Santa Cruz Parent

Art of Manga
2026-01-03 | DeYoung Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr,, San Francisco, CA, 94118, United States
Art of Manga
September 27, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Manga — Japanese comics and graphic novels — have become a global phenomenon.
Featuring rarely presented original drawings by major artists, this exhibition traces manga’s evolution from the 1970s to today.
The exhibition explores manga as a powerful medium for visual storytelling, highlighting themes across genres, from friendship to sexuality to the human condition.
Looking closely at each artist’s narrative worlds and creative processes, the exhibition also spotlights manga’s cultural impact on the world today and possibilities for the future.
Get tickets
Location links

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Join for discounted tickets

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2026-01-03 08:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 450, Aptos, 95003, United States
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
Saturdays 8am-12pm, year round, rain or shine
Voted America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California
In 2011, 2012, and 2013 our farmers markets were voted “America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California.” Additionally, Coastal Living Magazine named the Aptos Farmers Market one of “The Coast’s Best Farmers Markets.”
Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced olive oil, fresh pasta and gourmet sauces, organic juices, handmade sauerkraut, Corralitos smoked sausages and bacon, artisan breads and baked goods, organic honey, mushrooms, sprouts and microgreens, farm fresh eggs, flowers, potted plants, seedlings, herbs, and an unsurpassed selection of certified California grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Additional Market Attractions
Professional sharpening services are available for knives and gardening tools year round.
Our other Markets: Carmel, Del Monte, Monterey

Westside Farmers Market
2026-01-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Westside Farmers Market, Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Westside Farmers Market
Saturdays 9am – 1pm, year round

The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every week, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, situated on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt. This market serves the communities of the west-end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the UCSC Campus. It is just a hop, skip and a jump from Downtown.
Foodies Unite
This market is proud to have been named best market by the Santa Cruz Metro’s, “Peoples Poll” multiple times. The market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, wine, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cuisine, live local music and full espresso bar operated by up-and-coming Santa Cruz-based roaster 11th Hour Coffee.
With easy access and an abundance of free parking, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing.

Elkhorn Slough Free Weekend Tours
2026-01-03 10:00 | Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, 95003, United States
Elkhorn Slough Free Tour of the Preserve
Every Saturday AND Sunday, 10 am and 11 am

Guided hikes with naturalists are offered at 10am and 11am every Saturday and Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for tours at the Visitor Center front desk. If you have questions, call (831) 728-2822.

Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
2026-01-03 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.

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
2026-01-03 11:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA, 2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz (Live Oak), Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY — and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready.
From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories:

Big dogs (40+lbs)
Adult cats (6mos+)
Adult dogs/cats who’ve waited 30+ days for a home!

Come meet your new bestie. They’re cute. They’re available. 10/10 would recommend.

Ice Skating by the Bay
2026-01-03 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-04 11:00 - 22:00 | Custom House Plaza, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Ice Skating by the Bay
November 21 – January 4
Join us for ice skating by the bay.
Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa
Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice Skating by the Bay.
Our beautiful outdoor rink overlooking Monterey Bay brings the magic of the holidays to life.
This season we ‘re open from November 21, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
BOOK NOW

REGULAR HOURS: Monday thru Saturday | 11am to 10pm (with the exception of the below dates)
Sundays and Holidays | 12pm to 8pm (Including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Year’s Day)
ADJUSTED HOURS: December 1-4 & 8-11 (Monday – Thursday): 1:00pm to 10:00pm

Admission:

Adults: $15
Children 12 and under: $13 (must be accompanied by adult)
Season Pass: $225 for the entire season.
Skate Rental: $5

Science Saturdays
2026-01-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Science Saturdays

Saturdays 1 – 2pm

Join us every Saturday from 3 – 4:30pm for fun and interactive science adventures at the Children’s Museum of Discovery!
Each week, we’ll bring learning to life through engaging science lessons, followed by hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity for all. From exciting experiments to interactive demos, Science Saturday is a great way for the whole family to explore the wonders of science together!
This weekly event is free with museum admission, and it’s the perfect opportunity to make science both fun and educational.
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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.

