We made it to the last weekend of June! Even though we are missing classic Santa Cruz summer events, there is still at-home and social distancing fun to be had.
Virtual events include a film screening of “Journey to Hokusai”, a paint night for pineapple lovers, an old-fashioned campfire, and livestreams from our state parks. If you’ve been missing live music in person, check out “Dinner & A Show” at Michael’s on Main.
Please continue to submit virtual and social distancing events and ideas below so we can continue to foster community spirit and support local businesses and organizations.
Thursday
Intro to eBikes Virtual Workshop
When: 6/25 at 11:00 am
Watch: Zoom
From hauling kids, to arriving to work sweat-free, this workshop will explore eBike options for a diversity of lifestyles. Ecology Action staff will provide an overview introduction of eBikes. Topics will include frequently asked questions, different eBike technologies, cost, environmental benefits, and investigate if eBikes can really replace cars.
Bloomin’ Dunes (Natural Bridges)
When: 6/25 at 11:30 am
Watch: Facebook Livestream
Tune in to discover what is in bloom at the dunes now. Explore how these amazingly adapted plants can survive in sand. This is for an all-ages audience. If you can’t attend live, you can always watch the recorded version on Facebook.
Journey To Hokusai: Virtual Film Screening
When: 6/25 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Watch: Zoom
Local artist Tom Killion has long held a dream – to go to Japan and learn a traditional method of printing by hand. Deeply touched by the artist Hokusai’s prints when he was a child, Tom has for almost 50 years successfully created iconic California landscape prints. This film, created by Chikara Motomura, follows Tom’s journey to Japan to finally learn the traditional technique from Kenji Takenaka– a 5th generation printer in Kyoto.
Virtual Sloth: Storytelling for Adults
When: 6/25 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Watch: Facebook Livestream
Storytellers from all walks of life share stories revolving around a weekly theme. This week’s theme is ‘Guts, Ruts and Mutts’. invites Sloth storytellers to tell some tales from the world of relationships. Appropriate for ages 16+. Event is free, but tips/donations gratefully accepted.
Additional Thursday Events
Friday
Zoom Forward! Farnaz Fatemi, Ingrid Browning & Lisa Ortiz
When: 6/26 at 5:00 pm
Watch: Zoom
This event is part of the Zoom Forward Reading Series, presented by phren-Z, The Hive Poetry Collective, and Bookshop Santa Cruz to showcase writers, keep our cultural spirits high, and support Bookshop Santa Cruz. Tune in to this special online event with Farnaz Fatemi, Ingrid Browning, and Lisa Ortiz, hosted by poet, fiction writer, and essayist Jory Post.
Virtual Paint Night: Summer Piña
When: 6/26 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Watch: Zoom
Getting creative is a great way to destress. Tune in for step-by-step live videos as Anastasiya Bachmanova of Follow the Sun Art guides you to paint some new art for your walls. Donations are greatly appreciated. All ages are welcome to participate!
Virtual Old Fashioned Campfire Premiere
When: 6/26 at 7:00 pm
Watch: Facebook Livestream
We’ve enjoyed these old-fashioned campfires in person for years and now have the opportunity to experience the energy and warmth of a virtual campfire from home. Like any gathering around a fire, expect action songs, sing-alongs, and stories. Bring your s’mores and join the community that’s grown and flourished around the stump circle summer after summer at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
Additional Friday Events
- Union Foodie Truck at Stockwell Cellars
- Nourish Business Closing Sale
- Santa Cruz Baroque Festival: Renaissance Roots ~ American Flowerings
Saturday
Triangle Speakers LGBTQ+ Panel
When: 6/27 at 4:00 pm
Watch: Zoom
Santa Cruz Public Libraries and The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County have partnered to bring a panel presentation from LGBTQ+ Triangle Speakers to the community. In this program you will hear speakers tell their life stories, discuss what it means to be part of this community, and answer audience questions. Triangle Speakers work to eliminate fear, prejudice, and hatred towards LGBTQ+ people so that a healthy environment exists where all members of our community can thrive and live full and healthy lives.
Anthony Arya “Dinner & A Show”
When: 6/27 Dinner starts 6:30 pm; Show starts 8:30 pm
Where: Michael’s on Main
Michael’s on Main is presenting seated, very limited capacity shows that include dinner for one ticket price. Seating will be at socially distanced tables. This Saturday you can catch local phenom Anthony Arya playing his signature rock and roll with a touch of jazz and blues.
Additional Saturday Events
Sunday
Farm Animal Encounters (Wilder Ranch)
When: 6/28 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Watch: Facebook Livestream
Meet some of the farm animals that call Wilder Ranch home and learn about how they supported the historic dairy ranch. This program is aimed at 2nd-3rd graders and their families, but everyone can enjoy. If you can’t attend live, you can always watch the recorded version on Facebook.
Additional Sunday Events
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
James Durbin: Unplugged “Dinner and A Show”
When: Friday, July 3, from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Where: Michael’s on Main
Michael’s on Main is presenting seated, very limited capacity shows that include dinner for one ticket price. Seating will be at socially distanced tables. Don’t miss James Durbin performing stripped down versions of some of Rock’s most iconic songs, as well as a few originals from his extended solo catalog.
Wacky Water Day To Go
When: Saturday, July 18; Pick-up Dates July 16 & 17
Where: Kit Distribution at Louden Nelson Community Center
July is Parks Make Life Better Month and the City of Santa Cruz is bringing the fun to you with free activities! The annual Wacky Water Day is now a to-go celebration with the help of “fun-day” kits to take home or to your favorite park or beach. Be sure to request your kit beginning Monday, July 13.
