With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’ve rounded up events to get you ready, from crafty workshops to local makers markets.
The weekend lineup also celebrates wildlife with the annual Migration Festival and a film featuring the return of coyotes to San Francisco.
For the curious and experimental, check out a performance by Manfred Werder or partake in some twisted tasting that is out of this world!
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
TWISTED TASTING IN OUTER SPACE ~ 2019
When: 2/8 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Cost: $91.50 (includes service charge)
In conjunction with SFBeerWeek 2019, the brewers, crafters, distillers and artisans of our local food and beer scene get one week a year to unleash all the flavors in the universe. Twisted Tasting is a unique benefit featuring rare brews that you will find nowhere else on earth. Enjoy the concoctions and raise money for the Arts Council of Santa Cruz.
Once Upon a Mattress
When: 2/8 – 2/10 at 7:00 pm & 1:00 pm
Where: Loma Prieta Community Center
Cost: $12
Definitely not the story of the “Princess and the Pea” that you thought you knew! This classic fairy tale has been revisited to bring you a musical romantic comedy with many twists and turns to give this old familiar story a brand new spin.
Manfred Werder: 20160 and 20170
When: 2/8 at 8:00 pm
Where: Radius Gallery
Cost: $10 students, $15 general
Swiss composer, performer, and curator Manfred Werder, along with musicians Mustafa Walker and Andrew C. Smith, will perform his recent ongoing works 20170 and 20160. These experimental compositions involve language in the form of quotations, found nouns, and other elements, as he transcribes fragments onto a 10cm by 22m scroll with a pocket typewriter. Yes, we’re curious too!
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Live Music by Chicken Bass & Waffles @ Abbott Square
- Tsunami @ Crow’s Nest
- PRIDE AND JOY @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- HOT BUTTERED RUM + Blue Summit @ Moe’s Alley
- James Robinson: New Beginnings Album Release @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Parker Gispert “frontman for the Whigs” w/ Brett Newski and Daniel Talamantes @ The Crepe Place
- The Amity Affliction & Senses Fail @ The Catalyst
- The Movement @ The Catalyst
- Phoenix Rising @ Severino’s
- Jazz the Dog @ Michael’s on Main
- Chasing Ophelia In the Spirit of the Grateful Dead @ Michael’s on Main
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
- Printmaking Takeover with Little Giant Collective @ The MAH
- Beginner Soap Making Workshop @ All Hands Workshops
OUTDOORS
- Bird Watching for Beginners @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Saturday
32nd Annual Migration Festival
When: 2/9 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Natural Bridges State Beach
Cost: Free; Vehicle day use parking is $10
Santa Cruz County is a temporary home to many species of creatures that make a stop along their migration throughout the year. Celebrate the whales, butterflies, birds and more that travel through briefly or make a longer stop in our area as they make their way to their next destinations. Bring the family for animal talks, games, crafts, skits, live music and educational booths.
Block Printed Love Themed Cards Workshop
When: 2/9 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: All Hands Workshops
Cost: $70
Have you ever wanted to make your own greeting cards but weren’t sure where or how to begin? This workshop will show you how to block print your own love-themed cards just in time for Valentine’s Day or any occasion. Take some time to relax and be creative in this fun workshop.
San Francisco: Still Wild at Heart
When: 2/9 at 7:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $10 – $25
This family-friendly film tells about the return of coyotes to San Francisco and other cities in America. Learn how coyotes adapt to ecosystems in the cities and how humans can coexist with them safely. Hear about the human and non-lethal methods that Marin County farmers use to protect their livestock. Guest speaker Camilla Fox, founder of Project Coyote, will give a presentation and answer questions.
One Breath: A Celebration of Love and Community
When: 2/9 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Nourish, Santa Cruz
Cost: $12
Bring just yourself or bring a partner for poetry readings, live music and storytelling all while getting to know other members of your community. Enjoy a fun night featuring Poet Laureate of Santa Cruz Danusha Laméris, poet Eric Schneider, and acoustic guitar by Armando Alcaraz, plus storytelling from Jocelyn and Victor Dubin. Chocolate samples and tea will be available.
Capitola Village Sip & Stroll – SOLD OUT
When: 2/9 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Capitola Village
Cost: $22.50
This event is sold out. Sip and stroll the village while enjoying a unique shopping experience. 13 favorite businesses will host sip and stroll guests in designated areas to sample beer, wine and small appetizers. Get your tickets and wristbands in advance before it sells out!
Make a Glass Valentine with Annie
When: 2/9 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Annieglass
Cost: $65
Celebrate your Valentine by decorating a heart-shaped glass hanging ornament perfect to give as a gift. Enjoy live acoustic guitar and a complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Not for children under 12. Workshop participants receive 10% off Annieglass Firsts the day of participation.
