Annual Events

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

Ranch Tours

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

History comes alive at Wilder Ranch State Park on the weekends with Machine Shop Pelton Water Wheel Demos, baking on the woodstove, and ranch tours.

 

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.

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

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

 

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

 

Elephant Seal Walks
State Park Ano Nuevo
3 mile hike over sand and sloping terrain to see thousands of elephant seals, including newborn pups, their mothers, and bulls
Date: Every day (Oct 20-Mar 31)
Ages: All: (Lots of walking) Admission Fees: Guided $7; Self-guided free
Special Instructions: Dec 15 - Mar 31

Explore Año Nuevo with a Docent Naturalist

Guided Elephant Seal Walks

Ticket sales open Friday, October 20

Cost: $7 per person + $3.99 reservation fee

www.parks.ca.gov/anonuevo

Journey to view a large colony of Northern elephant seals, guided by your docent naturalist on this moderate 3-mile, 2.5 hour adventure. In the month of December, male elephant seals, or bulls, arrive along the shore of Año Nuevo State Park to establish hierarchy, while pregnant females come ashore to birth to their pups.

 

These popular guided walks take place rain or shine, so be prepared for windy, rainy conditions as well as muddy trails. Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and rain gear is strongly advised. Umbrellas and strollers are not permitted. Pets are not allowed in the park. Parking is $10. For more information, please call (650) 879-2025 or for recorded information (650) 879-0227.

 

People with accessibility needs may reserve an equal access tour along the boardwalk.

These tours take place on Fridays, weekends, and select holidays. For reservations and info call ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-4445. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

 

Self-Guided Seal Walks

Daily, between 8:30am and 3:30pm (Natural Preserve closes at 5pm)

Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view a large colony of Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour self-guided trail! Visit the female elephant seals as they return to shore to molt, or shed their fur, in this annual excursion.  Additionally, young pups are still ashore from the winter breeding season. Layered clothing, closed-toes shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Umbrellas and strollers are not permitted inside the dune area. Pets are not allowed in the park. Walk is free; day-use vehicle fee is $10. Entrance to the reserve for your self-guided walk requires a free permit that can be obtained at the entrance station, or the Visitor Center. Please contact the park at 650-879-2025 for further information.

 

If you require mobility assistance, you may request a volunteer-led equal access tour. You will board our accessible van and get a ride to our wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. A volunteer(s) will accompany you to the two seal-viewing decks, explain the Northern elephant seal natural history, the history of the park, and answer questions. Reservations are required. Please, allow a 2-week advance notice. The volunteer led tour is free, day-use vehicle fee is $10. Contact the park at 650-879-2033 or email Ano.EqualAccess@parks.ca.gov. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

Canta y Baila Conmigo® with MusicalMe, Inc.
Musical Me, Inc. Offers Music Together
CyBC enhances children's learning in multiple domains, increases family engagement and adds richly to each family's "toolbox."
Date: Every day (Feb 23-Apr 1)
Ages: 0-6 years
Special Instructions: Locations in Los Gatos, Pleasure Point & Westside Santa Cruz

Canta y Baila Conmigo® with MusicalMe, Inc.

Locations in Los Gatos, Pleasure Point & Westside Santa Cruz

831.438.3514  or  Text: 831.332.9002

 

Now offering the new and exciting Spanish language music & movement immersion program - Canta y Baila Conmigo^TM.  For beginners and native speakers alike, CyBC brings the highest quality music and movement experiences to young children and the adults who love them, with a playful, interactive atmosphere that integrates language learning naturally and organically in the musical experience.

 

Our curriculum fosters the integration of music into everyday life - regardless of adults' music ability. CyBC enhances children's learning in multiple domains, increases family engagement and adds richly to each family's "toolbox."

 

Siblings are welcome, especially infants who attend free if they are 8 months or under. Classes are now offered in Los Gatos, Pleasure Point & Westside Santa Cruz.

 

Contact us now to attend a class for free!

FREE Demo Classes

 

Join us for a FREE Demo Class of our newest offering:  Canta y Baila Conmigo! 

Friday, March 16th, 2018 @ 9:30am and 10:30am

Los Gatos Rec. Department, 123 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA - ROOM C

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Click Here to Register

 

QUESTIONS:  831-438-3514 or sky@musicalme.com

SPACE IS LIMITED!  REGISTER TODAY!

 

PREVIEW A CLASS - FOR FREE!

If you have never experienced a Music Together class and want to see first-hand why everyone raves about this incredible program, please join us for a FREE class.  These are classes currently in progress.  Schedule yours TODAY!

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

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

Harvesting Our Heritage
SLV Museum
Bite-sized looks at the history of agriculture and food ways here in Santa Cruz county.
Date: Every Su, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa (Feb 24-Apr 30) from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Admission Fees: Donation of $5 per family is requested

Join us to celebrate the opening of our new exhibition, Harvesting Our Heritage.

