This weekend we have some familiar events, like free bands on the beach, the annual Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival, and some fun first time events like the Tequila & Taco Music Festival.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the top things to do in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach – Great White
When: Friday, 8/22 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
There’s going to be a Great White on the beach, but this time there’s nothing to fear. 1970s rock band Great White will perform a free concert at the Boardwalk, where they’ll surely please the crowd with hits like “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.”
Movies at the Beach: Wall-E
When: Friday, 8/22 at 7:30 pm
Where: Esplanade Park
How Much: Free
Wall-E is an impressive film for many reasons, but perhaps the most astonishing thing about it is that it can hold a kid’s attention without having any actual dialogue. And since it’s Pixar, it has a level of quality that someone of any age can appreciate. Come enjoy a free showing in Capitola this Friday night.
Pop-Up Breakfast Series
When: Saturday, 8/23 from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Scotts Valley Farmers Market
How Much: $33 + $2 handling fee
You only have two more chances to partake in the ultra-popular Pop-Up Breakfast Series, so if you’re able, take the opportunity to enjoy fine-foods caterer Heidi Schlecht’s fresh, seasonal cuisine at the Scotts Valley Farmers Market.
Third Annual Slow Food Santa Cruz Edible Gardens Tour
When: Saturday, 8/23 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Various gardens throughout Santa Cruz County
How Much: $10
Slow Food Santa Cruz’s annual exploration of delicious front yards turns the traditional garden tour on its head. Come out this Saturday for a garden tour that’s both decorous and digestible. Advance tickets are available online.
Day-of ticket sales will be available at Mesa Verde Gardens, 2091 17th St., Santa Cruz, starting at 9:30 AM on the day of the event, August 23.
Tequila & Taco Music Festival
When: Saturday, 8/23 from 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
Where: San Lorenzo Park
How Much: $10-$30
Refined street tacos, top-shelf tequila samplings, and live Latin and reggae music from the likes of Candelaria?
In the words of almost every TV personality ever, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Summer Gathering of Mountain Men
When: Saturday, 8/23 through Sunday, 8/24 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
Mountain Man Isaac Graham settled the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1830, and now in 2014 we’re lucky enough to have Roaring Camp Railroads, which is putting on a weekend’s worth of fun for the whole family. Come see what it was like for the early Mountain Men — and women! — and feast on a delicious BBQ lunch.
Music in the Park
When: Saturday, 8/23, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Laurel Park (behind Louden Nelson)
How Much: Free
Enjoy an all-ages outdoor concert in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, with the added bonus of free tie-dyeing! Bring a few clothing options, a bagged lunch, and folding chairs and enjoy the end of August with your family.
Chardonnay II “Brewmaster” Sail with SCMB Organic Ales
When: Saturday, 8/23 from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor
How Much: $29.50-$53.50
Everything’s classier on a boat, including beer. Come learn about Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing’s process and taste some of latest offerings as you sail around the Monterey Bay.
The McCoy Tyler Band, The Coffis Brothers & Spurs
When: Saturday, 8/23 at 9:00 pm
Where: Moe’s Alley
How Much: $7-$10
Santa Cruz natives The McCoy Tyler Band play traditional folk and bluegrass with a hard rock twist. They’ll be supported by fellow local acts, The Coffis Brothers, and the Spurs. You can hear all three play their stuff this Saturday night at Moe’s Alley.
22nd Annual Aloha Races and Polynesian Festival
When: Sunday, 8/24 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Municipal Wharf
How Much: Free
This Sunday morning, the Santa Cruz Wharf area will be filled with novice outriggers, in three different races designed for people who have never canoed before.
Win or lose, participants and spectators can enjoy the Polynesian cultural festival happening afterwards.
Run By The Sea
When: Sunday, 8/24 from 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park
How Much: $40-$55
Take in the beauty of the Santa Cruz coastline and get a workout in the process while participating in this 12K run along the Pacific Ocean. The perks: a free t-shirt, and the knowledge that you’re helping to support the coastal rail trail.
Beach Cleanups
- North Coast Cleanup at Shark Tooth Beach
- North Coast Cleanup at Davenport Main Beach
- North Coast Cleanup at Panther Beach
- Weekly Cowell Beach Cleanup
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Ka Nalu
- Party Animal Radio Comedy Night: The Beach Bum Alcoholics, Matt Lieb, Lucia Carol Tuman, Dave Grimes II & more
- John Jorgenson Quintet
- Little One’s Nature Club ages 4-7
- The Inciters and 2 Tone Sounds
Friday & Saturday
Saturday:
- Freestone Peaches A Tribute to The Allman Brothers plus Drifting Compass
- Aptos Book Sale
- Monterey Bay Dahlia Society Annual Show
- Husalah, D-Lo at the Catalyst
- Bluegrass Roundup: Steep Ravine // Windy Hill // Joshua Lowe & the Juncos
- Natural History Storytime
- Wooden Suns, Dead Rose Pilgrims, Zula
- The Crooked Road Ceili Band – Irish Celtic Music
- Explore the Night Sky
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
- HOW Day: Kitchen Skills
- “Los Cenzontles and Andre Thierry: Zydeco-Mexican Connection with wondrous Mexican-American roots group Los Cenzontles and Zydeco master Andre Thierry”
- Step Back in Time – Explore Seacliff’s History
- Education: Ceramics: Throw – Alter – Assemble
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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