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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Toddler Time @ Downtown (10:00 AM-11:00 AM)
Toddler Time is a weekly program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. It includes music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, songs and fun for your child and you as well as social time with other children and their caregivers. Let's play and learn together!
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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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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
Tales to Tails @ La Selva Beach from 3:00pm-3:30pm!
Have you read to a dog through the Tales to Tails program at Santa Cruz Public Libraries?
You have plenty of time to participate in this fun reading activity with your family, so contact tales2tails@santacruzpl.org or 831.427.7717 to reserve your spot.
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Socialization & Literacy
Bilingual Baby Laptime is a Free bilingual English / Spanish 30 minute program of stories, activities and music for babies age 0-24 months. Come to the library and join us for some fun while helping your child build socialization and early literacy skills.
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Freedom Branch
Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
Main Library Meeting Room
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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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This year the Tannery World Dance + Cultural Center celebrates the African Diaspora during the 2018 World Arts Festival on October 13th & 14th. Once again, we are lucky to have Festival artists join us at the library for free Family Festival Days workshops. All ages are invited to these free workshops.
Saturday, September 22nd / 11:30-12:30PM (Haitian Dance w/ Shawn Merriman Roberts)
Saturday, September 29th / 10:30-11:30AM (Congolese Dance w/ Vivien Boussamina)
Saturday, October 6th / 11:30-12:30PM (Senegalese Dance w/ Oumou Faye)
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Join us this afternoon to make something creative or make a new discovery! We are partnering with the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery (inside the Capitola Mall) to offer this weekly program through the fall. We will be in their Tinkerlab room. The program is free, and most suitable for 6-12 year olds. Parents will need to remain available throughout the program, and will be helping children under 8. We provide materials to explore their creativity, build things, make art and make discoveries. Usually they will be able to take their creations home. Sometimes we will be reusing the equipment, and they will be building something for that day only.
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You are invited to come celebrate FishWise's 15-year anniversary! Enjoy live music by Santa Cruz's own Getaway Dogs, food and craft beer!
Hosted at our office, this is a fun, social networking opportunity, and a family-friendly event open to all! We will also have ocean-themed art for your enjoyment in honor of Santa Cruz's First Friday.
Come meet FishWise staff and learn what this local Santa Cruz non-profit is doing nationally and internationally to create lasting change by bringing socially responsible and environmentally sustainable seafood to your plate.
Featuring live music by the Getaway Dogs, short talks about FishWise's past work and future goals, and an opportunity for social networking. Come enjoy craft beer, tasty eats, face painting for children, and ocean-themed art by local artists
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DIY Family Crafts @ Branciforte (11:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Location: Branciforte Branch
Drop in with your family and make something fun!
Learn more about combining Art and Science through the CASE Art Club October 17th from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM at the Scotts Valley library!
CASE stands for Creative, Artistic, Scientific, Expressive. A new monthly class for kids ages 6-10. Come craft with Anna and learn about the relationship between art and science. The goal is to involve kids in art using their own creativity. Parents are welcome to observe and learn but the art is for the kids.
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A Nature Study Program with a variety of activities inspired by the natural environment of Corcoran Lagoon.
• Learn about the environment and local wildlife with local experts.
• Bird Watching
• Examine microscopic creatures
• Watercolor painting, printing, writing and reading.
Adults must accompany children under 10. Not suitable for very young children.
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Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike
Saturdays at 11am
Join us on a hike to Castle Rock, Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook. During this trip, we will discuss Castle Rocks unique geology, rock climbing history, human impacts and various important preservationists that helped give Castle Rock State Park the protections we have today. This 3 mile, 2.5-hour hike is considered moderate due to the rocky sections that require the use of hands and feet to climb over. Please bring plenty of water, hiking shoes, snacks, a camera, and binoculars if you have them. We will meet at the kiosk at 15000 Skyline Blvd. Los Gatos, CA to begin our hike. Event is free. Day use fee for vehicles is $8. Event made possible by California State Parks in partnership with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
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Felton Celebrates 150
The town of Felton is 150 years old, and townsfolk are gearing up to throw a grand anniversary bash. The town party will include historical presentations of Felton's early days, which will be on display at Felton Community Hall and the Felton Fire Station, 4 bands, dancing, various other entertainment and of course, lots of local food and drink, shopping, kids events, crafts and more.
