There are many great ways to honor and indulge moms this weekend in Santa Cruz.
Mother Nature provides a great backdrop with outdoor activities from a living history hike celebrating women to birding at Natural Bridges and the UCSC Arboretum.
Or, spend some quality time with mom shopping, strolling and sipping at two perfectly timed wine walks in Downtown Santa Cruz and Watsonville.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
This week’s roundup is sponsored by Play it Forward Santa Cruz — key word: PLAY! Don’t miss this family-friendly event from Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation. From hands-on activities and games to live music, food trucks, and a beer & wine garden, come hungry, thirsty, and ready to play!
Click here for more information about Play it Forward.
Friday
AAT Presents “The Drowsy Chaperone”
When: 5/10 – 5/11 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Theatre
Cost: $13-$20
If you love classic Broadway musicals, The Drowsy Chaperone is just the ticket. Featuring a live band and local accomplished youth performers, this musical within a comedy will provide you lots of laughs and musical delights.
JP Sears Comedy Show (Early Show) w/ guest Stephanie Clark
When: 5/10 at 7:00 pm (SOLD OUT) and 9:30 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Cost: $38.50 + service charge
OK Santa Cruz hipsters, this comedy show is for you and about you! JP Sears is an emotional healing coach who brings his hilarious perspective on self-help, nutrition fads and new age healing to the comedy stage where he encourages us all to heal and grow. Stephanie Clark will open the show.
41st Annual Spring Mother’s Day Plant Sale
When: 5/10 (Friday member pre-sale only); 5/11 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; 5/12 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo’s Horticulture and Agriculture Technology Center
For gardeners, this is THE place for native, organic, edible, medicinal and culinary plants, as well as salvias, succulents, cut flowers and so much more. Even if you aren’t an avid horticulturist, this plant sale will get you excited about the possibilities.
Looking for more Mother’s Day activities? We’ve included a few ways to celebrate here, but for our complete roundup of brunches, shopping, and outdoor events, check out our 2019 Mother’s Day Guide.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
Saturday
Shakespeare to Go’s The Tempest
When: 5/11 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Boulder Creek Branch Library
Cost: Free
With a mission to open the world of Shakespeare to a younger audience, UCSC’s Theater Arts department puts a new spin on The Tempest. This shortened version retains the essence of the Bard’s language but gives new fans a live, up close and relatable experience.
Senderos Vive Oaxaca Cooper Street Fiesta
When: 5/11 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Cooper Street, Downtown Santa Cruz
Cost: Free
Marking the beginning of the traditional Guelaguetza festivities, this colorful street fiesta will feature Oaxacan music, dancing and food, all arriving by jubilant procession from Cooper Street.
World Migratory Bird Day
When: 5/11 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Natural Bridges State Beach
Cost: Free ($10 Day-use parking fee)
Natural Bridges is a popular stop on the Pacific Flyway, as you can witness at this fun and educational celebration of avian feats. With workshops, bird walks and arts and crafts, you can learn all about the hows and whys of bird migration and how to help our feathered friends.
“Listen To Your Mother” Real Stories
When: 5/11 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Where: Center Stage Theater/1001 Center St, Santa Cruz
Cost: $15 each/Group of 5, $10 each
A collection of storytellers come together to talk about what it means to be a mother and be mothered in this unique production honoring and exploring the theme of motherhood.
HUMMINGBIRD DAY
When: 5/11 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
Cost: Free with paid Arboretum Admission
You do not have to travel on an African Safari to see the fastest animal on earth (relative to its size). Just head to the Arboretum to see shocking numbers of Anna’s Hummingbirds. Learn to spot the difference between the Anna’s and the Allen’s hummingbirds, get photography tips and learn about the plants that attract these brightly colored birds. The Arboretum has a great little gift shop for last minute Mother’s Day shopping.
WATSONVILLE WINE, BEER AND ART WALK
When: 5/11 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Watsonville
Cost: $30
Watsonville proudly displays its fine architecture and local art as you stroll along taking it all in, glass in hand. Sample some delicious food and browse the enticing artwork for sale. This event sold out last year, so advance purchase is recommended. Event goers receive a wine glass, tote bag and passport for 18 different locations throughout historic downtown.
