Santa Cruz Parent

Midtown Summer Block Party !
2024-08-16 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-08-23 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-08-30 17:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 95062
Midtown Summer Block Party
Fridays, June 14 – August 30, 5-8:30pm

After months of planning, it’s finally here! Event Santa Cruz, Midtown Summer Block Party, the official or unofficial start of summer here in Santa Cruz. We’re kicking it off with a bang every Friday.

Food by @watsonvillemunchiess, @crackedcookiessc, J & M Baking Bagels, and Scott Dawg-z Hot Dogs and more!

Off The Lip Radio Show hosted the live bands every week.
June 14th: Funkranomicon – Opener: Trianna (GTRI)
June 21st: TBD – The Cruzers – Opener: Ripatti & Rose
June 28th: Hijinx – Opener: Mo Cruz (Animo)
July 5th: The Money Band
July 12th: Santa Cruda
July 19th: The Joint Chiefs – Opener: Jake Nielsen
July 26th: Locomotive Breath
August 2nd: John Michael Band
August 9th: Cowboys After Dark
August 16th: Ribsy’s Nickel
August 23rd: Spun
August 30th: Alex Lucero Band

GroovaRoo Dance
2024-08-24 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-09-14 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-09-28 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-10-12 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-10-26 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-11-09 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-11-23 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-12-28 13:30 - 14:30 | RC Fam Center, 1205 Freedom Bl #B3, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
GroovaRoo Dance
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 1:30 – 2:30pm
Hey, Mamas! Have you heard of GroovaRoo Dance? It’s been a few years since these classes have been around in our county, but we’re back and if you’re looking for something fun to do with your little one (under 2yo) come dance with us! GroovaRoo Dance is fun for mamas, dadas, babies, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and family friends, too! You’ll find us at RC Fam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!

Farm to Fork Dinner
2024-08-25 08:00 - 17:00 | UCSC – Center for Agroecology, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Farm to Fork Dinner
Sunday, September 8: Dinner on the Farm: 4 – 7:30pm; Dancing in the Hay Barn 7:30 – 9:30pm
Join us September 8th for an evening on the UCSC Farm, featuring music, appetizers, tours, and local wine followed by a four-course family-style dinner on the farm overlooking the Monterey Bay. As the sun sets, head down to the Hay Barn for music, dancing, and dessert. Dinner will feature produce from the Farm and Chadwick Garden prepared by Ty Pearce of Busy Bee’s Cafe and Catering, with wine and beer provided by Storrs Winery, Madson Wines, and Discretion Brewing. Proceeds of ticket sales support the Center for Agroecology’s programming and facilities.
Ticket Options
Tickets for the four-course dinner on the UCSC Farm from 4-7:30 PM include dessert and dancing in the Hay Barn from 7:30-9:30 PM. Tickets are $200 per person.
Not interested in dinner? You can skip the meal and join us from 7:30-9:30 PM for dancing and dessert in the Hay Barn for $25.
Purchase Tickets
Attire
Like many farms, the terrain at the UCSC Farm can be uneven and dusty. We recommend wearing shoes you can walk confidently in. Fall evenings on the farm are the perfect opportunity to layer—a sun hat and scarf would be perfect accessories for the event—and, if you are joining us for the barn dance portion of the evening, some boots would make great footwear for the evening.
About our Chef
Ty Pearce is the chef/owner of Busy Bees Cafe & Catering. Ty fell in love with food at a young age and decided that was the path he wanted to be on. He started his food journey in the family’s restaurant and catering business at age 14, working his way up over the years from bus boy to executive chef. He also worked in like-minded restaurants like Chez Panisse that focused on the freshest produce and sustainable practices.
He went to culinary school in the East Bay Area and then moved abroad to work and study food, which gave Ty a broader understanding of culture, ingredients, menus, and traditions. He has devoted his career to and is passionate in keeping traditions, quality ingredients, and customer service the primary focus of his business ventures.
Menu
Appetizers

