For many this is the first weekend after back to school. Summer events are winding down, but they haven’t concluded yet. You can still catch music and movies at the beach, see the Derby Girls, and enjoy a pool party (with an unlikely guest).
Read on to see our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach: Smash Mouth
Can you believe that it’s been over 15 years since Smash Mouth released “All Star” back in 1999? If you aren’t ready to leave this rock band in the past, no worries, because they will be playing a free show at the Boardwalk this Friday night.
Free Movie at Capitola Beach: The Lego Movie
The Lego Movie delighted audiences of all ages when it hit theaters last year. If your family missed out on the fun or just wants to relive it, you’ll want to head to the free showing on Capitola Beach.
The Coffis Brothers & The Mountain Men
Local folk rock group The Coffis Brothers & The Mountain Men describe their sound as being shaped by two major influences: the surroundings of the Santa Cruz area, and rock idols like The Beatles and Neil young. Hear them for yourself and see if you can spot the different sounds.
MAH Around Town: Parks & Rex
If you missed your chance to celebrate Dog Day this past Wednesday, you are in luck, because Simpkins Family Swim Center is hosting a dog party. You and your kids can enjoy a live DJ, water games, and even a dog bar.
Comedy Night at the Crepe Place
The Crepe Place may typically be known as a music venue, but this Saturday night, local comedians will show off their best material at the Soquel Ave hotspot.
Santa Cruz Derby Girls vs. Bay Area Derby Girls
Who do you think has tougher Derby Girls: Santa Cruz or the Bay Area? The rivalry will gain a new chapter this Saturday, when all star teams from each region will go skate to skate.
Archery Santa Cruz’ Super Shoot: Super Heroes vs Super Villains
If you or your kids are crazy about superheroes, now is your chance to feel like one yourself. Anyone who wears a superhero or villain costume will receive $5 off admission to Archery Santa Cruz, this Saturday only.
Community Rental: Monterey Bay Dahlia Society 2015 Annual Show
The Monterey Bay Dahlia Society devotees put year‐round effort into growing their flowers, and this weekend is their annual chance to show off the results. In addition to the showing, there will also a free arrangement class and a discussion panel.
Candid Camera’s 8 Decades of Smiles! With Peter Funt
Candid Camera was one of the original reality shows, and it produced original episodes during each of the last eight decades. This show will give fans a look back through the years, and will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.
COBHA’s WELLNESS FAIR
Those interested in learning about how alternative and traditional medicine can work in tandem will find a lot to like at this annual wellness fair, which will feature guest speakers, local healthy food, and wellness product samples.
Makers Market Santa Cruz in Abbott Square
There’s something special about buying locally made, one-of-a-kind art, crafts, and knick knacks. The MAH provides a great venue for local markers to show their stuff and for those interested to peruse a wide variety of items and styles.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare essentially laid the groundwork for the modern day romantic comedy, and never is that more apparent than when viewing Much Ado About Nothing. Watch contempt turn into love seemingly out of thin air in this masterful take on gossip and romantic rivalry.
S’mores & Chocolate Tasting
Most cooking classes and tasting sessions are decidedly adult‐skewed, so it’s nice that Companion Bakery is holding one that is great for the whole family. Master bakers will be teaching participants how to make their own graham crackers and marshmallows, and will provide a variety of chocolates for everyone to try.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar for these events that are right around the corner:
Mole & Mariachi Festival
The increasingly popular Mole & Mariachi Festival returns in September. This event has been a huge success the past couple years, and if you enjoy mole then this is definitely one you don’t want to miss.
Get more info here.
Santa Cruz Surf Film Festival
The Santa Cruz Surf Film Festival returns for a second year. The festival will take place at the Rio Theatre this October 2-4. Tickets are on sale now. Grab your tickets, and learn more about the festival, here.
Hikes
- Guided Redwood Grove Walks
- Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks
- Wilder Ranch Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tours
- Nature Walk: “Researching Wildlife”
- Redwood Loop Walk
- The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods
- Meteor Trail Hike
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Full Moon Madness
- Twilight Adventure
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
- Carolyn Wonderland
- The Neckbeard Boys, California Swampgrass
- Jerry Jeff Walker
- HUNA WAI at Pono
- Killswitch the Film Screening in Abbott Square
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Saturday:
- Summer Concert Series: Designated Drivers
- Evening Campfire Program
- Locomotive Breath
- Malima Kone & Wemewo
- Utopian Dreams Band
- Pentagram
- Ethnic Dance Festival Free Family Days: The Music and Dance of puerto Rico
Sunday:
- Blind Tasting Sundays at Soif Wine Merchants
- DIP & DASH AQUATHLON
- Cleanup Cowells Project- Please see alternate check in location!
- Weekly XStream Beach Cleanup at Davenport Main Beach
- Open Farm Community Day
Recurring Events You Can Find Every Weekend
- 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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