From Shakespeare to Sir Mix-A-Lot, there’s something for everyone in the way of entertainment this fine July weekend.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach – The Fixx
When: Friday, 7/18 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
Catch some New Wave this Friday night at the Boardwalk, where British band The Fixx will be playing 80s and 90s hits such as “One Thing Leads to Another” and “Saved by Zero.”
As You Like It
When: Friday at 8:00 pm, Saturday at 2:00 & Sunday at 7:30 pm
Where: Sinsheimer-Stanley Festival Glen
How Much: $16-$48
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s ultimate comedy of errors, built on layers of misunderstandings and double meanings. Shakespeare Santa Cruz will perform this tale of cross-dressing love through August 10th.
Sir Mix-A-Lot
When: Friday, 7/18 at 9:00 pm
Where: The Catalyst Club
How Much: $15-$20
Can you believe it’s been over twenty years since Sir Mix-A-Lot released his seminal 90s hip hop hit “Baby Got Back?” Everyone remembers this song, proving that fads and trends come and go, but a man’s appreciation for a curvy backside will always be in style. This Friday night at the Catalyst, you can relive 1992.
3rd Friday: Race Through Time
When: Friday, 7/18 at 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
How Much: $20-$25
The MAH is offering a look at Santa Cruz history like you’ve never experienced before. This scavenger hunt around downtown features interactive experiences with different historical sites, along with surprise on-the-spot challenges, an award for the best dressed team, and the chance to win a MAH membership.
Foreverland: 14 Piece Tribute
to Michael Jackson
When: Friday, 7/18 at 8:00 pm
Where: Don Quixote’s International Music Hall
How Much: $15
The King of Pop reigns on with Foreverland, a group that has been touring the country since 2009 and offering fans a chance to relive their favorite MJ hits in a whole new way. Santa Cruzans will get to join in the fun this Friday at Don Quixote’s.
Santa Cruz Fringe Festival
When: Friday, 7/18 through Sunday, 7/20
Where: Various locations
How Much: $12
Have a taste for the uncommon? Come nourish your strange side at the Fringe Festival, an annual Santa Cruz festival featuring one act plays, musical performances, art shows, and other performances that can be classified as out of the mainstream, like a burlesque show in which all the performers wear lampshades on their heads.
Retirement Workshops
When: Saturday, 7/19 at 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Senior Center
How Much: Free
If you are a loved one are looking to finally take that permanent vacation from work sometime soon, you’re in luck. This brand new free 3-part retirement workshop series will help you figure out finances and more. The first session is this Saturday. Workshops are free, but space is limited so be sure to RSVP.
Passport Days
When: Saturday, 7/19 at 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association
How Much: $45
Santa Cruz wine lovers get a chance four times a year to visit up to fifty different wineries in the area, all for the base price of $45 for the passport. Order your online and start prepping your pallet!
The Merry Wives of Windsor
When: Saturday at 8:00 pm & Sunday at 2:00 pm
Where: Sinsheimer-Stanley Festival Glen
How Much: $16-$48
Another production from Shakespeare Santa Cruz, this comedy centers around Sir John Falstaff, Henry IV’s knight, and his thwarted attempts at love and financial solvency. One of Shakespeare’s more irreverent comedies, this one will likely please the whole family.
Pop-Up Breakfast Series
When: Saturday, 7/19 at 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Westside Santa Cruz Farmers Market
How Much: $33 plus $2 handling fee
Chef Austin Kaye of Soquel’s scrumptious Back Porch will be serving up some delicious morning eats at this week’s edition of the Westside Farmers Market’s popular Pop-Up Breakfast Series. (Sold Out)
Movies @ the Mission – Chasing Mavericks
When: Saturday, 7/19 at 7:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
How Much: Free
Chasing Mavericks perfectly captures the way surf can intertwine with life for some residents of Santa Cruz. Gerard Butler as a surfer obsessed with Mavericks, one of the gnarliest surfing spots around. This will be fun for the whole family, groms and all, at the Mission.
Wacky Water Day
When: Saturday, 7/19 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Laurel Park
How Much: Free
Summer brings to mind the simple pleasures of being a kid, when something so simple as a hose and a tarp can bring hours of infinite joy. Wacky Water Day at Laurel Park will give all kids a chance to partake in a whole summer wonderland. Be sure to bring the sunscreen!
Santa Cruz Derby Girls Double Header
When: Sunday, 7/20 at 12:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
How Much: $14 – $19
Enjoy twice the roller derby for the same price this Sunday, when the Santa Cruz Gromshells take the rink before the Seabright Sirens take on the Silicon Valley Hard Drivers.
Sunday Art & Music (Ron Kaplan-Jazz) at the Beach
When: Sunday, 7/20 at 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Esplanade Park
How Much: Free
This Capitola tradition gives everyone an opportunity to take in local art and crafts, and even buy something if it catches your fancy. Ron Kaplan-Jazz will be providing the entertainment this week.
Sail Away on the Chardonnay II
When: Sunday, 7/20 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center
How Much: $60
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay on the place you were meant to enjoy it: on the water. A guide from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary will be on hand to offer insight that will have you looking at the Bay in a whole new way.
Street Drum Corps’
LOST AT SEA
When: Sunday, 7/20 at Noon & 6:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
This Sunday, the Big 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 Villians.
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
Friday & Saturday
Friday through Sunday
Saturday:
- 20th Annual “Cops ‘n Rodders” Classic Car Show & Cruise
- Hot Rods for Kids
- Stu Allen & Mars Hotel: Grateful Dead Tribute presented by Shared Adventures
- Creating the Home Grown Bouquet: Selecting, Growing and Arranging Cut Flowers
- The Polyphonic Spree
- Comedy Night at The Crepe Place
- The KBCZ Summer Celebration Fundraiser
Saturday & Sunday
- 50th Anniversary Celebration: En Plein Air Event
- Bargetto Winery 26th Annual Fine Art Festival
- Tidepool Tours at Natural Bridges State Beach
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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