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Santa Cruz is much more than just a summer
vacation destination. With its year-round events, indoor
and outdoor activities, and tourist
destinations there are many ways
to keep yourself entertained throughout the year. |
Santa Cruz County Annual Events
2008 Schedule
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Ongoing |
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Santa Cruz Farmer's Market -
Every Wednesday
Corner of Cedar & Lincoln streets, Downtown (831) 454-0566
Local farmers and vendors offer fresh
and organic products. |
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March 2008 |
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March
8 |
Hummingbird Day
Arboretum at UCSC, 1156 High Street,
University of California Santa Cruz (831) 427-2998
Annual Hummingbird celebration that features their feeding,
mating, and nesting behaviors in the gardens.
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March
14-16 |
Kayak Surf
Festival
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz (831) 458-3648
This is the largest kayak surfing competition.
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March
22 |
Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt
Capitola Beach, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Children (12 and under) have a wonderful opportunity to hunt for
Easter eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny.
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March
22 |
Easter on the Farm Egg Hunt
2601 East Lake Ave., Hwy. 152 Watsonville (831) 724-5898
An annual family event -- complete with Easter baskets &
bonnets.
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March
23 |
Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Children & their families are taken to Bear Mountain where candy
eggs are hidden.
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March
29 |
Pinot
Paradise
Various wineries, Santa Cruz Mountains (831) 685-8463
Visit select wineries and sample the latest pinots.
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April 2008 |
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April
12 |
Santa Cruz Half Marathon & 10K
Starts at Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz 408-356-0518
The Santa Cruz Half Marathon consists of a 13.1-mile run/walk
along scenic West Cliff Drive past breathtaking vistas of the
Pacific coastline.
The Santa Cruz 10K Run/Walk consists of a 6.2-mile journey along
scenic West Cliff Drive past breathtaking vistas of the Pacific
coastline.
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April
26 |
18th Annual Ducky Derby
Harvey West Park, 300 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz
(831) 479-4070
Adopt a duck and help the Santa Cruz Chapter of Omega Nu meet
the charitable needs of the local community. Great prizes,
food, games, live music & entertainment.
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April
28-29 |
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Show
Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz (831) 688-8086
Their annual show features over 50 exhibits and approximately 20
dealers who offer rough lapidary material, equipment, gemstones,
finished jewelry, books, beads, findings, minerals, and fossil
specimens.
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April
22 |
Day
of the Child / Earth Day
Ramsay Park, 1301 Main Street, Watsonville (831) 768-3240
A event that is dedicated to protecting the Earth for our
children. Admission is free. Enjoy arts & crafts, live
entertainment, guided nature tours.
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May 2008 |
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May
1-18 |
SC
Mountains Art Center: "Soul to Sole"
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St. Ben Lomond
(831) 336-3513
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May
3 |
Bug Day - Come on Kids, Let's Go Buggy!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Hwy 9, Felton
(831) 335-7077
Various activities are planed to help children learn about a
wide variety of bugs.
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May
3 |
Capitola Kite Classic
Capitola Beach, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Fly a kite and enjoy the beach with your friends.
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May
4 |
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Downtown Plaza, Main & Peck Streets, Watsonville
(831) 724-9005
Traditional Mexican foods and live entertainment are just part
of this festival that takes place in downtown Watsonville.
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May
4 |
Davenport Cinco de Mayo Festival
Davenport Resource Center, 100 Church St., Davenport
(831) 425-8115
Mexican food, exhibits, dance and live music.
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May
9-17 |
Santa Cruz Film Festival
Rio & Del Mar Theatres, Santa Cruz (831) 459-7676
The festival features hundreds of films from around the globe
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May
11 |
Mother's Day Walk: Women of Big Basin
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder
Creek (831) 338-3944
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May
17 |
Day on the Farm!
Agricultural History Museum, 2601 East Lake Ave., Hwy. 152,
Watsonville (831) 724-5898
Learn about life and work on a farm through activities such as
sheep-shearing, butter-churning, and hay baling.
