Photo courtesy of @qen.ny
Whether you like heart art or latte art, Russian vocalists or Baroque instrumentals, chocolate and wine or seafood and beer, this weekend has something for you in Santa Cruz County.
See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
Faces of the Sea Odyssey
When: 2/5 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Food Lounge
Cost: Free
O’Neill Sea Odessy seeks to preserve marine life through educational experiences, and all you have to do to contribute to the cause is eat some tasty food and drink some local craft beer and wine. Eats will be provided by Ocean2table, while Humble Sea Brewery and Ser Winery will be pouring their finest selections.
Konevets Quartet Concert
When: 2/5 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church
Hear the songs of Mother Russia, ranging from revered Church music to classic pre-Soviet folk tunes, at the beautiful Prophet Elias. The male vocalists of the Konevets Quartet hail all the way St. Peterburg, Russia.
Get more info here.
Fallen Angels by Noel Coward
When: 2/5 – 2/6 at 8:00 pm and 2/7 at 2:00 pm
Where: The Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center
Cost: $32 / $38
What happens when two happily married best friends get back in touch with a charming and unpredictable Frenchman who once owned both of their hearts? You’ll have to see this play, put on by Jewel Theatre Company, to find out.
Latte Art Throwdown, hosted by Cosmic
When: 2/5 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Cosmic Studio
Cost: Free; $5 buy-in to compete
Whether you are a prominent barista in the local coffee scene or just an ameteur home latte maker, you will certainly get a nice kick out of this latte art competition. All you need is espresso, steamed milk, and a little creativity.
Hearts for the Arts Reception
When: 2/5 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Artisans Gallery
Have you picked up a Valentine’s Day gift for your special someone yet? If you want to get them something as unique as your relationship, you might want to pick up a heart-inspired piece at this local art show. Proceeds will benefit local arts education programs. Exhibit and silent auction run through February 14.
Also on Friday
- Young Dubliners @ The Catalyst
- Snoop Dogg @ The Catalyst
- Booker T. Jones @ Kuumbwa
- A Tribute to Van Morrison @ Don Quixote’s
- Locomotive Breath @ The Crow’s Nest
- The China Cats @ Moe’s Alley
- Alex Abreu @ The Crepe Place
- Community Free Day @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- Abstract Santa Cruz: Reception @ R. Blitzer Gallery
- First Friday Felton Art Walk with Brandy Flores @ Mountain Spirit
- First Friday Santa Cruz @ Downtown Santa Cruz
- Star and Moon Gazing at Quail Hollow @ Quail Hollow Ranch
- Take Aways: Art to Go! @ Pajaro Valley Arts Council
- Free First Friday @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- Family Art and Science Evening @ Sanctuary Exploration Center
- Arts, Moral thinking, and Climate Change @ Peace United Church of Christ
- 8 Tens @ Eight Short Play Festival @ Center Stage Theater
- Local Essence Members´ Exhibit – Part II (L-Z) @ Santa Cruz Art League
- Baymonte Talent Show @ Rio Theatre
Saturday
River Cleanup w/ The Santa Cruz Derby Girls
When: 2/6 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: San Lorenzo River at Josephine St.
Our community has recently seen some big improvements along the San Lorenzo River, and you can help ensure it stays beautiful and healthy by participating in this river cleanup. And of course, getting to hang out with some Derby Girls off the rink isn’t a bad perk.
Santa Cruz Baroque Festival: Concert 1
When: 2/6 at 7:30 pm
Where: UCSC Music Center Recital Hall
Cost: $5 – $30
The Baroque period was a time of great artistic and scientific achievement, and you can experience both simultaneously at this multimedia concert. While local musicians play key pieces from the era, you can gaze at stunning pictures of outer space.
2 for 1 All-Day Rides at the Boardwalk
When: 2/6 – 2/7
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: $33.95 + tax
It’s a pretty simple concept: you and a friend can get two all-day ride wristbands for the price of one, meaning you can enjoy the Sea Swings, Giant Dipper, Double Shot and more without stretching your budget too thin.