Farm Fresh Spring Rolls: featuring a vibrant mix of produce from the UCSC Farm and featuring a ginger chili sauce (gluten free and vegan)
Gorgonzola Fig Honey Crostini: Irresistible crostini topped with creamy gorgonzola, dried figs, and local honey
Burrata Crostini: Lush, creamy burrata paired with ripe, sun-kissed farm tomatoes and fragrant basil from the farm, served on artisanal crostini
Charcuterie Board: A luxurious assortment of artisanal cheeses, savory meats, and succulent dried fruits, accompanied by both gluten-free and regular crackers

Family-Style Dinner

Fresh baked rolls with butter (Gluten free option)
Farm Fresh Corn Salad blend of seasonal corn, cherry tomatoes, crisp arugula, zucchini, and radish, all tossed in a zesty citrus dressing (Vegan and gluten-free)
Farm Fresh Greens Salad highlighted by pomegranate seeds, juicy oranges, and crunchy pecans, dressed in a bright citrus vinaigrette (gluten-free and vegan if no cheese is added)
Creamy Polenta served with a choice of cheese on the side to add your perfect touch (Gluten-free, vegan if no cheese is added)
Roasted Farm Vegetables fresh from the farm and garden (Gluten free and vegan)
Grilled Tri-Tip with a smokey flavor
Mediterranean Chicken infused with Mediterranean spices and herbs
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with a savory and herbaceous sauce. (Gluten-free and vegan)

Dessert Buffet Style Served in the Hay Barn

Apple Crumble Pie Bites featuring farm-fresh apples and a buttery crumble topping
Berry Crumble featuring farm fresh berries
Gluten-Free Brownies- rich, fudgy brownies from Companion Bakery, perfect for a sweet finish (gluten free)

Parking
Please plan to park in lots 115/116. A shuttle to the event will be available for those with limited mobility.
Getting to lots 115/116:

Continue on Bay Street as it becomes Coolidge Drive.
Continue up the hill on Coolidge and turn right at the Ranch View/Carriage House Road stoplight into the
Carriage House/Campus Facilities parking lot (Lot 116).

The Farm is a 5-minute walk across the street from the parking lot.

Walk across Coolidge and follow the signs that say Hay Barn.
Stay on Ranch View Road and turn right into the Hay Barn parking lot.
Walk up the hill from the back of the Hay Barn parking lot.
Proceed through the two gates to reach the UCSC Farm and the event check-in table.

The Center for Agroecology is a new sponsor of this year’s Open Farm Tours. Please support their programs that provide future generations with the farming and agricultural training we need for a more sustainable world.

Food Truck Friday - Skypark
2024-08-30 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-09-27 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-10-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Skypark Scotts Valley, CA, United States
Food Truck Friday – Skypark
Last Friday of the month, 5-8pm
Join Food Truck A-Go-Go’s biggest community event the last Friday of each month at Skypark.
Food Truck Fridays feature

a beer and wine garden 100% benefiting SVEF
live music
face painting by Brenda
a great variety of food trucks and desserts!

Thanks to our very generous sponsor, Mari Rossi, and our partners at Scotts Valley Parks & Rec.
Something for everyone, come out and play!

Corazon De Mujeres- Dia de Los Muertos
2024-10-22 16:00 - 20:00 | Chanticleer Park, 1975 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Corazon De Mujeres, Dia de Los Muertos and Halloween Festival
Saturday, October 22, 4-8pm
Join us for the second annual Corazon de Mujer Community Festival.
Vendors, food, Flor de Caña music, Raíces Mestizos dance performance,
Community altar, treats for costumed , the “Haunted Trail Experience” and ends with a movie an outdoor screening of The Legend of the Nahuala (English subtitles)!
We can’t wait to see you there. ADA parking on site.
Chanticleer County Park, Santa Cruz.

General parking lot at Live Oak Elementary School down the street.

China Cats Very Grateful Halloween Dance Party
2024-10-31 19:30 | Veterans Memorial Building, 840 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
China Cats Very Grateful Halloween Dance Party
Join us, the China Cats, leading a high-energy Very Grateful Halloween Dance Party!

