Santa Cruz Parent

Annual UCSC Print Sale
2025-06-06 22:00 - 2025-06-07 00:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | UCSC Baskin Visual Arts Center, Baskin Service Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, United States
Annual UCSC Print Sale
Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 10am – 5pm

Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center

Hundreds of original prints in a variety of media are for sale at this two-day event, including woodcuts, lithographs, etchings, photo-based prints, screen prints, and more. All proceeds benefit UCSC Art Department students: 80% of proceeds go to the individual artists; 20% goes to support the Print Studio (and thereby back to printmaking students). This once-a-year event presents an extraordinary opportunity for students to display and sell their work to the public. The event also offers an opportunity to see the exceptional quality of the printmaking program and facilities at UC Santa Cruz.
May contain mature themes, content, and nudity
Admission is free and open to the public. The event runs in conjunction with the Art Department’s Spring Open Studios
Parking
– Parking by permit or ParkMobile
– Arts Lot #126 is the closest parking lot to the event
– Visitors with DMV placards or plates may park for free in DMV spaces, Medical spaces, or ParkMobile spaces without additional payment, or in timed zones for longer than the posted time
– More information provided by UCSC Transportation & Parking Services

Moonlight Madness at Henry Cowell
2025-06-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Moonlight Madness at Henry Cowell
Friday, June 6, 6 – 10pm (ish)

This is your sign to get excited about the moon!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park will host their annual Moonlight Madness event on June 6th, 2025 in front of the Visitor Center.

Join us for Moonlight Madness from 6:00-10:00(ish) for a night full of live music, crafts, games, guided evening strolls, a guest presentation, and telescope viewing.

We hope you can make it!

#HenryCowellRedwoods #HenryCowell #MoonlightMadness #SummerEvent #CAStateParks #StateParks #moon #astronomy

Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party
2025-06-06 17:00 - 20:30 | 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

Jungle James Animal Adventures Boulder Creek
2025-06-06 16:30 - 17:30 | Boulder Creek Library, 13390 W Park Ave, Boulder Creek, CA, United States
Jungle James Animal Adventures
Friday, June 6, Branciforte 11am; La Selva Beach 1:30pm; Boulder Creek 4:30pm
Meet Jungle James and a variety of creatures, including amphibians, insects, and reptiles! Jungle James Animal Adventures sheds new light on some of the world’s most commonly misunderstood creatures, evokes children’s natural sense of curiosity, and teaches respect for all living things.

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2025-06-06 15:00 - 17:00 | 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!

Lego Brick Builder Fridays
2025-06-06 15:00 - 16:30 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Lego Brick Builder Fridays
Fridays, 3-4pm
Calling All Master Builders!
Get ready to unleash your creativity and engineering skills at the Children’s Museum of Discovery’s LEGO Challenge Build Event! This exciting event is perfect for LEGO fans of all ages.
Here’s what you can expect:

A Fun Challenge: We’ll have a special build theme announced on the day of the event. It could be anything from building the tallest tower to creating the most fantastical creature!
A Sea of Bricks: We’ll provide a massive collection of LEGO bricks to fuel your imagination.
Building Buddies: Work together with other LEGO enthusiasts to create something truly amazing.
Show Off Your Skills: Once the time is up, all creations will be displayed for everyone to admire.

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

All non-member adults & children: $10​1/2-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.

Jungle James Animal Adventures La Selva Beach
2025-06-06 13:30 - 14:30 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States

Scrabble at La Selva Beach
2025-06-06 13:00 - 14:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
Scrabble La Selva Beach
August 2 – November 15, Fridays, 1 – 2pm

Did you know that PACZKI is a round filled doughnut (23 points)? Come test your vocabulary in a game of Scrabble at La Selva Beach Library.
La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave., LSB
Are you a bridge player too? The LSB Bridge Club is 10:30-12:00 on Fridays (except the 1st Friday of the month).
Questions? Call the La Selva Beach Library at 831-427-7710.

