Santa Cruz County
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Featured Events:Holiday Lights TrainChoo, Choo, Santa Claus is coming to town, not by sleigh, not by snow but by Train! Every Fri and Sa (Nov 23-Dec 23) Location: Graham Hill Rd, Felton 
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NOVEMBER 23 - 24, DECEMBER 1 - 2, 8 - 9 & 15 - 23 Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Choo, Choo, Santa Claus is coming to town, not by sleigh, not by snow but by Train! Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers lend their voices to holiday carols, sip hot spiced cider and listen to musical entertainment while Santa visits the little ones, or the young at heart! Continue the merriment with a $6 MyBoardwalk card good for attractions, arcades and games in Neptune's Kingdom. Bring the whole family for festive fun. Happy Holidays!
Dear Santa Letter Download here - Print out your letter to Santa Claus and have Roaring Camp Deliver it by train to the North Pole. Write your letter and bring it with you to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, there will be a North Pole mailbox just outside of the entrance to Neptune's Kingdom by the first car of the train. Roaring Camp will be making a special trip each evening after the Holiday Lights Train to drop off your letters to Santa's Home in the North Pole.
Start a new holiday tradition! Gather your family and friends and celebrate Santa Cruz style with ice skating at the beach! See the new Main Entrance Plaza transformed into a winter wonderland with ice skating, rides, games, festive foods and more!
More info here: https://beachboardwalk.com/Boardwalk-Holiday-Ice |
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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
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Hartnell College Planetarium's Children's Show is geared towards local families looking for an educational and fun evening out.
Fridays at 5:30 PM, doors open at 5:15 PM, runs 30-40 min
Buy Tickets Here $4 Person Tickets also available at the door Do not be late! You can also purchase tickets at the door. We accept cash, card, and NFC (android/applepay).
December - Stars 8
Stars - Every star has a story. Some are as old as time, faint and almost forgotten. Others burn bright and end their lives in powerful explosions. New stars are created every day, born of vast clouds of gas and dust. Through every phase of their existence, stars release the energy that powers the Universe. Journey to the farthest reaches of our galaxy and experience both the awesome beauty and destructive power of STARS.
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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
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.
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Gently used books, CDs, and DVDs will be sold. All proceeds will benefit the Scotts Valley Library.
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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:
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
The Bonny Doon Art, Wine & Brew Festival is presented by the Bonny Doon Community School Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
We are 100% volunteer run with 100% of proceeds supporting the school. Contact us if you're interested in getting involved.
Last year's Festival raised more than $50,000 to help fund science and arts programs and grow the Bonny Doon School Future Fund....plus, it's the best party in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Featival Schedule
| 1:00 Gates Open 1:30 Extra Large Opening Set 3:45 Silent Art Auction Closes 3:55 Wine Pull Grand Prize & Special Announcements 4:05 Live Auction 5:15 Extra Large 6:00 Alcohol Service Ends 6:45 Music Ends 7:00 Thanks for coming!!!!! |
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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
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.
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.
Origami Club at Aptos Public Library
1st Saturday of every month (unless otherwise announced)
Starts April 7, 2018!
FREE fun for all ages. Bring a project, try a design from one of our books, or just come to hangout and fold whatever strikes your fancy. All skill levels are welcome. Origami paper will be provided or bring your own if you prefer a certain type. Drop-ins welcome.
Interested in volunteering, message us! (^_^)
Presented by the Japanese Cultural Fair - Santa Cruz, in partnership with the Aptos Public Library.
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Join us in celebrating June Adopt-a-Cat Month and check out our beautiful new cat condos!
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.
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.
Bear With Us - Bear Stories of the Santa Cruz Mountains
The San Lorenzo Valley Museum shares bear stories of the Santa Cruz Mountains at the Boulder Creek Branch Library.
In the late 1700s, the San Francisco peninsula was a wilderness, and home to large numbers of grizzlies. The abundance of food was shared between the hierarchy of wildlife and the native peoples; there was plenty for all. In just a few decades, this would change.
Confrontations between man and bear often resulted in death or serious injury. By the late-1800s there were few grizzlies left here and by 1900, grizzlies, once prolific, had been hunted to extinction.
