This weekend we welcome back the monarchs, while saying goodbye (for 2014) to the Derby Girls. Open Studios continues for its second weekend, and we get to see a live fireworks show for the second weekend in a row.
Those, and the rest of the Santa Cruz Life picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend below.
Open Studios Art Tour: North County
When: Saturday, 10/11 through Sunday, 10/12 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz County
How Much: Free
Open Studios continues with North County artists showing off their best work. Take a peek at SCL’s Open Studios coverage for more info!
Operation Surf Central Coast 2014
When: Friday, 10/10 through Sunday, 10/12
Where: Beaches across the Central Coast
If you’re looking to spend a part of your weekend giving back while also enjoying Santa Cruz’s natural beauty, then volunteering for Operation Surf Central Coast is a great opportunity to do just that. Operations Surf helps wounded veterans by teaching them to surf, which can be both physically and emotionally therapeutic.
20th Annual Lobster Feed
When: Saturday, 10/11 at 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
How Much: $75-$100
Enjoy delicious Maine lobster, the bluegrass music of Highway One, and great community fellowship this Saturday night at the 20th Annual Lobster Feed. Ticket proceeds go to supporting Henry Cowell State Park and Big Basin.
50th Annual Watsonville Fly-In and Air Show
When: Saturday, 10/11 through Sunday, 10/12
Where: Watsonville Airport
How Much: $7-$100
Watch old fashioned airplanes do loops, dives and more at the Watsonville Air Show. There will also be helicopter rides and a vintage police car race.
Science Expo at Cabrillo College
When: Saturday, 10/11 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive
How Much: Free
If your kids love conducting “science experiments” on anything they can get their hands on, bring them to the Science Expo, where there will be hands on (and safe!) demonstrations for all ages. This might be the experience that inspires them for a lifetime.
UCSC Arboretum Fall Plant Sale!
When: Saturday, 10/11 from Noon to 4:00 pm
Where: UC Santa Cruz Arboretum Eucalyptus Grove
How Much: Free
UCSC’s Arboretum grows over 300 different plant families, and you can bring a piece of this local gem home with you at the Fall Plant Sale. Garden enthusiasts can take a look at what will be available here.
First Annual Santa Cruz Comedy Festival
When: Friday, 10/10 at 8:30 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz
How Much: $20-$25
The stand up scene in Santa Cruz has been building a lot over the last few years, and finally there will be a festival to celebrate it. Come enjoy the observations and musings of nationally renowned comics, as well as a pre show photography exhibit from Dan Dion, who has photographed over 1000 famous comedians.
Welcome Back Monarchs Day!
When: Sunday, 10/12 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Natural Bridges
How Much: Free. Day-use parking is $10
The monarchs are returning from their travels! Come let the beautiful butterflies know they’ve been missed and witness a truly spectacular homecoming.
Classic Car & Truck Show at the Harbor
When: Sunday, 10/12 at 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Harbor (harbor’s west side near Mariner Park Lawn)
How Much: Free
The season of vintage car shows continues with this classic event, where you can enjoy live music, food, and some truly stylish cars, trucks, and even motorcycles!
Santa Cruz Derby Girls Home Season Closer
When: Saturday, 10/11 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
How Much: $8-$29
Come celebrate the Derby Girls’ awesome season in the home closer, when the Boardwalk Bombshells with take on the Bad Apples, who come all the way from New York. This is also an early Halloween party, so come in a costume if you’re so inclined.
Downtown Antique Fair
When: Sunday, 10/12 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
How Much: Free
If your idea of sophisticated is slightly scuffed, if you prefer dusty over designer, and if you know vintage is about more than just wine, then the monthly Antique Faire in downtown Santa Cruz is for you. Think of it as a sort of monthly pop-up mall where everything’s super old, and indulge accordingly.
The Santa Cruz Music Festival Pre-Party
When: Friday, 10/10 through Saturday, 10/11
Where: The Catalyst Club
How Much: $27-$50
Celebrate the Santa Cruz Music Festival at this two day event. There’s no more fitting venue than the historic Catalyst, a symbol of Santa Cruz’s musical roots.
Monte Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Capitola Fireworks Extravaganza
When: Saturday, 10/11. Fireworks will begin around 8:15 pm
Where: Capitola Village
How Much: Free
You’ve probably heard of Christmas in July. Well, this is Independence Day in October. If that isn’t an awesome enough prospect, this fundraiser will go toward supporting public schools.
Beach Cleanups
- Monterey Monthly Beach Cleanup at Moss Landing State Beach
- Weekly Cowell Beach Cleanup
- Save Our Shores Capitola Beach Clean Up
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Del McCoury and David Grisman
- Zumba Dance Party!!!
- Farm to Table Wine Dinner Series – Featuring Fiesta Farm
- Waipuna
Friday & Saturday
Saturday:
- First Annual Wonafest: Coffee Zombie Collective, The Fintztones plus MSTPL
- Researchers Anonymous “Flying through the Past: Panoramic Views of Santa Cruz: 1870 and 1906
- Chardonnay II Brewmaster Charter
- Family Art Workshop: Sugar Skulls
- Monte Foundation Fireworks Cruise
- Smash Bros Tournament
- Wildflower Hike
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
- Community Sundays and Toy Drive
- “Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk HIT Cheer & Dance Competitions: HIT THE BEACH Championships”
- Alehouse Narratives – Season 3
- Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour
- Bay Area Flamenco Festival: Jose Mendez, Mari Peña & Antonio Moya
- Coastal Watershed Council Water Tour Series
Recurring Events You Can Find Every Weekend
- 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)
Top Photo Credit: Philip
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Awesome post, Blair! You make me want to go to every single one of these events 🙂