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May
23-25 |
Watsonville Fly-In & Air Show
Watsonville Airport, 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville
(831) 763-5600
Golden Age, Warbirds, Homebuilts, B-17, Aerobatics, Car Show,
helicopter-Biplane Rides, fireworks and much more.
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May
24-25 |
24th Annual Santa Cruz Longboard Club Invitational
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz (831) 917-4371
Billed as the West Coast's oldest competitive surfing event, it
features amateur and pro surfers.
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May
24-26 |
27th
Annual Civil War Battles and Encampment
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Visit Union & Confederate camps, and watch the reenactments
Civil War battles .
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May
24-26 |
Boulder Creek
Art, Wine & Music Festival
Downtown Boulder Creek (831) 338-2578
The festival is made up of over 200 vendor booths, and features
live music and international food and local wineries
booths.
|
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May
24-25 |
16th Annual Santa Cruz Blues Festival
Aptos Village Park, Aptos (831) 479-9814
Two days of music performed in a natural amphitheater surrounded
by Oaks & Redwoods.
|
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May
31- June 1 |
Vintners'
Festival
Various Santa Cruz County wineries & restaurants (831) 685-8463
The event features wine tasting, winery tours, food, music, and
art exhibits.
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June 2008 |
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June
1 |
Santa Cruz Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride
Pacific Ave. & San Lorenzo Park (downtown), Santa Cruz
(831) 425-5422
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|
June
1, 7-8 |
Vintners'
Festival
Various Santa Cruz County wineries & restaurants (831) 685.8463
The event features wine tasting, winery tours, food, music, and
art exhibits.
|
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June
7-8 |
3rd
Annual Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Enjoy a day filled with awesome cars, great music, charming
shops, restaurants for every taste, and good family fun at the
beach! Call the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce at
(831) 475-6522 for more information.
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June
7 |
Festival at the Cement Ship
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos (831) 685-6444
Celebrate the unique history of the WW1 Concrete Ship Palo Alto,
the natural wonders of Seacliff’s fossil beds, and the many
animals that call the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
their home. Enjoy music, fun and food.
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June
8 |
World Ocean's Day
end of Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 459-3800
Celebrate our blue planet with free admission to the Center's
hall & aquarium. Come learn more - it's your ocean!
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June
14 |
Full Moon Madness
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton (831) 335-4598
Discover the park's nightlife under the moon and stars.
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June
14 |
Juneteenth Celebration
Laurel Park, Washington St. at Maple St., Santa Cruz
(831) 420-6177
Juneteenth celebrates the signing of the Emancipation
Proclamation.
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June
15 |
Hats off to Dad
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
Treat dad to a steam train ride and Chuckwagon BBQ.
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June
Fridays |
Free
Friday Night Bands
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Every Friday night at 6:30 and 8:30 you can enjoy two free
concerts that showcase stars of the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
|
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June
21 |
Japanese
Cultural Fair
Mission Plaza Park, Santa Cruz (831) 462-4589
The fair celebrate the arts, craft, and culture of Japan.
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June
21-22 |
Pro Am Beach Soccer Championships
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz
415-383-5425
A sand soccer tournament for kids and adults in Santa Cruz,
California
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June
28 |
Woodies on the Wharf
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
Enjoy over 200 classic "woodies" on display at the Santa Cruz
municipal wharf.
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June
29 |
Bikes
on the Bay: Soquel Vintage Motorcycle Show
Main Street, Soquel (831) 475-6522
Vintage motorcycles roar into Soquel!
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July 2008 |
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July
Fridays |
Free
Friday Night Bands
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Every Friday night at 6:30 and 8:30 you can enjoy two free
concerts that showcase stars of the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
|
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July
2-6 |
World Disc Games
UCSC, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz (831) 462-5293
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July
4 |
10K Firecracker Race & Kids 1K
Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz (831) 439-7049
The Firecracker course start and ends at Harvey West Park with
the tough climb in the middle, then a downhill finish.
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July
4 |
4th of
July Fireworks Celebration
Scotts Valley Community Center & Skypark, Scotts Valley
(831) 438-3251
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July
4 |
'50s Family July 4th Fest!
