Annual Events

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. 

SCSC Open Gym
Santa Cruz Sports Central
Drop ins welcome, gymnastics FUN!!
Date: Every Fri and Sa
Ages: Fri 5-12, Sat 3-12 Admission Fees: $10/person/hour

OPEN GYM is back! Come see our new facility!

 

Friday's from 4p-6p (ages 5-12)

 

Saturdays from 9a-10a (ages 3-12)

 

Just $10/person per hour

 

Tours of the Monarch Grove
State Park Natural Bridges
Learn about migrating monarchs and volunteer to help with park restoration
Date: Every Su and Sa at 11:00am
Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Also 2pm

Tours of the Monarch Grove.  Tours of the Monarch Grove-

Saturdays and Sundays

Monarch butterfly season is winding down, but if you head over to Natural Bridges, you may be able to see a few before they are gone. The monarchs are migrating from their over-wintering sites heading north, south and east. Public tours are offered on weekends and no reservations are necessary, or you may call 423-4609 to arrange a tour for a group of 10 or more. Meet at the Visitor Center for the hour-long program.

Park Restoration Troop- All Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Your help is needed with Park Restoration! We meet every Sunday from 3-5 pm. Projects vary with the weather. As a team it is enjoyable to weed, water, or plant, while knowing that your efforts are helping protect the park's plants and wildlife.

 

Co-sponsored by California State Parks and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

 

Free Vaccine Clinic
VNA
Free vaccination clinics, call first
Date: The 1st Sa of every month
Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: First & Third Saturdays

Visiting Nurses Association: Free vaccination clinic, 1st and 3rd Sat. each month. For information call 475-1501.

Mother-Child Learning Study
University of California, Santa Cruz--Psychology Department (Katie Silva)
Come be part of a leaning study with the University of California, Santa Cruz-help us learn about how kids learn from adults!
Date: Every Su, Mon, Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa (Mar 1-May 31)
Ages: Moms & their 8-10 yr old child Admission Fees: We pay you $20 for your participation!
Special Instructions: Contact me Katie Silva at ksilva@ucsc.edu or by phone at 575-496-3763 to hear more about the study and to schedule a time to participate!

Hello! We are trying to learn more about what moms and kids think about how kids can learn through talking with adult family members. We are looking for moms and their 8-10 year old children to be part of a learning study with the UCSC psychology department and listen to 3 stories together and tell us your opinions about if and what children can learn in the stories. Both moms and children have enjoyed listening to the stories and telling us what they thing about them, as well as taking part in a scientific study with the university!
We would love to hear from you and find a time to meet up and hear your opinions!
Thank you so much for your interest!

Please contact us for more information about the study!
Katie Silva (graduate student researcher) & Barbara Rogoff (Professor-UCSC psychology)

Egyptian Scavenger Hunt
Rosicrucian Museum
Work as a team to answer a few questions in each gallery and receive a prize at the end.
Date: The 4th Sa of every month at 12:30pm
Admission Fees: Workshop Free with Admission $7-$9
Special Instructions: Check museum for exact times.

Egyptian Scavenger Hunt
Discover precious jewelry, pottery, glass and alabaster vessels, bronze tools and Coptic textiles. Work as a team to answer a few questions in each gallery and receive a prize at the end.

 

Free with admission: $9 adults, $7 students, $5 children ages 5-10, free children under 5.

Arabia, at IMAX
The Tech Museum
Learn about Arabia
Date: Every day (Feb 12-May 31)
Admission Fees: $10

Experience "Arabia" at the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater http://www.thetech.org/imax/
Saturday, Feb 20 12:00p Other Dates & Times

 

 

Travel to the exotic and fascinating land of Arabia. Embark on a learning adventure in an extreme desert environment. Celebrate the Islamic golden age of invention. Discover one of the most powerful, yet least understood regions on Earth today.

Explore the ancient tombs of a lost city; dive through the reefs of the Red Sea; and experience the the largest gathering of people on Earth. Discover an extraordinary culture and experience modern day Arabia. Price includes admission to regular galleries of The Tech Museum.