Once Upon a Mattress
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Steven Graves Band w/ Special Guests Reckless Poets @ Flynn’s Cabaret & Steakhouse
- Live Music by Myles Morgan @ Abbott Square
- Hall Pass @ Crow’s Nest
- STEVEN GRAVES BAND w/ Speacial Guests RECKLESS POETS @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- La Misa Negra @ Moe’s Alley
- Sin Sisters Burlesque @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Live Again Band w/ Zach Freitas and Drifting Compass @ The Crepe Place
- The Green @ The Catalyst
- Sunsqabi @ The Catalyst
- Live Again @ Severino’s
- Cruz Patrol plus Common People Brit Pop Band @ Michael’s on Main
THEATER/ARTS
- Sister Brothers concert @ R. Blitzer Gallery @ R. Blitzer Gallery
- Reception—Continuum & Flux: Natalya Burd and Kirk Maxson @ Cabrillo College Gallery
- SANTA CRUZ BAROQUE FESTIVAL: LUTE MUSIC IN BACH’S TIME @ UCSC Music Recital Hall
- Red Velvet @ The Colligan Theater
- Luminous Numinous @ Felix Kulpa Gallery
OUTDOORS
- Castle Rock Loop @ Castle Rock State Park
- Open House at the Castro Adobe: Romance on the Rancho @ Castro Adobe State Historic Park
- McNee Ranch at Montara State Beach @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Birding for Beginners in Waddell Valley @ Rancho Del Oso
- Drawing for the Love of Nature @ Rancho Del Oso
- Snake Park Saturday @ Rancho del Oso
- Felling the Giants @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Ohlone Plant Use @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- We Bring the Sandhills to You! @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Old-Growth Redwood Tours @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Photography Hike @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Hides and Tallow @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Wilder Ridge Loop @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
MORE
- Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency Announces Three-Part “Understanding Our Water” Educational Series @ Felton Community Hall
- Valentine’s Artisan Chocolate & Wine Pairing Class (Vegan) @ Pescadero Creek Vineyard
- AGRICULTURAL HISTORY PROJECT – 2ND SATURDAY – HEARTS & FLOWERS ON THE FARM @ Agricultural History Museum
- BILL MAHER LIVE STAND UP TOUR @ Civic Auditorium
- Boardwalk BOGO @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- NSSA Youth Surf Event Feb 2019 @ Steamer Lane at West Cliff Drive
Sunday
The Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market
When: 2/10 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Cost: Free
The Santa Cruz Mountain Maker’s Market is a gathering of 40 local artists with free concerts all day long. Stroll and shop local along the downtown streets– treasure hunting is good exercise!
Valentine’s Market at the Market
When: 2/10 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Abbott Square Market
Cost: Free
Are you looking for a special gift for your Valentine? Come and check out the 2nd annual Valentine’s maker’s market and find a wide variety of gifts for that special someone, including handcrafted jewelry, metal works, and organic and sustainable products.
Hive & Hum Farewell Lovefest
When: 2/10 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Hive & Hum
If you haven’t heard the sad news yet, Hive & Hum is closing their doors after 3 wonderful years in our community. As a thank you, they have invited over a dozen local makers and artists to share their beautiful work. Come hang out for sips, nibbles, and huge discounts on Hive & Hum merchandise.
Galentine’s Day Sip n’ Shop
When: 2/10 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Home/Work
Home/Work is celebrating the strongest bond there is…girlfriends! Sip and shop (with or for your bestie) special guest pop-ups Tiny House Chocolate, Last Meridian, and In Situ Jewelry. Aura and channeled readings will also be available, but be sure to get a ticket before they’re gone!
Carrie’s Dream Dance Showcase
When: 2/10 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Where: Aptos High School Performing Arts Center
Cost: $20 – $2
The 5th Annual Carrie’s Dream Dance Showcase carries on the dream of a beloved dance teacher to provide dance scholarships for children and young adults in need. In memory of Carrie Dianda McCoid, 8 studios/teams will take to the stage performing jazz, hip hop, lyrical, ballet, and contemporary dance numbers. There are two performances to choose from, plus live and silent auction events and a bake sale—all proceeds will benefit the Carrie’s Dream Scholarship Fund.
Once Upon a Mattress
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Contra Cruz 2019 @ Veterans Memorial Building
- Steve Gunn @ Moe’s Alley
- Kid Trunks, Craig Xen @ The Catalyst
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michael’s on Main
THEATER/ARTS
- ART OF SOUND: SEEKING A HOME @ Holy Cross Church
- Red Velvet @ The Colligan Theater
- Luminous Numinous @ Felix Kulpa Gallery
MAKE/CRAFT
OUTDOORS
- Seacliff History Walk @ Seacliff State Beach
- Berry Creek Falls Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- We Bring the Sandhills to You! @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Wilder Ranch State Park @ Ranch Tours
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
MORE
- MANIFEST: Soul Alignment Event @ Hotel Paradox
- Deep Stretch – The Magic of Yin Yoga @ Hot Elevation Studios- 1440 41st Ave., Suite E Capitola, CA 95010
- Clothes for a Cause @ Cantine Winepub
- Ocean Robbins, 31-Day Food Revolution @ Bookshop Santa Cruz
- Live Comedy @ Crow’s Nest
- Santa Cruz Antique Faire @ Lincoln Street
- Boardwalk BOGO @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- NSSA Youth Surf Event Feb 2019 @ Steamer Lane at West Cliff Drive
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Santa Cruz Derby Girls 2019 Pub Crawl!
What: Santa Cruz Derby Girls 2019 Pub Crawl!
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
When: Friday, March 1
Kick off the 2019 Roller Derby season with the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at their annual pub crawl. Starting at Abbot Square and continuing on to El Palomar, 99 Bottles, and Pour Tap Room for an evening of drinking, dining, and arm wrestling with the Derby Girls. Then on to the Blue Lagoon to dance the night away!
Mardi Gras in the Mountains
What: Mardi Gras in the Mountains
Where: Brookdale Lodge
When: Saturday, March 2
The Brookdale Lodge is back in action and hosting a dazzling Mardi Gras celebration in the Santa Cruz Mountains, New Orleans style! Cajun and traditional food, live music, beverages, dancing and plenty of beads to go around. Come dressed in your favorite Mardi Gras fashion and don’t forget your mask! Rooms are available for booking.
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