Every week we encourage you to get out and explore the best events in town.
This weekend is a bit different…
We are disappointed that fun events, such as the Santa Cruz Derby Girls home opener, have been cancelled or postponed. However, we’re supportive of local event organizers who are acting in a responsible manner by postponing large gatherings at this time.
We anticipate additional cancellations, so please call or check websites if you are planning on going out this weekend.
Due to the heightened concern over COVID-19, and recommendations to limit public gatherings, we are planning on taking a brief hiatus over the next couple weeks. We’ll be back to share local events when the time is right.
Check with the county health department for advice on going out in public here.
Please take care, Santa Cruzans!
Friday
CANCELLED – 8th Annual Watsonville Film Festival
Where: Multiple Event Locations
When: 3/13 from 7:00 pm to 8:20 pm
Where: Stevenson Event Center, Stevenson College, UCSC
If you are fed up with political showmanship, this is the one-woman play for you! Kristina Wong, a real-life elected representative, examines the absurdity and hypocrisy of American political campaigning and confronts some uncomfortable and hopeful questions about how democracy functions…and how it doesn’t.
Top Dog Film Festival
When: 3/13 from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Calling all Dog People. You know who you are. Clear your calendar for the Top Dog Film Festival, a celebration of the bond between humans and canines. For over two hours, watch a montage of carefully curated films that will inspire, entertain and teach all things dog.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, by Dale Wasserman from the novel by Ken Kesey
When: 3/13 – 3/15 at 8:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Where: Mountain Community Theater/Park Hall
Local theater is a great antidote to oppressive norms, and nestled in beautiful Ben Lomond is a theatrical gem with a new production. Another timely examination of the cost of “fitting in” to society’s rigid codes and what it takes to break free, this play will provide some comedy relief, but with a sobering take-home message.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Marshall House Project w/ B and the Hive @ The Crepe Place
- SEVERINO’S BAR & GRILL: ERIC MORRISON AND THE MYSTERIES @ Severino’s Bar & Grill
- MAH Music: Luckless Pedestrians @ Abbott Square
- The Room Shakers @ Crow’s Nest
- Andre Nickatina with J.Lately @ The Catalyst
- City Morgue with Tokyo’s Revenge & Kai @ The Catalyst
- CUBENSIS, THE ALLIGATORS @ Moe’s Alley
- Jerry Miller Band @ Michaels on Main
- Now’s The Time @ Michaels on Main
- Ho’omana Hawaiian Band @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
THEATER/ARTS
- Desert Magic, Laura Steenberge, Larry Polansky @ Radius Gallery
- CHICAGO: High School Edition @ San Lorenzo Valley High School Performing Arts Center
- Retrospect – An Exhibition of Art @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
- MIDNIGHTS AT THE DEL MAR: JURASSIC PARK @ Del Mar Theater
OUTDOORS
MORE
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
POSTPONED – SANTA CRUZ DERBY GIRLS: BOARDWALK BOMBSHELLS VS BAD ALL-STARS
When: 3/14 at 5:45 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Roller Derby may seem like a pretty rough sport, but it also has a sweet side, at least on Pi Day. The season opener just happens to fall on the one day of the year when we all get to nerd out and indulge in flaky desserts. The rough and tumble Santa Cruz Bombshells go head to head with rivals Bay Area Derby in this first bout of the season, with a math and pie themed halftime activity.
POSTPONED – Meet the MAH: Community Open House
When: 3/14 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: The MAH
This event has been postponed.
The Lost Boys feat. James Durbin
When: 3/14 at 8:30 pm
Where: Michaels on Main
Front man James Durbin won all our hearts on American Idol, and together with his band, the Lost Boys, they work hard to win your applause. This classic rock cover band never fails to rock the house.
Pi-Day Pye & Pi-nt
When: 3/14 from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: East Cliff Brewing Company
Teaming up to bring you perfect flavor combinations, Rogue Pye and East Cliff Brewing Company have the solution for those who crave savory foods but still want to celebrate Pi Day. Specials include a pye, mash, gravy, mushy peas and a pint for $15. Cheers!
