This weekend brings a lot of opportunities to celebrate all that Santa Cruz has to offer, from the inaugural SWELLIES Awards to the Annual Pinot Paradise.
Read on to see our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Third Fridays-Capitola Mall Walking Art Tour
When: Friday, 3/20 from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Capitola Mall
How Much: Free
Now First Friday isn’t the only opportunity to take in a lot of quality local artwork. The Capitola Mall’s 3rd Friday events celebrates the unique creativity found in Santa Cruz County. And if you have any mall errands you need to run, this is a way to do two things at once.
OK Go
When: Friday, 3/20 at 8:00 pm
Where: The Catalyst Club
How Much: $20-$22
Known for their creative music videos, OK Go is a fun, energetic indie pop band. Throw your cares out the door and take in their jubilant style at the Catalyst this Friday.
Santa Cruz Waves Presents : The SWELLIES
When: Friday, 3/20 from 7:00 pm -10:00 pm
Where: The Food Lounge
How Much: $25
Local surf oriented community website and magazine Santa Cruz Waves will disperse the first ever SWELLIES awards this Friday. The awards will cover categories like best local brewery, best surf shop, and best local band.
Extra Large
When: Friday, 3/20 at 8:00 pm
Where: Don Quixote’s International Music Hall
How Much: $10
Extra Large has been voted “Best Local Band in Santa Cruz” nine times in a row, and the feel good funk squad will continue to liven things up for locals this weekend. Get ready to dance along to the self described “fiesta facilitators.”
THE CHOP TOPS, Backyard Blues Band & The Concaves
When: Friday, 3/20. Doors: 8:00 pm, show: 9:00 pm
Where: Moe’s Alley
How Much: $10-$15
Santa Cruz Locals The Chop Tops have spent the last 20 years delighting crowds all over the US and Australia with their tunes, and now they’re finally retiring. Those lucky enough the be at Moe’s Alley this Friday night will catch their farewell performance, as well as a few other quality local acts.
Santa Cruz Warriors (Friday & Saturday)
When: Friday, 3/20 & Saturday, 3/21 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
How Much: $17-$40
Santa Cruz’s NBA development league team will take on both the Los Angeles D Fenders and the Reno Big Horns this weekend. For under twenty bucks, you can see for yourself whether our squad will stand up against the LA Lakers’ and the Sacramento Kings’ younger sibling teams.
3rd Annual Crab Feast at Chaminade Resort & Spa
When: Saturday, 3/21 at 6:00 pm
Where: Chaminade Resort & Spa
How Much: $17.95-$55, plus tax and gratuity
It’s nearing the end of crab season, so it’s time to get your fill of it at Chaminade’s yearly feast. There meal will also feature linguine, artichokes, and petit fours.
Sheep to Shawl Fair 2015
When: Saturday, 3/21 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Live Earth Farm
How Much: $15-$20
If you want to learn more about how your wool goods transitioned “from sheep to shawl,” this event’s hands on stations should be able to answer all your questions. Families with kids of all ages are welcome to participate.
Annual Pinot Paradise
When: Saturday, 3/21 & Sunday, 3/22
Where: Various Wineries
How Much: $45-$100
The Santa Cruz Mountains are known as a “pinot paradise,” and you can celebrate our bounty this weekend at many different wineries in the area. Click the link below to learn more about your tasting and ticketing options.
Santa Cruz Symphony Concert – Pacific Perspectives
When/Where: Saturday, 3/21 at 8:00 pm at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium & Sunday, 3/22 at 2:00 pm at the Mello Center for Performing Arts
How Much: $25-$70
Classical music so often comes from a distinctly European or East Coast perspective, but this weekend’s concerts will offer glimpses into Californian, Asian, and Latin American cultures through the symphony. You’ll even get to hear original work from Santa Cruz Symphony’s own Daniel Stewart.
Hikes
- Redwood Loop Walk
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods
- Wildflower Walk
- Old-Growth Redwood Walk
- Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
Friday & Saturday
Friday through Sunday
- Harper Regan, by Simon Stephens
- FEARLESS: a figurative exhibition with Sefla Joseph and her students
Saturday:
- Thai Rivera Live and FREE at The Blue Lagoon
- Lovefest 2015: Elephino, Grampa’s Chili, Corduroy Jim
- SAMBADÁ + Danjuma & Onola
- Habitat Restoration Day at Pigeon Point Light Station
- Picnic on the Polo Fields
- Surf City Kiwanis Crab & Pasta Feed
- Water Tour: Groundwater Awareness Day
- Chris King and the Gutterballs, Anna Ash, Hibbity
Sunday:
- She.Is.Beautiful Santa Cruz 5th Annual Event
- The Santa Cruz Chorale Presents Warmth and Light
- The Picasso Ensemble performs at the Historic Sesnon House, Cabrillo College
- Watsonville Community Band Spring Concert
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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Roller Hockey Players are welcome to join the facebook group ‘Santa Cruz Roller Hockey’ for a pick-up game Saturday, March 21 at Mike Fox Park at 12:00p. Contact the facebook page with questions or for future games. Thanks