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2025-06-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
3rd Fridays, 11am – 12:30pm, March 15 – December 20
Join us at the Aptos Branch Library for an engaging and dynamic book group experience: Bring Your Own Book (BYOB).
This innovative program encourages participants to bring along a book of their choice and share their thoughts, insights, and perspectives with fellow readers. Whether you’re passionate about fiction, non-fiction, classics, or contemporary literature, BYOB Book Group welcomes all genres and interests.
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12055882
How It Works:

Choose Your Book: Select a book that you’ve recently read or have been wanting to discuss. It could be a novel, biography, memoir, poetry collection, or any other genre that interests you.
Bring Your Book: Arrive at the library with your chosen book in hand. Make sure it’s one you’re eager to share and discuss with others.
Engage in Discussion: Once everyone has gathered, participants will take turns sharing their thoughts on their chosen books. This could include favorite passages, character analysis, thematic elements, personal connections, and more.
Respectful Exchange: Engage in respectful and open-minded discussions with fellow participants. Share your perspectives while also listening attentively to others’ viewpoints. This is a space for lively literary dialogue and exchange of ideas.
Discover New Reads: Explore a diverse range of books and genres through the recommendations and discussions of fellow participants. You might just find your next favorite read!

Whether you’re a voracious reader or just starting to delve into the world of books, Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Book Group offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for lively literary discussions and discovery. Join us at the library and let’s celebrate the joy of reading together!

New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
2025-06-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Friday, 11am – 12:30pm, beginning June 17
This support group is for parents who have experienced stillbirth or early infant loss. Our group is here to provide support and connection to parents as we know losing a baby can be an isolating and devastating experience. This group is led by trained peer facilitators who have also experienced infant loss.<
Our groups are 90 minutes (1.5 hours) in length. The first ~30 minutes is providing information, education, and establishing group guidelines. The next ~60 minutes is “talk time,” in which group members share and talk with each other. Group members must be present for the group guidelines before joining in the discussion or “talk time.”
Register at http://bit.ly/FindSupportGroup

Jungle James Animal Adventures Branciforte
2025-06-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Branciforte Library, 250 Gault St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States

Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
2025-06-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
Fridays, through July 25, 11am-12pm
Baby Story Time features songs, rhymes, stories, and lap play designed to help babies develop early literacy skills.
This program is designed for children ages birth to two and their caregivers, but all ages are welcome! After Baby Time, stay for Stay & Play to reinforce early literacy skills through play and create connections with other families.

Slime Week
2025-06-06 10:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-05 10:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-04 10:30 - 16:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Slime Week
Wednesday – Saturday, June 4 – 7
Get ready to get messy! Let’s gooooooo!
Santa Cruz’s most satisfying slime sensory experience is back! Our Museum of Discovery is transforming with massive tubs of gooey goodness delivering amazing ASMR vibes for one week only.
This is THE summer activity your kids don’t want to miss!
SLIME LAB | Free with Admission
Experience pure slime joy! Squish, stretch and explore giant tubs of slime in a world of color and texture. Create lasting family memories! Plus, sensory play is incredibly highly effective at calming minds and sparking imagination – where science meets fun.
SLIME BAR | $20 ($18 Members) | Limited Tickets!
Create your own custom slime at our Slime Bar Experience. Work alongside highly trained MOD slimeologists choosing from thousands of combinations including exclusive add-ins, scents, and charms.
Summer in Santa Cruz just got a whole lot slimier!
Book your tickets today www.sccmod.org/slimeweek

Little Discoverer Fridays
2025-06-06 10:30 - 11:00 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Little Discoverer Infant/Toddler Fridays

Fridays 10:30-11am

Make Fridays memorable with the Museum of Discovery’s Infant Toddler Class—a fantastic blend of play, exploration, and social experiences. Located in the party room programming changes weekly offering magical experiences for you and your child.