Haunted decor, Grateful Dead costume contest, and the best groove you’ll find anywhere for your Halloween-themed dancing pleasure! Dress to impress and get ready for an evening of high-energy dance music on the sweeping wooden floor beneath soaring ceilings adorned with vintage chandeliers.

The China Cats are the Bay area’s premiere Grateful Dead Tribute band, performing with the same lineup of players for more than 14 years. They competently play over 200 songs the Grateful Dead performed during their career. “One of the premier tribute bands in Northern California.
Featuring Matt Hartle on lead guitar and vocals; Scott Cooper on rhythm guitar and vocals; Mike Owens on drums; Roger Sideman on bass; and Steven Sofranko on keys. Artist sights and sounds: thechinacats.com Presented by Mountain Music Productions and the Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Hall.

Tickets: https://mountainmusicproductions.com

$25 (+$2 Fee) Advance
$30 Day of the Show

Barn Dance at Roaring Camp
2024-11-20 18:30 | Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Barn Dance at Roaring Camp
Wednesday, November 20, 6:30pm

Come to Roaring Camp’s New Event! Holiday Barn Dance, November 20 at 6:30pm.

Join us for our first Holiday Line Dance Party in the gorgeous Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp!

Instructors from Surf City Line Dance will lead you in a variety of line dances.

Buy tickets: https://roaringcamp.com/events#2218

China Cats Grateful Thanksgiving Dance Party at Vets Hall
2024-11-23 19:30 - 22:30 | Vets Hall, 846 Front St, Santa Cruz, 95062
China Cats Grateful Thanksgiving Dance Party at Vets Hall
Saturday, November 23, 7:30 -10:30pm
Join China Cats Grateful Thanksgiving Dance Party at the Vets Hall on Saturday, November 23.
A season to celebrate gratitude! Join family, friends, and neighbors at the Santa Cruz Veterans Hall for an intimate and highly danceable concert from the China Cats, the Bay Area’s premier Grateful Dead tribute band.

The China Cats are: Matt Hartle, lead guitar and vocals; Scott Cooper, rhythm guitar and vocals; Steve Sofranko, keyboards and vocals; Rockin’ Roger, bass and vocals; and Michael Owens, drums.
Fresh from a packed Halloween performance at the Santa Cruz Veterans Hall, and celebrating a safe landing for Grateful Sundays at the same venue every Sunday night, the China Cats are a band powered by community. Everyone is welcome here, and the music will lift your spirits high! Happy Thanksgiving from the China Cats and the Santa Cruz “grateful” community.

Tickets: www.mountainmusicproductions.comAdvance $20 | Door $25All ages

The China Cats are: Matt Hartle, lead guitar and vocals; Scott Cooper, rhythm guitar and vocals; Steve Sofranko, keyboards and vocals; Rockin’ Roger, bass and vocals; and Michael Owens, drums.

Fresh from a packed Halloween performance at the Santa Cruz Veterans Hall, and celebrating a safe landing for Grateful Sundays at the same venue every Sunday night, the China Cats are a band powered by community. Everyone is welcome here, and the music will lift your spirits high! Happy Thanksgiving from the China Cats and the Santa Cruz “grateful” community.

Read more from Ed Levy in the San Lorenzo Valley Post: https://slvpost.com/grateful-sundays-celebrating-eight…
Artist sights and sounds: https://www.thechinacats.com

Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration
2024-12-15 15:00 | Calvary Episcopal Church, 532 Center St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration
Sunday, December 15, 3 pm

The 18th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration warms the Yuletide season with Tyler Weed, John Weed, Paul Kotapish, Amelia Hogan, and Irish dancer Marisa Gilman.
For the first time this year, we are pleased to present the Joyous Winterdance at Calvary Episcopal, 532 Center Street, Santa Cruz. This is a Sunday matinee performance. Please see additional listings for shows at St. Mary’s By-The-Sea, Pacific Grove. Please make your ticket choice carefully and make sure you are purchasing for the venue you want. Tickets are a great gift for the whole family. Get in the spirit of the season and come join us for this holiday tradition!The 18th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration will once again crisscross the Golden State for the Yuletide season. Over the years, previous iterations of the show have highlighted Scottish bagpipes and Swedish polskas, but this year the show will spotlight the mandolin and banjo skills of young prodigy Tyler Weed. The band will include his father John Weed on fiddle, Paul Kotapish on guitar and vocals, Amelia Hogan on vocals and bodhran, and Marisa Gilman, who will soar like an angel with her Irish dance. This will be a fun and lively evening full of holiday music and youthful energy led by veterans of the west coast Celtic music scene.

