Santa Cruz’s own James Durbin is coming home, but even if you aren’t a fan of the Durbinator, there’s plenty of stuff to do this weekend in Santa Cruz, including the 42nd annual Wharf to Wharf Race.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers
When: Friday, 7/25 at 9:00 pm
Where: Moe’s Alley
How Much: $20-$25
2008 Blues Music Awards Tommy Castro and The Painkillers have been recording music for around twenty years now, but their sound is at once straight outta the sixties and yet totally fresh. Enjoy this band Friday at one of the best venues in the area, Moe’s Alley.
The Doors & Led Zeppelin Tribute with James Durbin
When: Friday, 7/25 at 8:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
James Durbin may not have taken first place on American Idol, but this Santa Cruz native will always be a winner in his hometown. Come listen to James’ take on classic songs from the Doors and Led Zeppelin in this special tribute show.
A Day Out With Thomas The Tank Engine!
When: Friday, 7/25 through Sunday, 7/27, at 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
How Much: $16.00-$24.00
Your kids will never forget the day their favorite train came to life at Roaring Camp Railroads. Taking a train ride is the perfect outing for the whole family, and the fact that you’ll be riding Thomas makes it especially fun for the kids in your tribe.
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach – Santana Original Lead Singer Greg Rolie
When: Friday, 7/25 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
Greg Rolie was the voice of classic Santana hits like “Black Magic Woman,” and he had a stint singing for 80s band Journey as well. Come out to the Boardwalk this Friday to hear him sing from his catalogue of hits.
Summer Art Market #4: Anorak Assembly
When: Saturday, 7/26 at 12:00 pm-7:00 pm
Where: Abbott Square at the Santa Cruz MAH
How Much: Free
This week’s edition of the MAH’s Art Market is Anorak Assembly, which translates into stunning wood cuttings, drawings, paintings and more featuring creatures and plenty of quirk.
16th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Bicycle Ride
When: Friday, 7/25 at 6:30 am and 8:00 am
Where: Scotts Valley High School
How Much: $45.00-$85.00
Driving can be too far removed from nature, and walking can be a bit too slow — so why not see the best Santa Cruz views by bike? You can choose from a few different bike lengths, but be warned — the terrain can be challenging.
FREE Movie: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
When: Sunday, 7/27 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Del Mar Theater
How Much: Free
This weekend kicks off Kids Week in downtown Santa Cruz, and the Del Mar is doing its part by hosting a free screening of Steven Speilberg’s seminal film about childhood wonder.
42nd Annual Wharf to Wharf Race
When: Sunday, 7/27 at 8:30 am
Where: Municipal Wharf
How Much: $40
Did you know that the Wharf to Wharf Race started out as a mistake in 1973? Registration is all closed for the year, but enjoy being a spectator in this Santa Cruz tradition, which has been benefitting local schools for decades.
Victorian Days Walking Tour at Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
When: Sunday, 7/27 at 1:00 pm
Where: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
About 35 miles up The One, Pigeon Point Light Station offers awesome views of the ocean and marine life in the area. Enjoy a free tour of this historic site this Sunday.
Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music – Open Rehearsal
When: Sunday, 7/27 at 7:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
How Much: Free
If you watch shows like The Voice and America’s Got Talent religiously, these Open Rehearsals are definitely for you. Come watch hopefuls show their stuff live, and get a taste of what to look our for at Cabrillo’s annual music festival.
Music at Skypark
When: Sunday, 7/27 at 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Skypark
How Much: Free
Come out to Scotts Valley and enjoy this free concert and public school benefit. The Houserockers and Funkranomicon will perform at this concert, the first in a series of three.
Beach Cleanups
Sunday:
- North Coast Cleanup at 4 Mile Beach
- North Coast Cleanup at Bonny Doon Beach
- Weekly Cowell Beach Cleanup
- North Coast Cleanup at Davenport Main Beach
- North Coast Cleanup at Panther Beach
- North Coast Cleanup at Shark Tooth Beach
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Save Our Shores Sanctuary Speaker Series with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols
- Little One’s Nature Club ages 4-7 accompanied by an adult
- Campbell, Robbins, Copley – CRC
- MELE`UHANE – Keikilani Lindsey
- Taj He Spitz
Friday & Sunday
Friday through Sunday
Saturday:
- Retirement Workshop: Wealth Management & Consolidation
- The Soft White Sixties
- Soquel Pioneer Annual Potluck Picnic
- Ian Harris: Critical & Thinking Tour
- Explore the Night Sky
- Alice in Wonderland
- The Holdup
- Bike and Hike the Waddell Valley
- Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
- The Dr. Madd Show
- Ice Cream Month Raffle and Celebration!
- “Street Drum Corps’
LOST AT SEA” - Pop Up Museum at the 5th Annual Festival de Nopal
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)
PS – Get coverage of the best Santa Cruz events and other Santa Cruz Life content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up below…
