Annual Events

Folk Dancing!
Cabrillo Folk Dancers
Check out these folk dancing events! Balkan, Israeli, International
Date: Every Tues and Fri from 7:30am to 11:00pm

THE HELLADELICS at Live Oak Grange, Santa Cruz CA
Time: 8:00-11:00 p.m. (doors open at 7:30)
Cost: $15.00 (sliding scale) + tips for the band.
Bring: Snacks to share--finger food only, please.Dancing in Santa Cruz for 48+ years.

Join us on Friday evenings...
at: MARKET STREET SENIOR CENTER
222 MARKET STREET, SANTA CRUZ

 

Live music parties will usually happen at the Live Oak Grange in Santa Cruz--depending on availability of the facility and bands. Occasionally we will party at Park Hall in Ben Lomond or at our regular venue, Market Street Senior Center.

Questions? Send email to: cabrillofolk@sbcglobal.net
(Be patient--answers may take a few days... Thanks!)

 

LOCAL CLASSES:
FRIDAY: Cabrillo Folk Dancers--Balkan & International

TUESDAY: Alan Rothchild's Israeli Dance class

FRIDAY: BALKAN-INTERNATIONAL DANCE
Time: Friday, 7:30-10:00 p.m.
(Dancing starts about 7:45...)
EVERY Friday, except on (or near) national holidays. For the health and comfort of members with asthma and allergies, the class is "fragrance-free".
Any schedule changes will be announced on this web site, whenever possible.
Cost: $7.00
MARKET STREET SENIOR CENTER, 222 Market Street, Santa Cruz, CA

In a residential neighborhood, on the surrounding streets. Please be considerate of the neighbors, and don't block driveways.

New to folk dancing or haven't danced in 10-40 years?
Come at the beginning of class, when easier dances are taught.

LIVE MUSIC: Check the Calendar of Events page for the schedule of live music parties and other parties/events of interest.

Questions? Email: cabrillofolk@sbcglobal.net - (answers may take a couple of days...)

TUESDAY--Alan Rothchild's ISRAELI DANCE CLASS
This class has been taught by Alan Rothchild for over 25 years.
Every Tuesday evening, 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
$7.00
Peace United Church of Christ (formerly First Congregational, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz

 

For more information email: rothdance@hotmail.com

Watsonville Certified Farmers Market
Watsonville Farmers Market
Fresh, locally grown produce on Friday afternoons from 2:30 to 6:30 PM from May to November.
Date: Every Fri from 2:30pm to 6:30pm

An enchanting farmers market with a "mercado" feel. Lots of wonderful produce and prepared foods.

 

The Watsonville Farmers' Market is a member of the California Federation of Certified Farmers' Markets.

 

The Market provides fresh, locally grown produce on Friday afternoons from May to November.

 

Mariachi California de Javier Vargas will play every first Friday of the month from 5-6pm (May-October) at the Watsonville city Plaza

Family Arts & Crafts- Garfield Park
Library Garfield
Date: Every Sa from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Ages: 3-6

Get crafty! A Do-It-Yourself craft will be ready and waiting for families, independent-minded kids and teens! Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Old Growth Redwood Tours
State Park Henry Cowell
Activities will range from sketching and watercolor to nature journaling and more
Date: Every Sa at 1:00pm

Old-Growth Redwood Tours                                                                                  

Saturdays at noon

Are there different kinds of redwoods? How do coastal redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? Why are there so few old growth trees left?  How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Answer these questions and more every Saturday on our Redwood Grove Walks. One of our knowledgeable and friendly docents will lead you through the wondrous old growth forest and answer any questions you may have. Meet at the visitor center. Event free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

June Adopt-a-Cat Month
Santa Cruz County Animal
Celebrate and support cats! June is cat adoption month! Join us for a kick off with live jazz, face painting, bake sale, a wine
Date: 06/02/2018 from 10:00am to 6:00pm

Special Instructions: Cat adoptions will be half-priced for the entire month of June!

Join us in celebrating June Adopt-a-Cat Month and check out our beautiful new cat condos!

• Half price adoptions on all cats and kittens for the entire month of June
• Live jazz
• Raffle prizes
• Children's activities and face painting
• Refreshments
• Bake sale

SPECIAL SCHEDULED EVENTS

Cat Behavior Q & A
11 a.m. to noon - Amy Hyler-Essig & Carolyn Nelson

Cat Health Q & A
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Dana Gleason, DVM

Wine & Cheese Reception
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Free Swim Lessons with Tiffany
Seahorse Swim School
Free swim lessons Mar 31, April 28, May 5 and June 2
Date: 06/02/2018 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Ages: All ages Admission Fees: 80
Special Instructions: Mar 31, April 28, May 5 and June 2

Learning to swim is a critical part of every child's life. Drowning is one of the main causes of accidental death-an average of 10 children drown every day according to the Center for Disease Control. But many parents don't put their kids in swimming lessons because they are often time-consuming and expensive. In light of this, Seahorse Swim School is offering free swimming lessons for anyone and everyone this spring.

