It isn’t summer yet, but it’s sure going to feel like it this weekend.
With temperature forecasts in the mid-70s this is going to be a great weekend to get outdoors. If you’re looking for more than just a great hike, then you might want to head up the coast for ‘Seal Adventures’ at Año Nuevo (details below), or join forces with the Derby Girls to help clean up the San Lorenzo River.
There are plenty of indoor activities this weekend as well, including many great live performances.
Here our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend:
Cirque Ziva: The Golden Dragon Acrobats
When: Friday, 1/23 at 8:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
How Much: $14-$45
For those who aren’t getting out to Vegas anytime soon, you may want check out Cirque Ziva, the next best thing to Cirque du Soleil. The troop will stun the Rio’s audience with crazy stunts and wondrous dance moves set to music this Friday night.
Thoroughly Modern Millie
When: Friday, 1/23 at 7:00 pm & Saturday, 1/24 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Where: The Louden Nelson Theater
How Much: $13-$20
If you love the classic film musical about a woman hellbent on marrying her boss, you’ll love All About Theater’s youth production of the Tony winning stage adaptation. Performers range from 8 – 13 years old.
Santa Cruz Warriors
When: Friday, 1/23 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
How Much: $17 – $40
The Warriors have been on a winning streak lately, and their star player, James Michael McAdoo, even moved up to the NBA. Come cheer them on in their home game against the Reno Bighorns this weekend.
8 Tens @ 8 Festival
When: Friday, 1/23 through Sunday, 1/25 (continues through 2/8)
Where: Center Street Theater
How Much: $22-$40
Some scientists say the average human attention span is about ten minutes, so this collection of ten minute one act plays should keep the audience engaged all night. If you want to experience some theatrical variety, this is the perfect event for you.
Sing for Your Life – A Benefit for our Schools
When: Saturday, 1/24 at 12:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Bible Church
How Much: $15-$25
If you want to find some good old fashioned fun for your family this weekend, introduce them to the world of Barbershop choruses with this day long showcase to benefit local schools.
River Cleanup with the Derby Girls!
When: Saturday, 1/24 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: San Lorenzo River
How Much: Free
The Santa Cruz Derby Girls have quickly become a community institution in the last few years, and now they’re giving back by hosting a cleanup of the San Lorenzo River. At only two hours, it’s a quick and easy way to help beautify the community.
Santa Cruz Symphony Concert – The Muse
When/Where: Saturday, 1/24 at 8:00 pm at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium & Sunday, 1/25 at 2:00 pm at the Henry J Mello Center
How Much: $25-$70
Lovers of Greek mythology and Russian classics will find a lot to enjoy in the Santa Cruz Symphony’s latest performance, The Muse. With performances in both Santa Cruz and Watsonville, everyone in the area will be able to enjoy.
Seal Adventures at Año Nuevo
When: Saturday, 1/24 at 8:30 am & 1:30 pm & Sunday, 1/25 at 8:30 am & 1:30 pm
Where: Año Nuevo State Park
How Much: $60, plus $10 parking
We have so much nature in our own backyard that sometimes it’s too easy to overlook things like the guided elephant seal watching at Año Nuevo State Park, which offers a front row glimpse into the lives of a seriously bizarre species. Come catch the first tours of the season this weekend.
Tim Flannery and Lunatic Fringe: A benefit evening for Bryan Stow
When: Sunday, 1/25 at 7:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
How Much: $26.50
Santa Cruz County resident Bryan Stow was badly injured during a fight at a Giants–Dodgers game in 2011, and he’s still dealing with recovery and medical costs. Help your fellow Santa Cruzan out and enjoy some great music from Tim Flannery, a former MLB player, and now former third base coach of the San Francisco Giants.
2015 Bridal Expo
When: Sunday, 1/25 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Where: Cocoanut Grove
How Much: $7
Instead of watching reruns of Say Yes to the Dress at home, this weekend you can check out hundreds of wedding dresses, decorations, invitations, and everything you’ll need to plan a great wedding. You can even find a wedding planner at the event.
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Revolution Mother: The Highway Murderers, Doors to Nowhere
- Danny Carvalho at Pono
- Outlaw Funktronics: jOBOT, Sun Hop Fat, 7 Come 11, Spurs
- Groove Hounds With Harpin’ Jonny
- Subpar, The Atomic Aces, Them Creatures
- Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones + Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
Friday & Saturday
Saturday:
- LA Witch, Travelling Ills
- Satis Effect: Misamore
- The Coup + The Seshen
- The Boomer Humor Trio
- Stan Ridgway & Band “Songs & Stories”
- Archeology Demonstration
- Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks
Saturday & Sunday:
Sunday:
- Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown
- Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band @ Whalefest
- Meteor Trail Hike
- Sunday Seaside Crafts
- Marine Mammal Research Tours
- Monthly Xstream Cleanup at Panther Beach
Recurring Events You Can Find Every Weekend
- Tours of the Reserve at Elkhorn Slough (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Santa Cruz Farmers Markets (weekly events)
- Live Comedy at the Crow’s Nest (weekly event – every Sunday night)
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