Free with daily admission and no pre-registration required
Ages 0-3 years
Join us and experience:

Sensory Extravaganza: Dive into a world of textures, colors, and sounds as your little explorer engages in sensory-rich activities tailored to their developmental stage.
Musical Moments: Let the rhythm take over! Our interactive musical sessions will have your tots tapping their tiny toes and exploring the joy of sound.
Parent-Child Bonding: Forge connections with fellow caregivers while your little ones build social skills through play and shared exploration.

_____________________

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.

Slime Week
2025-06-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-04 10:00 - 16:00 | The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010, United States
Slime Week
Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm, June 4 -7
Get ready to get messy at Slime Week! Let’s gooooooo! Santa Cruz’s most satisfying sensory experience is back! Our Museum of Discovery is transforming with massive tubs of gooey goodness delivering amazing ASMR vibes for one week only. This is THE summer activity your kids don’t want to miss!
Slime Lab | Free with Admission
Experience pure slime joy! Squish, stretch and explore giant tubs of slime in a world of color and texture. Create lasting family memories! Plus, sensory play is incredibly highly effective at calming minds and sparking imagination – where science meets fun.
Slime Bar | $20 ($18 Members) | Limited Tickets!
Create your own custom slime at our Slime Bar Experience. Work alongside highly trained MOD slimeologists choosing from thousands of combinations including exclusive add-ins, scents, and charms.
Summer in Santa Cruz just got a whole lot slimier!
Book your tickets today www.sccmod.org/slimeweekTickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3029954-0?pid=10427
Venue details: The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, California, 95010
Price: Slime Bar: $20.00

Celebrate the 97th Festa of Colónia Portuguesa do Divino Espirito Santo
2025-06-06 09:30 - 21:30 | Portuguese Hall, 216 Evergreen St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Celebrate the 97th Festa of Colónia Portuguesa do Divino Espirito Santo, Portuguese Hall – Santa Cruz!
Rosary Friday: July 4, 7 pm; Night of Dancing: Saturday, July 5, 8pm; Festa and Holy Ghost Parade: Sunday, July 6, 9:30am

Rosary Friday: July 4, 7 pm – Join us for a weekend of tradition, music, and community as we celebrate the 97th Festa of the C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall. The festivities kick off at the Portuguese Hall (216 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz) with a Rosary Friday, July 4 at 7 pm.
Night of Dancing: Saturday, July 5, 8pm – On Saturday, July 5 at 8:00 pm we will have a night of dancing, featuring music by the talented Alcides Machado. The evening will also include the Grand March, the presentation of the queens, and the symbolic crown exchange between our outgoing and incoming queens.
Festa and Holy Ghost Parade: Sunday, July 6, 9:30am – Our 97th Annual Holy Ghost Parade begins Sunday, July 6 at 9:30 am on Lincoln Street and Pacific Avenue, as we welcome fellow Portuguese societies from across California carrying their flags and banners. The procession will travel down Pacific Avenue to Holy Cross Church for a 10:30 am Mass, honoring the crowning of the Santa Cruz Queens. Following Mass, the celebration continues at the Portuguese Hall with a delicious serving of traditional Portuguese sopas meal, followed by an afternoon of community fun with a bazaar, auction, and more dancing and music by Alcides Machado.
This cherished tradition is open to the public, everyone is welcome! Donations are appreciated and help keep our community strong.
For more information, please call 831-423-7753 or email infoscportuguesehall@gmail.com.

The Art of Nature
2025-06-06, 2025-06-05, 2025-06-04 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
The Art of Nature
through June 8

Don’t miss The Art of Nature, on view through June 8!

Explore stunning science illustrations by Central California coast artists—just steps from Seabright Beach.

