Before things truly ramp up, check out a family volunteer opportunity, magic show at the MAH, opening weekend of a famous play, and a film experience for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
The Cherry Orchard
When: 11/22 – 12/15
Where: Park Hall, Ben Lomond
One of Anton Chekhov’s most famous plays and also his last, The Cherry Orchard is about a well-to-do family forced to surrender their home and orchard to a man who began life as a mere serf on their estate. Check the schedule for a Community Night deal on tickets, post-show champagne reception, and talk-backs with the cast and director.
FrankenCon
When: 11/21 – 11/23
Where: DARC, Mainstage Theater, Second Stage Theater at UCSC; DNA’s Comedy Lab & Experimental Theater
There’s a Con for everyone, and this one’s for Frankenstein enthusiasts! Explore all things Frankenstinian during this three-day conference of scientists, theorists, and artists. Event highlights include a performance of The Frankenstein Project, a feminist and biotechnology-fueld play adaptation of Frankenstein, written and directed by UCSC theater arts lecturer Kirsten Brandt. All are welcome!
Also on Friday
MUSIC/DANCE
- THE HIDALGOS FEATURING DAVID HIDALGO OF LOS LOBOS @ Moe’s Alley
- Atomic Ape, Cosmic Reef Temple, Doctor 9, Rob Magill @ Blue Lagoon
- Allman Brothers Band Fall celebration @ Michael’s on Main
- Cold War Kids @ The Catalyst
- Buku @ The Catalyst
- Live Music by The Summit Sisters @ Abbott Square
- Freestone Peaches @ Michael’s on Main
- Come Together @ Michael’s on Main
- Area 52 @ Severino’s
- Devon Welsh w/ Sorry Girls @ The Crepe Place
- Family Contra Dance @ Live Oak Grange
- The Gary Blackburn Band @ Crow’s Nest
THEATER/ARTS
- The Outsiders @ Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts
- Me And My Girl @ Colligan Theater
- Big Trees Exhibition @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
OUTDOORS
MORE
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National Family Volunteer Day at the San Lorenzo River
When: 11/23 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Riverwalk near Mimi de Marta Dog Park
You know what they say, the family that volunteers together helps support their community. You and your family are invited to join the Coastal Watershed Council to plant native species along the river to support birds, bugs, pollinators and a thriving river ecosystem. All ages and experiences are welcome.
Warren Miller’s – Timeless
When: 11/23 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
The anticipation of another skiing and snowboarding season never gets old. That’s where Timeless comes in— a film celebrating winter stoke as it follows ski legends and newcomers exploring renowned mountain locations around the world.
Santa’s Shelves Fundraiser
When: 11/23 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm & 11/24 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Felton Fire Station
Come on out and show your support at this annual fundraiser for the Felton Volunteer Fire Department. A variety of craft vendors will help you cross some names off your list. Visit with Santa and save room for breakfast or lunch and the bake sale.
Annual Arboretum Gift & Wreath Sale
When: 11/23 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: UCSC Arboretum
A visit to the arboretum is always a treat, so why not get some holiday shopping out of the way while there? You’ll find carefully crafted dried flower works of art, as well as traditional and one-of-a-kind wreaths. If you’d rather go the DIY route, get inspired with a selection of plants, dried flowers, frames, wreath kits and wreath demonstrations.
Magic at the MAH
When: 11/23 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm & 11/24 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Do you believe in MAHgic? Don’t miss the chance to experience Santiago the Magician performing two shows at the MAH this weekend. On top of magic, history and storytelling entertainment, your ticket gives you free admission to the museum where you can enjoy the exhibits and learn more about the magic that is Santa Cruz.
DIG Gardens 10th Annual Holiday Open House
When: 11/23 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Dig Gardens, Santa Cruz
Visiting DIG during the holidays is a must. You’re guaranteed to feel festive and inspired to decorate, DIY some gifts, and kick your indoor and outdoor gardens up a notch. Their annual holiday open house is the perfect occasion to shop and enjoy small bites and drinks, plus 10% off the entire store.
