Beatles and Grateful Dead fans have a lot to be excited for this weekend, as do art enthusiasts. As usual, there’s something for everyone!
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
3rd Friday: Games and Folklore
When: Friday, 8/15, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm with a Kids Happy Hour from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
How Much: $5 general, $3 students
If you love fairy tales, fantasy, and games, the MAH has the perfect night for you set up for this month’s Third Friday. Highlights will include life-size board games and an interactive storytelling experience about how the Big Dipper was created.
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach – Eddie Money
When: Friday, 8/15 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
You won’t need to buy “Two Tickets to Paradise” anytime soon, because Eddie Money’s Friday performance at the Boardwalk will be completely free! Come rock out to hits like “Baby Hold On,” “Think I’m in Love” and many more.
Oliver!
When: Friday, 8/15 through Sunday, 8/17, at 7:30 pm and 2:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater
How Much: $16-$45
See the Dickens classic Oliver Twist brought to life and put to music at Cabrillo College, which is well known in the area for its musical theater productions. If you love A Christmas Carol, this tale of an orphan in despair is right up your chimney.
Ho’omana
When: Friday, 8/15 at 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Pono Hawaiian Grill
How Much: Suggested donation of $10
Known as one of California’s best hula bands, Ho’omana will grace Santa Cruz with its presence once again this Friday night at Pono. These guys have Hawaiian roots, and it shows in their masterful, mellow use ukelele, guitars, and vocals.
“Come Together” The Art of John Lennon
When: Friday, 8/15 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Saturday, 8/16 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm & Sunday, 8/17 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
How Much: Suggested donation of $3
Yoko Ono hosts this tribute to her late husband’s visual art. Who someone’s favorite Beatle is can say a lot about them, and Santa Cruz is definitely a Lennon-leaning town. Come check out around 100 lithographs and copper etchings, and learn about another side of one of the most famous musicians of all time.
Spirit of ‘76 Recreating The Grateful Dead Late 1970’s Era Concerts featuring members of China Cats and Shady Groove
When: Saturday, 8/16 at 8:30 pm
Where: Don Quixote’s International Music Hall
How Much: $12-$15
Yet another Grateful Dead tribute is taking place this weekend, and this time it’s in the form of a supergroup of Dead Heads. Members of bands Shady Groove, name after a Jerry Garcia album; and China Cats, who are known for putting their own intelligent spin on Dead songs, will rock Don Quixote’s come Saturday night.
Movies @ The Mission: Jurassic Park: The Lost World
When: Saturday, 8/16, doors at 7:00 pm, movie at sunset
Where: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
How Much: Free
If your preteens are getting the end-of-summer blues, take them out for a movie under the stars to soak up the warm nights while they still can. If nothing else, Jurassic Park may scare them into behaving. Lawn chairs are okay, but make sure they’re low so everyone can enjoy.
Wildflower Walk!
When: Saturday, 8/16 at 10:00 am
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
How Much: Free
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is full of natural beauty, but so often the grand redwoods and other large plant and animal life can take the spotlight off of the simple beauty of a wildflower. If you wish to improve your floral knowledge, pack a lunch and water and come out for this leisurely hike.
Strawberry U-picks Weekends in August
When: Saturday, 8/16 through Sunday, 8/17, 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Redman Farmstand
How Much: Free
Have a day of family fun or a romantic afternoon out in Watsonville this weekend picking strawberries to bake, preserve, or just enjoy right off the vine. This is a great way for kids to gain appreciation for agriculture and the farm to table movement.
Street Drum Corps’ LOST AT SEA
When: Sunday, 8/17 at Noon & 6:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
This Sunday, the Giant Dipper won’t be the biggest thrill at the Boardwalk. Alternative drumming troupe Street Drum Corps will take their talent to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. They will be joined by dancers from Academy of Villains.
Santa Cruz Mountains Makers’ Market
When: Sunday, 8/17 at 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Where: Mountain Community Resources Lot, 6134 Highway 9, Felton
How Much: Free
Don’t miss the final Mountain Makers’ Market of the summer in downtown Felton. Enjoy live music as you browse for treasures from some seriously crafty local artisans.
Sunday Art & Music (The Kalae Miles-Davis Band/Hawaiin/Jazz Fusion) at the Beach
When: Sunday, 8/17 at 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Esplanade Park
How Much: Free
Enjoy the local art and view of the Pacific on Capitola’s lovely Esplanade Park this Sunday. The soulful Kalae Miles-Davis Band will add to the peaceful ambience.
Beach Cleanups
- Santa Cruz Monthly Beach Cleanup at Panther Beach
- Weekly XStream Cleanup at Davenport Main Beach
- Weekly Cowell Beach Cleanup
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- It’s A Beautiful Day
- Puddle of Mudd
- La Misa Negra + Broken English
- Johanna Lefever, Sky Country, Strange Ideas
- Dave Weckl Acoustic Band feat. Makoto Ozone – piano & keys, Gary Meek – saxophone and Tom Kennedy – bass
- Mariee Sioux with Sky Country, and Strange Ideas
- Farm to Table Wine Dinner Series – featuring Alfaro Family Vineyards
- Marty O’Reily and the Old Soul Orchestra, with Carolyn Sills Combo
- Little One’s Nature Club ages 4-7 accompanied by an adult
- Transparentsea Voyage
Friday & Saturday
Friday through Sunday
Saturday:
- Natural History Storytime
- Ras Attitude, Abja & The Lionz Of Kush
- Buddy Banter, Hawk Jones, Darling, Monster
- Lori Rivera presents ‘My Friends’: An evening of Sondheim songs and stories
- Soquel Vineyards – “Dinner at the Vineyard”
- Meet Pixar Animators
- Bandelion and Karate Mountain: Towards Sunset, a musical dancetheater collaboration
- Grizzly Bear Festival
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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