Santa Cruz Parent

Midtown Summer Block Party !
2024-06-28 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-07-12 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-07-19 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-07-26 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-08-02 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-08-09 17:00 - 20:30, 2024-08-16 17:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) and 2 more dates | 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

Boomeria Lives On!
2024-07-13 13:00 - 17:00 | St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Avenue, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Boomeria Lives On!
Saturday July 13, 1 — 5pm
Boomeria lives on! Experience early music, swords, and dance at their best. Listen to pipe organ, brass players, crumhorn, viola, violin. Delight in watching historical sword play and Irish dancers while enjoying gourmet bites, wine, and other beverages.
Organists Extraordinaire, Santa Cruz Brass Quintet, Bonny Doon Baroque, Wings of Fire Irish Dancers, and others will perform for you and yours.
General Admission: $ 59.00
Artists: Bill Visscher, Bruce Sawhill, Jesse McMilan, Martin Gaskell ~ pipe organ; Santa Cruz Brass Quintet, Bonny Doon Baroque, Wings on Fire (Michael Murphy), Julie Horner
St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Avenue, Ben Lomond, California, 95005

GroovaRoo Dance
2024-07-13 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-07-27 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-08-10 13:30 - 14:30, 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 and 1 more date | 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!

La Cultura Cura!
2024-07-15 08:00 - 17:00
La Cultura Cura!

August 15-25

Get ready, Santa Cruz County! This August, the heart of Veracruz beats in our streets. Dance, music, and heritage collide in a vibrant cultural fiesta. From master classes to dazzling performances, immerse yourself in the healing power of Mexican folklorico arts.

Esperanza del Valle, Cabrillo College, and Universidad Veracruzana present: Por el Reforzamiento de la Identidad Cultural – Reinforcing Cultural Identity.
Read the blog post interview with Janet Johns and Ruby Vasquez that details their journey and vision.

From August 15-25, Santa Cruz County will pulsate with the vibrant traditions of Veracruz, offering residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Mexican folkloric arts. This vibrant program offers something for everyone – whether you’re a seasoned dancer, a curious beginner, or simply an appreciator of rich cultural traditions. By bringing these art forms to schools, theaters, and community spaces, the conference aims to make the beauty of Mexican folkloric arts accessible to all of Santa Cruz County.
For more information on classes and performances, visit Esperanza del Valle.
You can expect these highlights:
Dance and Music Classes: Twenty-four Ballet Folklórico del Puerto de Veracruz dancers and five Nematatlin de la Universidad Veracruzana musicians will lead classes for youth and adults, from beginners to advanced practitioners. “We really want to encourage people to get out of their comfort zone and, instead of being a spectator, sign up and take a class,” urges Ruby Vasquez, emphasizing the event’s inclusivity.
School Workshops: The visiting artists will bring their expertise directly to local students, conducting workshops in selected PVUSD schools and after-school programs.
Gala Performances: Two distinct shows will showcase the diversity of Mexican dance and music. Ruby Vasquez explains, “If you attend the gala performance at the Mello Center, you’ll see ‘Rostros de Mexico,’ featuring dances and music from different states in Mexico. The following weekend at the Crocker Theater, ‘Raices del Pueblo’ will focus purely on the dances and music representing the state of Veracruz.”
Community Events: Free events like “Todos Bailan Su Son” and a community Fandango (a party where people get together to dance, to play and sing in a community setting) will invite everyone to participate in the joyous celebration of Mexican culture.

Food Truck Friday - Skypark
2024-07-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-26 17:00 - 20:30, 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!

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.

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
