Annual Events

Play Time in the Party Room
My Museum
Date: Every Th from 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Play time in the Party Room!

Come play with three pounds of Play-Doh, make your own jewelery, stamp until your heart is content, paint a picture & much more. Come to our drop-in party room and see what we're offering

Fun for all ages & free with the price of admission.

 

 

Mothersong, A MultiCultural Singalong
Mothersong
Singalong for moms, dads grandparents and babies 0-3
Date: Every Wed and Th from 9:15am to 11:30am
Ages: Newborn - Preschool (Parents to Admission Fees: Adults $5-$10, Babies 0-3 free
Special Instructions: Two Sessions: 9:15am & 10:30am

Mothersong- A Multicultural Singalong for Families with Babies

Babies! Bring your parents for a joyous hour of singing, dancing, clapping and joy with Joya Winwood.

Adults/$5-10  Babies (0-3)/FREE

Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:15 & 10:30 

Unity, 407 Broadway, Santa Cruz 

Lucky Steppers Square Dancing
Lucky Steppers
Square dancing for beginners to "pros"
Date: Every Th

Lucky Steppers is a Plus level club that meets in Santa Cruz, California. We dance on Thursday nights from 6:30 until 9:30 PM. Our caller is Harold Fleeman.

6:30 - 7:00 -- Round Dance Teach, taught by Sue and Phil Harris
7:00 - 8:30 -- Beginner Class
8:30 - 9:30 -- Club Dance (Plus Level)

 

 

Munching with Mozart Concert
Library Central
Bring your lunch and enjoy a concert, great midday interlude
Date: Every Th

Wonderful, amazingly popular concert series presents William Hurlstone, Béla Kovács, Robert Schumann Michael A. Kimbell, clarinet and Elizabeth Lee, piano Meeting in Central's upstairs meeting room. Come early so you can get a seat!

Come Knit with Us!
Santa Cruz Knitting
Date: Every Th at 4:45pm

The knitting starts at 4:45pm. Stay as long, or as little, as you like. Come in and show off your latest project - finished or not - and admire the projects of others. Knitters and crocheters - we've even had tatters - are all welcome. We have experts as well as beginners - come for help if you need it, help others if you can. These meetings definitely have the potential for good karma...
Hope to see you there!

 

Thursdays will be SECOND and FIFTH in April;

returning to FIRST and THIRD Thursdays, but I'll have to skip the FIRST in May, so we'll go with the THIRD Thursday in MAY.

Single Mom Support Group, 2nd Thursday
Twin Lakes Church
Date: Every Th (Jan 1-Dec 31) from 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Find encouragement, support and share in each others' challenges.  For single moms 25 and under.  Call or info and to reserve childcare.  Free

Storytimes at the Libraries
Library
Storytimes at the Libraries
Date: Every Tues, Wed and Th
Admission Fees: Free

Library Storytimes

 

Tues
Branciforte Baby Storytime10:15am; Scotts Valley Preschool Storytime 10:15am; La Selva Beach Storytime 10:15am; Capitola Storytime 3-6 yr olds 11:15am; Felton Natalie's Afternoon Stories 3:30pm

 

Weds
Central Preschool Storytime 10:15am; Boulder Creek Preschool Storytime 11am; Capitola Laptime 1-3 yr olds 11:15am

 

Thursday
Scotts Valley Toddler Storytime 10:15am; Live Oak Preschool Storytime 10:15am; Central Laptime 10:15am; Felton Preschool Storytime 11am

 

Addresses

Aptos, 7695 Soquel Drive, 420-5309

Boulder Creek, 13390 West Park, 420-5319

Branciforte, 230 Gault Street, 420-6330

Capitola, 2005 Wharf Road, 420-5329

Central, 224 Church Street, 420-5700

Felton, 6299 Gushee, 420-5339

Garfield Park, 705 Woodrow, 420-6344

La Selva Beach, 316 Estrella, 420-5349

Live Oak, 2380 Portola Drive, 420-5359

Scotts Valley, 230-D Mt. Hermon Road, 420-5369

 

 

Cafe Moms
Cafe Moms
Date: Every Tues and Th
Ages: Moms & Children
Special Instructions: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays - Call!

Cafe Mom meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. Location for 1st Tuesdays are 101 Madison St  FBC Watsonville. Free childcare is available so you can enjoy uninterrupted adult conversation! Location for 3rd Tuesdays are playdates at rotating parks throughout mid to South County.

Cafe Mom welcomes any mom!

