This weekend welcomes the kickoff of Capitola’s Art & Music on the Beach series, and will also feature two great local benefit concerts.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Artisan Food Market at Food Lounge
When: Friday, 6/12 from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Food Lounge
During summer in downtown Santa Cruz, the only after work activity to rival happy hour is the farmers market. This Friday evening, you won’t have to choose, as the Artisan Food Market will bring both local produce and creative cocktails to Center Street.
Mountain Community Theater Presents: “Madwoman of Chaillot”
When: Friday, 6/12 & Saturday, 6/13 at 8:00 pm, and Sunday, 6/14 at 2:00 pm
Where: Mountain Community Theater
How Much: $10-$20
Poetry, satire, themes of displacement and idealogy all come together in “Madwoman of Chailot,” which one of the premiere local theater communities is currently performing. This weekend is the last chance to see this diverse and provocative show.
Woman in Mind by Alan Ayckbourn by Jewel Theatre Company
When: Friday, 6/12 & Saturday, 6/13 at 8:00 pm, and Sunday, 6/14 at 2:00 pm. Runs through 6/28.
Where: Jewel Theater
How Much: $28-$34
Anyone who’s ever sought solace in their fantasy life will appreciate “Woman in Mind,” an irreverent comedy about a woman who finally has it all, but only thanks to injury induced hallucinations.
Alien: the Director’s Cut – Midnight Movie
When: Friday, 6/12 & Saturday, 6/13 at midnight
Where: Del Mar Theater
How Much: $6.50
The 1979 science fiction classic Alien is considered a feat of film and special effects. At this week’s Midnight Movie, you can pay six bucks and change to see director Ridley Scott’s own cut on the big screen.
The Biggest Little Graduation Party of 2015 at Chaminade
When: Saturday, 6/13 from 6:00 pm-11:00 pm
Where: Chaminade Resort & Spa
How Much: $20-$46
If you want to honor the graduate in your life without putting in all the work and planning of throwing a party, Chaminade is giving you the perfect solution this weekend. On Saturday night, you and your family can celebrate among other graduates, and let the resort worry about serving food and cleaning up.
San Lorenzo River 10K, Half Marathon, 30K, Marathon, 50K Trail Runs
When: Saturday, 6/13 at 8:00 am
Where: Harvey West Park
Whatever length you want to run, take advantage of the chance to run through the redwood forest and along the San Lorenzo River this weekend.
Music Changes the World
When: Saturday, 6/13 at 8:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz
How Much: $25-$50
Celebrate the power of music and diversity this weekend, when the Santa Cruz Diversity Center will present Music Changes the World. Local musicians Sherry Austin, Henhouse, Christie McCarthy, and others will all be there.
Juneteenth
When: Saturday, 6/13 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
How Much: Free
Juneteenth is the longest standing celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. Celebrate with live local music, soul food, speeches, kids’ activities, a basketball skills contest with Warriors mascot Mavriks, and much more.
Dodgeball for Ramey – Fundraiser for Ramey White
When: Saturday, 6/13 from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: Sandbar Solar
How Much: $10-$20
Boulder Creek husband and father Ramey White was recently diagnosed with a rare neurological condition that impairs the immune system. He is currently on the path to recovery, but his family needs some help getting by in the meantime. Support a local family and have a day of fun with your own kids by attending this dodgeball tournament. Admission is free for kids and adults who wish to play.
Santa Cruz Beach Soccer Championships
When: Saturday, 6/13 & Sunday, 6/14 at 8:00 am
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
If you haven’t been paying attention to all the beach soccer going on in Santa Cruz the last few weeks, now is the time to start. Teams from all over the West Coast will battle out this Saturday and Sunday for the championship title.
Summer Céilí with The Crooked Road Céilí Band at the Trout Farm Inn
When: Saturday, 6/13 at 8:00 pm
Where: Trout Farm Inn
How Much: $8 at the door
There will be swimming, dinner, a full bar, and a traditional Irish band at this all day event this Saturday at the Trout Farm Inn. Joining in the fund and dancing will be strongly encouraged.
Sunday Art & Music at the Beach – Ron Kaplan (Jazz)
When: Sunday, 6/14 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Esplanade Park
How Much: Free
This weekend kicks off the annual summer fun at Esplanade Park in the form of Art & Music at the Beach. Enjoy local paintings, photography, and more while listening to some great contemporary jazz.
HOMEGROWN – A Benefit for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Soundswell Local Music Collection
When: Sunday, 6/14 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz
How Much: $17
Support public access to knowledge and take in a performance by some of the most popular acts in town by attending this Sunday’s library benefit concert. You’ll also be supporting SoundSwell, which allows library card holders to stream and download local music.
Antique Faire
When: Sunday, 6/14 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Lincoln Street between Pacfiic Avenue and Cedar Street
How Much: Free
If you’ve got a twenty dollar bill burning a whole in your pocket, finding a way to spend it won’t be difficult at the Downtown Antique Fair. The sprawling outdoor market features antiques of any category and price point you could want, so there really is something for everybody.
Upcoming Events
Woodies on the Wharf
When: June 26 – 28
Get more info on the Woodies on the Wharf website.
Pleasure Point Street Fair
When: June 27
Get more info on the Pleasure Point Street Fair website.
California Beer Festival
When: August 7 – 9
Get more info on the California Beer Festival website.
Get 50% off!
Groupon is running a deal for 50% off tickets to one day of the California Beer Festival. The offer ends Saturday. Check out the deal here.
Hikes
- Volunteer with the Trail Crew
- Family Walk in the Redwood Forest
- Redwood Loop Walk
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods!
- Berry Creek Falls Hike
- Castle Rock to Falls Overlook Hike
- Elkhorn Slough Reserve “Slough ‘n Easy” Walk
- Old-Growth Redwood Walks
- Redwoods and the River
- Nature Wander
- Walk Back Through Time
- Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks
- History, Nature, and Scenic Views: A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- James McMurtry plus Max Gomez
- Intro to Alternative Fuels Workshop–Learn about Electric Vehicles & More!
- Julian Lage & Chris Eldridge
- Lyrics Born + Le VICE
- Lecture-85th Annual Landscape Exhibit by Juror: René de Guzman
- Melt Banana
- The Inciters, The Boars
Friday & Saturday
Saturday:
- Evening Campfire Program
- Motion Pacific Dance Spring Showcase
- Spirit of ’76: Tonight’s show Grateful Dead from 1976
- Melvin Seals & JGB, “The Keepers Of The Flame” Return
- Hot Rize
- Women, Peace & Power – 100 Years: Meet the Activists
- Sin Sisters Burlesque
- The B-Stars, The Carolyn Sills Combo
- 2nd Saturday on the Farm
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
- Weekly XStream Beach Cleanup at Davenport Main Beach
- Second Sundays at San Lorenzo Park
- Second Sundays at San Lorenzo Park
- Action Bronson
- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
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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