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2026-01-03 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-04 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

Lego No-So Simple Machines Aptos
2026-01-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Afternoon STEAM: Lego No-So Simple Machines Aptos

Saturdays 2 – 3:30pm, through July 26
Learn how to create Lego devices using simple machines (gears, levers, pulleys, and swivels).
Participants work at their own pace. Once their device will work manually, then it will be motorize.
Builders will learn how to program motors using Lego WeDo software.
Drop-in, no advance registration
Ages 8 to 18

Paint and Play Saturdays
2026-01-03 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.

Free Workshop "Give Your Kids Wings to Fly"
2026-01-03 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)

Live Oak Farmers Market
2026-01-04 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.

Monthly Wharf Walks
2026-01-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Monterey’s Old Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Monthly Wharf Walks

Monterey, CA. February 22, 2021. Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf Association continues the monthly Wharf Walks with noted Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian and author, Tim Thomas. On Sunday, March 7th, the monthly “Wharf Walks – Walking Tours at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf that are held on the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 AM – Noon, continues each month.
Tim will be wearing a mask and limiting the group size who will also be required to wear masks. He is also available on other days to conduct small tours.
Tours meet at the head of Old Fisherman’s Wharf(near the pink “Harbor House” store, #1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. Advance reservations are required by calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email timsardine@yahoo.com.
The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $20 for adults and kids are $15 (10-15 years). Group Rates are also available.
Map: https://monterey.org/Portals/0/Maps/Parking-Map-Waterfront.pdf

Corralitos Farm & Garden Market
2026-01-04 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

Redwood Loop Tour Henry Cowell Redwoods
2026-01-04 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

Awkward Pet Portraits 2026
2026-01-05 | 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.

Annual Toy Swap at Watsonville Library
2026-01-05 - 2026-01-28 | Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St Suite 100, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Annual Toy Swap at Watsonville Library
Bring toys to the main library: January 5 – January 28, All Day
Toy Swap, Thursday, January 29, 6 – 7:30pm
Do you have any gently used toys that you would like to giveaway? Do you know a child that would be interested in getting a toy for free? Watsonville Public Library will be hosting its third annual Toy Swap at the Main Library.
How can you participate? Beginning on Monday, January 5 through Wednesday, January 28, 2026 families can bring in gently USED items to the Main Library in exchange for a VIP pass.
What does a VIP pass give you access to? A VIP pass will allow you to enter the Toy Swap event 30 minutes early.
We will not accept the following: broken items, clothing, books, or pet supplies.
The Toy Swap event takes place at the Main Library on Thursday, January 29 from 6:00-7:30pm. ALL patrons are welcome to attend the Toy Swap and will be able to take home at least one item. Bringing in a donated item and/or a VIP pass is NOT required for entry.
Any items that remain after the Toy Swap will be donated to local non-profit organizations.
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Tienes juguetes en buen estado que le gustaría regalar? ¿Conoces a algún niño al que le gustaría recibir un juguete gratis? La Biblioteca Pública Watsonville celebrará su tercer intercambio anual de juguetes en la Biblioteca Principal.

¿Cómo puedo participar? Desde el lunes, 5 de enero hasta el miércoles, 28 de enero 2026, las familias pueden traer juguetes en buen estado a la Biblioteca Principal a cambio de un pase VIP. ¿A qué le da acceso el pase VIP? El pase VIP le permitirá entrar al evento de intercambio de juguetes 30 minutos antes. No aceptaremos lo siguiente: artículos rotos, ropa, libros o artículos para mascotas.

El evento de intercambio de juguetes se llevará a cabo el jueves, 29 de enero de 6:00-7:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal. TODOS los usuarios son bienvenidos al intercambio de juguetes y podrán llevarse a casa un juguete. NO es necesario traer un artículo donado ni un pase VIP para participar.

Los juguetes que sobren después del intercambio se donarán a organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro.