Kinship Group
Mountain Community Resources
Support for grandparents, friends and relatives providing a home for a child
Date: The 1st Th of every month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: First and Third Thursdays

Kinship Group: A support and information group for grandparents, relatives, and friends providing a home for a child. Free. Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 6:30-8pm. Childcare is provided. Call 335-6600 for more information.

Together in the Park/Juntos en el Parque
Live Oak Family Resource Center
Date: Every Th from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Ages: All Ages Admission Fees: $20 for 6 weeks

There is more to parks than sand and swings!  This class is a drop-in play group for parents and young children. Come meet other parents, get information about parenting and child development and have fun learning with your child. Class will not meet if it rains the day of the program. If it is cloudy, class will meet. Class dates subject to change. This class is ongoing throughout the year the year.  Start anytime!

Valley Parents Baby Group
Mountain Community Resources
Get together with your baby and other babies and their parents. Share and get tips
Date: Every Th from 10:00am to 11:30am
Admission Fees: Free

Valley Parents Baby Group: Parents and babies meet at Mountain Community Resources in Felton on Thursdays from 10-11:30. Parenting helps and information provided.

 

Call Romina at 335-6604 or Susana at 335-6603 for more information.

 

Together in the Park/Juntos en el Parque
Watsonville/Aptos Adult Education
Date: Every Fri from 9:30am to 12:30pm
Ages: Parents & Young Children

Together in the Park is a free program with an opportunity for parents to experience activities with their young children and gain new information on child development and community resources.  Come when you can, stay as long as you can.  Join us for some fun.  You may register at the park. Snacks provided.

Rainy Days: Corralitos Community Center, 33 Browns Valley Rd, Corralitos 

Game Day
Louden Nelson Center
Date: Every Fri (Jan 2-Dec 31) from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Game Day
Bring friends and family of all ages, eat popcorn and play chess, checkers, dominoes, Yahtzee and other board games.

Free 1st Friday: Museum of Art & History
MAH
Every Friday, free admission
Date: Every Fri from 11:00am to 9:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Free Day: Museum of Art History 11am-9pm. 1^st Friday of the month.  Permanent display of local Santa Cruz County history.429-1964

Lunchtime Museum Tour 12-12:30pm.  1^st Friday of the month. Join us for an interactive tour of our current exhibition.

 

Play Time in the Party Room!
My Museum
Date: Every Fri from 11:00am to 12:00pm

Play Time in the Party Room!
Did you miss this play time on Thursday afternoon? Come Friday morning instead! Come play with three pounds of Play-Doh, make your own jewelery, stamp until your heart is content, paint a picture & much more. Come to our drop-in party room and see what we're offering

Fun for all ages & free with the price of admission.
Open 10-5 Monday-Saturday, 12-5 Sunday, Closed Wednesdays

Adults & Children $7.00, Children under 2: Free

 

Knitting and Hand Crafts
Women Care
Women with cancer knitting together
Date: The 1st Fri of every month (Jul 19-Dec 31) from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Admission Fees: Free

Knitting and Hand Crafts for Women with Cancer - All skill levels welcome. Call to sign up.

New Parents Support Group
Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Santa Cruz
Drop in support group for new parents
Date: Every Tues and Fri at 10:30am

New Parents Support Group 

Drop-in support groups are offered to all new parents from birth to 9 months old.

 

Support groups meet in the Sutter Room and are held as follows:

* Tuesday 10 to 11:30 a.m. - Babies 3 weeks - 3 months
* Thursday 10 to 11:30 a.m. - Babies 4-9 months

 

The fee from this service is $15/month (sliding scale available, please call to arrange).

 

Chess Club
Library Aptos
Keep those minds active with chess
Date: Every Fri at 3:30pm
Ages: 6+

Chess Club - Led by Dana Mackenzie

Play & Talk! Play Group
Live Oak Family Resource Center
Date: Every Fri from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Ages: Toddlers 18-30 months & Parents

Toddlers (18-30 months) & Parents Support Classes combine the elements of a playgroup, support group and a chance to learn more about your child's development.  Come meet other parents and children, observe and discuss child development and build confidence in your parenting skills.  Enjoy seeing your child interact with other children and explore an environment set-up with them in mind.  Classes are facilitated by experienced and friendly teachers.

Contra Dancing
Santa Cruz Dance
Date: The 1st Fri of every month at 7:00pm
Ages: 7+ Admission Fees: $6-$10
Special Instructions: Usually First Friday, Check website.

