Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, which means a whole weekend full of romantic events like wine tasting, a Beatles’ cover concert, and a scenic hike at Wilder Ranch.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Community Rental: Legendary Collective Slam
When: Friday, 2/13 from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: MAH
How Much: $5-$10
A defiant blend of poetry, rap, and performance, slam poetry continues to be relevant in the midst of today’s turbulent current events. See what Santa Cruz’s local slam poets have to offer at the area’s only slam poetry competition this Friday at the MAH.
White Album Ensemble “Unplugged”
When: Friday, 2/13 at 8:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz
How Much: $20
UPDATE: This performance is Sold Out.
Relive some of the Beatles’ most famous romantic songs, including “Girl,” “Good Day Sunshine,” and “Here Comes the Sun,” with acclaimed tribute band White Album Ensemble. This show will be totally acoustic, making for the perfect intimate Valentine’s weekend concert.
Kinky at the Catalyst
When: Friday, 2/13 Doors at 8:00, Show at 9:00 pm
Where: The Catalyst Club
How Much: $20-$25
Mexican rock group Kinky is known for redefining contemporary Latin American music. You can catch them playing new versions of innovative songs released over the last decade this Friday night, right here in Santa Cruz.
What is Erotic? 2015
When: Friday, 2/13 & Saturday, 2/14 from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: 418 Project
How Much: $30-$125
Update: Last weekend’s performances sold out and this weekend’s tickets are going fast. Two additional performances have also been added for next weekend.
Now in its tenth year of running, What is Erotic? has made a name for itself by challenging norms and taboos regarding sexuality. It’s irreverent, thought provoking, and certainly not for the faint of heart.
CYT Santa Cruz presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
When: Friday, 2/13 through Sunday, 2/15. Runs through 2/22.
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater
How Much: $8-$16
It was recently announced that Disney has started casting a live action version of its animated classic Beauty and the Beast, but you watch Santa Cruz’s own Christian Youth Theater bring it the stage this weekend. If your kids have Disney mania, this is a great way to transition them into appreciating live theater.
Wine for Paws
When: Saturday, 2/14 from 2:00 pm to Midnight
Where: CAVA Wine Bar
Birchbark is a local foundation that raises money to treat sick dogs whose owners can’t afford medical care. You can support this great cause while enjoying quality local wine at CAVA Wine Bar this Valentine’s Day, when 15 percent of all proceeds will be donated to Birchbark.
Twisted Tasting
When: Saturday, 2/14 from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Monterey Bay Sanctuary Exploration Center
How Much: $80
UPDATE: This just in: people love beer. This one is now Sold Out.
Engage your brain and your taste buds this weekend, when the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Exploration Center will host a night of exotic and adventuresome beer tasting from around the world, paired with exotic food prepared by local businesses.
Migration Festival
When: Saturday, 2/14 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Natural Bridges State Park
How Much: Free
Celebrate the migration of local wildlife as you yourself migrate to Natural Bridges for a day of learning, crafts, skits, kids’ activities, live music, and cake. The event is free to everyone, but keep in mind that all day parking at Natural Bridge costs $10.
One Billion Rising Santa Cruz
When: Saturday, 2/14 from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: MAH
How Much: Free
Local artists, musicians, and performers will come together this Valentine’s Day to raise awareness about violence against women. The MAH will host workshops for kids, teens, and adults exploring what we can do to reduce gender related violence.
History, Nature, and Scenic Views: A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area
When: Saturday, 2/14 at 9:00 am
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park
How Much: Free
Learn about the history of Wilder Ranch’s upper hills during a scenic walk that will meet in the Wilder Ranch parking lot. This is a great Valentine’s Day activity, but make sure you and your date bring good walking shoes, food, and plenty of water, and keep in mind that the hike will be canceled if it rains.
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Public Cleanup at Hidden Beach with the Rio Del Mar Improvement Association
- Joseph, Sun Maiden
- Coffee Zombie Collective plus The Bluetail Flies
- The California Honeydrops
Friday & Saturday
Friday through Sunday
Saturday:
- MBoSC Wilder Ranch State Park Club Ride
- Hike to Buzzard’s Roost
- Family opera: “My Head is Full of Colors”
- Protoje
- Tuck & Patti (Sold Out)
- Thanks Buddy, Kepi Ghoulie, Sharkanoid,
- Celtic Fiddle Festival
- Valentine’s Day Dinner – Seafood Buffet
- Tsunami Valentine’s party!
- The California Honeydrops Valentines Day Dance Party (Sold Out)
- The Paul Thorn Band
- DJ Mikey’s Valentine Day Mixer
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
- New Music Works presents Piano Reverie with Sarah Cahill, solo piano recital
- Science Sunday
- Mushroom Hunt!
- Cleanup Cowells Project
- Carolyn Sills Combo // Sherry Austin & Henhouse
- Treasures of Quail Hollow
- OVER THE RHINE William Fitzsimmons opening
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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