Annual Events

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

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

Romance in the Redwoods
State Park Big Basin
Meet famous trees on this walk in the forest!
Date: Every Su and Sa at 1:00pm
Ages: All
Special Instructions: Also Friday, December 1 at 1pm

Romance in the Redwoods

 

Redwood Grove Loop Walk
State Park Big Basin
Meet famous trees on this walk in the forest!
Date: Every Su and Sa at 1:00pm
Ages: All
Special Instructions: Also Friday, December 1 at 1pm

Redwood Grove Loop Walk

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

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 Redwoods State Park Headquarters. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $10. Events made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

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

Explore California's Wild Edge Prints by Tom Killion
MAH
This exhibition invites you to explore California's coastal edge through prints by woodcut artist Tom Killion
Date: Every day (Jan 12-Apr 22)

Explore California's Wild Edge, Prints by Tom Killion

 

California's Wild Edge; Prints by Tom Killion: Jan 12 2018 - April 22 2018

Natural Bridge, Tom Killion, woodblock print

"The edge where the Sea meets land, the coast, is where we face true wilderness." - Tom Killion

This exhibition invites you to explore California's coastal edge through prints by woodcut artist Tom Killion alongside poems selected by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Gary Snyder. 

 

Tom Killion was born and raised in Mill Valley, California, on the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais. Since childhood, he was moved by the rugged scenery of Marin County and Northern California.  Tom creates landscape prints using linoleum and wood, strongly influenced by the traditional Japanese Ukiyo-ë style of Hokusai and Hiroshige. This exhibition will feature a series of woodblock prints Tom made in honor of Santa Cruz County's breathtaking landscapes. From Natural Bridges to Wilder Ranch, visit your favorite Santa Cruz coastal and woodland sanctuaries through Tom's exquisite line work and crisp colors.

 

This exhibition is made possible through generous sponsorship from the following organizations and individuals: Scharf Investments, Nordic Naturals; UC Santa Cruz Arts; UC Santa Cruz Alumni; Julie Packard; Robert Stephens; Sarah Stephens; Terry, Asha, and Val Cole; the Aceves-London Family Fund; Wayne Palmer & Earleen Overend, and MAH members like you.

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.

Shelf to Shore Passes to Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium
visit any Santa Cruz Public Libraries branch or bookmobile stop to request your shelf to shore pass. A valid library card is req
Date: Every day (Jan 18-May 29) from 10:00am to 5:00pm

Shelf to Shore Passes to Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries is a proud partner of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Shelf to Shore Program, which provides free access to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for low income families. The program, created for families who otherwise could not afford to go, admits up to six family members for a visit. Just visit any Santa Cruz Public Libraries branch or bookmobile stop to request your shelf to shore pass. A valid library card is required. Limit one pass per year per adult library card holder. For free admission to the Aquarium, you must present the ticket with your matching library card at the Aquarium's Main Entrance.

 

 

The Shelf to Shore program runs from the day after Labor Day through the Friday before Memorial Day. Currently, a pass is valid from September 5, 2017 through May 25, 2018 and cannot be used on the following dates:

• February 17-19, 2018
• March 24-April 8, 2018
• April 29, 2018

Who is Eligible?
You can get a Shelf to Shore Aquarium pass if you are 18 years old or older and have a valid Santa Cruz Public Library card. Passes are intended for low income families, so if you qualify for Free School Lunch, WIC, SNAP, Meals on Wheels, Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, Healthy Kids, or other similar services, this program is definitely for you.

Open House Castro Adobe
State Park Castro Adobe
Join us for this easy guided walk to hear the stories of the Pájaro Valley’s past.
Date: Every Su and Sa (Jan 27-Dec 9) from 11:00am to 3:00pm

Special Instructions: Old Adobe Road, off of Larkin Valley Road

Open House, Castro Adobe State Historic Park

 

Join us for a unique opportunity to view our newest State Historic Park. This hidden jewel in the Pájaro Valley is currently an active construction site as the adobe building is being repaired and is open only during scheduled events. Event is free; limited parking (carpooling encouraged). Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

 

Built from 1848 to 1849, this is one of the finest examples of a rancho hacienda in the Monterey Bay area. The Castro Adobe State Historic Park is located at 184 Old Adobe Road, off of Larkin Valley Road, in northern Watsonville. The Castro Adobe is an active construction site and is accessible currently by appointment only except during the Open House Days. To follow progress on the restoration effort, visit www.ThatsMyPark.org/projects/castro-adobe.

