Beautiful seventy degree weather is coming this weekend, perfect for all of the outdoor events and fairs going on around town. Apply your sunscreen because the fun in the sun just doesn’t quit.
We’ve got live musical performances to explore from classical piano with the Santa Cruz Symphony to a folk music festival in the Redwoods.
This weekend also brings some very popular annual events, including the 23rd Annual Woodies on the Wharf, the 5th Annual Pleasure Point Street Fair and the kick off of Capitola’s Sunday Summer Art & Music at the beach.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach: Bad Company former lead singer Brian Howe
When: 6/23 at 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free
Bad Company played at every major venue around the world at their height in the seventies and eighties. Brian Howe took up the role of lead vocalist in 1984 and wrote and performed songs with the famous band for the next ten years! See this incredible rock legend perform live at the always popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Free Summer Concert Series where you can dance in the sand to the greatest hits from the recent past. This family-friendly event is always a blast! Come early to grab a good spot and stick around after the show for a ride on the Giant Dipper.
The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy
When: 6/25 at 7:30 pm & 2:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater
Cost: $18 to $45
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky… they’re the Addams Family! This quirky musical comedy will take you back to the classic TV series that depicts the strange but friendly family that lives next door. The show was a nominee for the Best Original Score at the Drama Desk Awards, and similar to the original series, follows the family as they interact with the regular suburban community that surrounds them. Outrageous hilarity ensues. Come for a unique evening out that is sure to illicit many good laughs.
Deep in the Redwoods Music Festival
When: 6/23 – 6/25 from 3:00 pm to 12:00 pm
Where: Camp Cruz, 2015 Eureka Canyon Rd., Watsonville, CA
Cost: $30-$90
Escape deep into the beautiful redwoods for an evening of soulful folk and blues inspired music from local greats such as Marty O’Reilly, Naked Bootleggers, Taylor Rae and more. This is sure to be a magical two day music festival you won’t forget. Experience the live show surrounded by nature, deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Bring a tent and stay the night! This boutique music festival will be like nothing you’ve experienced before so get tickets now before its sold out.
Also on Friday
- Acoustic Alchemy @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Acoustic Alchemy @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- The Medflys @ Don Quixote’s
- Acoustic Alchemy @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Paul Thorn Band @ Rio Theatre
- The Weight Band @ Moe’s Alley
- Silverback @ Crow’s Nest
- Hammerdown @ The Catalyst
- Beach Cowboy Band @ Severino’s
- Eliquate, The Rellies, Datacet, Rudeskool, Ambasadeur @ The Blue Lagoon
- Ruckus @ The Cats Restaurant & Bar
- Summer Nights Latte Art Throwdown @ Verve
- Friday: Geometric Striing Structures & Art @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- Wine & Watercolor @ New Leaf Community Markets
- Sidewalk Sale @ Downtown Santa Cruz
- Hiring Fair @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
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
Tannery World Dance Workshops
When: 6/24 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Public Libraries – Capitola Branch 2005 Wharf Road
Cost: Free
This is a very special event brought to you by Tannery World Dance. Experience the dance culture of India with Antara Bhardwaj, one of the most experienced classical Indian dancers of this generation. Don’t by shy, try out the fast footwork and spins that are involved in the dramatic story telling of classical Kathak dance. This is a north Indian story-telling dance that Antara specializes in. All ages are welcome to witness the culture, beauty and majestic movement that will be presented at this free event.
Yuja II
When: 6/24 – 6/25 at 7:30 pm & 2:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium / the Henry J Mello Center
Cost: $29.00 – $85.00
If you missed Yuja Wang before, don’t worry she’s coming back to the Santa Cruz Symphony for an encore performance featuring two piano concertos, and it’s extra special because it will showcase her world premiere of Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1. Yuja is known as one of the world’s best performers of classical piano, in part for her ability to perfectly blend technicality, musical insight and emotional depth into her performances. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance so you are guaranteed a seat to this spectacular, world famous concert experience.
5th Annual Pleasure Point Street Fair
When: 6/24 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Pleasure Point Street Fair
Cost: Free
A local favorite, the Pleasure Point Street Fair is back again for it’s fifth year! Join the party on Portola Drive for live music that includes Americana, Blues, Rock, Reggae, and Surf, a beer garden, delicious food, free crafts and activities for kids, and of course almost 100 local vendors selling arts, crafts and services. Trust us, there is enough going on here to wander, snack and shop for a good couple of hours. It’s all for a great cause too! $2500 of proceeds will be donated to the Jay Moriarity Foundation which supports local programs that improve the community.
23rd Annual Woodies on the Wharf
Photo Credit: Santa Cruz Woodie Club
When: 6/24 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Wharf
Cost: Free
Stroll the historic Santa Cruz Wharf and feast your eyes on all of the gorgeous and perfectly polished surf wagons that will be on display. There will also be music, souvenir T-shirts, and prize drawings throughout the day. With the beautiful Monterey Bay as the backdrop for these classic “woodies” this is always a great event to attend to celebrate the beginning of summer at the beach—and don’t miss the parade of Woodies as they leave the Wharf promptly at 3:30 pm!
