Santa Cruz Parent

Reading in the Redwoods Book Club
2026-04-22 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail Capitola
2026-04-22 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

Tales 2 Tails Scotts Valley
2026-04-22 15:00 - 16:00 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Tales 2 Tails Scotts Valley
4th Wednesdays 3 – 4pm, March 26 -May 28
Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by providing them the opportunity to read to certified therapy dogs. Programs like Tales to Tails have been implemented nationally in both libraries and schools and have proven to be extremely effective in increasing the self-confidence and reading abilities of the participants.
Ages 6 – 11
Call 831-427-7713 to make a 20-minute appointment at the Scotts Valley branch at either 3pm, 3:20pm or 3:40pm on the fourth Wednesday of every month. We and our furry friends look forward to seeing you there!
Other Library Branches Offering Tales 2 Tails – https://loom.ly/SkbcHxE

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2026-04-22 13:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Farmers Market, Cedar St & Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesdays, May – Oct 1 – 6pm; Nov – April 1 – 5pm
The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-6pm May through October and 1-5pm November through April. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. Established in 1990, many of the farms that sell here were and remain pillars of the organic and ecological farming movement. This is the place to eat with the seasons! The variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pastured meats and other products is swoon worthy.
The Downtown Market also spotlights a large variety of up-and-coming, unique cultural food businesses. This weekly spot may serve up the most diverse selection of ethnic foods in the county including momo, naan and curry, Japanese fermented misos, Eritrean dishes, crepes, El Salvadorean pupusas, traditional Italian cookies, fish and chips and long-ferment fresh breads. Shopping at the Wednesday market is a wonderful way to support regional responsible farms and small local businesses. Fill your grocery bags! Then sit down for a delightful meal and rest your weary arms.

La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group
2026-04-22 10:30 - 12:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group

2nd Thursdays, 10:30an – 12pm
The LSB Adult Book Discussion group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 10:30a to 12:00p. The group will meet virtually via Zoom during the remodel. All adults are welcome.
Registration required: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/7587480

Santa Cruz SPCA - PAWS and PAINT Spring Camp!
2026-04-22 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-21 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-20 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-19 09:00 - 15:00 | SPCA, CA, United States
Santa Cruz SPCA – PAWS and PAINT Spring Camp!
Monday-Friday, April 6-10, 9am-3pm
PAWS and Paint Spring Camp – Our Spring Camp is the perfect mix of art, animals, and awesomeness.
Campers will dive into a variety of fun art styles, try out new creative techniques, and let their imaginations run wild—all while learning what life is like for animals in a shelter.
Through safe, hands-on activities, children will spend time socializing, training, and cheering on our incredible adoptable animals.
Along the way, they’ll build confidence, creativity, and compassion—proving that a little kindness (and a lot of color!) can go a long way.

Art as Resistance 14th Annual Watsonville Film Festival
2026-04-22, 2026-04-21, 2026-04-20, 2026-04-19 | tbd
14th Annual Watsonville Film Festival Art as Resistance
March 12–21
The 14th Annual Watsonville Film Festival will take place from March 12 -21 featuring award-winning films and 50+ shorts produced by local youth and emerging filmmakers. Join us on the Red Carpet for screenings, a filmmakers summit, walking tours and after-parties with live music in Watsonville, Santa Cruz and Salinas.

This year, we uphold that film and storytelling are not only art forms, but vital forces for truth, representation, and cultural resistance.

At a time when communities of color are too often silenced or misrepresented, cinema becomes a powerful tool to reclaim agency, share our own stories, and inspire positive change.

For fourteen years, the Watsonville Film Festival has been more than a series of screenings — it is a cultural movement, uplifting Latine, Indigenous, and underrepresented filmmakers and voices while creating space for audiences to connect, reflect, and take social action.

Join us this March as we showcase a selection of films that honor resiliency, creativity, and dignity, sparking conversation and celebrating the power of community through the arts.

This year’s theme is “Art As Resistance” with inspiring films addressing a wide-range of timely issues – from immigration to the power of the arts to uplift and connect. There will also be a special presentation of the documentary “Following Harry” about the life of the legendary actor, singer and activist Harry Belafonte.

Sign up for details via email.

Santa Cruz SPCA - PAWS 1
2026-04-21 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-04-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA, 2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz (Live Oak), Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
Promoting Animal Welfare with Students (PAWS)
Juniors Mondays 4-6pm
Pre-Teens Tuesdays 4-6pm
PAWS has two different levels.
PAWS 1 is for students just starting out our PAWS program and who are still learning to be comfortable around animals and still learning to work in small groups.
You can sign up for this session if your student has never been to PAWS or has recently started their journey in one of our PAWS programs.
PAWS 1 sessions meet Monday from 4-6pm for Juniors (age 7-9 yrs. old) and Tuesday from 4-6pm for Pre-Teen (10-12 yrs. old).