 

The lessons happen rain or shine and if you can't make it to this one, there will also be more free lessons on April 28, May 5 and June 2.

 

1-3 p.m. Seascape Sports Club, 1505 Seascape Blvd. Aptos. 476-7946. seahorseswimschool.com. Free.

 

Arboretum Tour of What's in bloom
Arboretum
Free guided tour with paid admission, $3
Date: Every Sa

Special Instructions: $5 for Adults and $2 for Children (6 to 17 years old), and free under 6

Join staff & docents on a tour of what's in bloom.

Free Guided Tour, 1st Saturday, every month, Free with your Arboretum admission. 

 

Admission to the Arboretum

• The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is open from 9:00 to 5:00 every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. A visit is worthwhile any time of the year.
• $5 for Adults and $2 for Children (6 to 17 years old), and free under 6.
• Free to those going only to shop at Norrie's.
• Free to UCSC students
• Free to Friends of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum members and Arboretum volunteers
• Free to members of gardens participating in the American Horticulture Society (AHS) Reciprocal Admissions Program
• Free on first Tuesday of each month, Community Day.
• Docent-lead tours can be arranged by advance request. The $10 per person cost includes admission to the Arboretum.

 

Do It Yourself Craft
Library La Selva Beach
Date: Every Sa from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Ages: 3-6

Do-It-Yourself Craft @ La Selva Beach Library (1:30 PM-4:30 PM)

Join the fun on Saturdays between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm.

Kid's Tool Workshop
Home Depot
Free kids workshops teach do-it-yourself skills and tool safety
Date: The 1st Sa of every month from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Ages: 5-12 Admission Fees: Free

Designed for kids ages 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment.

 

Offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and noon at The Home Depot.

 

Watsonville, 355 S. Green Valley Rd, (831)786-9877
Capitola, 2600 41st Ave, (831)462-5650

Salnas, 1890 N. Davis Road

 

 

Evening Art Program
State Park Henry Cowell
Activities will range from sketching and watercolor to nature journaling and more
Date: Every Sa at 1:00pm

Evening Art Program
Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Join us in the campfire center for a family friendly arts and crafts program. All ages welcome. Topic changes week to week and activities will range from sketching and watercolor to nature journaling and more! Meet at the Henry Cowell Redwoods Graham Hill Campground, located off Graham Hill Road in Scotts Valley. No experience necessary. Event is free; parking is $10. Events made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

Monterey Contra Dance
Monterey Country Dance Community
Join us for a fun evening of dancing
Date: The 1st Sa of every month from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Special Instructions: Check website for verifying dates

Monterey Country Dance Community holds contra dances most first and third Saturdays (in December, our dances may vary due to the holiday season) at the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, at 600 Camino El Estero in Monterey, unless otherwise noted in our schedules and calendars.  Come alone or bring a friend - beginners are always welcome!  If you'd like to support MCDC, please consider becoming a Member (a minimum $25/year sponsorship helps us to continue these wonderful dances).

 

Schedule: 6:40pm Newcomers' Orientation

• 7pm to 10pm Contra Dance

Admission Prices for regular dances:

• $12 for nonmembers (of any sister organization)
• $10 for members of MCDC or sister organization (including BACDS & CDSS)
• $5 for full-time students and active military, with ID

Check out our Calendar for details and dates. 

Not sure what Contra Dance is?
See videos and learn more by checking out our About Contra Dance page. If you're feeling nervous about learning how to contra dance, we even have links to beginning dancers' training videos on YouTube - they are a wonderful help, though nothing replaces dancing as a way to learn.
Please be aware that some of our dancers are sensitive to fragrances - we respectfully request that everyone please be thoughtful and not use products with fragrance prior to a contra dance.  Thank you!

Redwood Tours
State Park Henry Cowell
One of our knowledgeable and friendly docents will lead you through the wondrous old growth forest and answer any questions you
Date: Every Sa at 12:00pm
Admission Fees: Day-use parking fee is $10

Old-Growth Redwood Tours                                                                                  

Saturdays at noon

Are there different kinds of redwoods? How do coastal redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? Why are there so few old growth trees left?  How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Answer these questions and more every Saturday on our Redwood Grove Walks. One of our knowledgeable and friendly docents will lead you through the wondrous old growth forest and answer any questions you may have.