The 150th celebration will be on Saturday, October 6th, from noon to 6pm at Kirby Street & Highway 9.
At noon sharp a specially formed Felton Colors Honor Guard, comprised of Felton's own Boy Scouts Troop 604, Girl Scouts, and local 4-H members will be retiring and replacing the Felton Fire Station's Old Glory, as well as raising the Felton Sesquicentennial flag.
Please join us for this commemoration and celebration of our town's history.
Felton is named after John B. Felton, an anti-prohibitionist attorney and one of the first Regents of the College of California. The town was the early logging terminus for the timber cut farther up the San Lorenzo Valley.
Already, dozens of volunteers are working on the plans for the celebration, but more volunteers are needed and welcomed. To join with your neighbors to help with or contribute to this fun event, please contact Mary Andersen at 831-335-6500.
The Felton and surrounding communities are invited to bring their historical items to put on display and share. For display space, please contact Ronnie Trubek rtrubek@aol.com.
Thrill the World Santa Cruz
Every year, on the Saturday before Halloween, night creatures call and the dead start to walk in their masquerade. So basically, a zombie flash mob Thriller dance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn the dance all month and participate in a world-wide simultaneous Thriller Dance at various venues throughout the county. Family and zombie-friendly!
Ask about Performance at Louden Nelson Center
This is your chance to participate in the world-wide simultaneous Thriller Dance, which happens every year on the Saturday before Halloween!!! Zombie flash mobs gather in cities across the globe to "Thrill The World" in celebration of community, fun, friends. Learn the dance and join the mob!!
Wool, Spinning, and Weaving
How did an isolated settlement clothe the hundreds of people who lived there? Take an in depth look at the cloth industry of Mission Santa Cruz. We will follow the path of wool from the sheep to the shirt. Try your hand at a drop spindle and spin your own wool. Event is free. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located at 144 School Street in Santa Cruz. For more information, please call (831) 425-5849. Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
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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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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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Oktoberfest
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at 1 PM - 5 PM
German American Club of Santa Cruz, 230 Plymouth St., Santa Cruz, California 95060
Hosted by German American Club of Santa Cruz:
"Join us for our annual Oktoberfest at German American Hall in Santa Cruz. Enjoy beer by New Bohemian Brewery, live music by Zicke Zacke Band and some traditional German food.
"Get your ticket while you can!"
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.
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
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 first Saturday of every month world renowned artists give fabulous family shows: a live performance series for children to introduce parent, grandparents, and friends to music, dance, and circus from around the world right here in Santa Cruz!
Family First Saturday Concerts are part of Tandy Beal & Company's ArtSmart Education program which reaches 20,000 students and adults each year in 3 counties.
Through ArtSmart programs, students, teachers and families experience a variety of world arts through creative learning models. ArtSmart concerts, classes, and residencies help enrich cultural understanding, expand our view of the world, cultivate curiosity and create an inclusive sense of community.
Single Show Prices:
Adults $15, Children $10
Half Season Pass, includes 4 of 7 shows:
With a Half Season Pass, each show only costs: Adults $13, Children $7
Discount Season Pass, includes 7 of 7 shows:
With a Discount Season Pass, each show only costs: Adults $11, Children $5
About Tom Noddy:
Tom has done something unique in show business: he created a new kind of act. After many years developing Bubble Magic at home and then many years developing as a performer (including years of street performing on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz) Tom was invited to appear on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show in 1983 and subsequently on television shows, theaters, festivals and science centers throughout the world. When Johnny Carson saw it he said, on air, "He's doing something unlike anything we've ever seen."