Bay of Life: a Celebration of California’s Central Coast
When: 2/6 from 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $23
Photographer Frans Lanting has captured ecosystems all over the world, but perhaps none are more breathtaking this his iconic shots of his home turf, the Monterey Bay. Take in lively photographs of sea otters, elephant seals, and more in this retrospective multimedia show.
Mardi Gras on Main Street Gala
When: 2/6 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Bargetto Winery
Cost: $75 early or $85 at door
Mardi Gras falls on a Tuesday, but you can celebrate early this weekend with Unchained, a local nonprofit that specializes in animal therapy programs. Enjoy local wines from Bargetto, as well as live music, a silent auction, and more.
Fallen Angels by Noel Coward
See Description Under Friday Section
Also on Saturday
- Bob Marley Birthday Bash @ Bocci’s Cellar
- The White Buffalo @ The Catalyst
- Aja Vu and Stealin’ Chicago @ Don Quixote’s
- Coastal Sage @ The Crow’s Nest
- Busker Fest @ Downtown Santa Cruz
- Tommy Castro & The Painkillers @ Moe’s Alley
- Flamenco Luz @ Kuumbwa
- Tor Miller, Sean McVerry @ The Crepe Place
- Animal Shelter Relief Rescue Adoption Fair @ PetSmart
- Ugly Beauty @ Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn
- First Saturday Free Garden Tours @ UCSC Arboretum
- Community Rental: Transfiguration @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- Free Flat Fixing Class @ Spokesman Bicycles
- Sutter Babies Art Days @ Radius Gallery
- Peery Park Habitat Restoration Project @ Peery Park
- Take Aways: Art to Go! @ Pajaro Valley Arts Council
- Arts, Moral thinking, and Climate Change @ Peace United Church of Christ
- 8 Tens @ Eight Short Play Festival @ Center Stage Theater
- Local Essence Members´ Exhibit – Part II (L-Z) @ Santa Cruz Art League
- Quick and Easy Citrus Marmalade @ New Leaf Community Market Westside
- Old-Time Big Basin Resort Walk @ Big Basin State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike @Big Basin State Park
- Coffee Talk and Crafts @ Big Basin State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Coast Nature Walk @ Wilder Ranch State Park
Sunday
Free First Sunday Sound Meditation
When: 2/7 from 10:30 am to 11:45 am
Where: Mountain Spirit
Cost: Free
With all the noise of the presidential election and just getting through the slog of daily life, everyone could probably benefit from a little relaxation and peacefulness. Take the time to quiet your mind at this free meditation session, led by author Bruce Manaka.
Super Bowl Fun Run 2016
When: 2/7 from 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Where: Back Entrance Natural Bridges
Superbowl Sunday: a day when millions of Americans celebrate athleticism by sitting on couches, eating unhealthy food, and staring at the television. If you want to buck the trend, take part in this fun run, so that you can enjoy the game without any guilt.
Fallen Angels by Noel Coward
See Description Under Friday Section
2 for 1 All-Day Rides at the Boardwalk
See Description Under Saturday Section
Also on Sunday
- D-Lo @ The Catalyst
- Live Comedy at the Crow’s Nest @ The Crow’s Nest
- City of Watsonville Nature Walks @ Wetlands of Watsonville
- Monthly XStream Beach Cleanup @ Davenport Main Beach
- Cleanup Cowells Project @ Cowell Beach
- Take Aways: Art to Go! @ Pajaro Valley Arts Council
- 8 Tens @ Eight Short Play Festival @ Center Stage Theater
- Local Essence Members´ Exhibit – Part II (L-Z) @ Santa Cruz Art League
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike @ Big Basin State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Tours @ Wilder Ranch State Park
Calling All Santa Cruz Little Free Libraries!
All around Santa Cruz mini libraries are popping up and making free book exchanges possible in our community.
Share your neighborhood’s mini library by posting your photo to Instagram using #santacruzLFL or by emailing socialmedia@santacruzpl.org. Please include a cross street location with your photo.
To see the collection of local Little Free Libraries so far on Instagram, click here.
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Until I found this I thhugot I’d have to spend the day inside.