The “Ides of March” are upon us just in time for a Shakespeare performance that shows us the original meaning behind that term. Speaking of theater performances, there are several choices this weekend, including a world premiere!
Also, one of the year’s most popular 5K/10K races that celebrates women comes to town, and it’s not too late to join.
There’s plenty to do, whether attending a season opener of our favorite roller derby league, or celebrating the world’s tiniest bird, you’re going to find something just right for you.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
This edition of the Santa Cruz Life Weekend Roundup is powered by the Santa Cruz Derby Girls, whose season opener is this Saturday (St. Patrick’s Day) at the Santa Cruz Civic. We’ll be there to cheer on our favorite local athletes. Hope you can join us!
Click here to get more information and purchase tickets.
Friday
Jewel Theatre Presents: COMING OF AGE
When: 3/16 & 3/17 @ 8:00 pm & 3/18 @ 2:00 pm (runs through April 8)
Where: The Colligan Theater
Cost: $42/$48
Jewel Theater presents the world premiere of this serious comedy by Kate Hawley. A son returns from a six-week book tour to find his recently widowed father in what seems to be a confused state of mind. But is it really confusion or is something else going on? The clean state of his father’s house and the new tie he is wearing might provide a few clues.
Mountain Community Theater Presents: Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”
When: 3/16 & 3/17 @ 7:30 pm & 3/18 @ 2:00 pm (runs through April 8)
Where: Mountain Community Theater
Cost: $17 – $20
Mountain Community Theater presents this Shakespeare tragedy about a society faced with tyranny that suddenly finds itself in a barbaric civil war. The line between villains and heroes becomes blurred as the story unfolds. Champagne reception after the show on Friday night. Talk-backs will follow Sunday’s performance.
YoniVerse Monologues
When: 3/16 & 3/17 at 8:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Cost: $25/Advance
A transformational production of true and courageous stories from women in our community. These extraordinary women have crafted their experiences into storytelling art through a unique performance training program to bring their stories to the stage.
Also on Friday
- Vintage Point @ Crow’s Nest
- LOCOMOTIVE BREATH w/SPUN @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- Jon Cleary @ Moe’s Alley
- Pyro Mids w/ Manorlady and The Ha @ The Crepe Place
- Nagging Doubts @ Severino’s
- Come Together @ Michael’s On Main
- AZA @ Michael’s On Main
- Kanekoa @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
- Henry Fong @ The Catalyst
- Live Blues @ Aptos St. BBQ
- Salsa Night @ Palomar Ballroom
- PRINTMAKING TAKEOVER WITH LITTLE GIANT COLLECTIVE @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
- Avenue Q School Edition @ Henry J Mello Center
- Spark! Creativity Accountability Group @ Art of Space
- St. Patty’s Beer Pairing with Lagunitas Brewery @ New Leaf Community Markets
- Watsonville Farmers Market @ Downtown Watsonville Plaza
- Bunny Photos @ Capitola Mall Shopping Center
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- Look and Listen: A Guided Bird Walk @ Natural Bridges State Beach
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
State of the San Lorenzo River Symposium & Tour
When: 3/17 at 10:00 am
Where: Zayante Firehouse 7700 East Zayante Road Felton, CA 95018
Cost: Free
Want to learn about the different environmental factors that impact the San Lorenzo River ? Find out how to help conserve our riparian areas and become a river steward. This 4th annual event will host a line-up of presentions, including a talk by Assemblymember, Mark Stone. Walking tour to follow at 1:15pm.
Grand Opening ~ The Painted Cork Art Studio
When: 3/17 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: 1129 Soquel Ave
Cost: FREE
Celebrate the grand opening of a brand new art studio in town! Enjoy a complimentary taco bar and drinks while you learn about the art studio and the painting classes offered. The studio offers painting classes for the family, as well as adult classes that allow you to bring your own wine or beer to relax and unwind while creating art.
Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance 20th Anniversary Fundraiser
When: 3/17 at 7:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $25-$55
An evening of hula, Tahitian dance, and music awaits you as the Te Hau Nui School celebrates their 20th anniversary with a spectacular fundraising event. Grammy Award winning band, Taj Majal, will be the special guest. Performances include Ron Kuala’au, Ho’omana Hawaiian Band Faith Ako, Pattie Maxine as well as the Te Hau Nui dancers.
Hummingbird Day 2018 @ UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden
When: 3/17 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: UCSC Arboretum
Cost: $5 admission for Arboretum Members, $10 admission for Non-Members, Free for children 12 and under & UCSC students
Did you know that hummingbirds are the smallest birds the world, and that their wings can beat up to 200 times per second while diving? Celebrate these amazing creatures on this day just for these fascinating flying creatures. The event begins with quiet time for birders and photographers, followed by a day of activities, presentations and tours for the entire family.
SANTA CRUZ DERBY GIRLS SEASON OPENER
When: 3/17 at 4:30 pm & 6:45 pm
Where: Civic Auditorium
Cost: $17 – $33
Two all star games played back to back are on the agenda for this St. Patrick’s Day season opener. Show your support for the SCDG by wearing black, blue and green in the spirit of St. Paddy’s Day. Tickets available online.
St. Patrick’s Day Grandparents Dance!
When: 3/17 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
Cost: Free
Dress up in your favorite St. Patrick’s Day attire and take your grandkids out for an afternoon of celebration! Dance a jig, makes some crafts and enjoy refreshments together at this fun event. Get free tickets at the downtown Senior Office.
