It’s Labor Day Weekend, and Santa Cruzans know how to celebrate!
Concerts and festivals abound this weekend, highlighted by the always popular Capitola Begonia Festival.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Capitola Begonia Festival
When: Friday, 8/29 through Monday, 9/1
Where: Capitola Village
How Much: Free
The Capitola Begonia Festival offers a full weekend of events. Come early to see the floats being built with thousands of begonias. Participate in (or just come to watch) the sand castle contests, and you certainly won’t want to miss the highlight of the weekend; the Nautical Parade.
This years festival marks the 62nd anniversary of one of Capitola’s most celebrated and unique annual bashes. So come out and see what all the fuss is about during this weekend full of fun!
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach – Papa Doo Run Run
When: Friday, 8/29 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
A master of covering classic California beach songs, this Cupertino band features former members of iconic acts like the Beach Boys and Frankie Valli. They even named one of their albums after Santa Cruz. Come let their sound transport you back to the 60s.
Alasdair Fraser’s Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School
When: Friday, 8/29 at 8:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
How Much: $10-$22
If you’ve got a thing for fiddles, or would just like to learn more about them, this event is for you. This Friday’s performance is the capstone to a week-long fiddling school taught by one of the Scottish masters, Alasdair Fraser. It promises to be a lively celebration.
Santa Cruz Mountains Art & Wine Festival
When: Saturday, 8/30 & Sunday, 8/31 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: Garrahan Park, Boulder Creek
How Much: $10
Take in great local music and even better local wine this weekend at Garrahan Park. Local artists and breweries will also be showing their stuff. What better way to spend Labor Day Weekend?
PaPa’S BaG “A James Brown Experience”
When: Saturday, 8/30 at 8:00 pm
Where: Don Quixote’s International Music Hall
How Much: $10-$12
If you enjoyed the recent biopic Get on Up, or are just a huge fan of James Brown in general, you have a chance to experience his music live this Saturday at Don Quixote’s. Come hear this funky tribute band honor the Godfather of Soul.
Soquelle Visual Music & Modern Collective Dance Company
When: Saturday, 8/30 from 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Vinocruz
How Much: $40
This performance features artful modern dancing and the smooth, elegant sound of local duo Soquelle. Vinocruz will host on their enchanting patio, as well as provide wine and supper.
Firepit & S’mores Nights
When: Saturday, 8/30 from 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: Chaminade Resort & Spa
How Much: $25 adults, $15 kids
As part of their “All American Labor Day” weekend, the folks at the delightfully woodsy Chaminade Resort will host a s’more soiree for the whole family. All you need to bring is your lawn blanket.
Great Train Robberies
When: Saturday, 8/30 – Monday 9/1 at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
How Much: $19-$26
Roaring Camp Railroads will host yet another fun and educational event this weekend. This time you’ll be transported into the wild side of the Old West, with reenactments of train robberies taking place as you travel through the mountains. If your kid loves the Wild West, you won’t want to miss this!
Music at Skypark
When: Sunday, 8/31 from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Skypark
How Much: Free
Skypark in Scotts Valley is hosting local bands Scary Little Friends and The Coffis Brothers this Sunday afternoon. This is a great chance to spend some quality outdoor time with the whole family.
Beach Cleanups
- Weekly Cowell Beach Cleanup
- Monthly Xstream Cleanup at Panther Beach
- Monthly Xstream Cleanup at Panther Beach
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Funky Friday! Pawn Shop Soul with Simone Cox and M-Tet
- Tap Takeover at Second Street Cafe
- Katdelic
- Bolo at Pono
- J Boog and Groundation Live at The Catalyst
- Mylo Jenkins
- The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
Friday through Monday
Saturday:
- Natural History Storytime
- Chardonnay II Brewmaster Charter
- Michael Rose + Reggae Angels, Woven Roots & DJ Moi
- C.S.I. – Creekside Investigation
- Drivin’ South, Al James
- Coast Nature Walk
- Gardens of Time
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
Recurring Events You Can Find Every Weekend
- Free Wildlife Eco-Tours of the Santa Cruz Wharf (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Tours of the Reserve at Elkhorn Slough (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Sunday Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center (weekly event – every Sunday)
- Santa Cruz Farmers Markets (weekly events)
- Live Comedy at the Crow’s Nest (weekly event – every Sunday night)
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Perfect paradise weekend! I love the Begonia Festival!