Tom still lives in Santa Cruz but he travels extensively bringing this beautiful art form with him as he watches our changing world through the film of soap bubbles.
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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.
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.
Beth Pratt-Bergstrom, the California Director for the National Wildlife Federation, will share excerpts from her book, When Mountain Lions Are Neighbors: People and Wildlife Working It Out in California, at a special event at Wilder Ranch State Park on Saturday, Oct. 6. Her book explores the evolving dynamic between humans and animals.
Members of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (you may join at the event) and the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History will be able to buy the book at a discount. The event is 4-6 p.m. and is free. Parking at Wilder Ranch is $10 and supports the park. Wilder Ranch State Park is at 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz.
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The Santa Cruz Surf Film Festival is back for its third year, bringing four different screenings of incredible surf storytelling. Each screening will present a new collection of shorts and feature films curated from around the world, showcasing stunning cinematography, mind-blowing surfing, and captivating stories. These films will take you from our own backyard to some of the most remote spots on the planet, and show you surfing from new and innovative perspectives. Get ready to get stoked!
Show time: 6:00 PM
Tickets: $16
Advance tickets: www.santacruzsurffilmfest.com
Film website: www.scsff.com
This is a free event. Monterey Bay Youth Outdoor Day is a nonprofit organization that helps families get outside and get active.
Monterey Bay Youth Outdoor Day is a totally free event open to the public. Our focus is to get kids interested in the many outdoor activities that are right here in our back yard. With over forty different organizations represented, there is something for everyone!
Our goal is simple, lets get our youth back outside and active! We believe that we live in a unique and amazing region and because of that it is important to teach our children to cherish it. We are looking to encourage youth to be healthy through outdoor activities and build a better place for the future.
In hopes of achieving our goal we hold an annual event at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds where various companies and organizations can showcase their specialties. The event is totally free and we also raffle off dozens of prizes to the youth in attendance to inspire them to participate in the outdoor activity that they find most appealing.
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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.
Google Science Fair is an online science competition, open to students between the ages of 13 and 18 from around the world.
You can sign up starting September 13th 2018 by visiting googlesciencefair.com and clicking on the Start your project button. If you're not sure where to start, you can get help by taking a look at our Student resources and checking out some out some of our previous winners.
This competition is open to full-time and home-schooled students around the world, between ages of 13 and 18 (these ages are slightly different in a few countries like Israel, South Korea and Europe). See the Official Rules for more details.
Submissions close December 12th, 2018
Global finalists announced May 2019
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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Open Studios is a free self-guided tour, produced by Arts Council Santa Cruz County, that invites the public into more than 300 artist studios across Santa Cruz County. Open Studios 2018 takes place the first three weekends of October, from 11am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays.
South County: October 6 & 7
North County: October 13 & 14
All County: October 20 & 21
Questions: Contact Open Studios Director Ann Ostermann, 831-475-9600 x17, ann@artscouncilsc.org
The Tour takes place throughout Santa Cruz County, from the redwoods to the sea.
Plan Your Tour
Pick up an Artist Guide
The 2018 Open Studios Artist Guide is FREE and available alongside the Good Times at locations throughout Santa Cruz County (while supplies last) or at any of these outlets.
Visitors
Visiting from out of town? Make it a weekend (or three)! We've partnered with Hotel Paradox to bring an artful lodging experience to your Open Studios adventure. Request the "Arts Council" rate and save 15%. Reserve online using promo code 13701 or call 877-425-7100. You can also email ann@artscouncilsc.org to request a guide be shipped to you.
Download the App
Free app (or app update) available October 1, 2018. If you downloaded the App to an iPhone or iPad in 2016 or 2017 you will be able to install an update.. Or download for the first time via iTunes or Google Play. Search keyword "Open Studios Art Tour".