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
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July
4 |
Aptos 4th of July Celebration
Soquel Dr. & State Park Dr., Aptos Village
(831) 688-1467
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July
4 |
Old-Fashioned Independence Day
Wilder Ranch State Park, Hwy. 1, Santa Cruz (831) 426-0505
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July
Every Fri-Sun |
Santa Cruz Improv Festival
Actors’ Theatre, 1001 Center St., Downtown Santa Cruz
(831) 425-PLAY
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July
12-31 |
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition: A Magic Web - The Tropical
Forest of Barro Colorado Island
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff,
Santa Cruz (831) 420-6115
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July
15-31 |
Shakespeare Santa Cruz - Summer Festival
Theatre Arts Mainstage & Festival Grove, UCSC, Santa Cruz
(831) 459-2121
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July
19 |
15th Annual "Cops 'n Rodders" Classic Car Show & Cruise
Siltanen Park, Scotts Valley (831) 440-5663
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July
20 |
Art on the Wharf
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
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July
27 |
36th
Annual Wharf to Wharf Race
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 475-2196
A scenic six-mile race with forty live bands.
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August 2008 |
|
Aug.
Fridays |
Free
Friday Night Bands
Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz (831) 423-5590
Every Friday night at 6:30 and 8:30 you can enjoy two free
concerts that showcase stars of the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
|
|
Aug.
1-11 |
46th Cabrillo
Festival of Contemporary Music
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz
(831) 420-5260
Considered one of the most
distinguished festivals of new symphonic music in the United
States.
|
|
Aug.
1-3 |
14th Annual Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival -
Ramsey Park, Watsonville (831) 566-1230
Strawberries take center stage at this celebration. Enjoy
delights, foods, arts, crafts, and fun. |
|
Aug.
1-31 |
Shakespeare Santa Cruz 2008 Season
UCSC, Santa Cruz (831) 459-2159
This year's season features Shakespeare’s glorious comedy
As You Like It, his most sublime tragedy
King Lear and Shaw’s
Pygmalion.
|
|
Aug.
2 |
10th
Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Bicycle Ride -
Starts at Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Dr., Scotts
Valley (831) 460-1818
Features three challenging rides: 100 mi., 100K, and 50K. $40
reg fee. 6:30 am - 5:30 pm.
|
|
Aug.
2-3 |
Cabrillo Music Art & Wine Festival - 11am - 8pm.
Church St., in front of Civic Auditorium, Downtown Santa Cruz
(831) 426-6966
Two days of world music & dance. Admission is free.
|
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Aug.
9-10 |
Santa
Cruz City Amateur Golf Championship
DeLaveaga Golf Course, 401 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz
(831) 423-7214 |
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Aug.
9-10 |
Summer Gathering of Mountain Men
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
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Aug.
10 |
Musical Saw Festival
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (831) 335-4484
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Aug.
9-10 |
Scotts Valley Festival of Art and Wine
Skypark, 361 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley (831) 438-1010
Work from more than 80 local artists are accompanied by food,
wine, music. Free admission!
|
|
Aug.
17 |
Aloha
Races and Polynesian Festival -
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 420-5273
Races 9am, Festival 11am-5pm.
|
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Aug.
17 |
Race Thru The Redwoods - 8:10 - 10:30 a.m.
Downtown Felton (831) 335-4323
10K Race and Kids' 1-Mile from downtown Felton through beautiful
Henry Cowell State Park.
|
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Aug.
29-31 |
Capitola Begonia Festival -
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 476-3566
This 54rd annual event includes a nautical parade, sand
sculptures, fishing derby and much more. |
|
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September 2008 |
|
Sept.
1 |
Capitola Begonia Festival
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 476-3566
This 54th annual event includes a nautical parade, sand
sculptures, fishing derby and much more. |
|
Sept
1-7 |
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition: A Magic Web - The
Tropical Forest of Barro Colorado Island
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff,
Santa Cruz (831) 420-6115 |
|
Sept.