 

$10 (includes admission to The Tech Museum excluding special traveling exhibitions)
408) 294-TECH (8324)

Teen Center Open for You
Santa Cruz Teen Center
Teen Center re-opens
Date: Every day

Santa Cruz Teen Center
Stop in at the Santa Cruz Teen Center. Drop in for recreational activites such as pool, ping pong, air hockey, Xbox 360, Wii, movies, internet, music and chill space. Also pick up our current calendar to see what's happening for teens in Santa Cruz. The Teen Center sponsors dances, band nights, special events, day and overnight trips, sports and outdoor events in addition to daily activities.

 

Tuesday through Thursday, 2:00 - 8:00, Friday and Saturday 2-10

Homework Help: Tuesday - Thursday, 4:30 - 5:30
Computer Lab: 10 computers available daily

 

For more information, call 420-6237 or email teencenter@ci.santa-cruz.ca.us, or visit the Teen Center's MySpace Page www.myspace.com/santacruzteencenter

 

Day Out with Thomas at Roaring Camp
Roaring Camp Railroads
Aspiring engineers and their families can ride with Thomas the Tank Engine(TM)
Date: Every day (Jul 30-Aug 8)
Admission Fees: $18

All aboard for Thomas and Friends! Thomas the Tank Engine(TM) rolls into Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, Santa Cruz County, on July 30, 31 and August 1, 6, 7, 8.

 

This fun-filled family event offers aspiring engineers and their families the opportunity to ride with Thomas the Tank Engine(TM), meet Sir Topham Hatt(TM), and take part in a variety of interactive activities. Themed entertainment includes Thomas and Friends(TM) storytelling, puppet shows, bounce houses, train exhibits, an Imagination Station(TM) with face painting, temporary tattoos, and more.

 

The 25-minute Thomas The Tank Engine(TM) train excursion travels along the scenic San Lorenzo Valley River Gorge and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Trains depart from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

 

This event is expected to sell out so advance ticket purchase is recommended. Call TicketWeb at 1-866-468-3399 or log on to www.roaringcamp.com.

Tickets $14- $18

 

Parking at Roaring Camp is $8 per car.

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.

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.

 

Open Barn Weekends
Black Rails Equestrian Center
Children can experience what it would be like to work with a calm, well-trained horse.
Date: Every Su and Sa
Ages: all Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Meet the instructors and sign up for lessons and recieve the 1st lesson for 1/2 off!

Always open for visitors Saturdays 10-1 and Sundays 12-2, weather permitting

 

We welcome you to our beautiful facility with immaculate barn, well maintained all-weather arena, and green grounds. Come with your children and let them experience what it would be like to work with a calm, well-trained horse.

 

Learn how to groom, feed, care for and ride a horse. Meet western and english instructors, and Sunday watch a demonstration of vaulting on horses!

 

Western, English, Vaulting!

 

Carlos and Sherrie Chavez

Saturday Swim Lessons at ASU
Adventure Sports Unlimited - Swim Program
Swim Lessons
Date: Every Sa (Mar 27-May 15)
Ages: 2.5 years and up Admission Fees: $125 for eight half hour classes
Special Instructions: call or email to sign up

Class dates: 3/27 to 5/15. Classes are held once a week on Saturdays for eight weeks. Classes could start as early as 9:30am and go as late as 2pm. Call or email to sign up!

Sidewalk Sales Downtown Santa Cruz
Downtown Association
Sales on the sidewalks!
Date: Every Su, Fri and Sa (Mar 27-Sep 26)

DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION'S MONTHLY SIDEWALK SALES

The Downtown Association welcomes the community to the monthly sidewalk sales in downtown Santa Cruz. These are scheduled on the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month from March through September.