Contra Dancing, or Traditional New England Folk Dancing, involves couples dancing in two facing lines while following the direction of a skilled dance caller.  Snack potluck during the break. Wear clean dance shoes.

8 p.m. at the Felton Community Hall, 6191 Hwy 9. Beginners are welcome and invited to arrive by 7:40 for an introductory lesson. $10 general/$9 members/$6 students. Please wear clean shoes. More information at www.SantaCruzDance.org.

 

 

Mothersong: 1st Saturday of month
Mothersong
Sing! Dance! Clap! Joy! with Joya Winwood
Date: The 1st Sa of every month from 10:30am to 11:30am
Ages: Babies, Children & Parents Admission Fees: Adults $5-$10, Babies 0-3 free

Mothersong- A Multicultural Singalong for Families with Babies 

Sing! Dance! Clap! Joy! with Joya Winwood

First Saturday of the month so more dads can come. Fabulous!

Adults/$5-10  Children (0-5)/FREE

 

No gatherings Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years or Easter Weeks. I visit my relatives or work on projects. I match these holidays with Santa Cruz City Schools.

Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market, Aptos
Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market
Produce, dancing and breakfast at this Farmers' Market!
Date: Every Sa from 8:00am to 12:00pm

    Do your weekly shopping while enjoying live Bluegrass by the Farmers Market String Band or lively accordion music by one of Santa Cruz's favorite performing artists, The Great Morgani.

    You'll be delighted by the large variety of produce and specialty foods offered by 80 vendors. The market is located on the Cabrillo College campus, just a few blocks from New Brighton beach. There's plenty of free parking and easy access to the market. Be sure to check out our special events which are offered year-round. We invite you to become a volunteer or sponsor to help us put on programs that bring our community together to celebrate the richness of local agriculture and the people that produce it for us.

Shop with the Chef 2nd Saturday, Cooking demonstrations

Can You Dig It? 3rd Saturday Aptos Farmers Market, Monthly garden workshop features hands-on demonstrations and talks from Master Gardeners, educators, authors, professionals.

Knife Sharpening Services Every other week starting 4/17

 

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

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

$3 general, Free for members 

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

Join us for Knitting and Talking
Santa Cruz Knitting
Knitting, chatting and help for beginners and up
Date: Every Sa at 4:00pm
Admission Fees: free

The knitting starts at 4 p.m. and lasts until they throw us out at about 6 p.m. Stay as long, or as little, as you like. Come in and show off your latest project - finished or not - and admire the projects of others. Knitters and crocheters - we've even had tatters - are all welcome. We have experts as well as beginners - come for help if you need it, help others if you can. These meetings definitely have the potential for good karma...
Hope to see you there!

 

Bug Walk
Earthbound Farm
Date: The 1st Sa of every month (Jun 1-Oct 31) from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Admission Fees: $5/child

Bug Walks
Kids of all ages learn about beneficial insects and help us release ladybugs into our fields. Fun for the whole family! $5/child (includes goodie bag), adults free. Farm Walks start and end at the times indicated. Please wear appropriate field-walking shoes, and arrive on time so you don’t get left behind!

Santa Cruz Farmers Markets: Downtown, Westside, Live Oak
Santa Cruz Farmers Markets
A moveable feast of fresh, locally grown produce, free-range eggs, grass-fed meats and poultry, as well as baked goods, ready-to
Date: Every Wed and Sa (Jan 1-Dec 31)
Ages: All

    The three Santa Cruz Farmers Markets offer a moveable feast of fresh, locally grown produce, free-range eggs, grass-fed meats and poultry, as well as baked goods, ready-to-eat treats and espresso drinks. Visit us for a continuous supply of the freshest, healthiest food around.    The Santa Cruz Farmers' Markets strive to provide the community with the freshest, most local organic foods available at our three locations in Santa Cruz County.

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

Downtown: Weds 2:30-6:30 Lincoln & Cedar Year Round

West Side: Sat 9-1 2801 Mission Year Round

Live Oak: Sat 9-1 East Cliff Dr & 14th Spring Opening

Birding Walk, Elkhorn Slough
Elkhorn Slough
Date: The 1st Sa of every month at 8:30am

Special Instructions: Meet in the parking lot behind Whole Enchilada

Birding
Elkhorn Slough supports 346 diverse species of resident and migratory birds. On a recent ESF member birding walk, participants spotted more than three dozen species in a short time frame. It's no surprise that the slough is recognized as a globally important birding area. Keep track of your sightings by downloading a bird sightings list from our website. Tip: An expert birder leads a free early morning birding walk at 8:30am on the first Saturday of each month at the Reserve.

