The nights are dark and the shorter days are chilly. It’s definitely a good weekend for a show and you’ll have your pick from lots of great options.
Of course, some of us love to grab a sweater and head outdoors and there are options for the hardy ones too, like ice skating, a lighthouse party, or maybe some artisan holiday shopping.Whatever your flavor, our town has fun in store for you!
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
Buscando a Marla | Looking For Marla
When: 11/15 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: MAH – Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Celebrate the release of a beautiful and enlightening new children’s book with a MAH-style party. Learn from our gender expansive community, get hip on pronoun usage, and glean some scientific background knowledge on sea animal parenting techniques. The Drag Queen Story Hour includes live performances by local artists.
The Outsiders
When: 11/14 – 11/24
Where: Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts
Watsonville High School has put a new twist on this classic tale of the haves versus the have-nots. Rival gang members from the Greasers and the Socs are girls in this new telling of the always relevant and moving story about family, friendship, privilege and survival.
Autumn Aire: An Acrobatic Affair of Circus & Thanks
When: 11/15 at 7:00 pm and 11/17 at 4:00 pm
Where: Radical Movement Factory, Wrigley Building
The Radical Movement Factory along with Ringmaster and showman David Poznanter are bringing a big city level circus show to our little town. In addition to snacks and beverages, the audience will be treated to aerial feats, dance, entertainment and zany commentary. This joyful revelry is the perfect way to celebrate fall with friends and family.
Me And My Girl
When: 11/13 – 12/8
Where: Colligan Theater
Our local gem, the Jewel Theater Company, has yet another treat in store. This time, a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Set in 1930’s England and stocked with memorable songs, this fresh and witty comedy is a great way to forget your troubles and enjoy an evening of fine theater.
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Michael Namkung @ lille aeske arthouse
- Flatland Cavalry & Mitchell Ferguson @ Felton Music Hall
- KUUMBWA JAZZ PRESENTS: THE FUNKY KNUCKLES @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Live Music by BOOM DRAW @ Abbott Square
- JOHN RYBAK + FRIENDS, THE POOR CARTERS, THOMAS KOCCHEIM & TFS @ THE BLUE LAGOON
- Restless Souls @ Crow’s Nest
- WHISKERMAN, DANIEL RODRIGUEZ (OF ELEPHANT REVIVAL), KENDRA MCKINLEY @ Moe’s Alley
- Jaze Earl @ The Crepe Place
- Tribal Seeds @ The Catalyst
- Moondance @ Severino’s
- Phoenix Rising Trio @ Michael’s on Main
- Special Fun @ Michael’s on Main
- Kaleo Phillips @ Pono Hawaiian Grill
THEATER/ARTS
- Uniting Art and Science to Ignite Inquiry @ UCSC Ken Norris Center for Natural History
- Reel Rock 14 Film Tour @ Rio Theatre
- Big Trees Exhibition @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
MORE
- Sustainable Thai Seafood Dinner @ MJA Vineyards Summit Tasting Room, 24900 Highland Way, Los Gatos, CA 95033
- GEORGE LOPEZ: THE WALL WORLD TOUR @ Kaiser Permanente Arena
- Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Library (FSCPL) BOOKSTORE! @ Santa Cruz Downtown Public Library
Saturday
Winter Artisan Fair
When: 11/16 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Westlake Elementary
Indulge in a little stress-free shopping and do some good for local artists and craftspeople, as you raise money for Westlake Elementary. This annual artisan fair is a great place to score unique gifts while you sip your coffee and snack on baked goods while browsing the amazingly talented vendors.
La Selva Beach Holiday Fair
When: 11/16 from 10:00 am to 4:00 am
Where: La Selva Beach Clubhouse
If your homemade holiday is going to be made by someone else this year, that’s ok! La Selva Beach Holiday Fair has over 50 arts and crafts vendors with everything imaginable, bargain books from the library, a bake sale and local food trucks.
Santa Cruz Zine Fest 2019
When: 11/16 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: Resource Center For Nonviolence
Explore the power of the written word and how you can make change in the world by expressing yourself. Zine enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds come together to teach, create and discuss the radical world of zines. A vegetarian food truck will be on hand to fuel the creativity.
BOARDWALK HOLIDAY ICE
When: 11/16 – 1/5
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
If you’re feeling nostalgic for winter, this is opening weekend for the Boardwalk’s ice skating rink, which lasts through January 5. You can rent skates for an hour, or make a day of it with the Boardwalk combo. To add to the festive air, there is a magical snowfall every hour, festive food, arts and crafts, old favorite holiday movies and more. Reservations are recommended for skating.
147th Anniversary Celebration of the Pigeon Point Light House
When: 11/16 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
This austere landmark has been standing sentry for 147 years and it deserves a party! Explore, learn and listen to music while you munch on food truck fare. A maritime author will discuss some history and craft activities will engage the younger crowd. The original Fresnel lens will be lit from 5:00 – 7:00 in its current location in the fog signal building.
Santa Cruz Gem and Mineral Society Holiday Gift Show
When: 11/16 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Grange
Prepare to be dazzled at The Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society holiday sale, where members will be displaying and selling their treasures, including rocks, minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry, lapidary arts, and more.
Shop to Benefit the Santa Cruz SPCA
When: 11/16 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Midtown shops: Home/Work, Midtown Surf Shop, Amoureuse Lingerie, Maggie’s Place and Tipsy Gypsy Boutique
First of all, you had us at cuddle booth (featuring adoptable pups!). Head to Midtown for a fun shopping event for a great cause—Midtown shops are donating a percentage of sales this Saturday to help the Santa Cruz SPCA move into a brand new, state of the art shelter.