 

 

Star & Moon Gazing
Santa Cruz Astronomy Club
Public star gazing and mentoring! Free, but must call before event
Date: Every Sa (Jan 2-Dec 31)

SC Astronomy Club observation night at Bonny Doon Airfield* 

 

1/9 - 7:09pm 1/16 - 5:16am 2/6 - 5:39pm 2/13 - 5:46pm 3/13 - 6:14pm 3/20 - 7:20pm

4/10 - 7:39pm 4/17 - 7:45pm 5/08 - 8:04pm 5/15 - 8:10pm 6/05 - 8:25pm 6/12 - 8:29pm

7/03 - 8:32pm 7/10 - 8:30pm 8/07 - 8:09pm 8/14 - 8:05pm 9/04 - 7:33pm 9/11 - 7:22pm

10/02 - 6:50pm 10/30 - 6:13pm 11/06 - 6:06pm 11/27 - 4:52pm 12/04 - 4:51pm 12/11 - 4:52pm

The Santa Cruz Astronomy Club serves all communities in Santa Cruz County, California and neighboring areas. Our emphasis is telescope observing, family participation, and public enjoyment of the wonders of the starry night.

*Required advance contact. See website for details.

 

 

"Slow" Ride with Mere Mortals
Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz
Great opportunity to meet local riders and enjoy the abundance of trails in our corner of the world
Date: The 4th Sa of every month at 10:00am

Every Saturday since 1996.... give or take.

 

All rider levels are welcome. The pace depends on who shows up. Most of the regulars are intermediate and very social. If the group is large then we may split into a fast and slow group.

 

Meet at 10 am at the park sign at just north of the tunnel under Highway 1. The best way to get to the meeting spot is to park in the Wilder Ranch parking lot, walk your bike through the Ranch area, past the barn, chickens and garden, ride under the highway using the tunnel and you should see the park sign by the cattle gate.

 

You don't have to be a member to ride. This is a great opportunity to meet local riders and enjoy the abundance of trails in our corner of the world.

 

Check the weather since rain 48 hours before cancels the ride. Ride leader varies, e-mail Mark Davidson president@mbosc.org for more info.

 

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

 

Mission Tours!
State Park Mission
Tours of the mission
Date: Every Sa at 1:00pm

Special Instructions: Call to confirm!

Mission Tours-Saturdays
Come to Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park for a tour that reveals the history of Santa Cruz's oldest building. This is the only remaining section of the original Santa Cruz Mission. Find out about the lives of the people who lived and worked here over 200 years ago. The event is FREE.

 

The park is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located on School St. off of Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz. Please call (831) 425-5849 for more information.

 

*Please note: The Santa Cruz Mission is closed on Sundays until further notice.

 

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.

Santa Cruz Rollergirls
Santa Cruz Roller Girls
Kicking good roller skating, all women
Date: Every Sa (Mar 13-Oct 23) at 6:30pm

Santa Cruz Derby Girls,  Season 3

Santa Cruz Rollergirls was established in 2007 by women who had a dream to bring the sport and art of roller derby back to Santa Cruz. Now established as a non-profit, they are known as the Santa Cruz Derby Girls. These bouts promise loads of action and lots of cheering. For more information, please visit www.santacruzderbygirls.org.

 

March 13th (H) Bombshells v CCRD
March 27th & 28th (A) Dustbowl Invitational, Bakersfield, CA
April 10th (H) Hellcats v SINtral Valley
April 16th & 17th (A) Dust Devil Tournament, Tucson, AZ
May 15th (H) Bombshells v BADG. Oakland Outlaws
May 22nd (A) Hellcats v San Diego
June 19th (A) Bombshells v BADG, San Francisco ShEvil Dead
June 26th (H) Hellcats v Mission City
July 17th (H) Bombshells v TRD Iron Curtain
July 24th (A) Hellcats v Syndicate Roller Girls
Aug 21st (H) Hellcats v Undead Betty's
Sept 11th (A) Hellcats v Fresno Valley Fever
Sept 25th (H) Bombshells v OC Roller Girls
Oct 23rd (H) Double Header - SCDG v SVRG

Kids Climb
Pacific Edge Climbing Gym
Let our staff belay your kids, ages 6 to 12. Parents must stay at Pacific Edge while their children climb.
Date: Every Su and Sa from 10:30am to 12:30pm
Ages: 6 and up Admission Fees: $15.50 for the class

$15.50 per child and $2 for shoe rental.
$108 for an 8 day punch card, add shoe rentals for $14 per card.

Classes are limited to eight climbers.
Reservations can be made by phone and are recommended. (A Visa or MasterCard is needed to make phone reservations).

*All participants must have a waiver signed by parent or guardian on file and wear socks with the rental shoes*