 

 

4th of July Prevention & Cleanup
Coalition for Clean Beaches
Date: Every day (Jul 4-Jul 5)

Help keep our beaches clean!

Every year thousands flock to Santa Cruz County beaches to celebrate the Fourth of July and every year the impact to our beaches is HUGE! Thousands of pounds of fireworks and picnic litter are left on the beach, eventually making their way into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Help Ecology Action and the Clean Beaches Coalition share the "Pollution Prevention is Patriotic" message with tourists at various beaches in Santa Cruz on July 4th. Help hand out free trash and recycling bags and remind folks to "Pack Their Trash". We need your help!

 

4th of July Pollution Prevention Day 12-6pm

Main and Cowells Beach 12-6pm

Rio Del Mar 12-4pm

Seabright 12-4pm

Seacliff 12-4

5th of July Star Spangled Beach Cleanup - Help pick up trash 7-10am.

Davenport

Panther or Yellowbank

Twin Lakes / Harbor

Seacliff

Rio Del Mar

Seabright

Seascap

Learn more and Register for a beach at www.cleanbeachescoalition.org!

 

Guided Tours of the Ancient Redwood Grove
State Park Henry Cowell
Learn local lore and ecology while touring among 1,000 year old redwoods
Date: Every Su and Sa at 2:00pm
Ages: All
Special Instructions: Meet at the Visitor Center

Guided Tours of the Ancient Redwood Grove
Enjoy one of California's most scenic hikes on this one hour guided walk among the tallest living things on earth, the coastal redwoods. A park docent will share local lore and ecology as you refresh your spirit among 1,000 year old redwood trees. This trail is also stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Public Roller Skating
Santa Cruz Roller Palladium
There's nothing like a good skating session to expend good energy!
Date: Every Su, Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa
Ages: All Admission Fees: Afternoon $5.50, Evening $6.50

Bring your own or rent skates. Fun for the entire family! Call to verify times around holidays.

 

Tuesday & Thursday  3:30-5:30pm $5.50 per skater

 

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 7:30-10pm, $6.50 per skater          

 

Tiny Tots W 11:15am-12:30pm $3.50 per skater

 

Saturday & Sunday  2-4pm, $5.50 ;er skater

 

Prices include quad skate rental.  In-line skates available at additional charge of $3.00 per pair.

 

For Party information see our listing under Activities Resources > Roller Skating.

Self Care for Women
Family Service Agency of the Central Coast
Women helping women
Date: Every Su at 6:00pm

Special Instructions: 831.423.9444

Self Care for Women - A mind, body, spirit support group for women.  

 

Family Service Agency of the Central Coast is a private, non-profit agency serving the community since 1957. We offer a variety of clinical, crisis, educational, outreach and supportive services designed to maintain and strengthen family and community life. Our programs include: Counseling Services, Senior Outreach, Suicide Prevention, I-You Venture, Renaissance, First Step, PEAKS, and Continuing Education.

Divorced Fathers Network
Divorced Fathers Network
Healthy co-parenting support
Date: Every Mon (Jan 1-Dec 31) from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Ages: Adults

Divorced Fathers Network 7:30-9pm. FREE. Ongoing Mondays. Divorced Fathers Network provides non-adversarial techniques to achieve healthy co-parenting through a support group network.  Kerry 234-5578; David 458-9147

Actively Mobile (9-18 mos) & Parents
Live Oak Family Resource Center
Date: Every Mon from 10:30am to 12:30pm
Ages: Parents & Toddlers 9-18 months Admission Fees: $20 for 6 weeks

Actively Mobile (9-18 months) & Parents Support Classes combine the elements of a playgroup, support group and a chance to learn more about your child's development.  Come meet other parents and children, observe and discuss child development and build confidence in your parenting skills.  Enjoy seeing your child interact with other children and explore an environment set-up with them in mind.  Classes are facilitated by experienced and friendly teachers.

 

Free Writing Class with Author Laura Davis
Gateway Bookstore
Free writing class
Date: The 1st Mon of every month from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Ages: Adult Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Show up with a notebook and a pen!

Local parenting author, and former GUISC columnist, Laura Davis, offers a free writing class the first Monday of the month at Gateways Bookstore. You don't have to be a "writer" to come. Explore your own creativity, record some family stories, get a chance to express yourself!

