This weekend we celebrate dads, grads and the beginning of summer vacation.
Friday night brings the first Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach concert. Saturday marks an important date in history for freedom with a fantastic community celebration. Sunday is Father’s Day, and you can treat that special dad to a firehouse breakfast, a history walk through the redwoods, or a chuckwagon BBQ and steam train ride.
UCSC graduation also takes place this weekend, so be prepared for a lot of traffic and activity around town.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Thank you to the Santa Cruz Derby Girls for sponsoring this week’s roundup. We’re big fans and can’t wait for the June 30th doubleheader featuring the Boardwalk Bombshells, who are the #17 ranked team in the world!! Use code SCLife18 at checkout for 10% off tickets.
Click here to get more information, and here for tickets. Use code SCLife18 at checkout for 10% off.
Friday
Free Friday Night Bands On The Beach – Berlin starring Terri Nunn
Photo Credit: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
When: 6/15 at 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk kicks off summer with the annual Friday Night Bands on the Beach concert series through August. This week, the band Berlin starring Terri Nunn will be performing two live concerts. Head back to the 80s when the electronic music craze hit the scene.
International Academy of Dance Presents OZ
When: 6/15 at 7:00 pm; 6/16 – 6/17 1:00 pm & 4:30 pm
Where: Colligan Theatre
Cost: $20 – $30 + service fee
An original performance set to the classic story by Frank Baum. In this presentation, Glinda is not behaving like the good witch that everyone knows. Can things be set straight before it’s too late? Dancers and performers of all ages will leave you spellbound.
FAMILY BARN DANCE
When: 6/15 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Grange
Cost: $10-$20
Gather the family and head out to an old fashioned barn dance at the Live Oak Grange. Learn how to Contra Dance, a folk dance where couples form a line and dance steps are “called out” by the caller. All levels welcome, come alone or bring a dance partner!
Tracing Diasporas
When: 6/15 – 6/16 from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Motion Pacific Dance
Cost: $17.89-21.05
An evening of dance performances highlighting the work of Brazilian dance artist, Vera Passos. An eclectic collaboration of choreography and production bring an amazing show that is not to be missed!
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- SPEAKEASY: HOT Jazz & Swing Night @ Santa Cruz Food Lounge
- Salsa Night @ Palomar Ballroom
- Carie & the SoulShakers do Abbott Square @ Abbott Square
- UTURN @ Crow’s Nest
- Loose With The Truth w/Franklin’s Tower @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- Royal Jelly Jive + Strange Hotels @ Moe’s Alley
- Olden Yolk w/ Mega Bog @ The Crepe Place
- The Kingston Trio @ Rio Theatre
- Johnny Neri Band (Classic Rock) @ Severino’s
- Jazz the Dog @ Michaels on Main
- Eric Morrison & The Mysteries @ Michaels on Main
- Steven Espaniola returns @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
- Locals by Locals @ Hotel Paradox
THEATRE/ARTS
- Community Dance of the Deer Ceremony @ Pacific Cultural Center
- Art to Elevate – Event for non-profit It’s Our Home @ Bhody 1526 Pacific Avenue
- Spektrum – an immersive exhibit @ lille æske
- Emerging Visions: Creative Practice at the Nexus of Freedom and Justice @ Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery
- FRIDAY MAKE NIGHT: CLOTERÍA @ Abbott Square Market
OUTDOORS
MORE
- Beer for Breakfast: Food Pairing with Deschutes Brewery @ New Leaf Community Markets
- Watsonville Farmers Market @ Downtown Watsonville Plaza
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
JUNETEENTH
When: 6/16 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Laurel Park (adjacent to the Louden Nelson Community Center)
Cost: Free
No doubt an important day in United States history, this event commemorates the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery. Enjoy an afternoon of soul food, live music, activities, basketball skills contest and the annual sack race.
17th Annual Jay Race – Jay Moriarty Memorial Paddleboard Race
When: 6/16 from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Capitola Beach
Cost: $95-$135
This annual ocean paddleboard race is held in memory of Santa Cruz Waterman Jay Moriarity. The 2018 Jay Race will be held on Jay’s 40th birthday, June 16. Paddle the 2-mile or 12-mile course, and bring the kids to participate in the free “mini Jay” race. Proceeds support the Capitola Junior Lifeguard program, Ocean of Hope, and Angel Warriors For Kids.
A Night At The Theater
When: 6/16 from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Scotts Valley Community Center
Cost: $55 Advance – $65.00 at the door
Help raise funds for the Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild and enjoy a fabulous BBQ dinner, too! The cast of the SVHS Addams Family will be there, as well as other guest appearances for your entertainment. All proceeds will go toward building a new performing arts facility. Silent and live auction, too!