Included with general admission! Plan your visit: https://loom.ly/3DhNvtw

Featured Artists: Brittany Costanzo, Elizabeth Romanini, Sarah Brothers Bot, & Kylene Gilmore

Admission: $3 – $5

Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m

Painting and Drawing Classes at SC Art League
2025-06-06 | Santa Cruz Art League, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062
Painting and Drawing Classes at SC Art League
May & June
Don’t miss out on our exciting painting and drawing classes coming up soon! Whether you’re a painter or you prefer drawing, we’ve got lots of options!
These are just four of many choices!
Sign up today! Click for ALL Classes.

Mah Jongg Club - Hong Kong Style
2025-06-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Mah Jongg Club – Hong Kong Style

Thursdays, 2 – 4pm, through December 18
Welcome players of all levels – the experienced and the newly curious!
Connect with fellow Mahjong enthusiasts and build a supportive community. Share experiences, exchange tips, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow learners.
I host a Beginner’s Learning Table EVERY week, instructing in Hong Kong Style. I will take you through the basics of the tiles and setup, followed by a game with tiles face up as we put what we’ve learned into practice. You can stay at the Beginner’s table for as long as you need. Alternatively, we have an additional instructor in Chinese Mah Jongg with British rules if you find you prefer that style instead.
We have tile sets to choose from or you may bring your own.
All are welcome to play, however please be mindful and respectful that there are at least 40 known variants of this game. If you would like to play American or Traditional Chinese, or other variants, you are welcome to do so, but you may need to be patient and instruct folks on how to play your way. Sometimes modifications will be needed, at the beginning of each game ask the table what rules to play by and be courteous and kind to one another.

The Way We Calculated at San Lorenzo Museum
2025-06-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery, 6299 Gushee St, Felton, 95018
The Way We Calculated at San Lorenzo Museum
Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, 1 – 4pm through June 15
Please join the San Lorenzo Valley Museum for an exhibition opening reception at the Belardi Gallery in Felton on Saturday, March 15, from 2-4pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Free admission.
Enjoy a plethora of artifacts and archives, many of which have never before been exhibited, and a locally constructed model of Vannevar Bush’s 1931 differential analyzer – a mechanical analog computer that solves differential equations.
These objects and archives can serve as a window into the lives of those that used them and into occupations that no longer exist such as human computers, operators, clerks, etc.
There are hands on objects for younger visitors too, with activities that promote problem solving.

Differential Analyzer
Now – June 15, Saturday & Sunday, 2pm-3pm
The differential analyzer will be operated each Saturday and Sunday, from 2pm-3pm, or by arrangement.
Call (831) 338-8382 to schedule a demonstration.

Where your California State Library Parks Pass Will Take You
2025-06-05 | Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Where your California State Library Parks Pass Will Take You

Where will your California State Library Parks Pass take you?

With access to over 200 participating #CAStateParks, the hardest part is choosing where to go first!

Will it be a coastal escape? A serene redwood forest? A scenic desert landscape?

How to get your pass: Visit your local library and check out a free vehicle day-use pass.

You can find your library and eligible parks here: parks.ca.gov/LibraryPass.

Tales 2 Tails Aptos
2025-06-04 15:30 - 16:30 | Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Tales 2 Tails Aptos
Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30 through July 9
Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive reading partners for children reading aloud.
Child must be 6-17 years old, and already reading to some degree.
Our volunteer handlers are there to provide support but are not trained reading instructors.
Appointments are required, please contact 831-427-7713 to make yours now.
If you have questions, e-mail rammerr@santacruzpl.org
Please Call 831-427-7713 to register. https://loom.ly/SkbcHxE

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2025-06-04 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.

Community Day Free Admission!
2025-06-03 09:00 - 17:00 | UCSC Arboretum, 120 Arboretum Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, United States
Community Day Free Admission!
First Tuesdays, 9am – 5pm

The first Tuesday of each month, Community Day, the Arboretum is open and free for visitors.
See dates and times UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is open.
NOTE: Due to limited parking at the Arboretum and the popularity of Community Day, we greatly encourage visitors to carpool, bike, walk or use public transportation as much as possible.
https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/eventscalendar/events/recurring-events/community-day.html
