Family friendly happenings this weekend include a free screening of Mary Poppins Returns, a library grand opening, and storytelling around a campfire.
Enjoy the local arts and craft scene at the Community Art Market and 42nd Annual Quilt Show.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a surf competition at the Lane and the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival.
And don’t forget to fuel up on clam chowder at the Boardwalk!
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
Free Family Movie Night – Mary Poppins Returns
When: 2/21 at 6:00 pm
Where: Capitola Community Center – 4400 Jade St. Capitola
Starting the weekend with a free family movie night is practically perfect in every way, especially when the movie is Mary Poppins Returns! Come early for free popcorn, pizza, and a space for your blankets, pillows, and low back chairs. Feel free to bring your own food and drink, too, but leave alcoholic beverages at home.
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour – Santa Cruz
When: 2/20 – 2/23 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
The adrenaline rush starts Thursday when this 4-day film festival kicks off at the Rio. Featured films explore insane slopes, remote cultures, and extreme mountain sports. This year there are two programs featuring a different lineup of films on Thursday/Saturday and Friday/Sunday. Proceeds go to benefit the UCSC Wilderness Orientation Scholarship Fund.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- MAH Music: Sea Reinas @ Abbott Square
- Anthony Arya, Taylor Rae, & Lindsey Wall – Live at Zizzo’s @ Zizzo’s Coffeehouse & Wine Bar
- KUUMBWA: TIM FLANNERY & THE LUNATIC FRINGE @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- SEVERINO’S BAR & GRILL: HOT FUSE @ Severino’s Bar & Grill
- Ten O’Clock Lunch Band @ Crow’s Nest
- Soulciter – Motown/Ska/Rocksteady/Soul/2-Tone @ The Crepe Place
- QIENSAVE VALLEY WOLF @ Moe’s Alley
- Spoonbill with Andreilien @ The Catalyst
- Harpin’ & Clark @ Michaels on Main
- Locomotive Breath @ Michaels on Main
THEATER/ARTS
- John Krausbauer & Kaori Suzuki + The Swinging Chandeliers + Henry Birdsey @ Radius Gallery
- Skeleton Crew @ UCSC Theater Arts Second Stage
- Michael Singer Photography Exhibit @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
Saturday
Community Art Market
When: 2/22 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: The MAH
Photography, woodburning, printmaking, jewelry, and pottery are among the unique treasures you’ll find at the community art market in Abbott Square. It’s all about supporting and engaging with local artists and crafters. This month’s theme, Interactive, gives you the chance to watch artists craft, draw, paint, sculpt, and more right the spot.
Felton Branch Library Grand Opening Celebration
When: 2/22 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: NEW Felton Branch Library located at 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA
Hip hip hooray for the grand opening of the new Felton Branch Library! The celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, speeches, and a day filled with crafts, demos, refreshments, music, and of course, storytime. Come check out this beautiful new public space in the San Lorenzo Valley.
Pajaro Valley Quilt Association’s 42nd Annual Quilt Show
When: 2/22 – 2/23
Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Soak up the art, history, and tradition of quilt making and see what the Pajaro Valley Quilting Association is all about! This 2-day quilt show features over 300 quilts on display, a fashion show of wearable arts, live auction, member demos, a flea market, and more. This year’s featured speaker is award-winning artist Meri Henriques Vahl.
Santa Cruz Clam Chowder
When: 2/22 – 2/23
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Calling all chowder lovers, grab your tasting kit and get to work! You now have two days to sample Boston and Manhattan chowders and vote for your favorites. The great Clam Chowder Cook-Off features amateur chefs on Saturday and the professionals compete on Sunday. 100% of proceeds from tasting kit sales go to supporting Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation.
SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS VS. STOCKTON KINGS
When: 2/22 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
Come cheer on the Warriors against the Stockton Kings on the 6th Annual Pajama Night! Fans are encouraged to support Project Pajama and donate a new pair of pjs to help a child in need. Don’t miss your chance to wear your pajamas out and not get any double takes, plus the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a SCW nightlight.