She.is.Beautiful Run
When: 3/17 from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: Bay Street and National Street
Cost: $56-$60
She.is.Beautiful is a race for women and girls to embrace and show their inner and outer strength. Registration includes a finisher’s shirt, goody bag and access to the post-race festival. Sign up now for a selection of 5K-10K races.
Humble Sea Brewing 1 Year Anniversary Parking Lot Party!
When: 3/17 from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Where: Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Cost: : Free, pre-registration required
Exactly one year ago, Humble Sea Brewing opened their doors and it’s time to celebrate their first anniversary. Enjoy live music from local favorite band, The Coffis Brothers, along with t-shirt printing, newly crafted beers, food trucks, a secret garden and other surprises!
Jewel Theatre Presents: COMING OF AGE
See Description Under Friday Section
Mountain Community Theater Presents: “Julius Caesar” By William Shakespeare Directed by Bill Peters Live on stage
See Description Under Friday Section
YoniVerse Monologues
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
- Oddisee @ The Catalyst
- St. Patrick’s Day Parking Lot Party @ Malone’s Grille
- BOG IRON 10th Anniversary Show at the Sand Bar @ The Sand Bar
- Ugly Beauty Plays Beautiful Jazz @ Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn
- MOLLY’S REVENGE @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- St. Patrick’s with UTURN @ Crow’s Nest
- Prezident Brown + Chezidek @ Moe’s Alley
- The Regrettes, & Mt Eddy @ The Crepe Place
- Tsunami (Classic Rock, R&B) @ Severino’s
- Joint Chiefs @ Michael’s On Main
- Poorhouse Millionaires @ The Catalyst
- St. Patty’s Day Live Music by Fishhook! @ Abbott Square Market
- DIYine: A Celebration of Homebrewing @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- Author Reading and Discussion by Kathleen Archambeau @ Santa Cruz Diversity Center
- Avenue Q School Edition @ Henry J Mello Center
- Bunny Photos @ Capitola Mall Shopping Center
- Aptos Farmers Market @ Cabrillo College
- Art Saturdays: The Fine Art of Drawing @ Center for Spiritual Living
- SAINT PATRICK’S DAY EVENT @ Annieglass
- Free Earth Day Crafts @ EXIT Santa Cruz
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- Hidden Gems of Big Basin: Wildflowers and Other Plants Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- You Lucky Dog: A Guided Dog Walk @ Seacliff State Beach
- Sempervirens Falls Hike @ 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
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Basket Making Workshop @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Wool, Spinning and Weaving @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin 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
SCM Makers Market Pop-up at New Bohemia Brewing Co.
When: 3/18 from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: New Bohemia Brewing Company
Cost: Free Admission
Not just any market pop-up, it’s a Santa Cruz Makers Market Pop-up at NUBO! Artists and crafters will be featuring their creations while you listen to live music and enjoy food from Gordo Gustovos food truck. There will even be a special beer release.
Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Northern Arizona Suns
When: 3/18 at 6:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
Cost: $26 – $47
The Santa Cruz Warriors host the Northern Arizona Suns for an action-packed Sunday night game at the arena. Come out and cheer on our local NBA G League team! This game’s promotional event will be a Frisbee giveaway.
Jewel Theatre Presents: COMING OF AGE
See Description Under Friday Section
Mountain Community Theater Presents: “Julius Caesa”r By William Shakespeare Directed by Bill Peters Live on stage
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Sunday
- The Box @ The Blue Lagoon
- Christine Lavin @ Michael’s On Main
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michael’s On Main
- Spawnbreezie @ The Catalyst
- JOHN BROTHERS PIANO COMPANY @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- Live Comedy @ Crow’s Nest
- The Seshen, Sun Hop Fat @ The Crepe Place
- John Craigie with Alex Lucero @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Santa Cruz Chorale Guest concert with New Choir, Morning and Evening Songs @ Holy Cross Church
- Noted Scholar and Virtuoso Pianist Paul Roberts to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Debussy’s Death @ Peace United Church of Christ
- PLAY: SUPERHERO SUNDAY @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
- Sunday Seaside Crafts @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- Women/Trans*/Femme Open Shop Hours at the Bike Church @ The Bike Church
- The Art of College Admissions @ Mid County Senior Center
- Natalie Goldberg & Bill Anelli: The Truth of This Life @ Bookshop Santa Cruz
- Avenue Q School Edition @ Henry J Mello Center
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- Meteor Trail Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hike through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve @ Pescadero State Beach
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Clean Up Cowell Beach with Dream Inn @ Cowell Beach
- Clean Up Sunny Cove Beach @ Sunny Cove
- Watsonville Nature Walks @ City of Watsonville – Nature Center
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
2018 NEXTies
What: The 2018 NEXTies
Where: Rio Theatre
When: Friday, March 23 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: Early bird tickets – $20 Regular price – $25 The week of – $30
It’s time to roll out the red carpet for Santa Cruz County’s biggest awards event! The NEXTies are back to celebrate the brightest and most innovative doers in a variety of industries within our community. Enjoy food and drink and an evening of outstanding inspiration. See you there!
Watsonville Taiko 27th Anniversary Performance
What: Watsonville Taiko 27th Anniversary Performance
Where: Cabrillo College Crocker Theater
When: Saturday April 7, 2018 at 7:00 pm & Sunday April 8, 2018 at 2:00 pm
This year’s anniversary performance is titled Primordial Winds, which signifies wind and the movement of energy across time and space. Join in on this spring celebration and experience the energy and power of Taiko drumming. Advanced tickets available.
PS – Get coverage of the best Santa Cruz events and other Santa Cruz Life content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up below…