Preview Exhibits
SEPT 29 - OCT 21
Chart your tour at this exhibit, showcasing artwork from 300+ participating artists.
Tues-Fri: 11am-5pm Sat-Sun: 10am-5pm Mon: Closed First Friday: Oct 5th, 5-9pm
Public Reception: Sun Sept 30, 3-6pm Bring your friends and join us at the kick-off party. Free valet bike parking.
OCT 5 - 14
Featuring artists exclusive to Davenport, Bonny Doon, San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, La Selva Beach, and Watsonville.
Sat-Sun: Oct 6-7 & 13-14, 11am-5pm. First Friday: Oct 5th, 5-9pm
Follow the Green Signs
Another popular tour strategy is to choose a neighborhood and then follow the signs. Each studio puts out large lime green signs pointing to their location.
The Road Less Traveled-A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic. We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We'll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest. This is a fun, easy, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with Docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water. Meet at Park Headquarters.
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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Dress up in costume for one of San Francisco Zoo & Garden's most popular
Come to SF Zoo to welcome our favorite season... FALL!
Every weekend in October, go on an adventure in "Harvest Hallow" for access to new and exciting attractions. Navigate through San Francisco's largest hay maze, a 5,000-square-foot structure made from 600 bales of straw and incorporates play areas within the design. Free with paid admission to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens!
For kids AND adults, SF Zoo's "Zoo Brew Haus" at The Depot Grill is pouring a great selection of brews, and cooking a full smorgasbord of German-inspired dishes, like beer-braised bratwurst with Guinness mustard and Sauerkraut! During lunch, dine to the upbeat sounds of a live band playing traditional European polka music. You might even want to get up and dance!
The Farm & Garden Market is a small, friendly, open air market made up of local farmers and gardeners who grow within about a five mile radius of Corralitos.
Seasonally we have the tastiest strawberries, blueberries, cherries, lemons, tomatoes, herbs, squash, potatoes, carrots, peas, beets, and avocados, as well as a variety of other fruits, vegetables, lettuces and salad greens.
We have bakers that offer wonderful treats, along with a table full of beautiful potted flowers.
You may find expertly handmade natural soaps, and homemade jams and preserves.
The market is open to all of our friends and neighbors who grow anything from a garden to a good back yard fruit tree.
For a booth we request a $5 donation to the CVREA, the non-profit who maintains the Corralitos Cultural Center.
Farm & Garden Market (including vendor inquiries)
Contact Wayne Miller: wayne@catalyst2001.com / (831) 724-1332
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DIY Crafts @ Live Oak (1:00 PM-4:30 PM)
Join the fun with DIY crafts every Sunday afternoon between 1pm and 4:30 pm! Come and create a self-directed craft.
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Harvest Faire & Steam Festival
Step into the incredible world of steam power at the Harvest Faire & Steam Festival presented by Kinetic Steam Works and Roaring Camp Railroads. Welcome Fall with heritage children's activities like scarecrow making, pumpkin patch picking, candle making and gold panning. Behold a variety of steam and belt-powered equipment on display.
Admission is FREE for the whole family September 30th and October 1st and children with a Steam Train ticket get to pick out a free pumpkin from our Harvest Pumpkin Patch on Bear Mountain.
Harvest & Steam themed activities include 'Make & Take' Scarecrows, Blacksmith and Print Shop demonstrations, gold panning, candle making and much more.
Purchase Steam Train Tickets Here.
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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Borchard Farms
142 Rodgers Road, Salinas
Find thousands of pumpkins, gourds, and squash a Ghost Town, Haunted Barn, 5 acre corn maze, and lots of farm animals.
Crystal Bay Farm
40 Zils Road, Watsonville
Great variety at this small organic farm!
The Farm
Spreckles Blvd Exit off Hwy 68, Salinas
Family friendly pumpkin patch, animals, hay rides, puppet shows and a cow train.
