Santa Cruz Parent

Crow’s Nest 2025 Thursday Beach Barbeques
2025-06-12 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Crow’s Nest, 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Crow’s Nest Thursday Beach Barbeques
Thursdays, 5:30 – 8:30pm, May 22 through August 12

Join the Crow’s Nest Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment, right on the beach.
The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset.
With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage beach parties are a unique and popular event. Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ is available to purchase.
Families are welcome, and there is no admission charge!
Pay parking is available in the Upper Harbor, and the Water Taxi will ferry your party right down to the Crow’s Nest Dock. Thank you!
2025 Lineup:
May 22, James Durbin & The Lost Boys
May 29, Soulwise
June 5, The Cruzers
June 12, Wolf Jett
June 19, Harry & The Hitmen
June 26, Cake by the Ocean
July 3, Ripatti Rose Band
July 10, Jive Machine
July 17, Fishook
July 24, Extra Large
July 31, Matt Masih & The Messengers
August 7, The Houserockers
August 14, The Joint Chiefs
August 21, Sambada
August 28, Alex Lucero Band

Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party
2025-06-13 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-06-20 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-06-27 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-04 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-11 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-18 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-25 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-01 17:00 - 20:30 and 4 more dates | The Lot, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, 95062
Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party
Fridays, May 30 – August 29, 5:00 to 8:30ish
The Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party is back for its 5th year—every Friday from May 30th to August 29th.
We’re re-imagining the event, and we can’t wait to share the details with you!
In the meantime, we’re calling for vendors and sponsors to join us. No need to RSVP, just show up! Apply to be a Vendor at Midtown Fridays,
Bands
May 30 Santa Cruz Super Group
June 6 Santa Cruz Latin Collective
June 13 James Durbin and The Lost Boys
June 20 Santa Cruda
June 27 Ribsys Nickel
July 11 DJ Monk Earl of Afrobeats Nite
July 25 Ripatti Rose Band
August 1 Alwa Gordon / Silvandgold & Friends
August 8 Alex Lucero Band
August 15 Ancestree & Friends
August 22 Jive Machine
August 29 Streetlight Records 5oth Anniversary Party with Slow Gherkin, Opening with Voluntary Hazing
Contact Event Santa Cruz to be a Sponsor

Not Your Typical Choral Concert - I Cantori present Songs of Destiny
2025-06-14 19:30 - 21:30 | UC Santa Cruz Recital Hall, 402 McHenry Rd, Santa Cruz, 95064, United States
Not Your Typical Choral Concert – I Cantori present Songs of Destiny
Saturday, June 14, 7:30pm
What happens when nearly 100 musicians from Santa Cruz and Monterey come together on one stage? You get a choral and orchestral concert that’s anything but typical. This June, musicians from across our region come together for a live concert that blends the power of a symphonic chorus with the color and intensity of a full orchestra.
This kind of performance is rare in communities like ours. It takes months of work, a lot of heart, and a deep pool of local talent to bring it to life.
You’ll hear music by Brahms, Boulanger, Debussy, Ravel, and Vaughan Williams, performed by I Cantori di Carmel under the direction of Daniel Henriks. This concert invites you to slow down, reflect, and take a night off. It’s moving, beautifully crafted, and rarely performed live on this scale. The program is sweeping, expressive, and deeply human. No prior knowledge of classical music is required. Just come ready to listen.
These are rescheduled dates. If you missed it before or thought it had already happened, now is your chance to catch it live.
Whether you’re a longtime classical fan or just curious, this concert offers something real, beautifully performed, and worth showing up for.
Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 PM — UCSC Recital Hall, Santa Cruz
Tickets range from $20-$45
$20 tickets available for students, active military, and anyone under 30
Details at icantori.org

Square Dance & Honky-tonk
2025-06-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Park Hall, 9400 Mill St, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Square Dance & Honky-tonk
Sunday, June 22, 7 – 9-pm

Join us for square dancing and honky-tonk at Park Hall. Get ready to dance! Summoning Circle will be playing a square dance with a caller for the first hour, followed by members of Bois Rouge playing honky-tonk so you can two-step the rest of the evening away. There will be beer and wine as well as other beverages and snacks available for purchase.
About the Bands
Located down in the Monterey Bayou, the Bois Rouge Cajun Band brings life to the party. With roots in ‘Old Time’ traditional Americana music, Bois Rouge has adapted their musical flavor to the acadian sounds of Louisiana. Inspired by the music of the Balfa Brothers, Canray Fontenot, Dennis McGee, and Amédé Ardoin, Bois Rouge Cajun Band brings an up beat and dance-able set to the Bay area.
Tickets are $10. Get yours HERE.

