Here comes another classic Santa Cruz weekend.
There are some great outdoor activities, duck races (yes, duck races), a surf competition, dancing in the streets, and the always entertaining Santa Cruz Derby Girls.
Read on to see the all of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
24th Annual Omega Nu Ducky Derby & Carnival
When: Saturday, 4/26, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Where: Friendship Garden – Harvey West Park
How Much: Free
How often do you get to cheer on 12,000 racing rubber ducks? Not often enough, right?
This weekend you can get your fill of rubber duck races at the 24th Annual Omega Nu Ducky Derby. You can “adopt” ducks for a chance to win some great prizes. There will also be food, carnival games, live music and other entertainment.
Learn more about the event here.
Little Basin 3rd Annual Camping and Recreation Festival
When: Saturday, 4/26 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Little Basin Cabins & Campground
How Much: Free ($10 parking fee)
Enjoy live music, food, vendors, family activities, hikes and much more at Little Basin’s 3rd Annual Camping and Recreation Festival. You can choose to visit for the day or camp overnight.
Get more info about the event on the Little Basin Facebook Page or at Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.
Bridges to Kinder 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday, 4/26, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Westlake Elementary Multi-Purpose Room, 1000 High St.
How Much: Free
Bridges to Kinder, a non-profit Pre-K/Preschool at Westlake Elementary, is celebrating their 10th anniversary this Saturday. This is a free community event with lots of fun family activities. Low N Slow will provide food and activities include face painting, dancing, tile making and a raffle. There will also be plenty of local artisans and entertainers to keep both kids and parents engaged. You can find more information on the Bridges to Kinder Facebook Page.
Logjam!
When: Saturday, 4/26 & Sunday, 4/27
Where: Pleasure Point
Logjam! is billed as an, “Old Boards, No Cords” retro surf contest. Surfers break out their vintage pre-70’s surfboards in this Pleasure Point surf contest. To learn more about the event, click here, or watch the video below:
Wildflower Weekend
When: Saturday, 4/26 & Sunday, 4/27, 11:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Rancho Del Oso
How Much: Free
Head up the coast a few miles to the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center for their annual Wildflower Weekend Festival. Flowers will be on display at the Nature and History Center, as well as throughout the park’s trails. You can find 50+ native and non-native species.
Guided wildflower walks take place both days at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.
Get more info here.
63rd Annual Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Show
When: Saturday, 4/26 & Sunday, 4/27 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
How Much: $5
The 63rd annual Mineral and Gem Show will feature rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, lapidary supplies, books, and tools. There will also be plenty of entertaining and educational activities for kids and adults.
More info here.
Santa Cruz Derby Girls
When: Saturday, 4/26 & Sunday, 4/27
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
How Much: $12 – $34
Described as, “Part Mardi Gras on wheels and part rockabilly hockey without the puck” the Santa Cruz Derby Girls might just be the most entertaining event in town.
This weekend you can get a full dose of derby. The Harbor Hellcats take the track on Saturday night, followed by a doubleheader featuring the Seabright Sirens and the Santa Cruz Derby Groms on Sunday.
For tickets and more information, visit the Derby Girls website.
Santa Cruz Dance Week
When: Saturday, 4/26 – 5/3
Where: Various Locations
How Much: Free
Dance Week kicked off on Thursday evening, but open classes start on Saturday, 4/26. This is an opportunity to try out different dance classes throughout the county for free. See the full schedule of classes here.
In addition to open classes, you can expect some flash mob style dance performances this weekend in various spots around town. Each year the first weekend of Dance Week features what they call, “Dance in Unlikely Places.” Luckily, unlike a true flash mob you won’t have to guess where these public dance performances will take place. You can check the schedule here.
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
Friday and Saturday:
Friday through Sunday:
Saturday:
- Soquel Creek Water Tour
- Coastal Community Preschool Family Day
- Garden Planting and Wool Day at Wilder Ranch
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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