International Academy of Dance Presents OZ
See Description Under Friday Section
Tracing Diasporas
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- San Lorenzo Valley Community Band @ Boulder Creek Branch Library
- Vinny’s New Brighton Beach Birthday Bash @ New Brighton Beach
- WORLD MUSIC DANCE PARTY @ Abbott Square Market
- b-4dawn @ Crow’s Nest
- Foreigner Unauthorized @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- The Mighty Diamonds @ Moe’s Alley
- Mendonesia w/ Bobcat Rob @ The Crepe Place
- Buckethead @ The Catalyst
- Sunflower Bean @ The Catalyst
- Patio Acoustics with Kip Allert @ Severino’s
- Tsunami (Classic Rock, R&B) @ Severino’s
- Lyin’ I’s Eagles Tribute Band @ Michaels on Main
THEATRE/ARTS
- Spektrum – an immersive exhibit @ lille æske
- Emerging Visions: Creative Practice at the Nexus of Freedom and Justice @ Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery
OUTDOORS
- UCSC Arboretum Nature Craft Workshop: Nature’s Prints Workshop @ UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Hort II
- Seeds of Knowledge Workshop @ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
- Connect with Nature Program @ 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
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Redwood Grove Walk @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Old Tree Trail Hike @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- An Evening with the Fresnel Lens @ Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
MORE
- Workshop: Artistic Expression for Activating Self-Discovery, Inner Guidance & Creative Solutions @ Felton business (address disclosed to paid registrants)
- Aptos Farmers Market @ Cabrillo College
- Public Brewery Tour of Santa Cruz – Westside Route @ Dream Inn Santa Cruz
- America Scores Beach Soccer @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Corralitos Farm and Garden Market @ Corralitos Cultural Center
- Dads & Grads Celebration Dining @ Chaminade Resort & Spa
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Father’s Day – Hats Off to Dad
When: 6/17
Where: Roaring Camp
Cost: $29 Adults 13 & up, $23 Children 2-12 yrs (Train ticket only, food extra)
Celebrate dad and take him out for an old-fashioned steam train ride and Chuckwagon BBQ! Dad will receive a free engineer’s cap with ticket and meal purchase and will be entered into a drawing to ride up front with the engineer. Watch out though, a train robbery is bound to happen anytime…
Tom Noddy’s Bubble Magic
When: 6/17 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Branch Library
Cost: Free
Bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles like you’ve never seen them before. Be prepared to be delighted with amazing bubbles and a humorous lively show that has been performed around the world.
The Men Of Big Basin – A Father’s Day Special Event
When: 6/17 at 1:00 pm
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Cost: Event is free; vehicle day use fee is $10
Honor the men who lived, worked and fought in Big Basin. View the living history exhibits and re-enactments that will bring the pioneer days to life. You can even take dad on a guided half mile, 1.5 hour walk through the redwoods. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Paws in the Park
When: 6/17 at 10:00 am
Where: Gateway Plaza
Cost: Free
It’s almost summer and time again for the annual community dog walk along the San Lorenzo River. Bring your dog out for some canine social time and meet other dog walkers, too. The first 20 participants will get a free portable pet food dish.
California Salmon Day
When: 6/17 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab
Cost: Adults $8, Students or Seniors $6, Members and UCSC Undergraduates with valid student ID Free
Celebrate salmon, art and seafood. Learn about native salmon in our area, listen to some short talks and taste some ocean caught Chinook salmon, too. Demonstration, art on display and live music!
39th Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast
When: 6/18 from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Zayante Fire Station
Cost: $8 Adults, $4 for kids (6-12) 5 and under are free
Want to show Dad how much he’s appreciated? One word…Pancakes! Take that special guy out for a home-cooked firehouse breakfast of pancakes and eggs and support our local Zayante fire station, too.
International Acacemy of Dance Presents OZ
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Live Comedy @ Crow’s Nest
- Barna Howard + Taylor Kingman @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- HowellDevine @ Moe’s Alley
- Stars @ The Catalyst
- Patio Acoustics with Toby Gray @ Severino’s
- The Box @ The Blue Lagoon
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michaels on Main
- Locals by Locals @ Hotel Paradox
THEATRE/ARTS
- Sunday Seaside Crafts @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- SUNDAY PLAY: FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL @ Abbott Square Market
OUTDOORS
- Watsonville Nature Walks @ City of Watsonville – Nature Center
- Sempervirens Falls Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Tidepool Tours @ Natural Bridges State Beach
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Guided Hike through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve @ Pescadero State Beach
- Guided Redwood Grove Walk @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Twilight Adaptation Adventure @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
MORE
- CAFÉ CHARLA: FAMILIA Y DISTANCIA @ Abbott Square Market
- Tom Noddy’s Bubble Magic @ Live Oak Branch Library
- Public Brewery Tour of Santa Cruz – Westside Route @ Dream Inn Santa Cruz
- Beach Soccer Blast @ Main Beach
- Dads & Grads Celebration Dining @ Chaminade Resort & Spa
- Science Sunday @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Movies on the Beach
What: Free Movies on the Beach
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
When: Wednesdays, from June 20 – August 15
Grab your beach chairs & blankets, and head over to the Boardwalk next Wednesday for the first Free Wednesday night Movie on the beach. As usual, things kick off with The Lost Boys for the first showing.
Pleasure Point Street Fair
What: 2018 Pleasure Point Street Fair
Where: Pleasure Point
When: Saturday, June 23
The Pleasure Point Street Fair is back again for it’s sixth year! Join the party on Portola Drive for live music, a beer garden, delicious food, a kid zone, and plenty of local vendors selling arts, crafts and services. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Live Oak Education Foundation.
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