 

Meet at the visitor center. For more information, please call (831) 335-7077. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

Tales to Tails - Central
Library Central
Date: Every Sa from 10:00am to 11:30am
Admission Fees: Free

Tales to Tails - Downtown (10:00 AM-11:30 AM)

Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive, non-judgmental reading partners for children reading aloud. Children have individual 20-minute time slots to sit with a dog and read.

 

Contact pro@santacruzpl.org or 831.427.7717 to reserve a spot.

View similar upcoming events: Programs for Kids, Early Literacy, Tales to Tails

Biggest Little Air Show
Hiller Aviation Museum
Thrilling aerobatic performance by airshow pilot Rich Perkins in the Yak-54 Russian Thunder along with demonstrations of excepti
Date: 06/02/2018 from 10:00am to 1:00pm

Biggest Little Air Show, Saturday June 2, 10 AM - 1 PM

Celebrate the Hiller Aviation Museum's 20th Anniversary at the Biggest Little Air Show. This year's show will match a thrilling aerobatic performance by airshow pilot Rich ! Perkins in the Yak-54 Russian Thunder along with demonstrations of exceptional radio controlled models.

 

RUSSIAN THUNDER IS BACK!

There is only one Yak 54 in the western hemisphere, and this Big Bad Yak is ready to roll the thunder. Russian Thunder has veteran airshow performer Rich Perkins at the controls.  Rich flies the Yak 54 to its limits in a high energy fully aerobatic performance, with lots of smoke and, yes, Thunder.

 

Performers are scheduled to include:

• Rick Perkins in the Yak-54 Russian Thunder
• The Red Stars Formation Flying Team
• Parachute jump by world altitude record holder Alan Eustace
• The RC Flyers model aircraft demonstrations

Little Rangers Portola
State Park Portola Redwoods
Explore Portola Redwoods State Park
Date: Every Su and Sa at 10:00am

Little Rangers

Saturdays and Sundays at 10am

All 3 to 6 year olds and their families are invited to learn, play, and laugh together at this 30 minute program. Activities, songs, stories, and silliness will help our youngest visitors find a connection to the redwood forest and all of its inhabitants. Adult supervision is required and participation is encouraged. Meet at the visitor center. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 291-8273. Event made possible by Portola and Castle Rock Foundation and California State Parks.

Life on the Ranch Day - The Early Days on a Dairy Farm
State Park Wilder Ranch
Experience the Victorian era!
Date: Every Su and Sa
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Weekends from 11:00am-3:00pm, tours of the ranch houses at 1:00pm

Life on the Ranch Day - The Early Days on a Dairy Farm
Saturday, August 11 from 11am to 3pm

 

Wilder Ranch State Park invites you to experience old-time activities from its rancho, dairy farm, and cowboy rodeo days. Hands-on activities and living history presentations may include butter churning, ice cream making, roping skills, and demonstrations in the ranch buildings. Come for a picnic on the lawn and follow it up with a game of tug of war, sack races, hoops, stilts, and Wilder Ranch's famous old-fashioned bubbles! This event is appropriate for all ages. Event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at (831) 426-0505. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

 

State Park Pigeon Point Light Station
Date: Every Su, Fri and Sa at 10:00am
Ages: All

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is currently under repair, but that doesn't mean that the First Order Fresnel Lens can't shine! The Fresnel lens, the original lighthouse beacon, will light up once again from its temporary home in the Visitor Center. As dusk settles, the 24 beams of light provide a dramatic glimpse of how the lighthouse once guided ships passing by this rocky coastline. Bring a flashlight and join us for a unique experience. For more information, call the park at (650) 879-2120 or go online to www.Parks.CA.gov/PigeonPoint. Event is free. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

* Please note the lighthouse will NOT be lit. The original lighthouse beacon, the First Order Fresnel lens, will be lit but in its temporary location inside the Visitor Center. The lighthouse is being repaired and is currently not accessible to the public.

JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY
Scotts Valley Police
Provides students with alternatives to drugs, violence, and other illegal activities through exciting events and educational pro
Date: Every day (May 1-Aug 3)

Special Instructions: June 18-22, July 9-13, July 30-Aug 3

Scotts Valley Police Department·

Registration is now open for all three of our 2018 Junior Police Academy sessions!