This exhibition tells the stories of bear encounters, both grizzlies and black bears, in the Santa Cruz area from the late 1700s to the present day and reminds us that often our intolerance can lead to an unrecoverable and regrettable loss.
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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.
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Celebrate the San Lorenzo River with us at Ebb & Flow 2018, a free, two-day festival for all ages June 1 & 2! Drop in for one event or join us for all.
2018 Ebb & Flow River Arts Festival
Public · Hosted by Abbott Square
JUNE 1, 2018 FIRST FRIDAY
COOPER STREET 5:00 - 8:45 pm
5:00 pm Face Painting & Artmaking (until dusk)
5:00 pm DJ Kikkoman
5:30 pm Trio Sol de Mexico
6:00 pm Angela Chambers & Thomas Pedersen
6:30 pm Blue Summit
7:15 pm Senderos
7:25 pm Iman Lizarazu
7:55 pm Zun Zun
8:25 pm Post Street Rhythm Peddlers
8:45 pm Brynne Flidais (Flash Mob!) and Procession to Riverwalk
RIVER STREET AT SOQUEL AVE BRIDGE 9:00 - 10:00 pm
9:00 pm Public art unveiling of River Motion by Rachel Stoll & Aron Altmark
9:15 pm Samba Stilt Circus
9:30 pm DJ SPARKLE
Additional activities on Cooper Street and in Abbott Square and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History throughout the night. Visit Front & Cooper for a special Ebb & Flow drink. Make fish art with your family to bring back to the March for the River on Saturday.
JUNE 2, 2018 - MARCH FOR THE RIVER & TANNERY CELEBRATION
MARCH FOR THE RIVER 12:00 - 12:30 pm
Show your love for the river! Join us for an all-ages one-mile march. Participants are invited to come as they are or dress up like their favorite watershed critter. Signs and costumes are encouraged but not required. Roller skates, one-wheels, skateboards and bicycles are welcome. Or download a fish kit at ebbandflowfest.org/create and bring your fish to the March!
The March starts at 12:00 pm under the Soquel Bridge (East Side) and ends at the Tannery. Lineup begins at 11:45 am.
CELEBRATION AT THE TANNERY 12:30 - 4:00 pm
After the march, join us for a free, family-friendly Celebration at the Tannery. Music, dance, face painting, artmaking, giant bubbles, scavenger hunt, food trucks, beer garden and more.
AFTERNOON SCHEDULE
12:00 pm DJ Sparkle
12:45pm Agua Doce Dance
1:05 pm BANDALOOP & special guests
1:15 pm Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Companies 1 & 2
1:20 pm Parley with River Quest
1:30 pm Zun Zun
2:00 pm Arnaud Loubayi Congolese Dance
2:15 pm Parley with River Quest
2:20 pm Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Companies 1 & 2
2:25 pm BANDALOOP & special guests
2:40 pm Senderos
2:50 pm Parley with River Quest
3:00 Watsonville Taiko
3:30 SambaDá
ALL DAY ACTIVITIES
Face Painting and Temporary Fish Tattoos with Mariposa's Art
Museum Of Discovery Artmaking
Santa Cruz Public Library Bookbike
River Tours with Coastal Watershed Council
Wes Modes' Shanty Boat
Light // Form Exhibition at Radius Gallery
Food and Ice Cream Trucks
Food and drink at Bistro 112
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing Beer Garden
Water Refill Station
Giant Bubbles
Scavenger Hunt with River Quest
Free Valet Bike Parking with Bike Santa Cruz County
We'll continue to update this schedule with details. Learn more at https://www.artscouncilsc.org/ebbandflow
Twilight Adaptation Walk
Every Sunday at 7:30pm
Twilight marks the end of day and the beginning of night. Animals who come out at night have special adaptations to survive. Come test your nocturnal abilities on this fun, 1-hour, half-mile walk. Meet at Big Basin Redwoods State Park Headquarters. Event is free; vehicle day use fee is $10. Events made possible by California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation.
Event is free; day use vehicle fee is $10. Events made possible my California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation.
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Redwood Grove Loop Walk
Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 2pm
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Big Basin Redwood State Park Headquarters.
Event is free; day use vehicle fee is $10. Events made possible my California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation
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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
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!
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Art and Music At The Beach is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in Capitola Village.
