This Weekend in Santa Cruz: October 12th – 14th, 2018

By Valerie Lemke

It’s going to be a beautiful October weekend, Santa Cruz! Here’s a taste of just some of the events on tap.

Head out to a state park to celebrate the annual arrival of some favorite fluttery visitors, cruise around North County on a popular art tour, find out what’s being done to save California’s state marine reptile, or attend one of several local festivals for family fun, music, food and drink.

Maybe you’re feeling like something a little spooky, well we have that too! Celebrate the spirit of a famous local storyteller just in time for Halloween.

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

Quick Links

Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Upcoming

This week’s roundup is sponsored by Arts Council Santa Cruz County & the Open Studios Art Tour. Open Studios is our favorite fall activity and we’re thrilled to visit North County artist studios this weekend. Look for the free Open Studios guide around town, download the “Open Studios Art Tour” app, or just follow the green signs around town.

Click here for more information about Open Studios.

Photo: Jenni Ward, Artist #307

Friday

Leatherback Evening at the Sanctuary Exploration Center

When: 10/12 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific AVE Santa Cruz CA 95060
Cost: FREE

Did you know that California’s state marine reptile is the Pacific Leatherback Turtle? However, this turtle is critically endangered. Find out about the conservation efforts that are being implemented to save this important sea animal. There will be turtle artifacts to view, 20 minute talks by scientists, short films, art on display and plenty of family activities.

Get more info here.

Marty O’Reilly & Old Soul Orchestra and Motion Pacific Present: Stereoscope

When: 10/11, 10/12 & 10/13 at 8:00 pm
Where: Motion Pacific
Cost: $25 – $35

An entertaining evening as Marty O’Reilly and Old Soul Orchestra perform their new album while partnering with dance from Motion Pacific. This one-time performance brings a unique collaboration of live music and choreography. Get your tickets soon.

Get more info here.

Night Market

When: 10/12 at 4:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Food Lounge

Spend an evening in the courtyard at the Santa Cruz Food Lounge enjoying local food, special craft beverages and live music. A variety of local vendors, including Areperia 831, Moles and Oaxacan Cuisine, and Rogue Pye, will present their best in food and drink while you relax and listen to live music by local musician Patrick Maguire.

Get more info here.

2018 Downtown Party

When: 10/12 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Cost: $100

The Downtown Association presents the second annual Downtown Party! Learn about the successes and ongoing vision of Downtown Santa Cruz while enjoying music, food and drinks with fellow community members and leaders. You will even get sneak peak at upcoming projects.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

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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

HITCHCOCK TALES: An Evening with the Spirit of Alfred Hitchcock

When: 10/13 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley
Cost: $25 advance sales; $30 at door

Bring on Halloween with a evening with Hitchcock Tales. Did you know Alfred Hitchcock lived in Scotts Valley for more than 30 years and that many of his famous films were inspired by our area? Come out and learn more about this storyteller and his scary tales. The Friends of Scotts Valley Libraries will host this event.

Get more info here.

Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party at Roaring Camp

When: 10/13 & 10/14
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
Cost: $21 – $25

Thomas the Tank Engine is joined on the rails by his friend Percy at Roaring Camp for some spooktacular Halloween fun! Enjoy a 20 minute train ride, many kids’ activities and even photos with Sir Topham Hat. Bring the kids out for a day of play with their favorite train engines!

Get more info here.

Fall Plant Sale at UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden

When: 10/13. Members:10:00 am – noon. Public: noon – 4:00 pm
Where: UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Getting your yard ready for the cooler weather? Fall is the perfect time to establish new plants in your yard. A large variety of drought tolerant and regionally friendly plants will be available for sale. Sales help fund the education and conservation programs. Don’t miss the popular succulent pumpkins!

Get more info here.

Open Studios 2018: North County

When: 10/13 & 10/14 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Artist Studios throughout North County
Cost: Free

Art lovers, it’s time for the second weekend of the popular Open Studios county tour. This weekend will feature artists located in north Santa Cruz county. Enjoy another beautiful fall weekend touring the studios of our amazingly talented local artists.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz World Arts Festival

When: 10/13 & 10/14
Where: Tannery Arts Center
Cost: Free workshops and classes. $18 for Saturday evening performance

The Tannery Arts center brings an entire weekend of diversity with dance artists from all around the globe. There will be talks, workshops and performances throughout the weekend. Catch free dance performances from 12 – 4pm. Separate evening performance tickets are available for purchase.

Get more info here.

Marty O’Reilly & Old Soul Orchestra and Motion Pacific Present: Stereoscope

See Description Under Friday Section

Also on Saturday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

Make a Beer Mug 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

Welcome Back Monarchs Day

When: 10/14 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Natural Bridges State Beach
Cost: Free admission, $10 parking

Celebrate the return of the monarch butterflies to their winter home at Natural Bridges! A warm welcome awaits at this family-friendly festival including arts and crafts, face painting, live music, a parade, free cake, outdoor kids games, and more. For a fun day on the westside, plan on Open Streets on West Cliff in the morning and partying with the monarchs in the afternoon!

Get more info here.

Fish, Fins, and Flukes Fall Festival

When: 10/14 from 10:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz
Cost: This event is included with admission to the Seymour Center: Adult $9 | Senior, Student, Child $7 | Children 2 and under FREE | Members FREE

Take your family and friends to explore fish, fins and flukes at the marine lab’s community event. Displays include science artifacts, whale skeletons and even a skull collection! Family activities and live music from the Singing Scientist will be on site, as well as El Buen Taco truck.

Get more info here.

Open Streets Santa Cruz 2018

When: 10/14 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: West Cliff Drive
Cost: Free

Open Streets returns to West Cliff Drive on Sunday, October 14th! Walk, bike, dance, and play your way up and down the car-free stretch of road between Lighthouse Field and Natural Bridges State Park. This family-friendly event also features free activities, music and dance performances, and community outreach booths.

Get more info here.

Pleasure Point Sip & Stroll

When: 10/14 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Pleasure Point
Cost: $30

Take a relaxing afternoon stroll and enjoy a glass of wine or your favorite brew while perusing the many shops at Pleasure Point. Rain or shine!

Get more info here.

Sage Float Spa – 2nd Anniversary Party

When: 10/14 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Sage Float Spa
Cost: Free

Sage Float Spa is celebrating their second anniversary and you’re invited to the party! Stop by for a tour and learn about floating and infrared sauna. Special promos and discounts and CBD-infused beverages will be available.

Get more info here.

Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party at Roaring Camp

See Description Under Saturday Section

Open Studios 2018

See Description Under Saturday Section

Santa Cruz World Arts Festival

See Description Under Saturday Section

Also on Sunday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

MORE

Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Santa Cruz Derby Girls Doubleheader

What: Santa Cruz Derby Girls Doubleheader
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
When: Saturday, October 20th

The Santa Cruz Derby Girls are back from their playoff series in Spain and they’re ready to skate for one final home game this season. Come on out to cheer on the Derby Girls in a hometown doubleheader. Your favorite Derby Girls will be skating as their favorite “Alter Egos” as part of the Clark Kent Crew vs. Bruce Wayne Bruisers battle.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Pumpkin Patches: 2018 Guide

We’ve rounded up all our favorite pumpkin patches in Santa Cruz, from coastal farms to local hidden pumpkin stands. So pack up your little pumpkins and explore our guide to Santa Cruz Pumpkin Patches.

PS – Get coverage of the best Santa Cruz events and other Santa Cruz Life content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up below…

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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