Rodoni Farms
4444 Coast Road, Santa Cruz
North of Santa Cruz on HWY 1.
Beautiful views, pumpkins, specialty squash, a fun corn maze and hay forts.
Arata Pumpkin Farm
185 Verde Rd
Half Moon Bay
Hay maze, haunted barn, hay rides, petting zoo and a pumpkin for everyone!
Cardinale and Wright Pumpkin Patch
Monterey Fairgrounds
2004 Fairground Road, Monterey
Great service and lots of pumpkins to choose from.
Earthbound Farms
725 Carmel Valley Road,Carmel Valley
Farm stand with organic veggies, frozen yogurt, pumpkins and a children's garden.
Hacienda Hay and Feed
7180 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley
Haunted hay maze, pumpkins,donkey, goats, turtles, an Emu, and more
Swank Farms
4751 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister
Huge pumpkin patch! Giant corn maze, little kids' play areas, jumping pillows, cow train, corn cannons, hours of fun for the kids!
Lemos Farm
12320 San Mateo Rd. (Hwy 92)
Half Moon Bay
One zone for the little ones who don't want to be really scared and another scare zone with live actors who will do their best to "scare the yell out of you," train rides, hay rides, pony rides and pumpkins
Uesugi Farms
14485 Monterey Highway, San Martin
Pumpkinville Railroad, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Blasters and Pumpkins
Meet your farmers this October 7th!
Thanks to everyone who supported the 2017 tours. We had another record year with over 1500 peopl.
attending! The 2018 tours will be on Sunday Oct. 7th with lots of new farms and food establishments participating. All farms implement sustainable agriculture practices.
Tour the farms at your own pace and learn what is involved in growing our food and how important sustainable farming methods are to the health of the Earth and our community.
Marketplace at Alladin Nursery
We are partnering with Alladin Nursery for this years Marketplace. Stop by for a fantastic BBQ lunch of Corralitos Sausages, Corralitos area wine and drinks, pizza cooked in a wood burning oven from the folks at "Slight of Hand", Mexican fare from My Mom's Mole, local food artisans from the El Pajaro CDC Commercial Kitchen Incubator and much more! Check the events schedule for our food preservation demo times. Listen to live music while enjoying artisan food and wine, all in the beautiful surroundings of Alladin Nursery.
Register Online!
When you register to attend the tours online you are automatically entered into our drawing with chances to win a FREE lunch at the Market Place and gifts donated by our sponsors! Making a suggested donation of $10.00 or more helps support the tours & will get you a FREE beverage of choice form our lunch booth at the Market Place. Click on the registeration graphic at the left for more details.
Tour using our Google Maps GPS!
Google Maps makes it easy to navigate your way from wherever you are to the farm you want to visit. Just go to our Maps page and click on the farm you want to visit. A map and directions will instantly appear leading the way to the farms location. It's that easy!
Dos Aguilas Farm1855 Pleasant Valley Rd., Aptos Thomas Farm1690 Pleasant Valley Rd., Aptos Luz Del Valle Farm820 Swift St Unit C, Santa Cruz Sol Seeker Farm1800 Hames Rd. Corralitos Terra Sole Nursery240 Pioneer View Rd., Corralitos Live Earth Farm1275 Green Valley Rd., Corralitos Fruitilicious Farm1881 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville |
New Natives Nursery1255 Hames Rd., Aptos Blossoms Farm358 Merk Rd., Corralitos Blue Heron Farm210 Merk Rd., Corralitos Prevedelli Farms375 Pioneer View Rd., Corralitos Whiskey Hill Farms371 Calabasas Rd., Watsonville Monkeyflower Ranch1481 San Miguel Canyon Rd., Royal Oaks JSM Organics Farm135 Maher Rd., Royal Oaks |
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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 |
Ride the Pumpkinville Railroad! Take a nostalgic ride aboard our Allan Herschell Iron Horse or our blue and yellow Arrow Streamliner trains. Visit Morgania, where our scarecrows live.