 

Dates are currently scheduled for June 18-22, July 9-13 and July 30-Aug 3

 

Our Junior Police Academy has been running since 2000. We offer three week-long sessions, each with room for twenty students. Our program reaches out to students entering 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

 

Registration, cost and further information can be found at the link below, or by calling Det. Mike Birley at 831-440-5656.

https://www.scottsvalleypd.com/juvenile-programs

Adult Crafts
Library Felton
Let's have some fun while also helping each other learn and grow as artists and crafters!
Date: Every Su from 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Come join us at The Felton Library for Adult Afternoon Arts and Crafts. It's every Sunday from 2-4:30pm.

 

Bring something portable that you are working on or come prepared to have fun!

 

 

Brainfuse - Homework Help
Libraries
Brainfuse: Free online homework help for students of all ages.
Date: Every day

Free Academic Help at All Levels.

 

Brainfuse offers live online tutoring in elementary, middle school, high school, college, and adult education.

 

Live Tutoring: Students draw or type their question in our online classroom and receive live homework assistance from a Brainfuse-certified tutor. Our tutors don't simply give answers but help students master underlying academic concepts.

 

SkillSurfer: SkillSurfer includes an extensive library of Brainfuse-created lessons, video tutorials, and practice tests in a wide range of academic subjects, and further integrates them with live tutoring.

Santa Cruz Farmers Markets
Santa Cruz Farmers Markets
A moveable feast of fresh, locally grown produce, free-range eggs, grass-fed meats and poultry, baked goods, music and good comp
Date: Every Su, Tues, Wed and Sa
Ages: All

Our family of five farmers' markets showcases the best in regional organic produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs and dairy, sustainably-harvested seafoods and artisan-made goods.

 

Purchasing your food through the area's farmers' markets ensures that you are getting the freshest, healthiest and tastiest foods while supporting local jobs, increasing local spending and promoting the region's strong farming tradition.

 

We provide direct access to sustainable sources of fresh produce and other unique foods and education about food issues, both local and beyond.

 

Santa Cruz/Downtown	Weds 2:30-6:00	Lincoln & Cedar	Year-round
Santa Cruz/West Side	Sat 9-1	2801 Mission	Year-round
Scotts Valley	Sat 9-1	King's Village Dr	April - October
Live Oak/East Side	Sun 9-1	15th & Eastcliff Dr	Year-round
Felton	Tues 2:30-6:30	120 Russell Ave	May - Oct

Reading In the Redwoods
Library Felton
Join our monthly book club!
Date: Every Su and Sa from 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Reading in the Redwoods book group meets monthly at the Felton Library on the fourth Wednesday at 6:15 pm.

 

Copies of the book are usually available at the Felton branch library.

For more information call 427-7708 or drop by the branch.

 

To be added to the book group email list, please call 831-427-3151.

Ranch History Tours
State Park Wilder Ranch
History comes alive at Wilder Ranch State Park on the weekends
Date: Every Su and Sa at 1:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: $10 parking

Ranch History Tours

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

Monday, September 3 at 1pm

Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1897 Victorian home, 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse, 1896 water-powered machine shop, barns and other historic buildings. Event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at (831) 426-0505. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

 

Tour the Pacific Migrations Center
State Park New Brighton
Self-guided tour highlights history of Pacific Rim migrations
Date: Every Su, Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Ages: 7-12

 Tour the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach

Come explore the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach. This free mini-museum highlights the history of Pacific Rim migrations and how they have influenced the Monterey Bay area. 

The exhibits explore the contributions of Chinese fishers, who established fishing camps on the Monterey Bay coastline beginning in the 1850s. Fishers dried and shipped most of their catch to markets up and down the coast, as well as across the Pacific. Chinese fish merchants also sold their fresh catch in local towns. China Beach, as New Brighton was known at the time, lasted until the mid-1880s. 

The center, which is supported by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays. It also includes a ParkStore, offering nature and history-themed merchandise for sale. All proceeds benefit local parks and beaches.

Self-guided tours of the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center are free. Docent-led tours are available for groups. Contact Jean Bernard at the Visitor Center, 831-464-5620, to schedule. Parking at New Brighton State Beach is $10 and supports the park. New Brighton State Beach is located at 1500 Park Ave. in Capitola

Pigeon Point Light Station Guided Tour
State Park Pigeon Point Light Station
History walks of the lighthouse
Date: Every Su, Fri and Sa at 10:00am
Ages: All

Guided History Tour

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, Pescadero, CA

Guided half-hour history walks of the lighthouse grounds are available 10am - 4pm Fridays through Sundays, except on rainy days.