Old Blind Dogs-Scotland's Amazing Award Winning Celtic Band
2025-06-25 19:30 - 22:30 | Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, 95060, United States
Old Blind Dogs-Scotland’s Amazing Award Winning Celtic Band
Wednesday, June 25, 7:30 – 10:30pm
The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished in the Granite City during the early 90’s.
Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North East of Scotland on an international stage. Like many of the early flag bearing Scottish folk bands, the Old Blind Dogs line up has faced inevitable changes over the years but the core values at the band’s musical heart continue to beat strong.
The current band line up has been settled for several years now and consists of four of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians at the top of their game. Original member Jonny Hardie (fiddle/vocals) is joined by Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar/vocals), Ali Hutton (pipes/whistles) and Donald Hay (percussion/vocals) and collectively they comprise one of the hottest live tickets on the traditional Scottish music scene today.
As recent inductees to the BBC ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards ‘Trad Music Hall of Fame’ the ‘Dugs’ will celebrate thirty years on the road in 2022 by launching their fourteenth studio album ‘Knucklehead Circus’ in Winter 2021. A joyous, uplifting and fun album full of compelling energy and intoxicating rhythm on which ‘OBD’ continue to innovate within their tradition while faithfully revealing its essence.
Here’s to many more years of Old Blind Dogs! www.oldblinddogs.co.uk
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2932375-0?pid=10427
General Admission: $30.00

Boulder Creek First Friday
2025-08-01 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-05 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-03 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-07 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-05 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Boulder Creek Downtown, Boulder Creek, CA, 95018, United States
First Friday Boulder Creek Sip & Savor
1st Fridays 5-8pm, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5

At First Friday in Boulder Creek, you can find unique arts and crafts at vendor booths throughout the downtown core, food trucks, and most months will include a special activity and/or kid zone on Forest St. Join us and our vendors on Forest St. on the west side of Hwy 9.

Fri, Aug 1, Sip & Savor
Fri, Sep 5, Chalk it Up

Fri, Oct 3, Spooktacular

Sat, Nov 1, Fall Town Sweep, Meet by Jenna Sue’s Café

Fri, Nov 7, Giving Thanks

Fri, Dec 5, Ugly Sweater

A Whale of a Birthday
2025-08-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
The Museum’s 120th Birthday Party!
Friday, August 1, 5 – 8pm; Free entry to museum all day 11am – 8pm

To celebrate, we’re throwing a huge whale of a birthday party for August’s First Friday!
We’re bringing together some of our friends from across the community for a night of games, arts and crafts, music, and so much more. Learn about the impacts made by these partners throughout the County and our shared collaborative histories over the years.
As a special treat, there will be a storytime with internationally acclaimed children’s book author, Taylor Lahey. To spotlight the Museum’s commitment to environmental education for all ages, Taylor will be reading his book about youth-driven environmental activism which shows anyone, no matter the age, can make a positive impact in the world!
PLUS, this wouldn’t be a party without a FREE dessert station from Freedom Bakery! We’ll have a sweets bar for the kiddos and an open bar for the adults. In addition to the festivities, there will be information on upcoming programs, the opportunity to experience our special redwood exhibit, and to explore special seasonal items in the Gift Shop.
Accessibility

Drop-by anytime 5-8 p.m. to join the festivities!
Admission to the Museum is free all day, 11am – 8pm
Follow the latest guidelines for health and safety.
Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum.
Booths and activities will be indoors and outdoors.
Storytime will be located indoors, with the first reading at 5:30, with an encore reading at 6:30

Community Groups and Vendors

Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Sempervirens Fund
Save Our Shores
Sea Otter Savvy
Cabrillo College
UCSC Arboretum
UCSC Geology Department
California Native Plant Society, Santa Cruz Chapter
Seymour Center
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
Pajaro Valley Arts
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Exploration Center
Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument
UCSC Genomics Institute