Storytelling Night: “Trickster Tales from Around the World”
When: 2/22 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
Gather ‘round the campfire for an evening of storytelling fun with Jim Cockrell and friends. Sip hot cocoa with a side of adventure, mystery, and comedy as you listen to trickster tales from around the world.
Santa Cruz Scholastic Surf League (SC SSL) High School and Middle School Surf Contests
When: 2/22 – 2/23
Where: Steamer Lane
Is there a more scenic sport for spectators than surfing? Steamer Lane is a natural amphitheater and you don’t have to buy a ticket to watch all the action. Let’s hope for great ocean conditions as middle and high schoolers from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay compete in short board, long board, and bodyboard divisions.
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour – Santa Cruz
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- LYLE LOVETT AND HIS ACOUSTIC GROUP @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
- SEVERINO’S BAR & GRILL: MOJO CRUZ @ Severino’s Bar & Grill
- MAH Music: Barson Saints @ Abbott Square
- The John Michael Band @ Crow’s Nest
- MIDTOWN SOCIAL, THE HUMIDORS @ Moe’s Alley
- China Cats @ Michaels on Main
- PRXZM with HD1080p and Tripsitter @ The Catalyst
- Badfish: a Tribute to Sublime – Beyond the Sun Tour with Tropidelic & Law @ The Catalyst
THEATER/ARTS
- Skeleton Crew @ UCSC Theater Arts Second Stage
- MIDNIGHTS AT THE DEL MAR: RINGU @ Del Mar Theater
- Michael Singer Photography Exhibit @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
MAKE/CRAFT
OUTDOORS
- Coast Nature Walk @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
MORE
Sunday
Corralitos Comedy Night with Richard Stockton
When: 2/23 at 5:30 pm
Where: Corralitos Cultural Center
End your weekend with the best medicine and ab workout around…laughter! Richard Stockton teams up with fellow comedians DNA and Jim Joseph for a night of standup comedy, storytelling, games, prizes, and food. Plus musical guest, the soulful Scott Kail and more.
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour – Santa Cruz
See Description Under Friday Section
Pajaro Valley Quilt Association’s 42nd Annual Quilt Show
See Description Under Saturday Section
Santa Cruz Clam Chowder
See Description Under Saturday Section
Santa Cruz Scholastic Surf League (SC SSL) High School and Middle School Surf Contests
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Master Class: Jim Payne – Funk and R&B Drum Lab @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Chris Cain @ Moe’s Alley
- PATO BANTON, DJ Spleece @ Moe’s Alley
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michaels on Main
- Bay Faction with Mundaze. & Getaway Dogs @ The Catalyst
THEATER/ARTS
- Santa Cruz Baroque Festival Presents: Renaissance Roots ~ American Flowerings @ UCSC Music Recital Hall
- Audition For NextStage! @ Brookvale Terrace Clubhouse
- Skeleton Crew @ UCSC Theater Arts Second Stage
- Michael Singer Photography Exhibit @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
OUTDOORS
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
MORE
- Naturopathic Medicine & Your Heart @ Five Branches University, Santa Cruz, Bamboo/Lotus Classroom
- Writing the Lives of Plants and Animals – with Gary Nabhan @ Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History
- SURFER’S PATH 10K, 5K @ The Start Line is on 41st Ave near the intersection of Portola Drive
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
The 2020 NEXTies Awards
What: The 2020 NEXTies Awards
Where: Hotel Paradox
When: Friday, March 20, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
This year marks The NEXTies 11th year honoring those in Santa Cruz County who inspire our community. We’re talking entrepreneurs, non-profits, musicians, athletes, foodies, mentors, and more. Come to Hotel Paradox and get to know these do-gooders. See you on the red carpet!
Santa Cruz County Business Expo
What: Santa Cruz County Business Expo
Where: Cocoanut Grove
When: Wednesday, March 11, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Santa Cruzans, here’s your chance to learn about the 100+ businesses and nonprofits in our community. Spend the afternoon at the Cocoanut Grove enjoying the views, sampling free local food, discovering products and services, taking fun photobooth pics, and networking at the largest business event of the year.
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