Explore Año Nuevo with a Docent
2026-01-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Año Nuevo State Park, 1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA, 94060, United States
Explore Año Nuevo with a Docent
December 15 – March 31
The park offers guided walks led by volunteer docent naturalist to see the northern elephant seals in their natural habitat inside the Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve. Año Nuevo docents go through extensive training and are highly knowledgeable in the natural and cultural history of the park. Elephant seal acivities and population counts can vary widely throughout the guided walk season.
General Information
Guided walks begin December 15 and continue every day until March 31 with exceptions on December 25 (Christmas) and January 31-February 1 for an annual fundraising event, Seal Adventure.
During the guided walk season, walks are offered daily for families, individuals, or groups. Children age 17 and under require one adult chaperone for each 10 children. Each walk has a capacity of 15 people, including chaperones.
The trail to see the elephant seals includes a 3-4 mile hike and is considered moderate with varied terrain including sand dunes.
Guided walks run 2.5 hours from start to finish and operate daily from early morning to mid-afternoon, rain or shine.
$7.00 + $3.99 reservation fee for public walks. Children age 4 and under are free. Online/phone reservations are highly recommended, espeically weekends and holidays. Visit ReserveCalifornia or call 1-800-444-4445.
What Should I Bring?

Elephant seal walks are conducted rain or shine. Winter weather can be very cold and windy, even on sunny days. Rain is frequent and the trail may be muddy with small puddles.
Visitors should bring hooded rain gear, a warm jacket, layered clothing, and sturdy walking shoes. Bring water for drinking on the trail.
Cameras and photography are permitted. Although there are no restrictions on flashes, photographers are restricted to stay with the guided walk group and cannot leave. Staying 25 feet from the elephant seals is firmly enforced.
Binoculars are helpful for seeing seals further out on the beaches and on the island.

What Not To Bring

For safety reasons, umbrellas are not permitted on the walks.
Baby strollers are also not permitted for safety reasons. Families may use them for the first .9 mile walk to the staging area but must then leave them there for the rest of the tour.
No food is allowed on the tour, but you may picnic in designated areas before or after the guided walk.
Pets are not allowed in the park and cannot be left inside parked vehicles in the parking lot.

Specialty Seal Walks
Spring, Summer, Fall Guided Walks – Elephant seal viewing is self-guided from April to November. No reservation or guided tour is needed. To schedule a guided walk with a docent for an organized group during this time, contact the park at 650-879-2029.
School Group Walks are offered year-round Monday through Friday mornings for 4-12 grades and in the spring for K-3 grades.
Equal Access Walks are offered to visitors who require mobile assistance and cannot make the 3-4 mile walk.

ReserveCalifornia will begin taking reservations on the following dates:
School Groups (phone reservations only): Call toll free: 1-800-444-4445
Public Walks (online and phone reservations available): Call toll free: 1-800-444-4445
Equal Access (phone reservations only): Call toll free: 1-800-444-4445

Respect the Seals. Guided walks are conducted in and around the elephant seal colony. Please respect the rules of the park.

Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group
2026-01-05 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.

Mystery Box Monday at MOD
2026-01-05 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

Postpartum Support Group
2026-01-05 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

Community Day Free Admission!
2026-01-06 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

You Can Paint! Tuesdays 10am-1pm
2026-01-06 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

Determining a DNA Match Connection
2026-01-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Downtown Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Determining a DNA Match Connection

Tuesday, January 6, 1pm – 2:30pm

This presentation will outline some strategies that DNA testers might use to help determine the identity of a DNA match.
Identifying who our DNA matches are can enable us to discover where we connect with our DNA cousins, or at least get us closer to the answer.
Gail will use two case studies she has pursued as examples of this process.
Gail Burk is a long-time member of the Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz County, and a genealogist for more than 40 years.
She has delivered a variety of programs over the years, and currently, she co-facilitates the monthly DNA Special Interest Group sessions for the Society.
Gail graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara, where she majored in art, and minored in history.

TO WATCH FROM HOME, ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED THROUGH THE SCPL WEBSITE
NO REGISTRATION IS NEEDED TO VIEW IN THE UPSTAIRS MEETING ROOM AT THE DOWNTOWN LIBRARY

5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12) Tues Sept. 2-30
2026-01-06 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!

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2026-01-07 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.

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail Capitola
2026-01-07 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
