Life is good in Santa Cruz. Whether you’re going for free activities or a splurge, educational, spiritual and entertaining, you’ve got plenty of choices.
On the entertaining side, there are a slew of concerts on Friday. And if you are in an intellectual mood, go for a free Shakespearean actors’ discussion.
On Saturday you can shop, learn and celebrate the moon landing! If you time your day right, you can do it all! Or, just relax with some goats.
Sunday brings more chances to learn about our local science and culture scene, which is rich indeed!
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
Food Truck Summer Series
When: 7/19 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Cost: Free Admission
Enjoy a night out with your friends and neighbors playing, eating and dancing in the streets of downtown Santa Cruz. As the name implies, Food Truck Fridays offers a variety of delicious vendors along with live music and fun and games.
Tiny Winery Concerts Presents Jesse Daniel
When: 7/19 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Armitage Wines at Heart O’ the Mountain estate
Cost: $28
For a rare chance to hang out at the beautiful Armitage Winery, located on the Alfred Hitchcock estate and rarely open to the public, come to this first in a concert series. Have a glass of Armitage’s famous Pinot and listen to the soulful stylings of rising country music star Jesse Daniel, who grew up in Ben Lomond. Proceeds support Quail Hollow Integrative Arts program.
The Rocket Man Show – Elton John Musical Tribute
When: 7/19 at 7:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Cost: $44.50 – $65.50
Most of us won’t get to see the real Elton John live, but here is the next best thing. John’s hand-picked body double from the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will recreate the music, energy and antics while wearing actual costumes Elton John wore in ‘73 and ‘84. This tribute show goes far beyond the usual!
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach: Pablo Cruise
When: 7/19 at 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free
Stepping in for Taylor Dayne, Pablo Cruise and band have been touring, making hit songs and appearing on tv since 1975. With fun, recognizable hits, this band puts on a fun, energetic show!
Santa Cruz Shakespeare ACTORS CONNECT
When: 7/19 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: The Nickelodeon
Cost: Free
Are you into Santa Cruz Shakespeare? Here is a chance to hear an overview of featured works, and participate in a Q&A with some of this season’s amazingly talented actors.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Moon Eater (reunion) with Very Paranoia @ Poet & Patriot Irish Pub
- Harpin’ Jonny & The GrooveHounds @ Crow’s Nest
- Sirius XM The Coffeehouse Tour presents Matt Costa, JD & The Straight Shot, Matt Hartke @ Moe’s Alley
- PHRAT W/ CHEAP HORSE @ The Crepe Place
- DYLAN LEBLANC @ The Catalyst
- Shady Rest @ Michael’s on Main
- Jerry’s Middle Finger plus Doobie Decibel System Trio @ Michael’s on Main
- Eric Morrison & The Mysteries @ Severino’s Bar & Grill
- Live Music by Wide Eyed @ Abbott Square
- Amy Helm Band @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Woodstock Generation Band @ East Cliff Brewing Company
- Lost Monarchs in Santa Cruz – Summer Tour 2019 @ Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
THEATER/ARTS
OUTDOORS
- Guided Hike @ Butano State Park
- Campfire Program @ Butano State Park
- Variety Pack Guided Hike @ Portola Redwoods
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Pop-Up Campfire! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Program @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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The Pillowcase Project
When: 7/20 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Where: Felton branch Library
Cost: Free
Bring your kids ages 6-11 to learn about disaster preparedness and what to put into their own little pillowcase kit. Participants will get a pillowcase to decorate and a list of what to keep in it to be prepared for an emergency.
Reach for the Stars Movie Screening: Apollo 11
When: 7/20 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Downtown branch library
Cost: Free
Relive the race to put a man on the moon on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. The documentary Apollo 11 uses only archival footage to tell the story of the space mission. After the movie, stay for an informal discussion.
Chalk It Up!
When: 7/20 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Pleasure Point County Park
Cost: Free
Calling all citizen artists! Come decorate the pavement with some sidewalk chalk art. Chalk, coffee and goodies will be provided, and you bring the community and creativity.
A Trip to the Moon: A free open house at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
When: 7/20 from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Cost: FREE
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with local geologists, astronomers, historians and more. Meet the local high school rocketry team that won a design award in Washington, D.C.! With art activities, games, a photo booth and a no-host bar, this is a fun, educational event for all ages.