Live Music is featured on the Esplanade Stage and local artists display their work in Esplanade Park overlooking Capitola Beach and the Monterey Bay.
More Info - https://www.capitolavillage.com/event/art-and-music-at-the-beach/
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, July 29
Sunday, August 5
Sunday, August 19.
Explore an ancient seabed high in the Santa Cruz Mountains and make observations about its unique flora and fauna in this field journaling workshop. Field journals are important tools employed by scientists and naturalists to record their observations through a variety of techniques, including sketching, writing, and reporting on environmental conditions.
During this workshop, we'll take time to wander through the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve, observing the nuances of this rare habitat and recording our observations through writing and drawing in our field journals. Participants will be guided through introductory field journaling approaches while learning about the natural history of the area.
Participants should bring a journal or notebook as well as writing and/or drawing instruments. You are also invited to purchase an Art Alternatives hardcover field journal upon registration, which we'll provide when you arrive. Pencils and colored pencils will be available.
Please note: We will walk and stand on a narrow, sandy trail in full sunlight for a good portion of the workshop. Please bring sufficient sun protection, walking shoes, and plenty of water. In the case of inclement weather, we may need to cancel or adjust the location. We will notify participants in advance.
About the Workshop Leader:
Melody Overstreet is a local artist, poet, California naturalist, and educator who has a passion for all that composes and sustains us. She offers nature-craft centered workshops through Cabrillo College Extension, the UCSC Arboretum, and Kids in Nature. Her educational approach emphasizes the importance of connection to our origins through place, community, and plants.
Pre-registration required
Price: $15 general | $10 children | $5 off for Museum Members | Add a journal for $8
Space limited to 15 participants
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Sunday Seaside Crafts -make it and take it! Come create and take home a fun souvenir, an activity for the whole family to share.
For example, find out what gray whales eat by creating a bright sun catcher for your window, or create a fancy fish with paper, paint, and color.
Build a seal or sea lion puppet decorated with your own special seal nose, complete with whiskers!
Join the fun in the crafts room every Sunday from 1-3 PM for hands-on fun.
Sponsored by: Sigma Alpha of Omega Nu
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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.
History Walk
Sunday, June 3 at 11am
Meet on the deck of the Visitor Center for a tour of Seacliff State Beach and its fascinating history. Learn about the Concrete Ship, Great Storms from 1889-today, "The Madman of Seacliff" and much, much more.
This 50-minute, 1-mile stroll will take you to the Aptos Creek Bridge and back. Dogs on leash, please.
Event is free; day-use vehicle fee is $10. For more information, please call (831) 685-6444. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
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
Tidepool Tours
Sunday, June 3 at 11am
Saturday, June 9 at 11:30am
Sunday, June 10 at 11:30am
Sunday, June 17 at 11am
Saturday, June 23 at 11:30am
Explore our spectacular tidepools on this 1.5 hour guided tour. Meet at the Natural Bridges State Beach Visitor Center. Bring layered clothing and good walking shoes. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $10. For more information, please call (831) 423-4609 ext. 8. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
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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 |
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.
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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.
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EASY HIKES
Castle Rock Loop Sat & Sun 11am
Trailhead: main parking lot; 1 mile loop; elevation gain 300 feet
Ascend through Douglas-fir, madrone, and tanoak to see the park’s imposing namesake peak—a good spot for bouldering and roped climbs. The surrounding smaller rocks are a great playground for children.
Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike Saturdays at 2:30pm
Join us on a 3-mile, 2.5-hour hike to Castle Rock, Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook. We’ll discuss Castle Rock’s unique geology, rock climbing history, human impacts and important preservationists that helped give Castle Rock State Park the protections we have today. Please bring plenty of water, hiking shoes, snacks, a camera, and binoculars if you have them. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $8. Meet at the kiosk. Event made possible by California State Parks in partnership with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
MODERATE HIKES
Ridge/Trail Camp Loop
Trailhead: main parking lot, 5.15 miles, elevation gain 1,190 feet
Hike through the forest and past Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock. Enjoy views of the San Lorenzo River Valley and glimpses of Monterey Bay. Learn about history, wildlife, and habitats at the Interpretive Shelter. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water and a rain shelter.
