How are you celebrating Father’s Day? If you’re in Santa Cruz, you have plenty of options, from a James Brown cover concert to the Tannery’s anniversary party.
This Friday we also get to welcome back Friday Night Bands on the Beach at the Boardwalk. Plus, we have a sneak peek at some upcoming events, as well as a guide to 4th of July events towards the bottom of this post.
Read on to see our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
3rd Friday: Counter Culture
When: Friday, 6/19 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: MAH
How Much: $3-$5, FREE for MAH Members and Children under 4
1st Friday isn’t your only chance to experience art and culture in Downtown Santa Cruz. This 3rd Friday at the MAH, you can experience all things counterculture, from spoken work to, of course, a Grateful Dead cover band.
FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach: Eddie Money
When: Friday, 6/19 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
Every summer, the Boardwalk hosts a collection of one hit wonders, local favorites, and megastars of decades’s past each Friday night. This summer will kick off with Eddie Money, the rock crooner behind “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Take Me Home Tonight.”
14th Annual Jay Race
When: Saturday, 6/20 at 8:00 am
Where: Capitola Beach
How Much: $35 – $70. Free to watch.
Celebrate the life of local professional surfer Jay Moriarty and test your paddling skills at the 14 Annual Jay Race, a paddle board race and benefit for Santa Cruz County Junior Lifeguards.
PaPa’S BaG, “A James Brown Experience at Don Quixote’s
When: Saturday, 6/20 at 8:00 pm
Where: Don Quixote’s International Music Hall
How Much: $10
“Get On Up” this Saturday night and experience James Brown cover artists PaPa’s BaG at Don Quixote’s. If your dad loves oldschool R&B, this concert could make for a great Father’s Day present
Summer Concert Series: Vinny Johnson Band
When: Saturday, 6/20 from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: New Brighton State Beach
How Much: Free (parking is $10)
Local rock, blues and funk group Vinny Johnson Band will perform on the beach this Saturday, kicking off New Brighton State Beach’s summer concert series. This should be a great event for the whole family, but remember to bring plenty of blankets and sweaters!
The 2015 Garden Faire in Scotts Valley – Growing During Climate Change
When: Saturday, 6/20 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Scotts Valley’s Skypark
How Much: Free
As our planet changes, the gardeners approach to their craft will have to change as well. Stop by the Garden Faire this weekend to learn about sustainable gardening and living practices, and peruse different informational booths and demonstrations.
Tanniversary
When: Saturday, 6/20 from 3:00 pm -10:00 pm
Where: Tannery Arts Center
How Much: Free
In just six years, the Tannery has ingrained itself as an indispensable part of Santa Cruz’s arts and culture scene. Take some time to honor the Tannery and take a peek at its future this Saturday night.
Summer Solstice Gathering
When: Saturday, 6/20 from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Where: San Lorenzo Park – Duck Island Stage area
How Much: Free
Local organization Project Pollinate works to advance social justice and human rights here in Santa Cruz. You can learn more about them and enjoy music, art, and a free raffle at their Summer Solstice celebration.
Youth & Adult Beach Soccer Tournament
When: Saturday, 6/20 through Sunday, 6/21 at 9:00 am
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
This weekend, Santa Cruz will play host to adult and youth soccer players from around the country, through the American Scores Beach Soccer Blast. Whether you’re an avid beach soccer fan or just curious, this is a great chance to enjoy some free sports entertainment on the beach.
Father’s Day Events
- The Men of Big Basin: A Father’s Day Special Event
- Father’s Day Steam Train at Roaring Camp Railroads
- Father’s Day Brunch
- Father’s Day – Hats off to Dad
Upcoming Events
Woodies on the Wharf
When: June 26 – 28
Get more info here.
Pleasure Point Street Fair
When: June 27
Get more info on the Pleasure Point Street Fair website.
Santa Cruz Guide to 4th of July
Check out the Guide to 4th of July in Santa Cruz.
Hikes
- Meteor Trail Hike
- Redwood Loop Walk
- Wildflower Walk
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods!
- Castle Rock to Falls Overlook Hike
- Old-Growth Redwood Walks
- Paws in the Park: monthly dog walk
- Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Rippin at the Boardwalk Bowl
- Field to Vase Dinner in Monterey Bay, CA
- Third Fridays Art Walk
- Mike Doughty at Don Quixote’s
- The Great Blindini Magic Show
- Critter Safari
- Dr. Lonnie Smith and Wil Blades
- Paradise Soul Savers with special guest Chris Rene + Afrofunk Experience
- A Date With The Strait’ Premiere
- Nipsey Hussle
- KZSC Presents: William H Klink, Arrows, Buddies
- Joint Chiefs
- Santa Cruz Shakespeare Noon at Nick: Much Ado About Nothing
- Film screening: Spirit of Akasha: A new surf film by Andrew Kidman
Friday & Saturday
Friday through Sunday
Saturday:
- Here Comes the Sun!
- Dancenter Showcase
- Sixth annual Gerbera Festival
- Poetry in Nature
- Spurs // Painted Horses – Club Kuumbwa
- Essence of Cuba: Rumba & Orisha Workshop with Kati Hernandez
- LA SUCURSAL DE LA CUMBIA + DJ Rabeat
- ROBIN TROWER, Michael Cosyn Group
- Yellowman
- The Avi Zev Band, Drevmers
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
Recurring Events You Can Find Every Weekend
- Tours of the Reserve at Elkhorn Slough (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Santa Cruz Farmers Markets (weekly events)
- Live Comedy at the Crow’s Nest (weekly event – every Sunday night)
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