Santa Cruz Life

This Weekend in Santa Cruz: May 31st – June 2nd, 2019

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There are many ways to enjoy what is uniquely and quintessentially Santa Cruz this weekend.

Head Downtown for Santa Cruz Pride or celebrate in the redwoods at the Redwood Mountain Faire and Bonny Doon Art, Wine & Brew Festival.

To top it off, we’ve got Open Streets Watsonville, a spring carnival, and the big centennial celebration of our own landmark Cement Ship!

See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:

Quick Links

 

Friday

DeLaveaga Annual Spring Carnival

When: 5/31 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: DeLaveaga Elementary School
Cost: $15 in advance and $17 at the event, or buy punchcards in $5’s and $10’s

Make your kids wildest dreams come true so they can get through their last week of school. This is every kids’ ideal Friday night: dunk tank, climbing wall, bouncy house, karaoke, cotton candy, pizza and this year there is even a Parkour course and an art auction for the discerning connoisseur. All proceeds support the DeLaVeaga Parent Teacher Club.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Presents Château La Roach

When: 5/31 at 7:00 pm AND 6/2 at 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
Cost: $5 at the door (Concessions during intermission)

Santa Cruz Parks and Rec presents 3 laugh-out-loud performances of Château La Roach, an award-winning comic farce that centers on the lives of François and Mimi Laroche, the French owners of a château on the shores of a peaceful American lake. To their horror they discover a “giant” cockroach problem as they prepare for a big weekend of visitors. Fun for the whole family with a cast of fabulous youth ages 8-14.

Celebration of Equality w/ Christie McCarthy & The Wielders

When: 5/31 from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Cost: $25-$40

Get a head start on your Pride Weekend with this energizing show featuring acclaimed musician Christie McCarthy and her band of local dignitaries. A benefit for the Pajaro Valley Pride Youth Scholarship Program, the evening will feature Mistress of Ceremonies, Red, and Spoken Word Artist Maria Cherem as well as a silent auction.

Get more info here.

The Pirates of Penzance

When: 5/31 – 6/2 at 7:30 pm & 3:00 pm
Where: UCSC Music Center Recital Hall
Cost: $5 – $27 

The Gilbert and Sullivan classic gets the UCSC treatment! This fully-staged production features UCSC singers and orchestra, which means an impressive performance!

Get more info here.

A Feast of Friends

When: 5/31 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $15

Bringing together the pick of local musical talent combined with brilliant names from LA and the Bay Area, Feast of Friends is a rock opera in four movements encompassing many genres such as bossa nova, funk, rock and opera.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

MORE

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Saturday

Bonny Doon Art, Wine & Brew Festival

When: 6/1 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Bonny Doon Equestrian Park 3675 Bonny Doon Road, Bonny Doon, CA
Cost: $55 in advance, $75 day of

The Bonny Doon Community School Foundation presents their 17th annual fundraising event for Bonny Doon Elementary School. Celebrate the local community and enjoy wine and craft brew tastings, artisan vendors, live music, a wine pull and food trucks! There’s even a live auction as well as an online auction. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Get more info here.

Cement Ship Centennial

When: 6/1 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Seacliff State Beach
Cost: Event is free; parking is $10

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cement Ship– old school style– with old time dancing (lessons included!), a mobile game and living history re-enactors. Don’t miss the unveiling of the historic plaque sponsored by E. Clampus Vitus, along with cake!

Get more info here.

SS Palo Alto Centennial Street Fair

When: 6/1 from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Downtown Seacliff/Aptos (Broadway & Center)
Cost: FREE

The SS Palo Alto is turning 100 years old and you’re invited to the festivities! In conjunction with the celebration for the Cement Ship at Seacliff State Beach, the street fair will take place on Broadway in Seacliff. Enjoy a day filled with live music, family activities, the Surfing Magician, vendors, food trucks and more!

Get more info here.

In Her Shoes: Fire Burning Within

When: 6/1 from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Resource Center for Nonviolence
Cost: $15 in advance / $20 at the door

Step inside the lives and stories of four women who share their triumphs and tragedies through song, storytelling and spoken word. Afterward, go deeper into the conversation with an inclusive, facilitated discussion about difficult issues like racism and sexism with an aim to reconnect ourselves to each other and the planet.

Get more info here.

2019 Forks, Corks & Kegs, Santa Cruz

When: 6/1 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
Cost: General Admission: $85
Bundle of 10 Tickets: $550 (Save $100)

Wineries, craft breweries, artisan distillers, coffee roasters, even fine filtered water purveyors all gather under one roof, to be paired with food from dozens of local restaurants. Attendees receive a commemorative glass and unlimited tastings. Live music will set the celebratory tone.

Get more info here.

Barbershop Cabaret Show & Homemade Dessert Bar 2019!

When: 6/1 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Felton Community Hall
Cost: $10 kids, $20 general

Sample the musical stylings of four-part harmony as you partake of the array of desserts. This buffet of sound and taste will be sure to please.

Get more info here.

REDWOOD MOUNTAIN FAIRE

When: 6/1 at 11:00 am to 6/2 at 7:00 pm
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
Cost: $20 – $50, Kids 12 and under are Free, Parking $10/cash only

One of the best of the summer festivals is right here in our own redwood-encircled backyard! With over 20 bands on two stages, food and drink, kids activities and arts and crafts, this is a great way to bring on the summer vibes. The Redwood Mountain Faire has raised over $350,000 in its 10-year history for vital foundations that serve our community.

Get more info here.

The Pirates of Penzance

See Description Under Friday Section

Also on Saturday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

MORE

santa cruz instagramKeep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.

Sunday

Open Streets Watsonville 2019

When: 6/2 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Watsonville Civic Plaza (Union/Brennan Streets)
Cost: Free

Pedestrians, cyclists, strollers, roller skaters, etc. take over the streets at this celebration of health and fun. At every turn there will be arts and crafts, environmental activities, giveaways and snacks, plus live music and wonderful people outside enjoying life!

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Pride Parade & Festival

When: 6/2 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Cathcart & Cedar Ave. Downtown Santa Cruz
Cost: Free admission; Suggested donation $5

Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ community or a proud ally, don’t miss the fun this Sunday which includes a parade down Pacific Ave. and festival where the Wednesday Farmers Market meets.

Get more info here.

REDWOOD MOUNTAIN FAIRE

See Description Under Saturday Section

The Pirates of Penzance

See Description Under Friday Section

Also on Sunday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

MORE

Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss

2019 Ebb & Flow River Arts Festival

What: 2019 Ebb & Flow River Arts Festival
Where: Tannery Arts Center
When: Friday, June 7 from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm

This community event brings together visual and performing arts with ecology and environmentalism to celebrate and appreciate our life-giving river, the San Lorenzo. There will be tons of interactive activities, performances, food trucks and beer. It’s a great way to learn about our ecosystem and enjoy the immense beauty of Santa Cruz!

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Presents Château La Roach

See Description Under Friday Section

Movies on the Beach

Santa Cruz Boardwalk Movies

Photo credit: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

What: Free Movies on the Beach
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
When: Wednesdays, from June 19 – August 14

Grab your beach chairs & blankets, and head over to the Boardwalk on June 19 for the first Free Wednesday night Movie on the beach. As usual, things kick off with The Lost Boys for the first showing.

Get more info here.

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Meridith Cook

Meridith Cook came to Santa Cruz 18 years ago from Minnesota. She is a freelance writer and mother of 3 who enjoys exploring the beauty and culture of this unique community. Visit her website at www.melbacomms.com.

  • Thank you so much for putting these lists together! I look forward to getting this email every week. What a gift you are giving to the community 🙂

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