Skyline/Loghry Woods/Saratoga Gap Loop
Trailhead: main parking lot; 6.1 miles roundtrip; elevation gain 750 feet
Head through the forest past Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock. Enjoy views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Lorenzo River with glimpses across to Monterey Bay if there’s no fog. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water, and a rain shelter.
STRENUOUS HIKES
Middle of the Park from the Gap Loop
Trailhead: Saratoga Gap; 9 miles roundtrip, elevation gain 1,530 feet.
This challenging hike or run through the forest takes you past mountain and valley views with some glimpses of Monterey Bay on a clear day. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water and a rain shelter. Begin at Saratoga Gap and either go down Saratoga Toll Road Trail or across Skyline Trail (Bay Area Ridge Trail). Close the loop on the Loghry Woods and Travertine Springs trails.
Gap to Gap Loop
Trailhead: Saratoga Gap or Waterman Gap; 16.4 miles round trip, elevation gain 1,860 feet
A good workout for strong trail runners and hikers. You can also backpack and stay overnight at the Waterman Gap Trail Camp (reservations required). Trails are mostly wooded, with occasional views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Skyline to the Sea Trailhead: dropoff at Saratoga Gap or park at main parking lot, pickup at Waddell Beach, 25.2–28.2 miles; elevation from 1,660–2,130 feet.
One of the region’s most rewarding backpack options. Start on the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains and descend to the ocean in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Camp at trail camps along the way. Two to four days of backpacking or four to eight hours of trail running.
Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike
Saturdays at 2:30pm
Join us on a 3-mile, 2.5-hour hike to Castle Rock, Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook. We'll discuss Castle Rock's unique geology, rock climbing history, human impacts and important preservationists that helped give Castle Rock State Park the protections we have today. Please bring plenty of water, hiking shoes, snacks, a camera, and binoculars if you have them. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $8. Meet at the kiosk. Event made possible by California State Parks in partnership with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
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Old-Growth Redwood Tours
Saturday, November 3 at 11am
Saturday, November 10 at 11am
Saturday, November 17 at 11am
Saturday, November 24 at 11am
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 is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
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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.
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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.
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Join us for a weekend-long, family-friendly music festival with over 20 bands and arts & crafts. This festival benefits local nonprofit organizations. The Faire features live music on two stages, kids' area, locally made food, beer, cider and wine in an open field surrounded by redwoods in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. Kids 12 and under FREE!
TICKET PRICING
Adults: $25 per day (door $29). Two-day Pass $45.
Teens (13 - 17): $20 each (door $24). Two-day Pass $35.
Seniors (65+): $20 each (door $24). Two-day Pass $35.
Kids 12 and under FREE with parent or legal guardian.
Parking $5
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The Artichoke Festival is a commemoration of all things artichoke. The event has artichoke cooking demos, tours of artichoke farms, artichoke-themed art and souvenirs (and a contest to make art out of actual artichokes!), an artichoke parade, artichokes (and other vegetables) for sale at the farmers' market, a race through the artichoke fields, a classic car show, a wine exposition, and of course artichokes prepared in every way imaginable.
A tradition for over half a century, the Artichoke Festival takes place every June. Open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, the Artichoke Festival features foods and events all centered around one of Monterey County's favorite thistle.
Artichoke Festival Parade & Car Show
The Castroville Artichoke Festival Parade marches through the streets of Castroville and officially kicks off the festivities. The entries are fighting for top prize, and the competition is fierce! Large floats, performing entertainment acts such as marching bands and baton corps, cheerleaders, classic cars, equestrians and more will all participate in the Castroville Artichoke Festival Parade.
Live Music
The Artichoke Festival hosts live acts including performances from great bands. There's something for everyone with everything from rock & roll, country, swing, to mariachi.
Other Events
Throughout the weekend, check out the various children's activities including games, face painting and live shows. Sample award-winning wines from throughout the state. Admire three-dimensional sculptures built from fruits and vegetables in the Agro Art competition. Learn the many ways you can prepare artichokes at cooking demonstrations throughout the festival. A farmers' market, arts and crafts vendors and food stands selling artichokes prepared in every way assure you won't go home hungry or empty-handed.
Tickets and Schedule
Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children at the gate. See the official Artichoke Festival site for detailed schedule and ticketing information.
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Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
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