This Weekend in Santa Cruz: November 1st – 3rd, 2019

By Meridith Cook

Make the most of the golden autumn days and dark nights this weekend.

It’ll be a festive First Friday. Celebrate Día de Los Muertos Friday night in Watsonville, or Saturday in Santa Cruz.

Nature inspires a Plein Air painting contest and trail photography awards.

There’s a chili cook-off in Felton and a hot rod show at the Boardwalk, but if that isn’t your thing, you might enjoy a healing art exhibit. Always something for everyone!

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

Quick Links

Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Upcoming

Friday

Watsonville Film Festival Presents: Coco + Fiesta de Día de Muertos

When: 11/1 from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Watsonville Plaza

Once again, the city of Watsonville is holding a community celebration of the Day of the Dead. With music and dancing, altars and offerings, this beautiful festival invites families to come honor their loved ones who have gone on. A special screening of Coco begins at dusk, in Spanish with English subtitles, so bring chairs or blankets.

Get more info here.

NaNoWriMo Kickoff Event for National Novel Writing Month

When: 11/1 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Downtown Branch Library

Want to write the great American Novel, but you just can’t seem to get started? Sign up for NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth, set your word goals, and head to the downtown library to get some motivation, swag and fun at the kickoff party.

Get more info here.

Trail Vision Awards

When: 11/1 at 7:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre

This inaugural awards ceremony celebrates the many scenic trails in our area that are used by nature lovers, athletes and artists. Using video and still photography, outside-enthusiasts try to capture the allure of the trail and perhaps take home a prize. Attendees will also have a chance to win prizes in the raffle.

Get more info here.

FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR

When: 11/1 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Various locations

This amazing monthly event is a great way to get energized for weekend fun. Local shops, salons, restaurants and galleries throw a mini-party so you can wander from place to place viewing art, listening to music, drinking wine and talking to the creative people who make our town weird and fun.

Get more info here.

Capitola Plein Air Art Festival

When: 11/1 – 11/2 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Capitola Village

Starting Wednesday and continuing Thursday and Friday, dozens of artists will be setting up their easels throughout Capitola, vying for a prize at the juried show. On Saturday, all artists will be outside working from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, with a Quick Draw challenge and art sale happening from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Sunday brings the juried show and sale with food trucks, live music and art activities for all. The public is invited to view the exhibition and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Arts sales benefit arts education in our schools.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

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THEATER/ARTS

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Saturday

Día de los Muertos Community Festival

When: 11/2 from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: The MAH

Meet at the MAH to decorate yourself with tissue-flowers and face paint and join the procession to Evergreen Cemetery to honor the dead. With music, dancing, food and drink, the living can enjoy the party too! A family-friendly movie screening will cap off the night.

Get more info here.

Imagine Healing: Arts of Transformation

When: 11/2 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center

Celebrate the human spirit with an afternoon of nourishment, healing and art. With speakers, music, yoga, information, food and tea, meditation, the exhibit features artwork made by survivors transforming their trauma through creativity.

Get more info here.

SLV Chili Cook Off to Benefit Felton Library Friends

When: 11/2 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Felton Covered Bridge Park

Things will get hot in Felton when the chefs start cooking up the chili. In addition to the dozen chili chefs competing for your vote, local beer and wine will be served along with live music and a raffle.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival

When: 11/2 – 11/3 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Cocoanut Grove Sunroom on the Beach Boardwalk

Calling all sea glass lovers and ocean enthusiasts! Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts featuring authentic sea glass and coastal art from over 40 artists. Your entry fee includes a chance to win a gift basket filled with sea-inspired goodies, and a portion is donated to ocean conservation through the Monterey Bay Sanctuary.

Get more info here.

Hot Rods at the Beach

When: 11/2 at 8:00 am
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

With over 300 hot rods on display, the boardwalk parking lot is transformed into a scene from another era. Expect some thunder at 1:00 when the cars start their engines. All proceeds from this event go to the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association and go into a scholarship fund for local automotive students.

Get more info here.

Halloween & 1st Anniversary Party

When: 11/2 Scheduled activities throughout the day
Where: 11th Hour Coffee

A big celebration is happening to commemorate the convergence of Halloween and 11th Hour Coffee’s first anniversary. Come be part of the eclectic fun that includes, ceramics and art, live music, dumplings and so much more.

Get more info here.

Scotts Valley Holiday Craft Fair

When: 11/2 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center & Community Center

Over 25 years of hand-crafted and home-baked goods—now that’s a holiday shopping tradition! And all for a good cause because proceeds benefit programs and resources at the Senior & Community centers. The activity lineup includes family zumba, a visit with miniature ponies, a holiday singalong, and more.

Get more info here.

Zinnia’s Annual Holiday Open House

When: 11/2 from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Where: Zinnia’s Gift Boutique in Scotts Valley

Zinnia’s Home & Garden kicks off the holiday season with their annual Open House and unveiling of their holiday trees. Start your holiday shopping early and enjoy beautiful decor, appetizers, special guest artists, and fun for all.

Get more info here.

Bumblebees by the Sea Holiday Open House

When: 11/2 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Bumblebees by the Sea in Scotts Valley

You’ll find unique gifts, home decor, and jewelry at Bumblebees by the Sea’s 7th Annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy refreshments while you shop and get inspired by the many beautifully decorated trees and decorations.

Get more info here.

Capitola Plein Air Art Festival

See Description Under Friday Section

Also on Saturday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

OUTDOORS

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

Sunday

Watsonville Taiko Holiday Boutique

When: 11/3 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Kizuka Hall, Watsonville

Get a jump start on holiday shopping and support the performing arts and community spirit of Watsonville Taiko. This family-friendly boutique features a variety of themed baskets, succulents, and unique gifts for everyone. Raffle prizes include a stunning, handmade Japanese motif quilt. Enjoy baked goods and snacks for purchase while you shop.

Get more info here.

Downtown Maker’s Market

When: 11/3 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz

Join us in wishing the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market a happy 1-year anniversary! Enjoy a free concert featuring local instrumental quartet Asari while you shop the unique wares of over 40 Santa Cruz makers and crafters.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival

See Description Under Saturday Section

Also on Sunday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

OUTDOORS

MORE

Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Morton Marcus Poetry Reading

What: Morton Marcus Poetry Reading
Where: UCSC Music Recital Hall
When: November 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Continuing the illustrious tradition of bringing esteemed poets to Santa Cruz, this year’s Morton Marcus Poetry Reading features Gary Soto, author of more than 40 books and plays for children, teens and adults. The 2019 Morton Marcus Poetry Award winner will be announced, followed by a reception and book signing.

Get more info here.

Westlake Winter Artisan Fair

What: Westlake Winter Artisan Fair
Where: Westlake Elementary
When: November 16 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

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.

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.

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