Summer is in full bloom, and the opportunities to enjoy yourself outside are multiplying, from paddling the San Lorenzo River to enjoying an outdoor play or concert. Then again, maybe you’ll want to stay indoors at Kaiser Permanente to support our Derby Girls…
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 – Macy Gray
When: Friday, 7/11 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
This week’s Band on the Beach brings us Macy Gray, the vocal powerhouse that gave us the can’t–get–it–out–of–your–head, “I Try.” Ms. Gray will be a treat for fans of classic jazz singers like Billie Holiday.
Old Fashioned Campfire for the Whole Family
When: Friday, 7/11 at 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Where: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
How Much: Free
You don’t have to venture far into the redwoods to enjoy the campfire experience in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Mission is hosting a free night of singing, games, and hopefully s’mores around the fire, and everyone’s invited.
Altar Boyz
When: Friday, 7/11 through Sunday, 7/13, at 7:30 pm and 2:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater
How Much: $16-$45
In between catchy tunes, this satirical musical pokes fun at boy bands, Christian music, and much more of American culture. The show has won an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off Broadway Musical.
Santa Cruz Fringe Festival
When: Runs from 7/10 – 7/19, times vary
Where: Various locations
How Much: Prices vary
Have a taste for the uncommon? Come nourish your strange side at the Fringe Festival, an annual Santa Cruz festival featuring one acts 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.
Putting It Together
When: Friday, 7/11 through Sunday, 7/13, at 8:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater
How Much: $22-$36
Lovers of Broadway won’t want to miss this show, a compendium of classic musical hits from famous composer and lyricist Steven Sodheim. Come enjoy songs from beloved shows like A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Sweeny Todd.
As You Like It
When: Saturday, 7/12 at 8:00 pm and 2:00 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.
Summer Art Market #2: Teen Art Market
When: Saturday, 7/12 at 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
How Much: Free
The next generation of artists will show their stuff at the MAH’s second Summer Art Market. The art will range from classic paintings to zines and tote bags.
Santa Cruz Derby Girls Bout
When: Saturday, 7/12 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
How Much: $10.00-$29.00
The Sacred City Disciples will be traveling down from Sacramento to see if they can spread their message to Santa Cruz, taking on our very own Harbor Hellcats. All those who worship at the Church of Derby are urged to attend and support the Hellcats.
San Lorenzo River Paddle Series
When: Saturday, 7/12 at 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: San Lorenzo River
How Much: Free
The Pacific Ocean ain’t the only body of water in town. Come out and get to know your own river and paddle through a lazy Saturday under the sun. Just remember: safety comes first!
Coffis Brothers & The Mountain Men plus We Became Owls
When: Saturday, 7/12 at 8:00 am
Where: Don Quixote’s International Music Hall
How Much: $10
The Coffis Brothers & The Mountain Men are Santa Cruz locals, but their music sounds like a slice of Americana from anywhere and everywhere. Come enjoy this local treasure at Don Quixote’s, another local treasure.
Summer Art Market #3: Look Collective
When: Sunday, 7/13 at 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Abbott Square
How Much: Free
The second of the double dosage of Art Markets this weekends will feature earthy and luxe sculptures and leather. This is a great opportunity to buy a gift for a special loved one, or a new journal for yourself!
The Merry Wives of Windsor
When: Sunday, 7/13 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.
Mary Poppins Sing-a-Long: An SCPA Family Theatre Project
When: Sunday, 7/13 at 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
How Much: $10-$12
Sing–a–longs at the Rio are always a treat, and what better film for the whole family to enjoy together than Mary Poppins? What’s more, your admission will go to helping animals in need at the local SCPA. kind of hard to turn that one down, isn’t it?
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- The Abigails with Bart Davenport and Extra Classic
- Full Moon Madness Astronomy Night
- Farm to Table Wine Dinner Series – featuring Kathryn Kennedy Winery
Friday through Sunday
Saturday:
- E-Waste and Clothing Drive
- Sin Sisters Burlesque
- Monterey Monthly Beach Cleanup at Casa Verde Beach with Bureo Skate Boards and the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Christopher Titus: “The Angry Pursuit of Happiness” Tour
- David Mayfield Parade with Vandella and Birdman
- A Day of Reconciliation
- The Mermen
- History, Nature, and Scenic Views: A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area
- Wildflower Hike
- Researchers Anonymous: Santa Cruz Trains & Researching In The Digital Age
- Movies at the Ranch: “The Gnome-Mobile”
- Performing Arts: To (be) follow(ed)
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
- Weekly XStream Cleanup at Davenport Main Beach
- Weekly Cowell Beach Cleanup
- Homestead Options Workshops
- Dip and Dash Aquathlon #1
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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