Some weekends end up having an absurd amount of events.
This is one of those weekends.
Art lovers will enjoy First Friday, and a new Santa Cruz themed show at the Art League.
Sports lovers might want to spend the whole weekend at the Kaiser Permanente Arena so they can cheer on the Warriors for two home games, followed by the Derby Girls for the 2014 season opener on Sunday.
That’s just the beginning. Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
First Friday Events
Today is the First Friday of the month, which means it’s time for the First Friday Art Tour. While the art tour is always a highlight, it isn’t the only perk that comes with the first Friday of each month:
- First Friday Art Tour
- Free First Friday at the MAH
- First Friday Free Day at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Cruzio Open House
When: Friday, 3/7
Cruzio joins in on the First Friday fun by hosting their third annual Open House Extravaganza. Come see the space where some of Santa Cruz’s hottest startups call home while enjoying great art and tasty food.
Santa Cruz Warriors
When: Friday, 3/7 & Saturday, 3/8
The Warriors return from a long road trip to play at home on Friday and Saturday. Friday night is free koozie night, with each fan in attendance receiving a free Warriors drink koozie.
Buy tickets here.
The Flying Karamazov Brothers
When: Friday, 3/7
The Flying Karamazov Brothers bring their unique brand of entertainment to the Rio Theatre on Friday. They’ve been at it since 1973, and they’re still as entertaining as ever.
Take a look…
Get more info here.
This is Santa Cruz – Opening Reception at the Art League
When: Saturday, 3/8
This is Santa Cruz is a group art show at the Art League. The show runs from 3/7 – 3/27, with an opening reception this Saturday from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
When: Saturday, 3/8
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, with legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, will be playing at Kuumbwa on Saturday night. Enjoy music composed by Duke Ellington, Chick Corea and Thelonious Monk.
Get more info here.
Salamander Saturday featuring Newt Night!
When: Saturday, 3/8
The folks up at the Rancho Del Oso Nature and History Center will be devoting the day to fun salamander themed activities. Enjoy story time, crafts, and a salamander scavenger hunt. The event concludes with campfire style stories and songs during Newt Night.
Find out more about this family friendly event here.
TEDxSantaCruz 2014: Activate
When: Saturday, 3/8
The TEDxSantaCruz: Activate conference will take place on Saturday at the Hotel Paradox. The conference will feature 20 speakers and performers who are bound to inspire and spark ideas. A full list of speakers, along with other conference information can be found on the TEDxSantaCruz website.
Alehouse Narratives
When: Sunday, 3/9
Write drunk. Edit sober.
That’s the tagline for Alehouse Narratives, a new 6 week writing and spoken word series at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. A print publication of the Alehouse Narratives will be produced to compliment the spoken word series.
Find out more about Alehouse Narratives, here.
Santa Cruz Derby Girls
When: Sunday, 3/9
Join the Santa Cruz Derby Girls as they kick off the 2014 season this Sunday. The Groms and Sirens will play a doubleheader, starting at noon.
If Derby is new to you, or if you need a refresher before attending your next bout, check out this post.
You can get tickets here.
Antique Faire
When: Sunday, 2/9
The Santa Cruz Antique Faire takes place the second Sunday of each month in downtown Santa Cruz.
Learn more here.
Additional events this weekend
- Scap’s Aids Walk
- Grateful Dead Tribute Show
- Benefit Screening of “THE GIRLS IN THE BAND” on International Women’s Day
- In Celebration of the Muse
- Dan P and the Bricks
- The Way We Worked at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum
- Dumpstaphunk
- Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
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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