February First Friday is here to kick off the weekend by celebrating arts, artists, live music, and free admission to some pretty cool places.
The Migration Festival, 2nd Saturday on the Farm, and grand opening of a new skate park are perfect for families with young kids.
And don’t forget, this weekend the King Tides return so plan to visit your favorite tide pools during negative low tide!
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
First Friday Santa Cruz
When: 2/7 at 5:00 pm
Where: Various locations throughout the county
First Friday is a monthly choose your own adventure art tour throughout Santa Cruz County. If you’re Downtown, don’t miss the MAH’s current exhibitions exploring the local mountain biking and tattoo scenes. You’ll also love Hearts for the Arts, a silent auction fundraiser at Artisans & Agency. On the Westside Stockwell Cellars is one of several places to view art and enjoy live music and a food truck. Or, head to the mountains and stroll the historic streets of Boulder Creek!
Mushrooms: Keys to the Kingdom Fungi
When: 2/7 Normal hours + special event from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Fungi featured in all their glory is the theme of First Friday at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, as well as its newest exhibit, Mushrooms: Keys to the Kingdom of Fungi. Enjoy free admission all day and a special evening mushroom pop-up with the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz, an ID station, and the opportunity to meet lichen expert Ken Kellman.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- FishHook @ Crow’s Nest
- PLEASURE POINT JAZZ @ Lulu’s Carpenter’s
- Free Music: An evening with El Duo @ The Crepe Place
- Music Show @ Togo’s Scotts Valley
- The Mighty Diamonds @ Moe’s Alley
- WAKE THE DEAD LIVE! @ Michael’s on Main
- Jack Lawton & The Cosmic Drifters @ Michael’s on Main
- J.Lately with Space Cadet @ The Catalyst
THEATER/ARTS
- 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival @ Center Stage Theater
- The Other Place @ The Colligan Theater
- Retrospect – An Exhibition of Art @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
- ALL ABOUT THEATRE PRESENTS: IN THE HEIGHTS @ Louden Nelson Community Center
- HEARTS FOR THE ARTS 2020 @ Artisans & Agency
- Carlos Motta: We The Enemy @ Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
- Michael Singer Photography Exhibit @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
- February Free First Friday @ The MAH
- FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK IN BOULDER CREEK @ Boulder Creek
MORE
Saturday
33rd Annual Migration Festival
When: 2/8 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Natural Bridges State Beach
Celebrate the migration of our beloved monarchs as well as whales, birds, and many other species at this family-friendly event. There are a ton of games and crafts for kids to enjoy, educational booths and displays, and live music from the nature-loving 5M’s Band. Pack a picnic or purchase one there, and save room for habitat cake!
Community Mountain Bike Ride
When: 2/8 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: The MAH
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History rocks a new exhibition this month, Trailblazers: The Creative History of Mountainbiking in Santa Cruz. And in true MAH style, the community is invited to participate in several out-of-the-museum events, including this group ride with mountain biking legend Jacquie Phelan. All levels are welcome, so grab your biking BFF or meet a new riding buddy and hit the trail.
Science Saturday: Dive into Deep Sea Exploration!
When: 2/8 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Got some younguns with a passion for all things STEAM? Sign them up to design and build their own underwater remote operated vehicle or ROV for short. Then plunge their creations into the Deep Sea Tank to test its skills and complete challenges. This course is open to all ages six and up.
Galentine’s Pop-Ups at Home/Work
When: 2/8 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Home/Work 1100 Soquel Ave.
Head to Midtown to celebrate the strongest bond there is…girlfriends! One of several Galentine’s events in Midtown, Home/Work is hosting two pop-ups: Stop by to sip mini Bloody Mary’s featuring Counter Cultures Kitchen hot sauce, and check out Dandy Roots apothecary and candles made without plastic packaging. Then continue the fun at nearby shops hosting giveaways, live music, champagne, donuts, and more!
AGRICULTURAL HISTORY PROJECT: HEARTS & FLOWERS ON THE FARM
When: 2/8 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Agricultural History Project Center and Museum
Help plant spring flowers, decorate a sugar cookie, and make a Valentine at the very family-friendly 2nd Saturday on the Farm. There is lots of good old-fashioned fun to be had like wooden cow milking, a kid-driven tractor, model railroad exhibit, and a puppet show and photo op to go with this month’s theme: Hearts & Flowers.