Deep in the Redwoods Music Festival
See Description Under Friday Section
The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
- Wooburning at Felton Community Hall @ Felton Community Hall
- Spirit of ’76 @ Don Quixote’s
- B-Side Players @ Moe’s Alley
- P-Lo @ The Catalyst
- Alice Smith @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- UTURN @ Crow’s Nest
- Dan Too, Anna Coogan, Joe Kaplow @ The Crepe Place
- Patio Acoustic’s with Chas @ Severino’s
- Joint Chiefs (funk, acid jazz and classic R&B) @ Severino’s
- Eddie Toro Band @ The Cats Restaurant & Bar
- Woodburning @ Scotts Valley Library
- SOLVING THE SOCIAL MEDIA PUZZLE @ Cabrillo College
- City of Watsonville Nature Walks @ City of Watsonville – Nature Center
- Animal Shelter Relief Rescue Adoption Fair @ Pet Pals Discount Pet Supplies
- Homo Happy Hour @ MOTIV
- Basket Making Workshop @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Meteor Trail Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Redwood Grove Walk @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walk @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Snakes Alive! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Building Methods at the Mission @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Program @ New Brighton State Beach
- Star Strolls @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Etsy Maker’s Market
When: 6/25 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Mandala Holistic Hair and Wellness Studio
Come by Mandala Studio to check out the goods of local artisans! Breathtaking artwork, organic body care, eco-friendly packaging, gorgeous minerals/gems, ethically made woven baskets, hand dyed silk, unique jewelry, amazing textile art and handmade bags. Refreshments and snacks by The Nourish Bowl!
Farm Dinner @ Rancho del Oso (Sold Out)
When: 6/25 from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Route 1 Farms
Cost: $95-$120
This event takes farm to table to a whole new level! Dine al fresco at Rancho del Oso Farm at Waddell Creek, a half an hour outside of Santa Cruz, where for the eighth year in a row Route 1 Farms gathers the community to indulge in a fresh meal made from local, seasonal ingredients. The evening begins in the late afternoon with a welcome reception followed by a tour of the fields. The guest chef for the night will be Stephen Beaumier of Mutari Chocolate, he has an impressive resume including Cyrus in Healdsburg, Quince in San Francisco, and Noma in Copenhagen to name a few. Wine will flow freely from Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery. Dinner is served family style and your ticket is all inclusive so come hungry!
Open Bluegrass Jam
When: 6/25 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: The Crepe Place
Summertime brings warmer weather and a more relaxed pace, perfect for sitting outside on the porch and playing music with friends. If you’re a picker yourself, or maybe you just want to enjoy the show, come on down to the garden stage located in the lush outdoor patio of the Crepe Place for the open bluegrass jam! It’s open to the public and happens every Sunday through the Summer until October.
Seacliff History Tour
When: 6/25 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Where: Seacliff State Beach
Cost: Tours are free; parking at Seacliff State Beach is $10 and supports the park
Seacliff and the surrounding Aptos hold a lot of interesting history, the story of its development is fascinating and colorful. Learn all about it in one hour and a quick half-mile history walk with docent Pete Wang. The tour will focus on the local Ohlone tribe and their early presence in the area, the Aptos Wharf, the Cement Ship, and the development of Seacliff Park, including the outrageous story of Paul Woodside, “the Madman of Seacliff.”
Sunday Art & Music at the Beach 2017
When: 6/25 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Capitola Village, Esplanade Park
Cost: Free
Keep the weekend fun going into Sunday afternoon at the Capitola Art & Music Festival on the Capitola beach! View and purchase art made from local artists including painting, sculpture, jewelry and mixed media while enjoying live jazz that will be taking place at the Esplanade Stage from 2-4pm.
Cleanup Cowells Project
When: 6/25 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: Cowell Beach
Cost: Free
Dress in layers and bring your sunscreen for a morning outside picking up any trash left on the beach in order to prevent trash flow into our oceans. Save Our Shores Cleanup Cowells Project occurs bi-monthly, so if you can’t make this one there’s always a chance to do good later on.
Deep in the Redwoods Music Festival
See Description Under Friday Section
The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy
See Description Under Friday Section
Yuja II
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
- Rachel Lark Presents @ Don Quixote’s
- Live Comedy @ Crow’s Nest
- Smasheltooth, The Pirate, Noetik The Alchemist, Seb Mancub & Seslohm @ Moe’s Alley
- Joe Ferrara @ The Cats Restaurant & Bar
- Sunday Seaside Crafts @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- Weekly Davenport Main Beach Cleanup @ Davenport beach
- Shake the Square: Spin Jam @ TBD
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Survivor – Big Basin @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Twilight Adaptation Adventure @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Featured Upcoming Event
What: 4th of July Events
Where: Throughout Santa Cruz County
When: 4th of July!
4th of July is just around the corner. We’ve gathered all the top events throughout Santa Cruz County in our annual 4th of July Guide. From pancake breakfasts and afternoon parades to fireworks, you’ll find it all here.
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