5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12) Tues Sept. 2-30
2026-04-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Londen Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12)
Tuesdays, 4–6pm September 2 – 30
A 5-week hands-on program where kids ages 8–12 team up to design their own toy or product—and discover how the 3DE Club helps young innovators build early entrepreneurial and leadership skills through 3D modeling and 3D printing technology.
Thanks so much for helping us spread the word!

You Can Paint! Tuesdays 10am-1pm
2026-04-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Palace Arts, 1501-K 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010, United States
You Can Paint!

Tuesdays, 10 am to 1 pm, and 2 pm to 5 pm through August
Learn to paint in a fun, friendly setting — our beautiful classroom space at Palace Art.
You can paint any subject that interests you. I’ve got lots of images for you to choose from, if you’re looking for inspiration, or you can bring in pictures or ideas of your own.
These classes are for everyone.
Beginners are welcome, and more advanced painters will increase their skills.
Cost: $40 per session or $175 for 5 sessions, Drop-ins welcome – first come first served
To Register: Contact Toaa Dallo directly, (831) 332-9532, email toaadallo@gmail.com

Afterschool Activities: Arte del Corazón
2026-04-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Arte de Corazon, 80 Airport Blvd # 206, Freedom, CA, 95019
Afterschool Activities: Arte del Corazón
3rd Tuesdays beginning January 20, 4:30 – 6pm
Every third Tuesday of the month, Watsonville community members are invited to Arte del Corazón (ADC), where our team will contribute a guided and interactive activity alongside existing programming.
The event is ADA accessible. Materials will be provided. The event will be indoors.
Cada tercer martes del mes, los miembros de la comunidad de Watsonville están invitados a Arte del Corazón (ADC), donde nuestro equipo contribuirá una actividad guiada e interactiva a las actividades existentes.
View Venue Website: https://www.artedelcorazon.com/

Postpartum Support Group
2026-04-20 16:30 - 19:30 | Virtual, CA, United States
Postpartum Support International

NEW SUPPORT GROUP!

Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) is rare. It occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries. After a PPP survivor’s symptoms have been stabilized, peer support can be an important tool for recovery. Because PPP occurs less often than other perinatal mood disorders, survivors can go their whole lives without meeting another PPP survivor. In response, PSI has created an online peer-to-peer support group for PPP survivors. This group is intended for those who are in recovery (no longer experiencing psychosis). Whether your PPP experience was relatively recent or years ago, you are welcome to attend our free, online peer-to-peer support group.

Register here: https://www.postpartum.net/…/psi-online-support-meetings/
Full Meeting Schedule

Mystery Box Monday at MOD
2026-04-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery MOD, 1855 41st Ave #10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Mystery Box Monday at MOD

Mondays, 3pm

Calling all curious minds! Get ready for Mystery Box Monday, the fun-filled, brain-bending program that unleashes your child’s inner inventor, artist, and problem-solver!

Reserve your spot at sccmod.org/fun

Calling all curious minds! Get ready for Mystery Box Monday, the fun-filled, brain-bending program that unleashes your child’s inner inventor, artist, and problem-solver!
Every Monday is a surprise adventure! Your child will receive a mysterious box packed with intriguing materials, a low-temperature glue gun for safe crafting, and a challenge card.
Here’s what makes Mystery Box Monday so awesome:

Endless Possibilities: Each box is a portal to a world of unimaginable creations. With every new challenge, your child’s mind will stretch and twist, blossoming with fresh ideas.
Boosts Confidence: As kids conquer challenges and bring their creations to life, their confidence and self-esteem soar. They’ll discover that they can achieve anything they set their minds to!
Sparks Curiosity: Mystery Box Monday ignites a love for learning and exploration. Kids will delve into different themes, from outer space to the animal kingdom, all while having a blast.
Strengthens Bonds: This is an activity the whole family can enjoy! Work together, brainstorm ideas, and share in the laughter as you bring your mystery box masterpieces to life.

What kind of mystery materials, you ask? That’s the beauty of it – it’s a surprise! But you can expect to find a vibrant mix of things like:

Colorful craft paper and cardboard
Pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and pom-poms
Buttons, beads, and sequins
Recycled treasures like bottle caps and egg cartons
Nature’s bounty – leaves, twigs, and pinecones

Ages 3-100 ~ Open: Monday, Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group
2026-04-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual, CA, United States
Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group
Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group Mondays 10:00-11:30am
Call 831-477-2229 for log-in
Santa Cruz County Moms only
Pregnancy and childbirth usher in new responsibilities and profound emotions that can be both exciting and challenging. Sutter care centers have local support groups to help you and other soon-to-be or new parents reduce stress and adjust to life with baby.

Pregnancy and Parenting Support Groups
Our support groups help parents navigate newborn care, post-partum wellness, sibling issues and partner relationship changes that can occur after baby arrives.
We also offer support groups for parents with babies in palliative care as well as those who have experienced miscarriage. These groups offer a compassionate environment for parents to receive and provide emotional support.
Our new parent groups are often tailored to parents of newborns ages three weeks to four months and four months and older. Check out our complete offering of support groups to find one near you.

Itty Bitty Flag Football is here!
2026-04-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Callagan Park, 225, Watsonville
Itty Bitty Flag Football is here!
Fridays, March 9-27

Join us for a fun, introductory program for kids ages 3-5 every Friday from March 9 to March 27 at Callaghan Park. Choose from two time slots. It’s the perfect way for little ones to learn a new skill, gain confidence, and take their first steps into the game of flag football. Don’t wait, these classes fill up quickly!

There are three easy ways to register: visit watsonvillerec.gov, in person at 231 Union St, or by phone at 831.768.3240.

Fridays | Session 1: 4-5 PM | Session 2: 5:15-6:15 PM
$72 R/$79 NR (includes Itty Bitty Shirt)

𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗔Ñ𝗢𝗟

¡Fútbol de banderines para chiquitines ya está aquí!

Acompáñanos para un programa divertido e introductorio para niños de 3 a 5 años, todos los viernes del 9 al 27 de marzo en el Parque Callaghan.

Elija entre dos horarios disponibles.
Es la manera perfecta para que los más pequeños aprendan una nueva habilidad, ganen confianza y den sus primeros pasos en el fútbol de banderines.

¡No esperes, estas clases se llenan rápidamente!

Hay tres maneras fáciles de registrarse: visite watsonvillerec.gov, en persona en 231 Union St, o por teléfono al 831.768.3240.

Awkward Pet Portraits 2026
2026-04-20 | https://givebutter.com/awkward
Awkward Pet Portraits 2026
Orders close January 31
Digital portraits delivered February 14
Awkward Pet Portraits is a joyful, slightly surprising community fundraiser supporting the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation. Local student artists and professional artists create one-of-a-kind pet portraits that celebrate the quirks, expressions, and undeniable charm of the animals we love.
Some portraits are heartfelt.
Some are… creatively interpretive.
All of them support shelter animals who need us!
How it works

Click the “Order my portrait!” button
Select the number of digital portraits or shelter portraits you would like to order
Upload a photo of your pet if applicable
Make a $35 donation per portrait

What you’ll receive
Digital Pet Portraits ($35)

A digital portrait of your pet, created by a community artist
Delivered by email on February 14
Perfect for sharing, printing, or gifting

Shelter Pet Portraits ($35)

A digital portrait of an adoptable shelter pet
Randomly assigned
A small way to help a shelter animal get seen and supported

Join us on March 6th for the Awkward Pet Portrait Exhibit at The Painted Cork in Santa Cruz
The Awkward Pet Portrait Exhibition is free and open to the public. Some original art will be available at the exhibit for an additional $15 donation.
Why it matters
100% of proceeds support the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation, helping provide daily care, medical support, enrichment, and second chances for animals in our community.
This fundraiser is about more than art, it’s about:

Supporting shelter animals
Celebrating creativity at every level
Bringing people together around something joyful and meaningful

A few good things to know

One pet per portrait
No revisions (the charm is in the surprise)
Digital portraits delivered by email on February 14
More than one pet?

Email us: awkward@scanimalshelter.org
Thank you for supporting shelter animals, student artists, and a community that believes love—and art—doesn’t have to be perfect to matter.
Let’s get awkward.

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2026-04-19 13:00 - 15:00 | A ranch in Watsonville
READ program with Ziggy the mini
One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning November 30 and December 1

READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment.
From this, Lisa (a Reading Specialist with 25+ years of experience) works with students to build and develop strong reading skills such as: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.
Since reading is a gateway to accessing information, students will likely improve in all subject areas.
In addition, their self esteem will begin to soar as they gain confidence with each reading session.
Lastly, Ziggy’s adorable, gentleness is just too cute for words. Students will fall in love with him at first sight. So, come join the fun and learn is a holistic way with Ziggy and Lisa 🙂

Where: READ program is currently hosted at a ranch in Watsonville. Also we will be visiting libraries, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes soon! Ziggy Stardust is our dwarf miniature horse and he loves reading with all age levels.
Lisa is also available to visit your horse(s) and READ with them! This social/mental stimulation provides an overall sense of well-being. They love it; see video How tab for evidence. 😉

When: For availability, more information and directions, text Lisa at (831) 227-9847

Redwood Loop Tour Henry Cowell Redwoods
2026-04-19 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

Corralitos Farm & Garden Market
2026-04-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Corralitos Farm & Garden Market, 127 Hames Road, Corralitos, CA, 95076, United States
The Farm & Garden Market is a small, friendly, open air market made up of local farmers and gardeners who grow within about a five mile radius of Corralitos.
Seasonally we have the tastiest strawberries, blueberries, cherries, lemons, tomatoes, herbs, squash, potatoes, carrots, peas, beets, and avocados, as well as a variety of other fruits, vegetables, lettuces and salad greens.
We have bakers that offer wonderful treats, along with a table full of beautiful potted flowers.
You may find expertly handmade natural soaps, and homemade jams and preserves.
The market is open to all of our friends and neighbors who grow anything from a garden to a good back yard fruit tree.
Open every Sunday 11am to 3pm, rain or shine, at the Corralitos Cultural Center, 127 Hames Road
For a booth we request a $5 donation to the CVREA, the non-profit who maintains the Corralitos Cultural Center.
Farm & Garden Market (including vendor inquiries)
Contact Wayne Miller: wayne@catalyst2001.com / (831) 724-1332

Live Oak Farmers Market
2026-04-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Live Oak Farmers Market, 15th & Eastcliff Dr, Live Oak, CA, 95062, United States
Live Oak Farmers Market
Sundays 9am – 1pm year round
Started in 2000, Live Oak Farmers Market is a neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. A decade has past since this market became year round and here you will find an excellent selection of organic produce from local farms, tree ripened fruits, dried fruit and nuts, fresh bread, pastries, seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and more. The market is also the epicenter of the clean food movement, showcasing amazing Sunday brunch offerings like traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes, dumplings, crepes and artisan hand pies. This is your Sunday destination.

Market Match
Market Match offers farmers’ market customers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10 on their CalFresh (food stamp) cards at the Live Oak Market. If a customer swipes their CalFresh card for seven dollars, they get seven dollars in Market Match tokens for free. Swipe $10, you get $10. The goal of this project is to encourage CalFresh (EBT/SNAP) recipients to take advantage of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. By offering an incentive that lowers the price of fresh produce, we are helping shoppers stretch their food dollars while keeping their families healthy. SCCFM will be offering the Market Match program for the 2020 season. Locate the information booth and the market manager to redeem EBT coins and to participate in the Market Match Program.

Pancake Breakfast Highlands Park!
2026-04-19 08:30 - 12:00 | Highlands Park Senior & Community Center, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Pancake Breakfast Highlands Park!
3rd Sundays 8:30am-12pm, August 18
Join us for our Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale Fundraiser every 3rd Sunday at Highlands Park Senior & Community Center in Ben Lomond. We are located in the green building behind the beautiful Highlands Park soccer field.
Make it a family day at the park: Have breakfast with us between 8:30am-12 Noon then play in the park- playground with picnic tables, restroom, river access, tennis courts, open space use, and skate park. Let us start your day with a beautiful and plentiful breakfast for a great price!
$5/kids under 7, $12/adults
Includes:

Table Service!
All you can eat pancakes! Including fresh made fruit spreads for toppings in addition to maple syrup and butter.
Eggs cooked to Order Scrambled, over-easy, sunny side up, basted, etc.
Breakfast Meats Pork links, turkey links, and ham.
Our Famous Potatoes Grilled in organic olive oil
Fresh fruit Salad: Driscoll’s berries (strawberries/raspberries/blackberries/blueberries), watermelon, grapes, cantalope, etc.
Juice, Tea, Coffee

Grab some afternoon treats from our Bake Sale table! Handmade items like brownies, cookies, muffins, pie, scones, various sweet breads, and more!
If you’d like to volunteer to help at our pancake breakfast just give us ring @ 831-336-8900 or let us know when you stop by! We are looking for line cooks who are great at cooking eggs all ways and others to help us set up and breakdown the event. Any help is greatly appreciated. All proceeds help sustain our programming for Seniors & the Community.
Bring a friend or your family for the best pancake breakfast in Ben Lomond.
No reservations required.
We accept: cash, debit and credit

Free Workshop "Give Your Kids Wings to Fly"
2026-04-18 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)

Paint and Play Saturdays
2026-04-18 15:00 - 16:30 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Paint and Play Saturdays
Saturdays 10:30am

Unleash creativity and have a blast with colors at MOD’s Paint & Play!
Recommended for ages 4 and up, this informal class is perfect for anyone who can independently use a paintbrush. Learn a variety of fun painting techniques, from basic strokes to more advanced styles, while letting your imagination run wild as you create unique and colorful masterpieces!
No pre-registration required
Free with museum admission

Mod is open: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm
Daily Tickets:

All non-member adults & children: $10, half-price grandparents/senior on Wednesdays: $5
Museums for All (with EBT card): $3
Children under 1: Free
All members: Free
We offer annual memberships, monthly memberships, and 10-pass punch cards.
Click here to become a member
Call 831-316-5200 to inquire about our new punchcard.
