Santa Cruz Events: April 1st

Photo courtesy of @suzeeques

Bonsais, ballet, beach, bands, baroque and more! It’s a busy “b” weekend!

From a hip-hop festival in the mountains to a non-profit beach event, this weekend kicks off on April Fools’ Day but we aren’t fooling around with the cool variety of events and activities about town.

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

Friday

The Coffis Brothers + T Sisters

When: 4/1 at 9:00 pm
Where: Moe’s Alley
Cost: $9 advance, $12 day of show

Santa Cruz’s Coffis Brothers bring their blend of folk, blues, R&B and rock to Moe’s Alley. The T Sisters, a three sister band from Oakland, will play their mixture of folk, a cappella and acoustic tunes. Both bands are sure to have you kicking up your heels.

If you haven’t been to Moe’s Alley yet, it’s a great tucked away spot with a rustic barn feel. It has an open layout with plenty of room to dance and an outdoor patio, perfect for cooling off and chatting with friends.

Get more info here.

“Sneak Peak” Friday: New Satellite Digital Media Center

When: 4/1 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Satellite Flexible Workspace & Digital Media Center
Cost: Free

A virtual reality party that will allow you to time travel through Santa Cruz history and visit some of the world’s greatest cities? Sounds trippy and perfect for a Friday night out on the town.

This is a great opportunity to check out Satellite’s Flexible Workspace & Digital Media Center where you can reserve workspace, equipment, or facilities for your private business needs.

Get more info here.

First Friday Felton Art Walk

When: 4/1 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Downtown Felton, Highway 9
Cost: Free

The weather should be pleasant for an evening stroll to check out local artist exhibits and receptions in downtown Felton.

Two of the featured artists include Chistopher Allen showing his recycled, repurposed assemblage at TrendSetter Boutique, and Lori Markward displaying her mixed media jewelry at Mountain Spirit.

Get more info here.

Boardwalk Magic Grand Opening Celebration

When: 4/1 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Neptune’s Kingdom at the Boardwalk
Cost: Free

Is there a more perfect day than April Fool’s to celebrate gags, magic tricks, and a new magic shop in Santa Cruz? Join the Surfing Magician for free performances, a special guest magician, and magic prizes at the official ribbon-cutting and grand opening of Boardwalk Magic.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

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Saturday

Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai 28th Annual Show

When: 4/2 – 4/3 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Cost: $5

Local club Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai is dedicated to promoting and teaching bonsai as a form of art. Come check out the club’s 28^th show where the intricate miniature trees will be on display. These impressive works are the result of years of horticultural passion. Watch demonstrations and learn the tricks of the trade. If inspiration hits, purchase a bonsai of your own to brighten up your home or workplace. Trees will be available in bonsai and pre-bonsai form.

The show will have door prizes, a raffle and complementary tea and cookies on-hand.

Get more info here.

Ride a Wave

When: 4/2 – 4/3, Show up to volunteer at 7:30 am (Participants arrive 9:30 am)
Where: Cowell’s Beach
Cost: Free

Entirely volunteer-run, non-profit organization Ride a Wave helps kids with special needs experience a memorable day at the beach. Kids are paired with volunteers and can either hang out at the beach or buddy up in the water for the thrill of riding a wave.

The awesome team of volunteers is devoted to making it a safe and fun-filled day. This Saturday, RAW is working with kids from Mercy Center. Sunday, there are two groups: California School for the Blind and Vista Center for the Blind. If you can’t make it to volunteer this weekend, sign up for one of the other camps. They run through June.

Get more info here.

“In Concert” with Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre

When: 4/2 at 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Where: Crocker Theater, Cabrillo College
Cost: $12 to $24

If you’re a lover of dance, this performance promises not to disappoint. It combines classical and contemporary set to world-premiering pieces by Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Artistic Director and award-winning choreographer, Robert Kelley. Kelly’s “Venteux” is a modern ballet paired with a score by renowned Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev.

Also featured is a performance by Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre alumnus Nahshon Marden entitled “Atmos; Smokey Black.” Another modern styling, this piece was inspired by smoke imagery and is set to a new score by young composer Max Rico.

There will also be two shows Saturday April 2, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Hip-Hop Festival

When: 4/2 – 4/3 at 3:00 PM
Where: CAMP KREM, Boulder Creek
Cost: $20 to $30 Pre-sale Tickets Only

Boulder Creek’s CAMP KREM transforms to a hip-hop fest for the weekend as DJs, dancers, graffiti artists, poetry readers, beatbox masters and more get together for one heck of a party.

Parking is offsite and free with carpool of 3 or more. Shuttles will transport attendees to and from the camp each day. Tent camping (bring your own tent and equipment) or cabins are available. Tickets are for sale for one or both days. Must be 18 or over.

Get more info here.

Food Pop-Up: My Mom’s Mole

When: 4/2 at 5:30 pm
Where: New Bohemia Brewing Co.

Feast on chicken, pork, and veggie tacos and tostadas with a side of cactus & kale salad and a mole stout to wash it down!

Get more info here.

Also on Saturday

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

Sunday

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival: Five Fantastic Flutes

When: 4/3 at 4:00 pm
Where: Holy Cross Church
Cost: $5 – $30

This concert, sponsored by local flutists, features the flute section of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and highlights a performance by French composer Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, written for the unique combination of five solo baroque flutes. Also included is Joseph Haydn’s 1974 London Trios.

For locals and visitors, Holy Cross Church provides an ornate backdrop for performances and an outstanding acoustical atmosphere.

Get more info here.

In Search of Herps

When: 4/3 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Quail Hollow Ranch
Cost: Free

Never heard of the career title herpetologist? Us too. Come learn from Paul Haskins, an expert in “herps,” reptiles and amphibians. You’ll wander along park trails, by the meadow and pond, in search of the creatures and learn about their lifestyles and habitats.

The tour welcomes all ages. Group size is limited so make sure you sign up in advance. It’s a great way to get outdoors, stretch your legs and discover something new!

Get more info here.