Operates 9am-closing daily.
Get Lost in Kayla's Korn Maze. Try to find your way out of this 2 acre corn maze with interactive trivia cards. Fun for the whole family.
Hay Jump Have the kids jump on this gianormous jumper made of giant haybales. What a great way for the kids to burn some energy!
Operates 9am-closing daily.
Pumpkin Pete's Enchanted Hayride Meet Pumpkin Pete and travel through some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring lands of Uesugi Farms. Visit Pumpkinland, our gorgeous Sunflower Gallery, and the spectacular Marigoldland, filled with over 100,000 hand-sown flowers. This one of a kind hayride is completely narrated and complimented with charming music. It's a must see!
Operates 9am-6:30pm daily.
The Cow Train This may be the silliest fun you have all year! A favorite with the kids!
Operates 9am-closing daily.
Pumpkin Blasters
Come and shoot targets with mini pumpkins out of this gun... at 90mph. What a blast!! Safe for all ages.
Pumpkins for Sale
We have tons of pumpkins to choose from. All sorts of sizes, shapes and varieties. We also sell haybales, corstalks, indian corn, different squashes, gourds and flowers.
Butterfly Valley Take a stroll along this path and learn about the fascinating lives of butterflies through interactive storyboards.
Operates 9am-6:30pm daily.
Bootsie The Bee Follow the corn path to discover all of Bootsie’s colorful, textured friends, and learn fascinating ‘bee-facts’ too. Be sure to visit Bootsie at night. All the storyboards are lit up with blacklights.
Operates 9am-closing daily.
Carousel Everyone can remember riding a carousel as a youngster, and this one rivals the best.
Operates 9am-closing daily.
Pumpkin Blasters Come and shoot targets with mini pumpkins out of this gun… at 90mph.
What a blast!! Safe for all ages.
Operates 9am-closing daily.
Pumpkin Pyramid It takes over 4000 pumpkins to cover our pyramid. A splendiferice site of epic proportions. Have your picture taken while sitting in our king or queen thrones.
Operates 9am-closing daily.
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Pumpkins are HERE!!
Pumpkins and fun are what it's all about! Come roam through the fields of pumpkins. There are so many varieties to choose from! We have hay bales, scary cutouts, and a 5 acre corn maze! We also have fresh Brussels sprouts on the stalk, artichokes, corn stalks, and gourds.
**Pumpkins are priced by size, not weight.
Choosing your pumpkin:
There are two methods of choosing your pumpkin to carve. The first way is my favorite. As you stroll through the pumpkin patch a certain individual pumpkin will jump out at you! That's the ONE! The other method is to have a pattern or face in mind and look for a pumpkin that will work with your design. Usually a large stem makes a nice addition to the pumpkin.
Remember!. The more unusual the better!
To schedule Pumpkin Patch field trips click here
Directions:
Our Pumpkin Patch, U Pick Em Pumpkins, is located at 4444 Coast Rd. (Hwy 1)
4 miles North of Santa Cruz, California on Hwy. 1. Take Mission Street through the center of town and continue on to Hwy. 1 towards San Francisco/ Halfmoon Bay. We are on the right side just after Dimeo Lane.
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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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Big Love - Photo Exhibit
A Pit Bull Advocacy Project
The Shelter's Monday afternoon photo team is exhibiting photos at the County Government Center, 1st Floor, 701 Ocean. St., Santa Cruz, through the month of October.
You are invited to stop by!
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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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Call-out to the Santa Cruz Community! Submissions Wanted! Zine Fronteras is looking to collect submissions of original writings, short memoirs, essays, poetry, photographs and art that reflects on and highlights immigrant experiences.
All content contributors will receive a free copy of the published book! Zine Fronteras seeks to create a safe space for artistic and intellectual expression encapsulating the stories and experiences of immigrant communities in Santa Cruz.
