Annual Events

The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
State Park Big Basin
Dog-friendly walk on North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic
Date: Every Su at 9:30am

Special Instructions: See details for dates/times

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.

 

SC County Fair
Santa Cruz County Fair
“Bounty of the County” will guide the joyous celebration that is each annual Santa Cruz County Fair. “We are blessed here in San
Date: Every day (Sep 12-Sep 16)
Ages: All Admission Fees: $5-$10
Special Instructions: parking $5/car

A week of fun at the Santa Cruz County Fair

Get ready for pig racing, frisbee dogs, bands, art, wine. poetry, gardening, garlic fries, concerts, carnival rides and livestock exhibits. 400-pound pumpkins, and more!

 

2018 Fair Hours:

Wednesday 9/12 to Friday 9/14 Noon to 11:00PM
Saturday 9/15 10AM to 11PM & Sunday 9/16 10AM to 10PM

 

Michael Mezmer

Michael is known as the "Phenomenist" who combines his talents as one of the world's top performing stage hypnotists with his award winning skills in the field of organic magic phenomena to create amazing performances.

 

Michael's TranceNosis Comedy Hypnosis Show and BrainStorm Phenomena Shows have been seen at major casinos, amusement parks, cruise ships, fairs and festivals throughout the world.

Wild West Turkey Stampede

....If you are within the sound of my voice... you are just seconds away from the funniest show in America...

 

It is time for the Wild West Turkey Stampeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeede!

 

These turkeys will keep you cheering and laughing all "race" long.

 

 

 

 

All Alaskan Racing Pigs

 

The Famous All-Alaskan Racing Pigs are a team of the fastest and funniest athletes to serve up entertainment anywhere!

 

Flat-track racing and hurdling are their specialties, but a good gag is always on the menu.

 

If you are looking for entertainment don't miss these Racing Pigs.

Check back for the daily schedules!

 

 

 

Google Science Fair
Google
Google Science Fair is an online science competition, open to students between the ages of 13 and 18 from around the world.
Date: Every day (Sep 13-Dec 12)

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.

You can win amazing prizes.

 

Submissions close December 12th, 2018

Global finalists announced May 2019

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

Reading In the Redwoods
Library Felton
Join our monthly book club!
Date: Every Su and Sa from 2:00pm to 4:30pm

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.

Brainfuse - Homework Help
Libraries
Brainfuse: Free online homework help for students of all ages.
Date: Every day

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.

Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
State Park Big Basin
Explore the park's less traveled backcountry
Date: Every Su, Mon and Sa (Sep 1-Sep 22) at 12:00pm
Ages: All
Special Instructions: See specific days

Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!

Saturday, September 1 at noon

Monday, September 3 at noon

Saturday, September 8 at noon

Sunday, September 9 at noon

Saturday, September 15 at noon

Sunday, September 16 at noon

Saturday, September 22 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.

 

 

Paws in the Park
Wolfpack 831
Jin us for a community dog walk along the San Lorenzo River
Date: 09/16/2018 at 10:00am

It's that time of year again! Join BirchBark Foundation, the Coastal Watershed Council, and WoofPack831 for a community dog walk along the San Lorenzo River.

At 10:00 AM, we will meet at the Gateway Plaza fitness area. The walk will loop across the pedestrian street bridge, down the east side of the Riverwalk, through San Lorenzo Park and back up the west side to the Plaza.

The first 20 walkers will receive a BirchBark Foundation portable pet food dish. Don't forget to start your WoofTrax when you walk! BirchBark will receive donations as our group of walkers grows.

30 Days of Doing
4-H
Inspire Kids to Do. We believe in empowering kids with the skills they need to succeed. In 4-H, mentors inspire kids to be True
Date: Every day (Sep 1-Sep 30)

30 Days of Doing is a chance for kids across the nation to do with purpose through hands-on learning. Through activities in agriculture, STEM, community service, healthy living and more, 30 Days of Doing will help kids gain the skills they need to be successful in life-and have fun along the way.

 

Plus, starting September 1 you could win a $10,000 scholarship for your kid - and your state 4-H program could receive $10,000 to inspire kids in the community!

 

Submit a photo that shows how your child inspires themselves or others to do with purpose for themselves, their family, their community, their country or the world. Check back September 1 for more details!

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.

 

Hablamos Juntos/Together We Speak
Pajaro Valley Arts Council
Experience how our artists give voice to and navigate: daily life, current events, social, political and cultural issues, commun
Date: Every Su, Wed, Th and Fri (Aug 8-Oct 7) from 11:00am to 4:00pm

Special Instructions: Reception August 12

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

Adult Crafts
Library Felton
Let's have some fun while also helping each other learn and grow as artists and crafters!
Date: Every Su 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!

 

 

Homeschool Moms Stitch Night
Heddi Craft
Monthly get together for homeschool moms offers great conversation and some time to nurture yourself
Date: The 16th of every month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Join other homeschool moms for a monthly stitch and chat get together. Bring your favorite handwork (it doesn't have to be stitching, any kind of creative task is great!) and a snack to share. We'll provide the coffee and tea! This monthly get together offers great conversation and some time to nurture yourself. Third Tuesday of every month from 7-9pm.

This free event is hosted by long time homeschooling mom Heddi Craft at Knit Sew Make, located in the former sanctuary area of the building at 111 Errett Circle, Santa Cruz.

 

Check to confirm for location and date.

