This Weekend in Santa Cruz: November 2nd – 4th, 2018

By Valerie Lemke

The first weekend of November is here and that means Daylight Saving Time is coming to an end. We have a full agenda on tap with great ideas for spending that extra hour you’ll gain.

This weekend brings back a favorite art festival featuring glassy coastal treasures, a few Día de Los Muertos celebrations, a surfing competition that promises to be a bit freaky, and so much more that you might have a hard time choosing your favorite.

See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:

Quick Links

Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Upcoming

Friday

Harlem Globetrotters 2018 World Tour

When: 11/2 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena- 140 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 96060
Cost: $25 – $150

The Harlem Globetrotters drop into the Kaiser Permanente Arena for one night of their world tour to perform their special brand of basketball magic. Take the entire family out for a fun night of one of a kind ball-handling tricks, comedy and fan interaction. Purchase a “Magic Pass” for exclusive pregame access to try ball shooting and learn some tricks. Autograph and photo session, too!

Get more info here.

The Children’s Hour

When: 11/1 – 11/4
Where: UCSC Theater Arts Mainstage Theater
Cost: $8 – $18

Lillian Hellman’s 1934 Broadway drama comes to life at the UCSC Mainstage Theater in this performance about a spiteful student who accuses a pair of teachers of being lesbians, leading to tragic results and major consequences.

Get more info here.

Super Stoked Surf Mamas Documentary Encore Screening

When: 11/2 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Sawyer Land and Sea Supply

By popular demand, this award winning documentary is back for an encore screening. This inspiring film documentary portrays the lives of five Santa Cruz surf moms who help each other to continue surfing during pregnancy and after their children are born. Doors open at 6:00 pm for refreshments and mingling with the surf mamas. The show begins at 7:00 pm with Ocean;Surf by Bike followed by Super Stoked Surf Mamas.

Get more info here.

O’NEILL FREAK SHOW PRO

When: 11/1 & 11/2
Where: Steamer Lane
Cost: Free for spectators

Surfing spectators, this is your call to action! Come and witness some of the best in surfing as 64 surfers compete for a grand prices of $10k. There will also be a $500 prize for the best air in honor of Shawn “Barney” Barron. Come out to Steamer Lane and watch a spectacular show.

Get more info here.

First Friday Art Tour

When: 11/2
Where: Multiple Locations County-wide
Cost: Free

The first Friday in November is here and that means it’s time again for the First Friday art tour. This monthly tour is hosted rain or shine with many art-centered events happening around the county, and it’s all free! Take this opportunity to unwind after a long week and kickoff a great art-filled weekend. Check the website for a complete list of events.

Get more info here.

Dia de los Vinos – Day of the Dead Celebration

When: 11/2 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: 11 Hangar Way, Watsonville CA 95076
Cost: No Cover

Wargin Wines hosts their annual celebration at their Watsonville location. The special release for the day will be their Day of the Dead Red Blend. Wine served by the glass with bottle service available. Live music by Isaiah Pickett. Tamale plates by My Mom’s Mole for purchase.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

Day of the Dead SPECIAL ~ $5 OFF ~ Ages 21 and up ~ @ The Painted Cork Art Studio

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

10th Annual Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival

When: 11/3 & 11/4 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Sun Room
Cost: $5

Calling all sea glass lovers and ocean enthusiasts! Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts featuring authentic sea glass and coastal art from over 40 artists. Your entry fee includes a chance to win a gift basket filled with sea-inspired goodies, and a portion is donated to ocean conservation through the Monterey Bay Sanctuary.

Get more info here.

5th Annual San Lorenzo Valley Chili Cook off

When: 11/3 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Felton Covered Brdge County Park, Felton, CA
Cost: Tasting Kits & Raffle Tix on Sale. All Proceeds Benefit Felton Library Friends and the New Felton Library

Felton Library Friends is hosting this annual event to raise funds for the new Felton Library and Nature Discovery Park. There will be fourteen different kinds of chili and prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges. Live music, local craft beer and wine, and even a raffle for prizes from local businesses and Bay Area sports teams.

Get more info here.

Día de los Muertos Community Festival and Procession

When: 11/3 from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Museum of Art and History
Cost: Free

A day of celebration for the entire family as the dead are honored at this vibrant and fun festival. Enjoy traditional dance, music, food, as well as activities such as face painting, tissue roses and luminaries. Join in the procession to the Santa Cruz Mission and Evergreen Cemetery. Presented in partnership with Senderos, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

Get more info here.

Bellies, Birth and Babies

When: 11/3 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Pacific Cultural Center
Cost: Free

An interactive community event for expecting families with workshops and demos from local birth and postpartum professionals, who will answer questions and share tips. There will also be a pop-up market with products for your baby needs. Free event, but registration is required.

Get more info here.

The Children’s Hour

See Description Under Friday Section

O’NEILL FREAK SHOW PRO

See Description Under Friday Section

Also on Saturday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

Make a Plate with Annie, Annieglass @ Annieglass Incorporated

OUTDOORS

MORE

Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.

Sunday

Capitola Plein Air Art Festival 2018

When: 11/4 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: New Brighton Middle School Performing Arts Center, 250 Washburn Ave, Capitola
Cost: Free

Get the family out of the house for an afternoon of creating art, listening to live music and viewing work from over 40 local artists and more than 150 pieces of artwork, all of them painted during the festival. One artist will take home a blue ribbon prize. While you’re there, vote for your favorite piece of art for the People’s Choice Award.

Get more info here.

Watsonville Taiko’s Holiday Boutique and Raffle

When: 11/4 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 am
Where: Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn St, Watsonville, CA
Cost: Free

Holiday shopping for a great cause! Come and see the selection of unique holiday items, arts and crafts, gift baskets and baked goods. Enter the raffle for a beautiful hand-created Japanese motif quilt. Proceeds will benefit Watsonville Taiko.

Get more info here.

Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market

When: 11/4 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Pacific Ave. between Water & Locust
Cost: Free Admission

Come out for an afternoon of fun at the debut of the New Downtown Santa Cruz Makers’ Market, which will be happening on the first Sunday of every month. Shop the works of over 40 local artists and crafters! Live music performed by Sugar by the Pound and Crooked Branches Band.

Get more info here.

The Children’s Hour

See Description Under Friday Section

O’NEILL FREAK SHOW PRO

See Description Under Friday Section

10 Annual Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival

See Description Under Saturday Section

Also on Sunday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

OUTDOORS

MORE

Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss

11th Hour Coffee Grand Opening Party

What: 11th Hour Coffee Grand Opening Party
Where:11th Hour Coffee, 1001 Center St.
When: Saturday, November 10

Come and celebrate the Grand Opening of 11th Hour Coffee in Santa Cruz. B runch, live music coffee cupping and even a latte art competition. Food trucks will be on scene for your dining pleasure, as well.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Holiday Craft Fairs & Shopping Events 2018

‘Tis the season to shop unique, handmade, and most of all, local. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping with our 2018 Guide to Santa Cruz Holiday Craft Fairs & Shopping Events.

Get more info here.

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Valerie Lemke

Valerie Lemke is a transplant from the Bay Area to Santa Cruz County over 25 years ago, and hasn't looked back since. She is a local freelance writer and photographer who loves writing about and photographing one of the most beautiful regions in the world, the Central Coast.

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