Hackers have a chance to shine this weekend at UCSC’s overnight hackathon, local music lovers have a chance to see James Durbin perform at the Catalyst, and it’s time for every fungus lover’s favorite annual festival.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
James Durbin
When: Friday, 1/09 at 8:00 pm
Where: The Catalyst Club
How Much: $17-$50
American Idol runner up, and Santa Cruz native, James Durbin will return to his hometown stage this Friday night. The metal rock lover will be playing songs off his recent album Celebrate, as well as from his debut album Memories of a Beautiful Disaster.
Community Free Day at the Seymour Center
When: Friday, 1/09 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory
How Much: Free
If you and your kids love all things underwater, then the the perfect affordable family outing for you is the Seymour Center Community Free Day, where you can interact with tide-pools, skeletons, wildlife and more.
8 Tens at Eight Play Festival
When: Begins Friday, 1/09 & runs through Sunday, 2/8
Where: Santa Cruz County Actors’ Theatre
How Much: $22-$25
Some scientists say the average human attention span is about ten minutes, so this collection of ten minute one act plays should keep the audience engaged all night. If you want to experience some theatrical variety, this is the perfect event for you.
Downtown Antique Fair
When: Sunday, 1/11 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
How Much: Free
During the second Sunday of every month, Lincoln Street transforms into an outdoor market where shoppers can find anything and everything antique. Come to browse, but be warned: it’s almost impossible to pass through without finding something you want to buy… or ten things.
Wizard of Oz (2 showtimes)
When: Sunday, 1/11 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Where: Regal Santa Cruz 9
How Much: $12.50
This rare chance to see a classic musical film on the big screen won’t come around very often, so take the opportunity to bring your kids and show them that there is more to life than Frozen.
Coffis Brothers & The Mountain Men
When: Friday, 1/09 & Saturday, 1/10 at 8:00 pm
Where: Don Quixote’s International Music Hall
How Much: $10
If you like classic rock n roll with a Santa Cruz twang, the Coffis Brothers & The Mountain Men are putting on a show that will be right up your alley. See if you can hear influences from the Beatles, Tom Petty, and Neil Young.
Openers include Taylor Rae (Friday) and The McCoy Tyler Band (Saturday).
SCMAC Winter Saturday Camp for kids
When: Saturday, 1/10 from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
How Much: $60-$65
This one day workshop is a great way to nourish your kid’s creative side. If you can’t afford the fee, there are sliding scales and scholarships available.
Take Aways: Art To Go! Opening Reception
When: Sunday, 1/11 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Pajaro Valley Arts Council
How Much: Free
This fundraiser for the Pajaro Valley Art Council is a prime opportunity to add a gem to your art collection, regardless of your budget or style. Some well known artists will be selling smaller pieces at ranging prices, and there will also be a raffle drawing. The show runs from Jan. 7 – Feb. 15.
Fungus Fair
When: Friday, 1/9 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Saturday, 1/10 & Sunday, 1/11 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
How Much: $5-$10
Fungi is a whole species that exists in plain sight and yet often doesn’t get much attention. Come learn about fungi in an interactive way that the Fungus Fair’s website promises will “put the fun back in fungi.”
Hack UCSC 2015
When: Friday, 1/09 at 1:00 pm through Sunday, 1/11 at 9:00 pm
Where: Crown Merrill Cultural Center
How Much: $20-$100
UCSC students and mentors from the tech community are invited to participate in UCSC’s annual overnight hackathon, where teams will work together to build and design apps and programs for different categories of innovation. The event will feature members of the local and wider tech community, so this is a great chance to network and stretch your own limits.
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
Friday through Sunday
Saturday:
- Researchers Anonymous
- Stormin’ Norman & The Cyclones
- Melvin Seals & JGB
- Burnt Palms, Watergate Sandals, Jackie Zealous
- History, Nature, and Scenic Views: A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area
- Wildflower Hike
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)
- Santa Cruz Farmers Markets (weekly events)
- Live Comedy at the Crow’s Nest (weekly event – every Sunday night)
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