This Friday we say goodbye to the final Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach concert and hello to a 3-day weekend!
A couple of local breweries are celebrating Labor Day Weekend in style with parking lot parties, and a local business marks its first anniversary with a gift of free classes to the community.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach: Papa Doo Run Run
When: 8/31 at 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free
Get ready to sing at the top of your lungs and dance with sand between your toes at the Boardwalk’s final “Santa Cruz Beach Party” featuring crowd favorite Papa Doo Run Run. Come for the first concert, stay for the second, and get your Labor Day Weekend off to a memorable start.
Alasdair Fraser’s Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School 35th Annual Concert
When: 8/31 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Cost: Advance Sales: $14.50 – $25.50. Children 8 and under FREE
More than 180 musicians will fill the Civic with the festive energy, music, and dance traditions of Scotland. Don’t miss the 35th annual concert led by Indie Award-winning Scots fiddler Alasadair Fraser and the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School.
Capitola Movies on the Beach
When: 8/31 at 7:30 pm
Where: Capitola Beach
Cost: Free
If watching an outdoor movie is on your summer bucket list, you still have three more opportunities to cross it off your list. This Friday, enjoy a showing of Cars 3, followed by Zootopia and A Wrinkle in Time over the next couple of weekends. Pack up the kiddos, some cozy blankets or beach chairs, and a picnic dinner—be sure to save room for free popcorn! Seating begins at 6:30 pm.
Ultimate Science Fair
When: 8/31 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz MAH
Cost: Free
The MAH is at it again with another fun, free, family-friendly event. The theme is “Science Fair” but without all the stress and drama. Want to make a volcano explode or drop things off a balcony in the name of physics? Head to the MAH and get hands on with science experiments for all ages.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Achilles Wheel plus Sol Nova @ Michaels on Main
- August Sun @ Abbott Square and the MAH
- Blue – Happy Hour @ Michaels on Main
- Hank & Ella with the Fine Country Band @ Crow’s Nest
- ISRAEL VIBRATION & The Roots Radics Band + King Schascha The Irusalem Band & DJ Spleece @ Moe’s Alley
- LITTLE PETIE & THE MEAN OLD MEN W/ JESUS & THE DINOSAURS ( FAIRFIELD, CA ) AND YARDCOUCH @ The Crepe Place
- Pacific Dub & The Ries Brothers @ The Catalyst
- SoulShakers @ Steel Bonnet Brewing Co.
- The Gravity @ Severino’s
- The Island Breeze Band @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
- Twisted Gypsy @ Flynn’s Cabaret
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
- Santa.Cruz.Studio 8/31: Sailing at Twilight ~ Ages 21 and up ~ @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Santa.Cruz.Studio 8/31: Tye Dye Ceramic Tiles ~ Ages 21 and up ~ @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
OUTDOORS
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Campfire Program @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Campfire Programs @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Guided Hikes @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Portola Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
MORE
- A Conversation with Our Secretary of State and Our County Clerk @ Rio Theatre
- Watsonville Farmers Market @ Downtown Watsonville Plaza
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
Breath + Oneness Anniversary Weekend
When: 9/1 & 9/2
Where: Breath + Oneness, Capitola
Cost : Free
Happy birthday to Breath + Oneness! Join them for an anniversary weekend celebration where all classes, workshops, and events are free (please register). This is a great weekend to slow down, do something for yourself, and get to know this local yoga and meditation center.
Diego’s Umbrella + Coffee Zombie Collective
When: 9/1 at 8:00 pm Doors, 9:00 pm Show
Where: Moe’s Alley
Cost: $12 Advance, $15 Day of Show
You had us at Coffee Zombie Collective. But hey, Diego’s Umbrella is playing too, and you either love them or you don’t know them yet. We hear one concert is all it takes to become a believer in San Francisco’s ambassadors of Gypsy Rock. Head to Moe’s and see/dance for yourself!