We believe that sharing one's individual and community experiences can be acts of self-empowerment, thus creating a positive atmosphere for cultural appreciation, political consciousness, and empathy building for our entire community.
Submission Deadlines
Art/Photo due Wednesday, October 10, 2018 by 6pm.
Written due Friday, October 12, 2018 at 5pm.
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Pumpkin JunctionExperience Pumpkin Junction on a Field Trip or on a family outing. Your children will make lasting memories as they enjoy the Harvest season and explore all that Casa de Fruta has to offer! Come and find the perfect pumpkin, mine for gemstones at Casa de Miner's Sluice, ride Casa de Choo Choo and take a spin on Casa de Carousel! For more info call 1-800-543-1702 or email info@casadefruta.com.
Fruit Stand parking area.
To learn more click here.
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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Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Saturday, October 6 at noon
Sunday, October 7 at noon
Saturday, October 13 at noon
Sunday, October 14 at noon
Sunday, October 21 at noon
Saturday, October 27 at noon
Explore the park's less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike will be individually tailored to your group. Based on group size, experience level, and weather conditions, we will choose from the many trails that explore the park's most scenic areas. Meet at Park Headquarters. Event is free; day-use parking is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
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Hablamos Juntos/Together We Speak
August 8 - October 7, 2018
Curated by Juan R. Fuentes and Michelle P. Mouton, Hablamos Juntos explores visual dialogs created by prominent California Latinx artists at the Pajaro Valley Arts gallery in Watsonville. In this extraordinarily rich exhibit, you will experience how our artists give voice to and navigate: daily life, current events, social, political and cultural issues, community, ethnicity, as well as personal narratives, myths, and history. Click here for a virtual tour. Visit our Facebook page for additional photos.
Artists: Susana Arias, Eduardo Carrillo, Yreina D. Cervántez, Pablo Cristi, Amy Díaz-Infante, Juan R. Fuentes, Daniel Galvez, Lorraine García-Nakata, Carlos Jackson, Carmen León, Jose Lozano, Dionicio Mendoza, Amalia Mesa-Bains, Viviana Paredes, Pancho Rodriquez, Michael Roman, Ivan Rubio, Manuel Santana, Linda Vallejo, Cruz Ortiz Zamarron
A collaboration between Pajaro Valley Arts, Museo Eduardo Carrillo, and the Young Writers Program, this project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Hablamos Juntos exhibit is also presented in partnership with the San Jose Museum of Art, New Terrains collaboration. Through New Terrains: Mobility and Migration, South Bay arts organizations band together to present a series of cross-disciplinary exhibitions, programs and experiences that explore how bodies move through spaces-social, political, literal, and figurative. Projects address timely topics such as transportation and urban planning, navigation and orientation, public protest, immigration and migration, and mobility in its many forms. For more information on New Terrains: https://sjmusart.org/new-terrains/connect
"I have been attending the Renaissance Pleasure Faire for over thirty years. Although like most Faires it's booths are more in focus for making money than for historical acuracy, it's fun. The jousting matches are as good as I've seen anywhere and I've been at a lot of different Faires. The people that put on the Faire do an excellent job. If you enjoy history, art, music, fencing, costume, food, faires and culture then you should go to this fun event." John Barrows
What's your favorite part about The Joust? Is it the handsome Knights, the swords, the fight for victory?
From swords to clothing to fine art & more, you'll find what your heart desires with our 200+ fine artisans that will hawk their wares in our village! Which vendor are you looking forward to seeing?
BY POPULAR DEMAND - 6th weekend now added!
Dates: Sept. 15th - Oct. 21st / WEEKENDS: 10AM to 6PM.
Location: Casa de Fruta 10031 Pacheco Pass Hwy 152,
Gate 6, Hollister, CA 95023-9541
Kids 12 & under FREE every weekend!
