Hot on the heels of supermoon excitement comes Super Bowl weekend and we’ve rounded up a variety of things to do as we roll into a new month.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR
When: 2/2 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
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:
- The MAH (Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History) – make monarch butterfly art and wearable wings!
- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History – last weekend to see the Rocks and Waves exhibit!
Take a First Friday Art Tour and connect with local artists. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Lovebirds: First Friday Group Exhibition @ The Art Cave
- First Friday at Yeshe Jackson Fine Art
- Hearts for the Arts First Friday Reception @ Artisans Gallery
First Friday Reception: Black Lives in Santa Cruz: What Matters- A Photography and Interview exhibit by Allison Garcia
When: 2/2 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Resource Center for Nonviolence
Cost: Free
Freelance photographer Allison Garcia’s new exhibit, on display at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, strives to answer the question: What’s it like to be Black in Santa Cruz? Garcia’s exhibit, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, combines photography and interviews which share participants’ views on being Black in Santa Cruz. Special hours for this First Friday Reception.
Jewel Theatre Presents: SILENT SKY
When: Runs through 2/18
Where: The Colligan Theater
Cost: $26 / $48
According to Julie James, Artistic Director for Jewel Theatre Company, Silent Sky is a celebration of women in science and women in astronomy. This play is based on the true story of an early 20th century woman who worked as a gifted astronomy “computer” at Harvard Observatory and the struggles she faced while dealing with societal biases towards a female in the field.
Community Deer Dance Ceremony
When: 2/2 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Pacific Cultural Center, 1307 Seabright Ave.
Cost: $15 advance, $20 at the door. Students/seniors: $5 advance, $10 at the door
Shaman and ceremonial leader Brant Secunda leads an evening of ceremonial dance and prayer. Learn about the Huichol Tribe of Mexico, enjoy visionary art, ancient indigenous chanting and sacred dance.
Also on Friday
- The Messiahs @ Crow’s Nest
- ROYAL JELLY JIVE + Midtown Social @ Moe’s Alley
- The Inciters, The Hellflowers @ The Crepe Place
- PURE ROOTS & EARL ZERO @ The Catalyst
- Harpin Johnny & the Groovehounds @ Severino’s
- Mortuous, Fetid, Mortiferum, Dipygus @ The Blue Lagoon
- Locomotive Breath @ Michael’s On Main
- Green Dog @ Michael’s On Main
- Kuleana @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
- 8 Tens at 8 Short Play Festival @ Center Stage Theater
- Author Talk: Nick Adam @ Santa Cruz Public Libraries – La Selva Beach Branch
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
Winter SCruBall
When: 2/3 – 2/4
Where: Santa Cruz Moose Lodge, 2470 El Rancho Drive
Cost: $25
Dress up to represent the theme of Fire & Ice and have a ball! You can’t beat a celebration with six DJs, Live Art paintings, a ramen bar, water bar and even a costume contest for prizes at this benefit event. Festive attire is required to attend. Ages 21 and over. This event benefits the Arts Council of Santa Cruz Children’s Program and the Milo Foundation Animal Sanctuary.
NewMusicWorks Night of the Living Composers
When: 2/3 from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Samper Recital Hall, Cabrillo College VAPA, 6500 Soquel Drive Aptos CA 95003
Cost: $10 – $28, Cabrillo Students with Sac Card: $8 advance; $12.50 at the door
This popular annual anthology features seven composers’ music with sounds from Santa Cruz past and present. The lineup includes four premiers and a list of special guests. Come early for the free public panel discussion including all of the featured composers.
Eoin Callery + Anna Friz
When: 2/3 at 8:00 pm
Where: Radius Gallery (1050 River St. #127)
Cost: $10-15
Join Irish musical artists Eoin Callery and Anna Friz for an evening of radiophonics. Hear the music created by radio signals and resonating strings that are set up in various configurations to bring you a unique and unforgettable musical performance.
Boomer Humor – Make America Irate Again!
When: 2/3 at 7:30 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Cost: $25/Advance $30/Door
A special performance features Will Durst, Dan St.Paul and Richard Stockton lighting up the stage with their stand up comedy that will keep you laughing as they talk about their views on current political issues. Doors open at 7 pm.