Cafe Iveta Holiday Market!
When: 11/23 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Cafe Iveta
Visit this gem of a cafe on the westside for an afternoon of supporting local, connecting with others, and finding the perfect gifts for loved ones. Enjoy sangria and snacks while you shop art, teas, jewelry, clean beauty, wellness balms, textiles, and more. Meet the women behind the scenes of some of your favorite local businesses including Lunar Tea Co., Flourish Designs, Nuestra Cosa, Deerhaven Lavender Farm, and Santa Cruz Bee Company.
The Cherry Orchard
See Description Under Friday Section
FrankenCon
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
MUSIC/DANCE
- Beth Anne + Julien Kozak @ lille aeske arthouse
- Tim & Angela Bennett Live @ Steel Bonnet Brewing Co.
- Fortunate Youth @ The Catalyst
- ShooterGang Kony @ The Catalyst
- Live Music by East Side Funk @ Abbott Square
- Joint Chiefs @ Severino’s
- Blue Ocean Rockers @ Crow’s Nest
- ORGŌNE + GENE EVARO JR. @ Moe’s Alley
- Hank & Ella With The Fine Country Band @ Michael’s on Main
- Enemy of my Enemy w/ High and Tight & Party Force @ The Crepe Place
THEATER/ARTS
- Seminar: American Indian Art @ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
- The Outsiders @ Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts
- Me And My Girl @ Colligan Theater
- Big Trees Exhibition @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
MAKE/CRAFT
- Abstract Watercolor Class – All Hands Workshops @ 514 Front St, Santa Cruz
- Annieglass -Make Set of 4 Salad Plates Workshop @
Annieglass Incorporated - Make a Glass Ornament -Annieglass @
Annieglass Incorporated
OUTDOORS
- Monarch Butterfly Tours @ Natural Bridges State Beach
- Coast Nature Walk @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Castle Rock Loop Hike @ Castle Rock State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Old-Growth Redwood Tour @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Mission Cooking Demonstration @ Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
- Old Tree Trail Hike @ Portola Redwoods State Park
MORE
- Life Literacies Center Open House @ Downtown branch library
- Planet Cruz Comedy with Richard Stockton @ DNA’s Comedy Lab
- SANTA CRUZ TURKEY TROT! @ Turkey Trot Start
Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.Sunday
WATSONVILLE: HOLIDAY IN THE PLAZA
When: 11/24 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Watsonville Downtown 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.
Santa’s Shelves Fundraiser
See Description Under Saturday Section
Magic at the MAH
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
MUSIC/DANCE
- M. Lockwood Porter + John Calvin Abney @ lille aeske arthouse
- Kevin Gates – I’m Him Tour @ The Catalyst
- HALF PINT, ANDREW BEES, KING HOPETON & YELLOW WALL DUB SQUAD @ Moe’s Alley
- Grateful Sunday Concert Series @ Michael’s on Main
- Jay Blakesberg @ Michael’s on Main
THEATER/ARTS
- The Outsiders @ Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts
- Me And My Girl @ Colligan Theater
- Big Trees Exhibition @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum
OUTDOORS
- Bird Watching for Beginners @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Monarch Butterfly Tours @ Natural Bridges State Beach
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwoods and the Changing Climate @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Ranch Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Holidays on the Ranch
What: Holidays on the Ranch
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park
When: Saturday, December 7, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday celebration at Wilder Ranch. The Holidays on the Ranch Festival takes you back to a simpler time with crafts, games, and music from the early 20th century. Get in the spirit and dress in your best turn-of-the-century costume and hop on a draft-horse carriage ride!
SCM Holiday Makers Market in Felton
What: Makers Market
Where: Felton Community Hall
When: Saturday, November 30, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Shop the art, music, and tastes of the Santa Cruz Mountains community. This free public event is held indoors and features live local music while you discover treasures and gifts from over 40 local artists and crafters. Best of all, your shopping dollars help benefit a local non-profit, Mountain Community Resources.
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