Bicycle Trip’s 26th Annual Bike Fest
When: 5/11 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: 1001 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
Cost: Free Admission
A free celebration of all things bike, this annual party features bike demos, stunt shows, a prize wheel and raffle as well as food and drinks and the good company of other bicyclists.
Capitola Village Sip & Stroll (SOLD OUT)
When: 5/11 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Capitola Village
Cost: $22.50
Get more info here.
AAT Presents “The Drowsy Chaperone”
See Description Under Friday Section
41st Annual Spring Mother’s Day Plant Sale
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
OUTDOORS
MORE
Sunday
Mother’s Day at the Seymour Center
When: 5/12 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Cost: Adult $9 | Senior, Student, Child $7 | Children 2 and under FREE | Members FREE
The Seymour Center is always a delight and this Sunday features an arts and crafts table where kids can make their beloved Mommy a gift (from 1:00-3:00 pm). If you are amongst the first 125 moms who enter, you will receive a free handmade chocolate (which you do not have to share with your children) from sponsor Ashby Confections.
Mother’s Day Walk: Women of Big Basin
When: 5/12 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Cost: Free ($10 Day-use parking fee)
Take a living history walk at Big Basin and learn about some of the spirited, forward-thinking women who helped preserve, protect and interpret this incomparable park. Stroller and wheelchair accessible, this half-mile hike will be led by Susan Blake as she portrays three inspiring women who broke in the trail for us.
Tannery Spring Art Market
When: 5/12 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Tannery Arts Center
Cost: Free
You will be amazed at the beauty, creativity and bounty as you explore and shop the 40+ artists and vendors displaying their wares at the Tannery. With fabulous local live music, beer from Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, and local wines, food trucks Ate3One and Mattia Pizza as well as the Tannery’s Bistro One Twelve and kids activities, this event will be a feast for eyes, ears and taste buds.
35th Annual Mother’s Day Run/Walk for Shelter
When: 5/12 at 7:00 am
Where: Ramsey Park
Cost: $20 – $40 Day of Regristration only (Online registration closed)
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services hosts this 10K run, 5K run/walk and 1K for kids to raise money for women, children and families dealing with homelessness. This computer timed race begins and ends at Ramsey Park in Watsonville and is a fun way to help those in need this Mother’s Day.
ROARING CAMP: MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
When: 5/12 at 9:00 am and 11:00 am
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
Cost: Brunch only – Adults: $39 and Children: $29; Brunch & Train – Adults $69 and Children $50
Enjoy a relaxing brunch in Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp and follow it up with a train ride through the majestic Redwoods. Live Music from Pat Hull and kids arts and crafts will complete the day.
Youth Rock Show + Play Day
When: 5/12 from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: The MAH
Cost: $10 (free for Members)
Hula Hoops, face paint, DIY balloon hats will occupy your mind as your ears take in the sonic stylings of five youth rock bands in Abbott Square.
Downtown Santa Cruz Wine Walk – Spring
When: 5/12 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Soif
Cost: $35 in advance / If not sold out in advance, then $40 day-of event per person
There might be a little shopping, but really it’s all about taking mom out for some quality time together, strolling through downtown shops and wine tasting. Featuring wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and Central Coast, this is a great opportunity to taste and discover mom’s new favorite and keep it stocked for visits.
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
THEATER/ARTS
MAKE/CRAFT
OUTDOORS
MORE
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Event Name
When: Sunday, May 19 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
Cost: Free
Don’t miss this family-friendly event from Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation. From hands-on activities and games to live music, food trucks, and a beer & wine garden, come hungry, thirsty, and ready to play!
Event Name
When: Friday, May 17 at 5:00 pm
Where: Skypark, Scotts Valley
With six different food trucks lining up to serve you, and a beer garden featuring Steel Bonnet Brewing Company, watching The Force Awakens out under the night sky will be an unforgettable experience. The movie is free, and the beer garden benefits the Scotts Valley Education Foundation. Bring your camera and snap a few pictures with a famous little droid.
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