Goat Yoga
When: 7/20 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Land of Medicine Buddha
Cost: $50, $65 includes lunch
You’ve heard of Goat Yoga, and now you can check it off your bucket list. Maybe you’ll be hooked! Land of Medicine Buddha is offering up their enchanting space for the public to explore. Take a walk in the redwoods, swim in the heated pool, and simply live in the present. Stay for an organic, vegetarian, locally-sourced lunch.
BARGETTO WINERY: ART AND WINE FESTIVAL
When: 7/20 – 7/21 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Bargetto Winery
Cost: Free
It’s always fun to browse the hand-made treasures and artwork of our talented artist community. Purchase a festival glass and enjoy a tasting of Bargetto’s finest wines. Wood-fired pizza from Sleight of Hand Pizza will be available for purchase.
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Toby Gray Live Acoustic Music by the Koi Pond @ Severino’s Bar & Grill
- Block Party @ Severino’s Bar & Grill
- Live Music by Pan Dulce @ Abbott Square
- UTURN @ Crow’s Nest
- Tommy Guerrero @ Moe’s Alley
- BURNING PICTURES W/ KING DREAM & ARTHUR WATERSHIP @ The Crepe Place
- WARGIRL @ The Catalyst
- SHWAYZE @ The Catalyst
- EXTRA LARGE @ Michael’s on Main
MAKE/CRAFT
OUTDOORS
- Little Rangers @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Old-Growth Redwood Tour @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Program @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Little Rangers @ Butano State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Butano State Park
- Guided Hike @ Butano State Park
- Campfire Program @ Butano State Park
- Meteor Trail Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Variety Pack Guided Hike @ Portola Redwoods
- Old Tree Trail Hike @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Program @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Old Cove Landing Trail @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Wool, Spinning and Weaving @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
MORE
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Science Sunday—Nest Watchers: Citizen Scientists Reveal New Information about Peregrine Falcons
When: 7/21 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Cost: Science Sunday is free with admission, and always free for members.
Citizen Scientists have helped track the Peregrine Falcon population since these specialized raptors were taken off the endangered species list in 1999. Learn more about how a research group works with volunteers to investigate and protect these beautiful birds of prey.
QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH HISTORY TOUR
When: 7/21 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Quail Hollow Ranch County Park
Cost: $2
This unique park encompasses 15 diverse habitats and has a long, rich history. Take a docent-led tour of the ranch house and learn about four of the families who made their living here, from the Watermelon King to the Lane family of Sunset magazine fame.
BARGETTO WINERY: ART AND WINE FESTIVAL
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Sugaray Rayford @ Moe’s Alley
- Kanekoa @ Moe’s Alley
- OPEN BLUEGRASS JAM @ The Crepe Place
- LUNAR VACATION @ The Catalyst
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michael’s on Main
- Patio Acoustics with Kip Allert @ Severino’s Bar & Grill
- Benmont Tench @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
OUTDOORS
- Little Rangers @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Redwoods and Climate Change @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Program @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Tidepool Tours @ Natural Bridges
- Little Rangers @ Butano State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Butano State Park
- The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Hike to Ocean View Summit @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Twilight Adaptation Adventure @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Little Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Variety Pack Guided Hike @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- When Species Collide @ Rancho del Oso Unit
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
MORE
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Lenz Arts 51ST ANNIVERSARY EVENT
What: Lenz Arts 51ST ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Where: 142 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
When: Saturday, July 27 11:00 am- 3:00 pm (sale on till 6:00 pm)
One of our great locally owned art stores is throwing a party and inviting the public to make some art. Try one of many art media being demo’d at the Parking Lot Make and Take. Get your face painted, or have a caricature drawn, and enter the raffle while you stock up on art supplies at the sale.
Strawberry Festival Kick-OFF Party
What: Strawberry Festival Kick-OFF Party
Where: Downtown Watsonville, Watsonville
When: Friday, August 2, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
The Strawberry Festival turns 25 this year! Help kick it off in style with live music, games, food trucks and a beer garden. Carnival rides are just $2 Friday night only!
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