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Isaac & The Haze @ Crow’s Nest
- John Michael Band @ Michaels on Main
- Live Music by The Dooners @ Abbott Square and the MAH
- PAT HULL W/ GETAWAY DOGS AND JESSIE MARKS @ The Crepe Place
- Patio Acoustics with Dave D’oh @ Severino’s
- Rico Nasty @ The Catalyst
- Spun @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- The Next Blues Band @ Severino’s
MAKE/CRAFT
- Paint and Sip 9/1~ Sugar Skull @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Paint and Sip 9/1~ Surfer’s Monument @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
OUTDOORS
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Coast Nature Walks @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Coffee Talk and Crafts @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Coffee Talks and Crafts @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Felling the Giants @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Nature’s Reading Room @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Ohlone Plant Use @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Ranch History Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Story Time Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Wharf Experience @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
MORE
- Aptos Farmers Market @ Cabrillo College
- Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Dinner Party @ Roaring Camp Railroads, Inc.
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
Labor Day Weekend Luau & Pig Roast!
When: 9/2 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Where: Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Humble Sea is celebrating Labor Day Weekend island style with a traditional pig roast and Hawaiian luau in the parking lot. The star of the show comes from Fogline Farm and has been fed spent grain from Humble Sea brews. Everything will be island-inspired, from the beer to the music to the vendor booths. Bring your appetite and aloha spirit!
Breath + Oneness Anniversary Weekend
See description under Saturday.
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Animo Cruz + Santa Cruz Reggae All Stars @ Moe’s Alley
- Gost @ The Catalyst
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michaels on Main
- Luminance Ensemble @ Flynn’s Cabaret
- OPEN BLUEGRASS JAM @ The Crepe Place
- Patio Acoustics with James Murray @ Severino’s
- The Box @ The Blue Lagoon
MAKE/CRAFT
- Paint and Sip 9/2~ Golden Summer Night @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
- Paint and Sip 9/2~ Monet’s Waterlilies @ The Painted Cork Art Studio
OUTDOORS
- Free Guided Tour of the UCSC Farm @ Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn
- Big Basin Nature Club @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Coffee Talk and Crafts @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Evening Campfire Programs @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Family Discovery Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Junior Rangers @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Ranch History Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- The Road Less Traveled – A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Watsonville Nature Walks @ City of Watsonville – Nature Center
- Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
MORE
Monday
Labor Day Parking Lot Party!
When: 9/3 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Shanty Shack Brewing Co.
Shanty Shack has an awesome Labor Day lineup of fun, food, and drink. Early in the day, Saucey’z Food Truck is providing the eats, with Sleight of Hand Pizza taking over at dinner. And in between, Friend in Cheeses Jam Co. will have their signature chicharrones sundae bar—oh yeah! Live music ranges from Americana to Reggae, and some Grateful Dead covers by The Grateful Dads. There will be art for sale, face painting, and more!
Free Community Swim Day
When: 9/3 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Simpkins Family Swim Center
Cost: Free
This is a super popular, first come, first served community event. Free swim days at Simpkins include the water slide, climbing wall, floating on inner tubes, warm water pool, 50-meter pool, and more. Hopefully the fog burns off by noon for a fun in the sun swim day!
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Pivot Towards Your Purpose
What: Pivot Towards Your Purpose
Where: Resource Center for Nonviolence
When: September 28
Be inspired, empowered, and equipped to take action at Pivot Towards Your Purpose, a women’s leadership conference for entrepreneurs, business owners, and future leaders. The day will be filled with motivational speakers, insightful workshops, and opportunities to set goals and connect with other passionate community members. Pivot proceeds will benefit the Coastal Watershed Council.
Event Name
What: Santa Cruz Greek Festival
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
When: September 7, 8, and 9
Live like a Greek at Santa Cruz County’s longest running festival featuring three days of Greek food, music, dancing, spirits, and did we mention food? Sample your way through dolmathes, gyros, moussaka, tiropita, and more while you take in the lively Spartan Band and traditional folk dancers (you might find yourself on the dance floor as well). Shoppers won’t want to miss the Greek agora showcasing ethnic jewelry, pottery, and clothing – OPA!
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LOTs going on!! Thank you for the updates around town. Happy Labor day weekend.
Hope you had a wonderful, relaxing weekend!