Preschool Playgroup at Redwood Elementary
Boulder Creek Rec Center
Redwood Buddies Craft and Playgroup
Date: Every Mon from 10:00am to 12:00pm

For toddlers and preschoolers. Bring the kids for this free playgroup in our wonderful Redwood Buddies Cooperative classroom. BCRPD staff participate and will integrate and structured activity.

Storytime at Capitola Book Cafe
Capitola Book Cafe
All ages are welcome as Billie & Jill enjoy engaging everyone in the conversation.
Date: Every Mon from 11:00am to 11:45am
Admission Fees: Free Event

Lively readers Billie Harris and Jill Rose read stories every Monday at 11am.  Enjoy lunch in the cafe as well!  Kids & adults listen to animated readings by former Shakespeare Santa Cruz actress Billie Harris and the fun-loving, boisterous Book Cafe manager Jill Rose.

Guest readers may include the joyful Dana Werdmuller and various local children's book authors.

 

All ages are welcome as the readers enjoy making sure all listeners are engaged in the stories.

Weekly Events at the Libraries
Libraries
Ongoing Library Events
Date: Every Su, Mon, Tues, Wed, Th and Sa
Ages: See program description Admission Fees: Free

Ongoing Events at the Libraries

(See separate calendar entry for Story Times)

Check the Library Calendar or call to confirm events.

Libraries are closed Fridays.

 

Sundays

Chess Instruction with Gjon Feinstein 2pm Central, All levels for students up to 18 years old. Contact coach@santacruzchess.com or call 425-7835 before attending for the first time.

 

Mondays

Knitting @ the Library 3pm Scotts Valley, Learn to knit or bring your knitting and enjoy a friendly visit with other knitters. If you are new to knitting, please bring: needles (size 8 10" straight needles or a 24" circular needle) and one skein of worsted weight yarn in your favorite color. Ages 8-108

 

Tuesdays

Business Brownbag 11:45am-1pm Central Search Engine Optimization - Free, however advanced registration required thru www.santacruzchamber.org

Aptos Youth Chess Club 3:30-4:30pm Aptos, All youth ages 6 and up are invited to play chess and learn the game.

Homework Help 4-5pm Garfield Park Improve your grades or just stay ahead of the game! Live homework help in all subjects every Tuesday from 4-5pm. For more info, call Diane at 420-6344.

Wednesdays

Russian at Lunch 11:45am-12:45pm Branciforte Practice your conversational Russian. Call 420-6330 for more information.

Teen Book Discussion Group 3:30-5pm Garfield Park Meets the first Wednesday of each month. Call Catherine to sign up or for more info, 420-6344.

A Novel at Lunch 12-1pm Branciforte Join us for a lively book discussion. For more information, phone Branciforte Branch at 420-6330

Teen Craft 2-3pm Garfield Park Library, Join us the third Wednesday of every month for crafty fun! Ages 12-18.

Booktalkin' 4:30-5:30pm La Selva Beach This book discussion group for 10 - 13 year olds meets on Wednesdays. Call Heather at (831) 661-4770 for more information.

 

Thursdays

Homework Help 4-5pm Garfield Park Improve your grades or just stay ahead of the game! Live homework help in all subjects every Tuesday from 4-5pm. For more info, call Diane at 420-6344.

Adult Book Discussion Group 10:30-11:30am La Selva Beach, Adult book discussion group meets monthly to discuss contemporary fiction, making selections based on the preferences of individuals in the book group. Join us by dropping by, or call (831) 661-4770 for more information.

Young Adult Book Discussion Group Branciforte 3:45-4:45pm
Join us to discuss a Young Adult book. Call Branciforte Branch at 420-6330 for this month's title or for more information.

Saturdays

Crafts For All Ages 1-4pm Branciforte Join us for a craft project-all ages welcome.

 

"Celebrate Our Underwater Parks!"
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
Date: Every day (Jun 20-Jul 31) from 10:00am to 5:00pm

Traveling Exhibition: "Celebrate Our Underwater Parks!"
     Seacliff State Beach Visitor Center invites you to a very special exhibit focusing on California's newest parks--join us for "Celebrate Our Underwater Parks!" Let the exhibit take you on a journey through majestic kelp forests, deep canyons, rocky shores and open waters of California's network of marine protected areas. The beauty of Kip Evans photography provides a view of the diversity of sea life and their habitats that are now safeguarded by the state as part of the new Marine Life Protection Act.

     This is the exhibit's only showing in Santa Cruz County before traveling to other locations and venues along our coast.

 

Sponsored by California State Parks and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks