Friday Pet Food Pantry
2025-09-19 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | SPCA, CA, United States
Friday Pet Food Pantry
Fridays 2-5pm
Just a friendly reminder that our Pet Food Pantry is still happening every Friday from 3-5pm!
Donate anytime!

All Ages Art Reception The Raft
2025-09-19 16:30 - 19:00, 2025-09-24 16:30 - 19:00 | NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
All Ages Art Reception The Raft
Friday, September 5, 4:30 – 7pm Reception
Wednesdays – Sundays 10am – 4pm through October 29
The Sanctuary Exploration Center is excited to announce “The Raft,” a new art show by Margaret Adachi.
“The Raft” brings Monterey Bay’s sea otters to life, and highlights the crucial role they play in protecting our coastal ecosystems.
Join us for the show’s reception at the Sanctuary Exploration Center (35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz) on Friday, September 5th, 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Meet the artist and enjoy refreshments while learning more about sea otters in the sanctuary!
This event is free and open to all ages. Doors open at 4:30pm for viewing, with a brief address from the artist at 6pm.
Art will be on display during public hours, Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from September 5th through October 27th.

Summer Concert Series Watsonville
2025-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Watsonville Plaza, 358 Main St, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Summer Concert Series Watsonville
Friday, September 19 , 6 – 8pm

Band: Sixth Street Alternative

The Watsonville summer outdoor Music in the Plaza concert series is back! Enjoy an evening of music outdoors. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, then sit back and relax to the sounds of summer. A variety of bands from different genres will be showcased at these concerts. Grab a bite at the downtown restaurant.

We need Pumpkins for Big Messy Fun
2025-09-20 | Capitola Mall Parking Lot, 1855 41st Ave, Capitola, CA, 85010
Big Messy Fun
Saturday, October 4, 11am-4pm
We are in search for some pumpkins to SMASH at our Zoom Honk Smash Touch a Truck event on Oct 4!
Please email us Jamie@sccmod.org or call 831-316-5200.
We are also in search of a farm to donate the pumpkin guts to!
https://www.sccmod.org/zhs

Santa Cruz Wharf Trick or Treating
2025-09-20, 2025-09-21, 2025-09-22, 2025-09-23, 2025-09-24 | Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 95060
Santa Cruz Wharf Trick or Treating
Friday, Oct. 31, 3 – 6pm
Trick-or-Treat your way down the Wharf.
Join us for 13 days of Spooktacular fun on the Santa Cruz Wharf October 19th – 31st!
The Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt
• Bring your bingo card to the Wharf any day during the 13 Days of Halloween or pick one up at a Wharf Establishment.

Find the hidden pumpkins on the Wharf. Match their ghoulish image on your bingo card and stamp your card.
Make a BINGO and turn your card into one of our prize centers for a Halloween theme prize! Prize Centers are Bonnie’s Gifts, Surf City Surf Shop. Noland’s and Made in Santa Cruz.
Click Here for PRINTABLE BINGO CARDS (10 to pick from!)

Photo Booth on the Wharf Stage

Snap a festive photo with your family with the scenic Monterey Bay and Lighthouse as your backdrop.
Share and Tag us! @SantaCruzWharf & #HalloweenOnTheWharf

Thrill the World Performances (10/22, 5pm and 10/25, 3pm)

Scotts Valley High students will be coming out to perform a Thrill the world Flash Mob Wednesday 10/22 at 5pm
Thrill the World Santa Cruz will be back to perform Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller Dance Saturday 10/25 at 3pm
Location: Wharf Stage/ Commons (Between Marini’s Candies and Makai Island Kitchen)
Calling all Zombies! Want to be a part of the show, click the link for more information on PRINTABLE BINGO CARDS

Wharf Specials

Enjoy fabulous, unique specials from restaurants and gift shops perfectly catered to the Halloween theme. Offered all 13 Days except where noted.

"Weather and the Whale"
2025-09-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Institute of the Arts and Sciences, 100 Panetta Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062
“Weather and the Whale”

Tuesday–Sunday 12–5pm, through October 12
Weather and the Whale is a major exhibition project featuring immersive displays of original science research and newly commissioned contemporary artworks. Working at the intersections of art and science to connect people to the impacts of climate change, the project brings leading artists into collaboration with marine ecologists at the Friedlaender Lab at UC Santa Cruz
The title of the exhibition reflects the roles that both weather and whales take as indicators of climate change. Just as changing weather patterns indicate broader climate shifts, whale behaviors are also an indicator of a rapidly changing world. Presented across the three galleries and the screening room at the IAS, Weather and the Whale includes new research and data developed through two years of fieldwork by the Friedlaender Lab. This data, much made public for the first time, delves into the impacts on whales and other large marine mammals of environmental toxins, sea ice retreat, and other threats, including what is happening in Monterey Bay and along California’s coast.
For the internationally acclaimed artists in the exhibition, the research has provided a unique vantage point to creatively engage these and other ecological threats to whales and all their land-based counterparts. Video installations, sculptures, photography, and other artworks, most newly created for the exhibition, provide novel and experiential ways of seeing and understanding the human and nonhuman experiences of living in times of climate crisis– and to imagine global climate justice across land and ocean

Bringing together new research and artworks produced through a two-year collaboration between scientists at UC Santa Cruz’s Friedlaender Lab and contemporary artists, Weather and the Whale moves between land and ocean, human and nonhuman experience to tell multi-perspectival and multi-sensorial stories of climate crisis.
ADMISSION – Free and open to the public
Gallery hours – Tuesday–Sunday: 12–5pm, closed on holidays
INFORMATION: ias.ucsc.edu/visit
PARKING – Convenient and free self-parking is available on Panetta Ave. and High Rd., immediately adjacent to the galleries. Accessible parking is on High Rd.

California Coastal Cleanup Day Celebration at Rio Del Mar Beach
2025-09-20 08:30 - 14:00 | Rio del Mar State Beach, 201State Park Dr., Aptos, CA, 95003
Nordic Naturals Hosts California Coastal Cleanup Day Celebration at Rio Del Mar Beach
Saturday, September 20, 8:30am-2pm
Join Nordic Naturals, the California Coastal Commission & Save Our Shores to help keep our beaches clean and celebrate California Coastal Cleanup Day!
Let’s come together to clean up our beautiful coastline, protect marine life, and have fun this California Coastal Cleanup Day.
This in-person event at Rio Del Mar Beach offers a family-friendly day of fun with beachside yoga, latte art, a photo booth, local food trucks, and a “Trashure Hunt” offering prizes like entertainment tickets, gift cards, hotel stays, and more.

The Magical Glass Pumpkin Patch
2025-09-20 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-21 09:00 - 15:00 | Los Gatos High School, 20 High School Court, Los Gatos, CA, 95030, United States
The Magical Glass Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, September 20, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, September 21, 9am – 3pm

Reasons to Attend the Magical Glass Pumpkin Patch

Thousands of locally-made art glass pumpkins. All for exhibit and for sale on the lawn of LGHS.
Support local artists and art programs. Over $250,000 raised for LGHS programs in need! Learn more
Make a day of it. Enjoy a day in historic downtown Los Gatos with friends and family.

Meet the artists! Phenomenal Bay Area glass artists – See artist bios

You’ll find prices for all budgets. Prices start at $25; Visa/MC accepted. Admission is free.
Enjoy a community experience. Come experience a community tradition.
Get autumn decorating ideas.
Start your own unique art collection.
Do your holiday shopping early. Gift wrapping is free!
Enjoy a family friendly activity. Kids are welcome!

Join us for The Magical Glass Pumpkin Patch at Los Gatos High School, 20 High School Ct, Los Gatos

Free Thriller Dance Classes 2025
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Londen Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Thriller Dance Classes are back!
Saturdays 10am – 12 pm, September 20 – October 11
London Nelson Community Center
Calling ALL ZOMBIES out of the crypt!!
Our 2025 Thriller Season is ON, starting on Saturday Sept 20th at 10am at The London Nelson Community Center in downtown Santa Cruz.
Classes are FREE and open to the public, and will run every Saturday at 10am through Oct 11th.
Come join the fun, attend one class or all!, no dance experience necessary, “flash mob” performance opportunities will be announced in class.
Drop in classes taught by volunteer instructors with previous zombie experience. Open to all ages and abilities. No experience necessary! All are welcome to join in the fun.

XOXO, Your Volunteer Zombie Team!

Practice at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPKflp1r7ys

Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
2025-09-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Big Basin Park, 21600 Big Basin Way,, Boulder Creek, CA, 95006, United States
Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Saturdays 11am-12pm

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages.
We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists.
Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.

Free Workshop "Give Your Kids Wings to Fly"
2025-09-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Next Space Coworking (Opp Abbott Square, downtown Santa Cruz), Next Space Coworking, Opposite Abbott Square, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
“Give Your Kids Wings to Fly”
Saturdays 4-6pm
Join this fun and interactive 2-hour workshop with your kids (ages 8–12) and watch them soar as high as their creativity and imagination can take them!
This free workshop is led by the 3DE Club—an online after-school program that helps kids develop entrepreneurial, leadership, and financial skills through 3D modeling and printing technology.
Kids ages 8–12 team up to design their own toy or product.
Teachers and Parent/Guardian Volunteers Welcome. (For invitation please email info@3de.club)
Next Space Coworking (Opposite Abbott Square, downtown Santa Cruz)
Workshop Registration Link: https://3de.club/workshop (required to attend)

Santa Cruz Sea Scouts Orientation Cruise
2025-09-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Sea Scouts at Santa Cruz Habor, SSS 669 V Dock, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062
Santa Cruz Sea Scouts Orientation Cruise
Saturday, September 20 5:30-7:30pm; Wednesday, October 1, 6-8pm
The Santa Cruz Sea Scouts invites you to a free pizza orientation cruise! If you’re 12 to 18 years old and interested in ocean adventures, leadership, fun, boating and sailing, this is your chance to learn more about the Sea Scouts and Sea Explorers.
Meet the Santa Cruz Sea Scouts on a free Orientation Cruise. Cruise the Monterey Bay leaving from the Santa Cruz Harbor. Must RSVP at www.santacruzseascouts.com The Santa Cruz Sea Scouts is a Maritime Leadership and Adventure Program for 14-18 year olds and Sea Explorers 6th-8th grades.
The Free Pizza Orientation Cruises take place on Saturday, September 20th 5:30-7:30pm and Wednesday, October 1st, from 6:00-8:00 PM.
Learn more and RSVP at santacruzseascouts.com.
Join us at one of our Wednesday meetings at 7:00 PM at the Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St (that’s across from the cemetery on Ocean St Extension). Contact us to confirm we are meeting!

Visit the fully restored Castro Adobe
2025-09-21 10:30 - 15:30 | Castro Adobe Rancho, 184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Visit the fully restored Castro Adobe
Saturdays 10:30am-3:30pm: March 22, May 17, June 14, August 16, October 18
Sundays 10:30am-3:30pm: April 27, September 21, November 16, December 7
Castro Adobe is the first State Historic Park in the Pajaro Valley

This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property in Watsonville CA. Learn about the Vaquero culture and living during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. Please note that dogs are not permitted during your tour of the castro adobe. We do not recommend that you leave your dog in your car.
Preregistration is required! To preregister visit: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
Continuous rain will cancel event.

Located at 184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville, the two-story Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe, built between 1848-49, is one of the finest examples of a rancho hacienda in the Monterey Bay area. Friends is leading a multi-year restoration effort to preserve and interpret Pajaro Valley’s first State Historic Park in partnership with California State Parks.

Redwood Loop Tour Henry Cowell Redwoods
2025-09-21 12:00 - 14:00 | Henry Cowell State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Redwood Loop Tour – Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Sundays, February 16, 12 – 2pm

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Every Sunday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants.
Click here to RSVP. Let’s plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA 95018

Boogie on the Capitola Wharf
2025-09-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Wharf, Capitola
Boogie on the Capitola Wharf
September 7: Line Dance with Jeremy Pilling (Palomar Ballroom)
September 21: Line & Charleston with Nora McKenna (Cannery Row Jump)

Come Dance by the Sea!
Dance • DJ • Ocean BreezeMusic by DJ Sun
Free Dance Lessons and Fun for All Ages

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail Downtown
2025-09-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail Downtown
Thursdays 3 – 5pm, through June 2
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Thursdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at the Downtown Library. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Meet ND Stevenson Author of Nimona and Scarlet Morning
2025-09-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Meet ND Stevenson Author of Nimona and Scarlet Morning

Tuesday, September 23, 5 – 6pm

Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes ND Stevenson, the powerhouse creator of Nimona, who will share his breathtaking new illustrated novel, Scarlet Morning. The start of a duology, it follows two orphans who leave the only home they’ve ever known to sail with an eccentric crew of pirates.
“Engaging, exciting, and enthralling in equal measure. Acclaimed graphic novelist Stevenson shines in his prose debut; his worldbuilding is clever and highly immersive, conveying an atmosphere that’s completely novel while also nostalgic. With its pirates, magic, adventure, friendship, and found family, this middle-grade gem comes very close to achieving the impossible—having something for everyone.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
PLEASE NOTE: The purchase of Scarlet Morning from Bookshop Santa Cruz is required to join the signing line. Thank you for your support!
Your RSVP helps us plan for your arrival and keep in touch with any changes. Thank you for registering!
Viola and Wilmur have been waiting for their parents for fifteen boring years in the colorless town of Caveat. Their lives are a drudge of salt, trash, pirate stories, and what-ifs . . . until one very stormy night, when Captain Cadence Chase breaks down their door. They cut a deal with the captain: Chase can take their most prized possession, a mysterious book, but only if she takes them, too. After all, if their parents aren’t coming, Viola and Wilmur might as well have a grand adventure to find them.
Setting sail into the treacherous and beautiful world beyond Caveat, the two inseparable friends must uncover the facts behind legend—and the key to saving all of Dickerson’s Sea from obliteration—before the truth tears them apart.
Wickedly funny, deeply emotional, and sharply incisive, Scarlet Morning is a tale of love, betrayal, and the extraordinary lengths we’d go to save a world broken beyond repair.
ND Stevenson is the award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator of Nimona and The Fire Never Goes Out and the co-creator of Lumberjanes and was the showrunner for the award-winning Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

Community Crafters Felton
2025-09-24 10:30 - 14:30 | Felton Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Community Crafters Boulder Creek and/or Felton
Boulder Creek Library: Saturdays 10am – 12pm
Felton Library: 4th Wednesday 10:30am-2:30pm

Come join amazing teachers from the community to learn a new craft or art process, and have a space dedicated to work on projects with others every week. We plan to learn a new craft or art process once a month with the weeks in between being open “studio” time. Come be part of this new community at the Boulder Creek library! Materials will be provided for craft being taught, or bring what you want to work on!
The Community Crafters are a diverse group of makers who love to share knowledge.
Knit, quilt, weave, spin, make jewelry, embroider, mend and so much more.
All crafters are welcome! We hope you will join us in creating community and beautiful things!
Now at the Felton Branch Library as well as Boulder Creek!

Storytime with Ivy
2025-09-24 11:00 - 11:15 | Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Storytime with Ivy

Last Wednesday of the Month 11-11:15am

Join Ivy, our children’s book buyer, at 11:00 am on the last Wednesday of the month for a storytime presentation of some of her favorite picture books! Meet in the kids’ section.

Kids Event

Ranch Kids Homeschool Day at Wilder
2025-09-24 11:00 - 15:00 | Wilder Ranch, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Ranch Kids Homeschool Day at Wilder
Wednesday, September 24, 11 – 3pm
Join State Parks for a ranch kid homeschool day at Wilder Ranch State Park on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.! This special event allows homeschool, non-traditional and small classes to take part in a self-guided field trip.
Participate in volunteer-led stations, like butter making, live blacksmith and machine shop demos, games and activities at your own pace. This event is free and comes with a free activity booklet geared towards ages 6-11.
Email wilderranch@ports-ca.us with questions. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support local state parks and beaches.

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail La Selva Beach
2025-09-24 15:00 - 17:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
R.E.A.D.: Reach Every Amazing Detail
Wednesdays 3 – 5pm through June 3
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Wednesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Capitola and La Selva Beach Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail Capitola
2025-09-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
Wednesdays 3 – 5pm through June 6
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Wednesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Capitola and La Selva Beach Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

R.E.A.D.: Reach Every Amazing Detail Capitola
2025-09-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
R.E.A.D.: Reach Every Amazing Detail
Wednesdays 3 – 5pm through June 6
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Wednesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Capitola and La Selva Beach Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Reading in the Redwoods Book Club
2025-09-24 18:00 | Virtual, CA, United States
Reading in the Redwoods
4th Wednesday, 6 – 7:30pm
Felton – Virtual Book Discussion
The book for June is The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant. The Red Tent is a reimagining of the story of Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob, the man who, according to the Bible wrestled an angel and won the name ‘Israel’ and whose 12 sons became the 12 tribes of Israel.
Reading in the Redwoods book group meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday at 6:00 pm. Registration is required to get the Zoom invite.
Registration is required. There are 8 seats available. https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/8993008
6121 Gushee Street