Julius Caesar
Mountain Community Theater
An uncompromising examination of how a society, faced with an internal drift to tyranny, can slip into civil war, and revert ove
Date: Every day (Mar 15-Apr 8)

Special Instructions: Community Night, Thursday March 15th - 2 for $20!

MCT Presents William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

Tickets Available at Brown Paper Tickets:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3086396

Some scholars believe Shakespeare chose to open his new Globe Theatre with Julius Caesar. The play is an uncompromising examination of how a society, faced with an internal drift to tyranny, can slip into civil war, and revert overnight to barbarism. A tragedy without clear-cut villains and heroes, Julius Caesar is as fresh today as it was on that opening night over 400 years ago.

Much of the work of Director Bill Peters over the past fifteen years has centered on directing the works of Shakespeare. His MCT production of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors – both the last time MCT presented Shakespeare and the last time Bill directed for MCT – was named Best Comedy of 2003 by the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

The cast comprises both MCT favorites and newcomers to MCT, including David Leach as Caesar, Nat Robinson as Antony, Peter Gelblum as Brutus, Andrew Davids as Cassius, Ann McCormick as Calpurnia, Scott Kravitz as Casca, Rick Kuhn as Cinna, Robin Aronson as Portia, Tom Goldrup as the Soothsayer, Rita Wadsworth as Artemidorus, April Bennett as Decius, Jocelyn McMahon as Lucia, Ward Willats as Trebonius, and Sam Richie as Octavius.

Special dates: Community Night, Thursday March 15th - 2 for $20!
Post-show champagne reception Friday, March 16th
Director & Cast Talk Backs Sunday March 25th & Sunday April 1st.

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.

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.

The quilts are back!
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Beautiful quilts on exhibit!
Date: Every day (Dec 11-Apr 15)
Admission Fees: Free - $5

The quilts are back!
The Museum has partnered with the Monterey Peninsula Quilters Guild for a new temporary exhibit, "Wildflowers Through a Quilter's Eyes," beginning with an opening reception on Monday, December 11th, from 6-8 p.m. This temporary exhibit will be on display through mid-April.

http://www.pgmuseum.org/.../wildflowers-through-a-quilters-ey...

Pictured are quilts from last year's reception.
#Quilts #Quilters #Monterey #PacificGrove

 

DATENIGHT: Coming of Age
Jewel Theatre Co
This serious comedy by Kate Hawley (COMPLICATIONS FROM A FALL) is an exploration of love and renewal.
Date: Every day (Mar 14-Apr 8)
Admission Fees: $42/$48

Ian is returning from a book tour to visit his elderly father John, a renowned Dickens scholar, and most recently, a grief stricken widower. Ian is alarmed to find John confused and disoriented. He has forgotten Ian was coming, and in fact, seems anxious to get rid of him, not withstanding Ian's 3 hour drive from Manhattan.

 

Has John been having little strokes? Has he deteriorated in the six weeks Ian has been gone? And yet, the house seems strangely tidy. And John is wearing a new tie. This serious comedy by Kate Hawley (COMPLICATIONS FROM A FALL) is an exploration of love and renewal.

 

3/16 & 3/17 @ 8:00 pm & 3/18 @ 2:00 pm (runs through April 8)

 

 

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.

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

Wilder Ranch Living History Demonstrations and 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.

 

Call (831) 426-0505 for more details.

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.

 

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!

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

 

 

 

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 1:30-5:30	Lincoln & Cedar	Year-round
Santa Cruz/West Side	Sat 9-1	2801 Mission	Year-round
Scotts Valley	Sat 9-1	King's Village Dr	Year-round
Live Oak/East Side	Sun 9-1	15th & Eastcliff Dr	Year-round
Felton	Tues 2:30-6:30	120 Russell Ave	May - Oct

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!