CAPITOLA VILLAGE: FEBRUARY SIP & STROLL
When: 2/8 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Capitola Village
With 20 breweries and wineries participating, and an array of shops and venues in Capitola offering specials to entice the sipping, strolling folks, this is a great way to slow the pace down a bit and enjoy the flavor of Capitola village. Sample the wares and appreciate the uniqueness of this seaside town.
Seacliff Skate Park Grand Opening
When: 2/8 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Seacliff Village Park
Hot on the trail of the county’s newest playground, Leo’s Haven at Chanticleer Park, we have a brand new skate park! Roll through Seacliff Skate Park, located on McGregor and Canterbury Dr. next to the Sno-White Drive-In, for ribbon cutting festivities, pro skate demos, open skate sessions, and music by local favorite, Cement Ship. Plus, food and drinks provided by Aptos St. BBQ and FitAid.
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Whiskerman @ Moe’s Alley
- SPUN @ Crow’s Nest
- Tay and the JangLaDahs w/ Lyric Raven and Friends & Cement Ship @ The Crepe Place
- THE 2+2 BAND @ Lulu’s Carpenter’s
- Grayscale with Hot Mulligan, WSTR & Lurk @ The Catalyst
- Benefit for Fred Thompson @ Michael’s on Main
THEATER/ARTS
- Songs of Resilience: Celebrating the Centennial of Pete Seeger’s Birth @ Resource Center For Nonviolence
- Sin Sisters Burlesque @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- HEARTS FOR THE ARTS 2020 @ Artisans & Agency
- Carlos Motta: We The Enemy @ Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
- ALL ABOUT THEATRE PRESENTS: IN THE HEIGHTS @ Louden Nelson Community Center
- Michael Singer Photography Exhibit @ Scotts Valley Branch Library
- The Other Place @ The Colligan Theater
- 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival @ Center Stage Theater
MAKE/CRAFT
OUTDOORS
- Birding for Beginners in Waddell Valley @ Rancho del Oso Unit
- Volunteer with the Trail Crew @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Backcountry Hike @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Coffee Talk and Crafts @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Coast Nature Walk @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Migration Festival @ Natural Bridges State Beach
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Snake Park Saturday @ Rancho del Oso Unit
MORE
Sunday
Open House at the Castro Adobe: Romance on the Rancho
When: 2/9 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Castro Adobe State Historic Park
Open House events at the Castro Adobe give you a sneak peek into our future State Historic Park, while taking you back in time to the Mexican Rancho Period of California history. Enjoy Mexican hot chocolate while exploring the history, romance, and charm of the adobe and its surrounding gardens and orchard.
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- That 1 Guy @ Moe’s Alley
- Santa Cruz Contra Dance @ Veterans Memorial Hall
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michael’s on Main
- DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE @ Lincoln Street (between Pacific and Cedar)
- RIO THEATRE PRESENTS: POSTMODERN JUKEBOX @ Rio Theatre
- Atmosphere @ The Catalyst
- Chastity Belt @ The Catalyst
- FELTON MUSIC HALL PRESENTS: STEEL PULSE @ Felton Music Hall
THEATER/ARTS
- HEARTS FOR THE ARTS 2020 @ Artisans & Agency
- The Other Place @ The Colligan Theater
- 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival @ Center Stage Theater
- Carlos Motta: We The Enemy @ Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
OUTDOORS
- Younger Lagoon Reserve Tours @ Seymour Center
- Birding for Beginner @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Berry Creek Falls Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Seacliff History Walk @ Seacliff State Beach
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Try Junior Derby for a Day
What: Try Junior Derby for a Day
Where: SCDG Practice Facility, Scotts Valley
When: Saturday, February 22, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Rad opportunity alert for kids ages 7-17! The Santa Cruz Derby Groms are providing everything you need to try derby for a day, including skates, safety equipment, and basic skating instruction. Ask questions, watch a derby demo, and plan for a fun and unique experience.
Salamander Saturday
What: Salamander Saturday
Where: Rancho del Oso Nature & History Center
When: Saturday, March 7, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
A Santa Cruz Life favorite, Salamander Saturday is filled with crafts and activities for the kids, live amphibians to observe, a presentation on “Salamanders of the Santa Cruz Mountains”, and a short hike to find the rockstar critters of the day. You might even meet a serenading salamander playing guitar.
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