This weekend brings the first First Friday of 2020, and offers a farewell to a fun new annual tradition at the Boardwalk.
You’ll also find outdoor activities, a scavenger hunt and seaside crafting for the kiddos.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR
When: 1/3 from 5:00 pm
Where: Various locations
Celebrate the first First Friday of the new year by taking a First Friday Art Tour and connecting with local artists. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Unapologetically Black Art Show @ The Resource Center for Nonviolence
- Ann Baldwin May Art Quilts @ the Santa Cruz Art Center
- Tannery First Friday Party @ Gallery 125 at The Tannery
- Artist Anne Green, live music, food truck @ Stockwell Cellars
- January First Friday (and free admission) @ The MAH
Boardwalk Holiday Ice – Last Weekend
When: Now through January 5, 2020
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Last chance to enjoy the best of both worlds this holiday season: ice skating and the beach! You can rent skates for an hour, or make a day of it with the Boardwalk combo. To add to the festive air, there is a magical snowfall every hour, festive food, arts and crafts, old favorite holiday movies and more. Reservations are recommended for skating.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Slide Guitar Legend Dennis Johnson @ Felton Music Hall
- Quarteto Santa Cruz @ Lulu Carpenters Cafe
- ZION I @ Moe’s Alley
- SPUN @ Severino’s
- Mike Hadley Band @ Michael’s on Main
- Fulminante w/ Enemy of my Enemy & Pop Bottle Bombers @ The Crepe Place
- The Next Blues Band @ Crow’s Nest
THEATER/ARTS
- Hello Dollies Exhibition @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
- Michael Singer Photography Exhibit @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
OUTDOORS
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
MORE
- Santa Cruz Scavenger Hunt: Licensed to Thrill @ Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt
- ASL@WOODSTOCK’S IN SANTA CRUZ @ Woodstock Pizza
Saturday
ART AND MUSIC AT 11TH HOUR
When: 1/4 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: 11th Hour Coffee
Start your Saturday sipping on some coffee, listening to live music, and checking out the latest art pop-up at 11th Hour Coffee.
If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat. The atmosphere, patio, and community vibe at 11th Hour are a true delight paired with a delicious cup of locally roasted, fair trade coffee.
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- THE STRING BEANS EXPERIENCE @ Lulu Carpenters Cafe
- Joint Chiefs @ Crow’s Nest
- BOWIE BIRTHDAY BASH – COMMON PEOPLE, BULLETPROOF HEARTS, KOOKS, GRAND LARSON @ Moe’s Alley
- Bernie & the Wolf w/ Sollomon Hollow & Practicing Sincerity @ The Crepe Place
- Snarky Cats @ Severino’s
- Painted Mandolin feat. Joe Craven plus AJ Lee & Blue Summit @ Michael’s on Main
THEATER/ARTS
- Hello Dollies Exhibition @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
- Michael Singer Photography Exhibit @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
OUTDOORS
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- Coast Nature Walk @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Sempervirens Falls Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Old-Growth Redwood Tour @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Hides and Tallow @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
MORE
Sunday
Sunday Seaside Crafts
When: 1/5 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab
Your Sunday Funday to-do list: Touch a shark; Check out the latest discoveries in ocean science; Get hands on at this weekly seaside craft series hosted by the Seymour Center, home of Ms. Blue, an 87-foot blue whale skeleton. The whole family is invited to make and take home a fun souvenir while learning more about our ocean backyard.
Also on Sunday
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
- Bring your Bling Workshop @ Curated, 309 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA
- Drop in Family Craft: Luminaria @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
OUTDOORS
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwoods and the Changing Climate @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
MORE
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Tattoo the World Film Screening
What: Tattoo the World Film Screening
When: Thursday, January 30, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
In addition to its current exhibition, Santa Cruz Tattoo’d, the MAH is hosting a screening of Emiko Omori’s Tattoo the World which documents the life journey and artistry of Ed Hardy. Dive deep into the tattoo world with stories, live demos, local artists, and maybe even a chance for you to get inked at the MAH.
MLK Youth Day 2020
What: MLK Youth Day
When: Saturday, January 18, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Resource Center for Nonviolence
Celebrate the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his message of equality at this MLK Youth Day event. Enjoy an afternoon of education, food, activities, art and music with a focus on empowering youth to get actively involved in our community.
PS – Get coverage of the best Santa Cruz events and other Santa Cruz Life content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up below…