5-7 |
27th Annual Greek Culture and Food Festival -
Church St., between Cedar & Center, Downtown Santa Cruz
(831) 429-6500
The 25th Annual Greek Culture & Food Festival Features
traditional Greek foods and pastries, and live Greek music &
dancing.
|
|
Sept.
6-7 |
26th
Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Capitola Village, Capitola (831) 475-6522
Art, wine, food and music.
|
|
Sept.
7 |
Big Kahuna Triathalon
Main Beach, Santa Cruz 877-366-7223
The Big Kahuna
delivers the Spirit of Aloha for both serious competition
or just for fun. |
|
Sept.
9-14 |
113th Annual Santa Cruz County Fair
County Fairgrounds (2601 East Lake Ave., off Hwy. 152)
Watsonville (831) 724-5671
Six days of fun in the sun! Fair activities include a large
carnival.
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Sept.
10-13 |
The 53rd Anniversary Santa Cruz Follies!
Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz (831) 423-6640
Great family entertainment! This musical revue showcases a large
cast of performers.
|
|
Sept.
13 |
Mission Adobe Day - Noon - 4 p.m.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Santa Cruz (831) 425-5849
The living history activities include adobe brick making and
tortilla making. Tour of mission.
|
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Sept.
14 |
16th de Septiembre Celebration
Downtown Plaza, Watsonville (831) 724-9005 |
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Sept.
18 |
Night-Light
2008
West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz (831) 454-8200
A community art installation -
spotlights line West Cliff Drive for International Peace
Week. |
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Sept.
20 |
Ohlone Day
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton
(831) 335-7077
Learn about the
Ohlone Indians culture, dance, dress, and food. |
|
Sept.
26-28 |
Monterey Bay Birding Festival
Pajaro Valley (831) 763-5600
Live Music and Dance, Art and Culure
|
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Sept.
27 |
Big Basin Founder's Day and Redwood Jubilee
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, North
of Boulder Creek (831) 338-3944
Celebrate where
the movement to “SAVE THE TREES!” all began. The event
features lively melodrama, music, historic hikes and games
for kids. |
|
Sept.
27 |
Thunderbirds on the Wharf
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz (831) 685-4718
T-birds line the
Wharf at this annual Classic Thunderbird invitational.
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October 2007 |
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Oct.
|
Open Studios Art
Tour - 11am - 6pm
Various locations, Countywide
(831) 475-9600
Meet local artists in their studios.
Purchase of calendar required for admission.
|
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Oct.
5-10 |
Pacific Rim Film Festival
Various theatres in Santa Cruz County
This annual Festival hosts international films. Admission
is free except a benefit event on the last day.
|
|
Oct.
6 |
12th Annual Loch Lomond Highland Games
- 9am - 3pm.
Highlands Park, 8500 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond
(831) 457-6716
Celebration of Celtic culture! Music &
dance.
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Oct.
6-7 |
Hot Rods at the
Beach! - 10am - 5pm.
Beach Street parking lot opposite Beach Boardwalk,
Santa Cruz 1-866-8HOTROD
This car show benefits
the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association. Features raffle,
food, and music.
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|
Oct.
14 |
Welcome Back Monarchs Day -
10am - 4pm.
Natural Bridges State Park, Santa Cruz
(831) 423-4609
Discover why these amazing butterflies
call Santa Cruz their home. Activities
include: arts, crafts, games, and
music.
|
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Oct.
13 |
Annual Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza!
-
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos
(831) 685-3317
A great family event
that features many
game and food booths, live entertainment and a fireworks
display.
|
|
Oct.
9-14 |
O'Neill Cold Water Classic
Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz
(831) 475-4151
Classic surfer competition
|
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Oct.
26 |
Marine Masquerade & Scary Aquary - 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Seymour Center, Long Marine Lab, Santa
Cruz (831) 459-3800
Fun for the whole family. Enjoy
storytelling, nighttime whale skeleton tours, crafts,
and scavenger hunt.
|
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Oct.
27 |
Heritage Harvest Festival
- 11 am - 4pm.
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz
(831) 426-0505
Enjoy live music, wagon rides,
draft horse demonstrations, harvest
and decorate pumpkins.
|
|
Oct.