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, by Dale Wasserman from the novel by Ken Kesey
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- The Allman Betts Band @ Rio Theatre
- St. Patrick’s Saturday with Hovering Breadcat! @ The Crepe Place
- Jive Machine @ Crow’s Nest
- THE STONE FOXES @ Moe’s Alley
- Sin Sisters Burlesque @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Emo Night Brooklyn with guest DJ Ryan Key of Yellow Card @ The Catalyst
THEATER/ARTS
- Art Reception for “Six Years Smitten: Objects of Adornment” @ Cabrillo College Gallery
- MIDNIGHTS AT THE DEL MAR: JURASSIC PARK @ Del Mar Theater
- CHICAGO: High School Edition @ San Lorenzo Valley High School Performing Arts Center
- Retrospect – An Exhibition of Art @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
MAKE/CRAFT
- Annieglass Succulent Arrangement @ Annieglass Incorporated
- Botanical Bundle-Dyeing and Extraction Workshop @ New Leaf Community Markets
OUTDOORS
- Old Growth Redwood Tour @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Pine Needle Basket Making Workshop @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Birding for Beginners in Waddell Valley @ Rancho del Oso Unit
- Backcountry Hike @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Coffee Talk and Crafts @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Volunteer with the Trail Crew @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Hike to Mount McAbee Outlook @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Snake Park Saturday @ Rancho del Oso Unit
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
MORE
- 1940s gala ‘Wings of Glory’ @ Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building
- AGRICULTURAL HISTORY PROJECT: SPRING ON THE FARM @ Agricultural History Project Center and Museum
- NICHOLSON VINEYARDS: CELEBRATE ST. PADDY’S DAY @ Nicholson Vineyards
- Matt Witek Drum Clinic: From Trio to Big Band @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market
When: 3/15 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Pacific Ave.
A fun way to enjoy downtown Santa Cruz, this little market features clever makers and imaginative artists selling their wares as you stroll along. With live music from 12:00- 3:00 pm, and more than 40 vendors, you can take in the fresh air and sunshine and pick up a new decoration for your home or garden, a piece of jewelry, a handmade soap or an eco-friendly food container made by a local artisan.
KPIG’S Please Stand By
When: 3/15 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Michaels on Main
One thing that really makes Santa Cruz special is our legendary, one-of-a-kind, homegrown radio station! Celebrating 1200 (yes that’s one thousand plus two hundred!) Please Stand By shows, you can be present at this historic moment and share in the good humor and talent.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, by Dale Wasserman from the novel by Ken Kesey
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
THEATER/ARTS
- Retrospect – An Exhibition of Art @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
- CHICAGO: High School Edition @ San Lorenzo Valley High School Performing Arts Center
MAKE/CRAFT
OUTDOORS
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Berry Creek Falls Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- When Species Collide @ Rancho del Oso Unit
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
MORE
- Science Sunday – Sea Level Rise, Extreme Water Levels, and Coastal Erosion. How Bad Could It Be? @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- It’s High Time for Tea & Fashion! @ Seascape Beach Resort
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Downtown Santa Cruz Kids’ Day
What: Downtown Santa Cruz Kids’ Day
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
When: Saturday, March 21, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
This event has been cancelled. Check the link below for information on a Virtual Kids Day. For one day only, downtown Santa Cruz is cordoned off as a great big fun zone for kids. Martial Arts and yoga demonstrations, concerts from B Natural Music and others, All About Theater performances and more will be happening all day. Participating stores offer sidewalk activities and kids are encouraged to be creative and have fun at the arts and crafts booths lining the street.
Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai 32nd Annual Exhibit
What: 2020 Bonsai Show
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 – 19, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Stroll though three floors of beautiful living art and learn more about the history, philosophy and science behind this ancient art form. This two-day festival will feature special musical and dance performances, workshops and conversations with Bonsai Masters as well as many fine examples of these poetic plants.
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