Latino Role Models
When: 2/3 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo College Crocker Theater
Cost: Free Admission
Latino college students and a line-up of successful professionals take the stage to tell you their inspiring stories to help students achieve their own career goals and dreams. The lecture is presented in Spanish with an English translation and is geared toward students in grades 6 through college and their families.
Watsonville World Wetlands Day – Slough Native Tree Planting
When: 2/3 from 10:00 am to Noon
Where: Nature Center at Ramsay Park
Cost: Free
Join in on the celebration of World Wetlands Day and be part of the first native and drought tolerant tree planting event at the slough. Participants will help plant 45 trees around the perimeter of Watsonville Slough in Ramsay Park. There will also be educational booths, bird walks, music and free food. Fun for the entire family.
Save our Shores’ Protect Our Coast Protest March and Rally
When: 2/3 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Lighthouse Point Park
Cost: Free
With new government regulations on the horizon to open up the California coast for oil drilling, you can make your voice heard at this protest. Join others in the community along with Save Our Shores to send a strong message about protecting our coastline from offshore drilling.
Jewel Theatre Presents: SILENT SKY
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
- Sasha’s Money at the Crow’s Nest @ The Crow’s Nest
- Pan Dulce, Sensory Tribe and Echo the Natives @ The Blue Lagoon
- Saturday Night Live Music by DJ Monk Earl @ Abbott Square Market
- Sasha’s Money @ Crow’s Nest
- Flor De Caña @ Moe’s Alley
- The Naked Bootleggers, Hashknife Outfit @ The Crepe Place
- FLAMINGOSIS @ The Catalyst
- Kaye Bohler Band @ Severino’s
- The Puffball Collective @ Michael’s On Main
- Salsa By The Sea @ Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf (Ideal Bar & Grill deck)
- Taller Gratuito de Ciudadanía – Free Citizenship Workshop @ Santa Cruz Public Libraries – Downtown Branch
- Our Community Reads presents a Children’s Story Hour @ Santa Cruz Public Libraries – Aptos Branch
- Eoin Callery + Anna Friz @ Radius Gallery
- 8 Tens at 8 Short Play Festival @ Center Stage Theater
- Scott Wells & Dancers in “Was That Good For You?” @ Motion Pacific
- Aptos Farmers Market @ Aptos Farmers’ Market
- Let’s Talk About Sex @ Luma Yoga
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- Basket Making Workshop @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Meteor Trail Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Guided Redwood Grove Walk @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Old Cove Landing Coast Nature Walk @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Snakes Alive! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- EARLY BIRD TOUR @ Elkhorn Slough Reserve
- Exploring the San Lorenzo River @ Quail Hollow Ranch
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Super Bowl Party
When: 2/4 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Cost: $25
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing will close to the public for this private event. Watch the game on the outdoor big screen or inside on the smaller screen while enjoying craft brew, playing games and enjoying some munchies. Ticket price includes two beer tokens and appetizers.
Super Bowl Fun Run
When: 2/4 from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Swanton and Delaware Avenue
Cost: 10K & 3K: $45. 1K Kids Run: $5
Begin Super Bowl Sunday with a healthy start before the game and festivities. Run along beautiful West Cliff Drive and soak in the ocean views. Kids run does not include shirt, but can be purchased for $10.
Jewel Theatre Presents: SILENT SKY
See Description Under Friday Section
Winter SCruBall
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
- Dance Hall and Azonto Workshop @Palomar Ballroom
- Mystic Folk • Shimshai & Eliyahu Sills • Kuumbwa Jazz @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Live Comedy @ Crow’s Nest
- Leo Kottke @ Rio Theatre
- The Box @ The Blue Lagoon
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michael’s On Main
- Sunday Seaside Crafts @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- 8 Tens at 8 Short Play Festival @ Center Stage Theater
- Watsonville Nature Walks @ City of Watsonville – Nature Center
- SCDG 2018 Bootcamp! @ Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- Guided Hike through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve @ Pescadero State Beach
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Featured Upcoming Event
What: California State Parks Backpacking Adventures
Where: Castle Rock, Portola Redwoods, Big Basin & Butano State Parks
When: June – August
Guided backpacking adventures are being offered again this year through California State Parks. Reservations open Thursday, February 1 at 8am. It won’t take long before they sell out so secure your spot soon!
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