The Outsiders
See Description Under Friday Section
Autumn Aire: An Acrobatic Affair of Circus & Thanks
See Description Under Friday Section
Uniting Art and Science to Ignite Inquiry
See Description Under Friday Section
Me And My Girl
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Caitlin Jemma + Body Language @ lille aeske arthouse
- Moonalice with T Sisters, The New Chambers Brothers, & Magic In The Other @ Felton Music Hall
- Tim & Angela Bennett Live @ Kissed by an Angel Wines
- Alex Lucero & Live Again @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Live Music by Static Tilt @ Abbott Square
- Stormin’ Norman & The Cyclones @ Crow’s Nest
- Tsunami @ Severino’s
- The Refugees @ Michael’s on Main
- Thumpasaurus @ The Catalyst
- Tribal Seeds @ The Catalyst
- LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLES @ Moe’s Alley
- Flypaper Blues and Whiskey West! @ The Crepe Place
- JOHN RYBAK + FRIENDS, THE POOR CARTERS, THOMAS KOCCHEIM & TFS @ THE BLUE LAGOON
THEATER/ARTS
- The Powers + Sharmi Basu @ Radius Gallery: 1050 River St. #127, Santa Cruz
- Big Trees Exhibition @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
MAKE/CRAFT
OUTDOORS
- Responsible Recreation @ Castle Rock State Park
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Coffee Talk and Crafts @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Hidden Gems: Flowers of Big Basin! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Coast Nature Walk @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Monarch Butterfly Tours @ Natural Bridges State Beach
- Old-Growth Redwood Tour @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Wool, Spinning, and Weaving @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Old Tree Trail Hike @ Portola Redwoods State Park
MORE
- Destinato A Tu Glass Jewelry Trunk Show @ Annieglass
- PASSPORT CELEBRATION DAYS @ Various Wineries Santa Cruz County
- Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Library (FSCPL) BOOKSTORE! @ Santa Cruz Downtown Public Library
Sunday
Youth Symphony Fall Concert
When: 11/17 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: UC Santa Cruz Music Dept. Recital Hall
With a world premier piece by a young local composer, along with harmonious selections from Copeland and others, our youth symphony performers always deliver an impressive performance. This year’s featured soloist is 16-year-old concerto competition winner Hunter Bauman on flute. Homemade baked goods will be available for purchase and help support youth music.
Science Sunday—Floating on the Edge: Physiology, Ecology, and Recovery of Southern Sea Otters
When: 11/17 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Here in Santa Cruz we are fortunate to host the cutest sea mammals in existence, the lovable furry otters. The Seymour Center’s monthly lecture series is focusing on these threatened animals with a talk by USF Professor Nicole Thometz.
A Tribute to Bonnie Raitt: A Benefit for Arts Council Santa Cruz County’s Mariposa Art 7 Music In Schools Program
When: 11/17 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Enjoy an evening of bluesy folksy rock performed by local talent inspired by Grammy-award winning Harvard-dropout Bonnie Raitt. Proceeds from this evening of fine music go to support the Arts Council of Santa Cruz, to help support music programs in our schools.
SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS VS. SALT LAKE CITY STARS
When: 11/17 at 5:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
Our G-league team brings all the fun and excitement of a regular NBA game at a fraction of the ticket price. Always thrilling to watch up close, the Santa Cruz Warriors have the home court advantage, so come out and cheer on the home team!
The Outsiders
See Description Under Friday Section
Autumn Aire: An Acrobatic Affair of Circus & Thanks
See Description Under Friday Section
Me And My Girl
See Description Under Friday Section
BOARDWALK HOLIDAY ICE
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Whitey Morgan with Alex Williams @ Felton Music Hall
- SNOW THA PRODUCT @ THE CATALYST
- SELWYN BIRCHWOOD @ Moe’s Alley
- Tribal Seeds @ The Catalyst
- Incendio @ Michael’s on Main
- Jesse Cook @ Rio Theatre
- SISTER CAROL @ Moe’s Alley
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michael’s on Main
THEATER/ARTS
OUTDOORS
- The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Meteor Trail Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Monarch Butterfly Tours @ Natural Bridges State Beach
- When Species Collide @ Rancho del Oso Unit
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
MORE
- Paradigm Sport Winter Baseball Clinic @ Paradigm Sport • 120 Dubois Street • Santa Cruz CA
- Best Kids Books of the Year Book Talk @ Bookshop Santa Cruz
- Open House at the Castro Adobe: Thankful for our Stewards @ Castro Adobe State Historic Park
- Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Library (FSCPL) BOOKSTORE! @ Santa Cruz Downtown Public Library
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
City of Watsonville Holiday in the Plaza
When: Sunday, November 24, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Watsonville City Plaza
Hop on the the children’s holiday train, gather ‘round for the holiday tree lighting, and meet Santa! No winter wonderland is complete without snow, so gear up for a fun afternoon of snow play. Admission to the snow area is free, but ’tis the season to donate non-perishable food items or a small monetary donation to Second Harvest Food Bank which benefits children and families in Watsonville.
Senderos December in Mexico Showcase: Fiesta Mexicanas
When: Friday & Saturday, December 6 – 7, at 7:00 pm
Where: Harbor High Theater
Take in dinner and a show at Harbor High. Senderos presents its winter dance performance, Fiestas Mexicanas, featuring Centeotl Danza y Baile dance troupe and Ensamble Musical youth band. Arrive early (5:30 pm) to enjoy delicious homemade Mexican food. This fundraiser helps support Senderos, an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides free after school dance and music classes, tutoring, and scholarships for Latino youth.
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