27 |
Santa
Cruz Mask Festival - Noon - 5 p.m.
Louden Nelson Center, Santa Cruz
(831) 420-6177
A fun filled day for the whole family. The
festival features: dance, theater, and
storytellers.
|
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Oct.
27 |
Free
Family Festival: Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St. (831) 429-1964
All ages will enjoy enjoy music and art activities.
Admission is free.
|
|
Oct.
28 |
Halloween Parade - 2 p.m.
Capitola Village, Capitola
(831) 475-6522
The
annual Halloween Parade features
ghosts and goblins. Enjoy Trick
or Treat bags after parade.
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|
Oct.
31 |
Children's Halloween Downtown -
Pacific Ave. & Lincoln St., downtown,
Santa Cruz (831) 429-8433
Merchant Trick-or-Treat
and other Halloween activities from
Laurel to Water St.
|
|
Oct.
31 |
Halloween on the Wharf
- 4 - 6 p.m.
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz
(831) 420-5273
Ghosts, goblins and
their parents can enjoy safe & sane trick-or-treating. |
|
|
November 2007 |
|
Nov.
4 |
Ravi
Shankar's Festival of India
Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street (831) 459-2159
Enjoy this legendary sitarist, composer, performer and teacher
phenomenon in the classical music world!
|
|
Nov.
?? |
Santa Cruz Community Tree Lighting -
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Corner of Pacific Ave. & Water Sts., Downtown,
Santa Cruz (831) 429.8443
A community event that features Santa,
Victorian carriage rides, tree lighting,
holiday caroling, and food drive
fro the needy.
|
|
Nov.
24 |
Surfin' Santa - Starts at noon.
Capitola Village, Capitola
(831) 475-6522
Santa & his reindeer surf into Capitola Beach! |
|
|
December 2007 |
|
Dec.
8 |
Jingle Shells Art & Book
Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa
Cruz (831) 459-3800
Marching bands, floats,
horses, classic cars, and Santa
parade down Pacific Ave.
|
|
Dec.
1 |
Lighted Boat Parade
Santa Cruz Harbor, Santa Cruz (831) 475-6161
Marching bands, floats,
horses, classic cars, and Santa
parade down Pacific Ave.
|
|
Dec.
1 |
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade -
10-11am.
Pacific Ave., Downtown, Santa Cruz
(831) 429-8433
Marching bands, floats,
horses, classic cars, and Santa
parade down Pacific Ave.
|
|
Dec.
6 |
Snow Night - Downtown Santa Cruz -
5-8 pm.
Corner of Pacific Ave. & Cooper St.,
Downtown Santa Cruz (831) 429-8433
Children 12 & under
can experience a "White Christmas"
in this snow play area! Food
donation required.
|
|
Dec.
15 |
Holiday Time at the Ranch
- 11am-3pm.
Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz (831) 426-0505
Experience the winter holidays as Santa Cruzeans did in the
early 20th century. Activities include: crafts, games, and
treats. |
|
Dec. 31
Jan. 1 |
New Years "Eve" Party
Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz (831) 423-2053
This annual party offers 21 years of age and older an
opportunity to bring in the New Year!
|
|
|
January 2008 |
|
Dec. 31
Jan. 1 |
New Years "Eve" Party
Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz (831) 423-2053
This annual party offers 21 years of age and older an
opportuntiy to bring in the New Year!
|
|
Jan.
12-13 |
Santa Cruz Fungus Fair
Louden Nelson Center, Santa Cruz (831) 420-6115
Wonderful event that features mushroom exhibits and cooking
demonstrations. Bring mushrooms for identification.
|
|
Jan.
20 |
Wine & Crab Taste-Off
Various locations in Santa Cruz County (831) 685-8463
The consumers judge this tasteful taste off! Taste two crab
selections pared with great local wines make make your verdict!
$45 fee to judge.
|
|
Jan.
27 |
Santa Cruz Bridal Expo
Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz (831) 423-2053
Ninety booths with feature engagement, wedding, reception, and
honeymoon planning.
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February 2008 |
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