Details /ticket prices & specials: https://www.norcalrenfaire.com
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Arts Habitat Open Studios Tour at Porter Ranch
Local artists will share their work at Elkhorn Slough Foundation's Historic Porter Ranch, as part of Arts Habitat's Monterey County Artists Open Studio Tour. ESF is partnering with Arts Habitat, the presenters of the Tour, to make its Porter Ranch House available for local artists without studios to open to the public. More details including maps and a catalog of participating artists is available at artshabitat.org.
Find out more about our Artist in Residence Program.
Regular Reserve and Visitor Center hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Reserve and Visitor Center are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. When the Reserve is closed you cannot access the trails, restrooms, visitor center, or bookstore.
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You can lose yourself in our 6 acre corn field and pumpkin river. Try to challenge yourself intellectually and physically in our 2 acre world famous Minotaur's Labyrinth Hay Maze. Take a walk on the wild side and adventure into our Haunted Barn. Relax and enjoy yourself on our Hay Ride.
Or you can let the kid's play in our Play Land playground with Miniature Hay Maze, on the Children's Train Ride or have fun with our animals in the Petting Zoo. We also have many picnic areas throughout the farm, at Arata Pumpkin Farm we have something for everybody.
We also have dozens of varieties of pumpkins and sizes. We have a special pumpkin for everyone in your family! Feel free to give us a call, send us an email or just come to the farm. We would love to see you.
Our Hours
Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday 9am - 8pm
Family Package $15 per Adult ~ $20 per Child Attraction
A minimum of one paid adult and one paid child, age 10 and under are required to qualify for this package
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There are lots of fun things to "BOO" during Gardens@Night Halloween at Gilroy Gardens! As the sun sets, a mysterious glow illuminates the park for this spooky-but-not-too-scary Halloween event. Go trick-or-treating along the Boo Trail, "Do the Boo" at The Great Big Boo! live musical show, venture into the Spider's Lair (if you dare!), and enjoy your favorite rides in the dark. You'll also find fun food and Halloween treats plus craft beers and local wines at the Marketplace.
Buy Tickets Now: www.gilroygardens.org
The Great Big Boo!
Come "Do the Boo" with a charming cast of spooky characters in our all-new LIVE musical show playing nightly at Lakeside Amphitheater. Meet Vinnie the Vampire, Cranium the Mad Scientist, and Wendella the Witch on a wacky adventure to save Halloween.
Get your 2019 Premium Card now to enjoy Halloween@Night and all of the 2019 season: www.gilroygardens.org
Ride the Boo Train
Climb aboard for a 20-minute ride through the BOO-tiful park at night...with stops along the way to make this a very special BOO-tastic experience! Tickets available for an extra charge.
Open 5-10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, September 21 - October 28.
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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Pathways Through Our Parks,Paintings of Parks in Santa Cruz County by Ann Elizabeth Thiermann
October 5, 2018 - January 6, 2019
Ann Thiermann's series of pastel and acrylic paintings invite the viewer to visually linger over the flora and fauna along the pathways of our extraordinarily diverse parks in Santa Cruz County. From river to sea, chaparral to marsh, and rustic to urban, creatures both wild and domestic, marine and terrestrial, historic and contemporary inhabit her park pathways in a variety of seasonal and weather conditions.
Explore these iconic Santa Cruz views and discover them for yourself in our abundant parks and open spaces.
Opening Reception for Members: October 5th, 6-8pm
Meet the Artist: December 7th, 6-8pm. Free to the public.
About the Artist:
Ann Elizabeth Thiermann, MFA is inspired by living, hiking, and painting in beautiful Santa Cruz County. Her creativity is fueled by her artistic family, Sylvie, the studio cat, her folk dancing friends, teaching and leading art trips abroad. In addition to painting landscapes and murals, daily joy comes from swimming, camping, and visiting the farmer's market and working in her garden. Movement in her art is reinforced by her time playing organ, piano and harpsichord as a church musician.
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