT SKYPARK

When: 8/26 from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Skypark
Cost: Free

Come out with the family for another fabulous free concert in the Music at Skypark summer series. Live music from local bands and food vendors will be on site. All net proceeds from concessions will benefit local schools. The bands featured are local favorites The Coffis Brothers & The Mountain men, and The Elizabeth Carlisle Band.

Get more info here.

Tequila & Taco Music Festival Returns to Santa Cruz

See Description Under Saturday Section

Monterey Bay Dahlia Society Annual Show

See Description Under Saturday Section

Also on Sunday

MUSIC/DANCE

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

MORE

Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss

2018 Harvest Hops & Hounds

What: Harvest, Hops and Hounds
Where: Living with Dogs, Aptos
When: September 22 from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Support the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and Unchained at this Farm to Table fundraising event. Enjoy fine dining, local beer & wine, live music, dancing and local art. A field area for play with your dog play will be available.

Get more info here.

Event Name

What: Ohlone Day
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
When: Saturday, Sep. 8th

Ohlone Day is filled to the brim with living history activities for all ages. Observe Ohlone demonstrators and participate in traditional songs, stories, art, dance, games and more.

Get more info here.

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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.

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