Tickets: https://www.celticsociety.org

Enjoy The 18th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration warms the Yuletide season lively performance of holiday music and youthful energy led by veterans of the west coast Celtic music scene.

Santa Cruz City's Nutcracker
2024-12-21 13:00, 2024-12-21 16:30, 2024-12-22 16:30 | Cabrillo Crocker Theatre, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Santa Cruz City’s Nutcracker
Saturday and Sunday, 1 & 4:30pm, December 21 & 22
Don’t miss the magic of the Nutcracker with Santa Cruz City Ballet (at the International Academy of Dance)’s performance is sure to WOW as you teleport to the wonderful world of Clara and friends in a twirl of holiday magic. Enjoy the festivities of the Party Scene before delving into the battle between soldiers and mice. Travel to the land of sweets and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy!
There’s something for everyone in this performance, with an all-age cast! We hope to see you there 🙂

Don’t miss this year’s performance!
Every year, Santa Cruz City Ballet (at the International Academy of Dance) puts on a premier Nutcracker performance at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater. And every year, the stage sparkles with the magic of our cast and crew, as dancers from ages 4 to adult light up the stage. This year Nutcracker: Experience the Magic will be happening on December 21st and 22nd, 2024. Tickets go on sale in November.
History of the Nutcracker Ballet
The Nutcracker, Russian Shchelkunchik, is a ballet by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The last of his three ballets, it was first performed in December 1892. Every year, we recreate this timeless classic in Santa Cruz with our Nutcracker Performance.
The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Hoffmann’s story is darker and more troubling than the version that reached the stage; the Imperial Russian Ballet choreographer Marius Petipa chose to follow a light adaptation of the story written by Alexandre Dumas père.

More info here

Nutcracker 2024
2024-12-21 13:00, 2024-12-22 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
Nutcracker 2024
Saturday, December 21, 1pm; Sunday, December 24, 4:30pm
Experience Santa Cruz’s most spectacular holiday tradition with Santa Cruz Dance Theater’s production of The Nutcracker, taking place at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Lucien Postlewaite, principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, who will be gracing the stage in a special performance. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Lucien brings his world-class talent back to his hometown for a production not to be missed.
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2703675-0?pid=10427
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2703675-2?pid=10427
Date and Time: 21st December 2024 at 1:00 pm to 22nd December 2024 at 4:30 pm

Movement and Dance for Preschoolers!
2025-01-10 10:15 - 10:45 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Movement and Dance for Preschoolers!
Fridays 10:15 – 10:45am, January 10, February 7, March 7

Children aged 3-5 are invited to come dance at the Scotts Valley Library! The library is partnering with local dance school Agape Dance Academy to offer a special monthly program where kids are taught mindfulness through movement and dance. Kids will also be able to wear costumes, dance freely and have fun!
Be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and be prepared to move!
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12782320

Footloose the Musical
2025-01-17 19:00, 2025-01-18 14:00, 2025-01-18 19:00, 2025-01-23 19:00 | Colligan Theater at The Tannery, 1010 River St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Footloose the Musical
All About Theatre presents Footloose the Musical featuring a live orchestra!
7pm Shows: Fridays 7pm, January 17, 24 & Thursday, January 23; Saturdays 7pm, January 18, 25
2pm Shows: Saturdays, January 18 & 25
https://allabouttheatre.org/buy-tickets/
For ages 13-17 year olds
Colligan Theater, 1010 River Street, Santa Cruz