Renaissance Faire Weekends
Northern California Renaissance Faire
Pageantry, Revelry, Crafts and Romance
Date: Every Su and Sa (Sep 15-Oct 21) from 10:00am to 6:00pm
Admission Fees: $18, free if under 12

"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

• Concert Series FREE Every Saturday!
• Crafts200 Fine Artisans
• Food & Beverage Fine Eats & Drinks!
• Games & Activities For Children & Adults
• Guest Artists Find Your Favorites
• Shows Don't Miss the Show!
• FAQs Rules & Regulations

Hikes at Castle Rock
State Park Castle Rock
Discover expansive views, marvelous rock formations and great rock climbing opportunities
Date: Every day (Jun 1-Sep 30)

Special Instructions: Located on Highway 35, just 2.5 miles southeast of the junction with Hwy 9

EASY HIKES
Castle Rock Loop  Sat & Sun 11am
Trailhead: main parking lot; 1 mile loop; elevation gain 300 feet    
Ascend through Douglas-fir, madrone, and tanoak to see the park’s imposing namesake peak—a good spot for bouldering and roped climbs. The surrounding smaller rocks are a great playground for children.

Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike  Saturdays at 2:30pm

Join us on a 3-mile, 2.5-hour hike to Castle Rock, Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook. We’ll discuss Castle Rock’s unique geology, rock climbing history, human impacts and important preservationists that helped give Castle Rock State Park the protections we have today. Please bring plenty of water, hiking shoes, snacks, a camera, and binoculars if you have them. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $8. Meet at the kiosk. Event made possible by California State Parks in partnership with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.

 
   
MODERATE HIKES 
Ridge/Trail Camp Loop 
Trailhead: main parking lot, 5.15 miles, elevation gain 1,190 feet
Hike through the forest and past Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock. Enjoy views of the San Lorenzo River Valley and glimpses of Monterey Bay. Learn about history, wildlife, and habitats at the Interpretive Shelter. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water and a rain shelter.  
  
Skyline/Loghry Woods/Saratoga Gap Loop
Trailhead: main parking lot; 6.1 miles roundtrip; elevation gain 750 feet 
Head through the forest past Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock. Enjoy views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Lorenzo River with glimpses across to Monterey Bay if there’s no fog. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water, and a rain shelter. 
  
STRENUOUS HIKES  
Middle of the Park from the Gap Loop
Trailhead: Saratoga Gap; 9 miles roundtrip, elevation gain 1,530 feet. 
This challenging hike or run through the forest takes you past mountain and valley views with some glimpses of Monterey Bay on a clear day. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water and a rain shelter. Begin at Saratoga Gap and either go down Saratoga Toll Road Trail or across Skyline Trail (Bay Area Ridge Trail). Close the loop on the Loghry Woods and Travertine Springs trails.
   
Gap to Gap Loop
Trailhead: Saratoga Gap or Waterman Gap; 16.4 miles round trip, elevation gain 1,860 feet
A good workout for strong trail runners and hikers. You can also backpack and stay overnight at the Waterman Gap Trail Camp (reservations required). Trails are mostly wooded, with occasional views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. 
   
Skyline to the Sea Trailhead: dropoff at Saratoga Gap or park at main parking lot, pickup at Waddell Beach, 25.2–28.2 miles; elevation from 1,660–2,130 feet. 
One of the region’s most rewarding backpack options. Start on the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains and descend to the ocean in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Camp at trail camps along the way. Two to four days of backpacking or four to eight hours of trail running.

 

Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike

Saturdays at 2:30pm

Join us on a 3-mile, 2.5-hour hike to Castle Rock, Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook. We'll discuss Castle Rock's unique geology, rock climbing history, human impacts and important preservationists that helped give Castle Rock State Park the protections we have today. Please bring plenty of water, hiking shoes, snacks, a camera, and binoculars if you have them. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $8. Meet at the kiosk. Event made possible by California State Parks in partnership with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.

 

Ranch History 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 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.

 

Corralitos Farm & Garden Market
Corralitos Valley Research & Education Association (CVREA)
We have the tastiest fruit, veggies and baked treats!
Date: Every Su from 11:00am to 3:00pm

 

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

 

DIY Crafts
Library Live Oak
Date: Every Su from 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Ages: 13+ Admission Fees: Free

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.

Redwood Tours
State Park Henry Cowell
Amazing forest adventure
Date: Every Su and Sa
Admission Fees: Day-use parking fee is $10

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.

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

 

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.

Pie Contest
Live Oak Grange
Come on down to the Live Oak Grange to eat delicious pie, play pie games and help raise funds for our Grange Hall Renovation!
Date: 09/16/2018 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Pie eaters - 3 slices for $10

Come on down to the Live Oak Grange to eat delicious pie, play pie games and help raise funds for our Grange Hall Renovation!

Pie eaters - 3 slices for $10 - Vote for your favorite pie!
Pie Bakers - Deliver your pies to the Grange by 12pm to enter the contest. Win $50 cash if your pie gets the most votes!

Pie Contest Categories:
1. Savory
2. Fruit
3. Cream
4. Gluten-Free

A mimimum of 2 pies is required to enter a contest category.
Family Fun! - Old-fashioned bingo ($5/card, 3 cards for $10), pie walk , ice cream, and more!

When Species Collide!
State Park Rancho del Oso
Explore topics like natives vs. non-native invasives, and adaptations.
Date: 09/16/2018 at 10:00am
Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Saturdays, October 21 ~ November 18 ~ December 16 10 am

When Species Collide

Sunday, September 16 at 10am

Join Rancho del Oso docent Ken Koll for a 4-mile hike along the Skyline to Sea Bypass Trail to discover the natural history of the Waddell Valley. Meet at the yellow gate across Hwy 1 from Waddell State Beach. Bring water, snacks, and wear sturdy footwear.

 

Rancho del Oso is located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz, at 3600 Highway 1 in Davenport. For more information, please call (831) 427-2288, or email RDOPIS@parks.ca.gov. Event made possible by Waddell Creek Association and California State Parks.