Marinelli Brothers Circus
2025-08-07 19:00 | Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Dr., Salinas, CA, 93906
Marinelli Brothers Circus
Thursday, August 7, 7pm
All dates: Thursday-Saturday, August 7-9 & 14-16; Sunday-Monday, August 10-11 & 17-18
Several time options: afternoons and evenings
Tickets
Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Dr, Salinas

Step right up and experience the magic of Marinelli Brothers.Circus – A New Experience, dazzling audiences in Salinas August 7 – 18!
This all-new, family-owned circus combines old-world charm with jaw-dropping innovation to deliver a thrilling show for all ages.
Be part of the action in an intimate, one-ring setting where world-class performers defy gravity with heart-pounding stunts, mesmerizing artistry, and moments that will leave you breathless.
It’s a spectacular celebration of wonder, talent, and fun — perfect for families, date nights, and anyone who loves live entertainment!

Two hour family friendly show.
Tickets range from $15 to $55.
Tasty food and drinks available on-site
VIP seating options available
Kids under 2 enter free
Fun for all ages
Senior and military discounts offered

Grab your tickets now at MarinelliBrosCircus.com!

Square Dance & Honky-tonk in Ben Lomond
2025-08-29 19:00 - 22:00 | Park Hall, 9400 Mill St, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Square Dance & Honky-tonk

Friday, August 29, 7– 10pm

Boots, Bands & a Whole Lotta Fun
Get ready for another unforgettable night of Square Dance & Honky-tonk dancing in Ben Lomond, the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains! The Ben Lomond Village Alliance invites you back to the Park Hall Community Center for a lively evening of dancing on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM).
Featuring the ever-popular Bois Rouge Cajun Band, we’re kicking things off with an hour and a half of stomping & swinging Square Dancing. A skilled caller will lead the square dances—no experience needed and all ages welcome!
As the evening rolls on, Bois Rouge will demonstrate their versatility and talent as the dance floor shifts to a Cajun-infused honky-tonk vibe. Bring a partner or find one on the floor—this is music that moves you.
Beer, wine, sodas, and home-made pie will be available for purchase. Bring your friends, your dancing shoes, and your best twirl—let’s fill the hall with music and joy once again!
ABOUT THE BANDS
Bois Rouge Cajun Band – Bandcamp | Instagram
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
Location: Park Hall Community Center, 9400 Mill St, Ben Lomond
Tickets: $10 each – get your tickets HERE
This event cannot be put on without the help of wonderful volunteers! Sign up to help HERE

English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz
2025-09-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95062, United States
English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz
1st Wednesdays, 7-9pm, starting September 3
Join us on First Wednesdays for lively English country dancing in Santa Cruz at the Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange

No partner or dancing experience needed — dances are taught and prompted.
Everyone is welcome! Gender-neutral roles/calling (Odds/Evens)
Wear comfortable non-marking sticky shoes / sneakers (aka, not dance slicks)
Open community Band — Bring your instrument, dance and/or play! (Please let us know if you’d like the sheet music – the tunes are relatively easy) Open Band (come join us!) – we often have Fiddle, Banjo, Recorder(s), Drum, Bass, …
COVID policies — following county policy; please don’t come if feeling under the weather. Mask / vaccine not required, but definitely welcomeContribute what you can — we are looking to cover the costs of the hall / insurance ($10 – $20), but come even if you can’t help financially

Videos of many of the dances that we do are at https://www.youtube.com/playlist… — no costume required! We hope to see you there!

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/100333273841072

Mad Hatters Ball Gala for Raíces y Cariño Family Center
2025-12-13 19:00 - 22:00 | 418 Project, 155 S River St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Mad Hatters Ball Gala for Raíces y Cariño Family Center
Saturday, December 13, 7-10pm
Slip through the looking glass into an evening of live performances, electric beats, surreal botanicals, and dancing until the clock forgets time.
Step into a whimsical night of art, music, costumes, games, performance, and community magic at the Mad Hatters Ball, where we’ll celebrate local creators, farmers, and partners — all while raising funds for equitable birth and family care!
Feel free to wear a costume, a “Mad Hat,” or just come as you are!
16 and older