 

This exhibition, based on the research project and book of the same name, takes some bite-sized looks at the history of agriculture and food ways here in Santa Cruz county.

 

Wednesday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Thursday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Friday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm

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

Ranch Tours

Saturdays and Sundays 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.

Redwood Tours
State Park Henry Cowell
Amazing forest adventure
Date: Every Su and Sa
Admission Fees: Day-use parking fee is $10
Special Instructions: Saturdays 11am and 2pm, Sundays 1pm

Redwood Tours
Saturdays at 11am and 2pm
Sundays at 1pm

How do redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Why are there so few old growth trees left? Answer these questions and more every Saturday on our Redwood Grove Walks. One of our knowledgeable docents will lead you through our magnificent old growth forest and answer any questions you may have. Meet at the Visitors Center in the day-use area of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park located off Highway 9 in Felton. Tour is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks.

 

Redwood Grove Loop Walk
State Park Big Basin
Meet famous trees on this walk in the forest!
Date: Every Su and Sa
Ages: All
Special Instructions: See varying hours

Redwood Grove Loop Walk

Every Friday, 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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Valley Easter Project
Valley Churches United Missions Holiday Projects
Our Easter barrels are out now and can be found at our Valley grocery stores!
Date: Every day (Mar 15-Mar 31)
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Easter is approaching! Our Easter barrels are out now and can be found at our Valley grocery stores! Please stop by and fill a grocery bag. Empty bags with a list of most needed items are with our barrels.

Also, donations of non perishable, canned food are gratefully accepted year round and can be dropped off at VCUM (Mon-Fri 10-4pm), SV Chamber 216 B Mt. Hermon (Mon-Fri 10-3pm) or the BL Gas Station (7am-7pm seven days a week).

You can also donate here on our FB page or website vcum.org
Thank you

 

 

 

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

 Tour the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach

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

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

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

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

Iris Farm Show and Sale
Brook Lomond Iris Gardens
Bearded Irises smell and look amazing, and are drought tolerant, as well as deer- and gopher-resistant. What more could you ask
Date: Every day (Mar 14-Apr 8)

Iris Farm Sale and Show

Bearded Irises smell and look amazing, and are drought tolerant, as well as deer- and gopher-resistant. What more could you ask for from a little plant? Brook Lomond Iris Gardens is opening their doors to the public for two weekends, and will be selling them along with other certified organic irises and holding demonstrations on plant care. This is prime blooming season for bearded irises, so if you don't have any Mother's Day plans (or forgot about it altogether) grab your mama and head on down.

 

INFO: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 5 and 12, Sunday May 6 and 13. Brook Lomond Iris Farm.

Avenue Q School Edition
PVHS/WHS Drama
Tony Award Winning puppet-filled comedy (PG)
Date: Every day (Mar 8-Mar 18)
Admission Fees: $7 & $10

Avenue Q School Edition

3/8-3/10 & 3/15-3/17 @ 7:00 pm and 3/11 & 3/18 @ 2:00 pm

 

PVHS/WHS Drama present their performance of this Tony Award Winning puppet-filled comedy about a recent college grad who moves into an apartment in a neighborhood that's a bit out of the ordinary. This play has been adapted for high school performances and is rated PG13.

 

Sunday Seaside Crafts
Seymour Marine Discovery Center (at Long Marine Lab)
Join us with your small fry every Sunday for hands-on fun!
Date: Every Su from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Ages: Kids and up Admission Fees: General admission fees apply.

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

Spring Camp: The Art and Science of Nature
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Calling young artists and scientists curious about nature!
Date: Every day (Feb 2-Apr 6) from 8:30am to 3:30pm
Ages: 5-6 Admission Fees: $265 - April 2-6, 8:30-3:30
Special Instructions: Discounts for members and siblings, limited scholarships available

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is proud to present an inspiring week of nature exploration.

Campers draw inspiration from nature through exploration and hands-on investigation! They make new friends at this day camp featuring walking field trips, Museum exploration, science projects, and nature-inspired art.

We invite kindergartners and first graders to come observe, explore, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world here in our backyard as well as in the Museum's collection. With the inspiration of our spring "Art of Nature" exhibit, we will explore what nature reveals to us everyday through a variety of individual and collaborative art projects. Every camper will create artwork to take home, make scientific discoveries, and most importantly, create memories, friendships, and a personal connection to the unique nature of the Santa Cruz coast.

Each of the five days will focus on a different theme that will guide a variety of art projects, science investigations, supervised explorations, and games. "Leave no trace" ethics and safety in nature will be emphasized throughout the week so that campers will leave equipped with a better understanding of how to responsibly interact with the natural world.

Join us to build connections to nature and stewardship for our world. ENROLLMENT WILL OPEN FEB 2 at 9 am.