Santa Cruz Parent

El Mercado Farmers Market
2022-10-25 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ramsey Park, 1301 Main St, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
El Mercado Farmers Market
Tuesdays 2 – 6pm, August2 – October 25
El Mercado is a weekly farmers’ market aiming to decrease food insecurity and improve access to health-promoting resources for Pajaro Valley families. No cash, no problem. You can use your credit card at the Manager’s Booth to purchase tokens valid at every El Mercado vendor. You can also redeem EBT and VeggieRx vouchers here. Our goal is to make shopping at El Mercado as easy as possible because the healthy choice should be the easy choice for everyone.
El Mercado Includes:

veggierx voucher redemption site
fresh produce
delicious foods
free health & wellness screenings
local community resources for healthy living
activities for the whole family
and so much more!

Community Health Trust of Paaro Valley expands equitable access to wellness services by offering programs and direct services such as:

Diabetes Health Center – providing education and support for those living with diabetes or prediabetes
VeggieRx – a produce prescription program for those facing food insecurity
El Mercado – a health and wellness focused weekly farmers’ market
El Mini Mercado – CHT’s year round in-house food pantry

Homework Help
2022-10-25 15:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz Public Libraries, 117 Union Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Homework Help
Tuesdays 3 – 5pm, October 4 – May 24
Bring your assignments to one of our FREE drop-in Homework Help sessions. Tuesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p. Students to grade 12. Call 831.427.7713 for more information.
Locations:
Capitola – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9670439
Downtown – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9671013
Felton – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9670550
La Selva Beach – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9670470
Live Oak – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9670511
Scotts Valley – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9670974

My Play Club
2022-10-25 15:30 - 17:00 | Leo’s Haven at Chanticleer Park, 1975 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
My Play Club

Tuesdays 3:30-5:00pm through November 29

Resumes March 7, 2023

Join us at My Play Club at LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park.
Create in the Park with us! Family Drop-in ~ Arts & Activities ~ Family Visit – Arts and Activities

Learn more about the Young Outdoor Leaders, funded by the “Outdoor Equity Program” of CA State Parks and if your family may want to participate.
Learn more about Youth Leaders Outdoors, funded by CA State Parks’ “Outdoor Equity Program” and whether your family may want to participate.

More/Mas info: www.countyparkfriends.org

Cradle to Career Santa Cruz CountySanta Cruz County Parks Department

Join the World Harmony Chorus
2022-10-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Londen Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Join the World Harmony Chorus
Tuesdays, 6 – 7:30pm, starting September 20

The World Harmony Chorus fall session is starting up, and we’ll be singing songs from Scandinavia to Brazil, and many places in-between.
The Santa Cruz chorus rehearses on Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM, starting September 20.
Everyone is welcome, there are no auditions and no singing experience is necessary (experienced singers are also welcome, and there are solo opportunities for those who would like them). All parts are taught by ear, and musical transcriptions are provided.
All ages 9 through 99 are welcome. The chorus will perform several times throughout the year, principally in December and in the spring.
If you’ve never experienced the magic of singing in a choir, or if you’ve always thought of yourself as someone who “just can’t sing”, this is a great way to start.

Scotts Valley Haunted House and Thriller Dancers
2022-10-25 18:30, 2022-10-26 18:30 | Scotts Valley Haunted House, 555 Glenwood Dr., Scotts Valley, CA, United States
Scotts Valley Haunted House and Thriller Dancers
Saturday & Sunday, October 22-23 & Friday-Sunday, October 28-30

Tours for Ages 10 and Up: Welcome to our scary outdoor Haunted House walking tour, even if it’s raining… because Zombies are NOT afraid of wate. Are you? Scotts Valley Haunted House is not recommended for children under 10 or those who might experience nightmares. There have been no reported zombie attacks in the past nine months. The ticketed tour itself is around 20 minutes, but you will want to spend some time beforehand enjoying the festival and watching the Thriller dancers.

Tours for families with young children (ages 2-9) available October 29-30: Family tours are scaled-down version intended for families with kids ages 2 to 9. It is before dark, and it replaces the scarier elements with trick-or-treating.
Tickets:
Tickets for regular tours are sold at the gate, and the tours occur in the order in which the tickets were purchased. Tickets for family tours are sold in advance and are time-specific.
There are special tours between 5pm and 7pm on October 29 and 30 that are intended for families with children ages 2 through 9. Scarier elements are replaced with trick-or-treating. Buy family tickets here.
There could be over an hour wait to start your tour once you have purchased your tickets. However, you do not have to wait in line once you have your tickets, so you can roam the festival and enjoy the performances while you wait.

555 Glenwood Drive, Scotts Valley, CA

Unhinged Halloween Winchester Mystery House
2022-10-26, 2022-10-27 | Winchester Mystery House, 525 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA, 95128, United States
Unhinged Halloween Winchester Mystery House
13 selected days September 30 – October 31, Several time choices

Madame Nightshade’s Spirit Carnival & Outdoor Performance

The year is 1949 and the estate has changed hands several times since the passing of Sarah Winchester. It’s most recent isolation is broken by the arrival of Madame Nightshade, an entrepreneurial owner of a small traveling carnival and self proclaimed investigator of supernatural phenomena.
Madame Nightshade’s Spirit Carnival and Outdoor Performance will kick off the evening.

Unhinged: Nightshade’s Curse

After a two year hiatus, Winchester Mystery House presents a new terrifying chapter, Unhinged: Nightshade’s Curse.
For 13 nights guests will be horrified by the Winchester Mystery House’s scariest show to date.
Buy tickets to the South Bay’s biggest Halloween Haunt at the worlds most haunted house: BUY TICKETS

Tickets

This year the haunt through the mansion includes multiple routes.
General Admission tickets : All ticket holders receive access to the indoor haunt and outdoor show featuring sideshow entertainers, games, food, and the Spookeasy Bar.
VIP: VIP tickets allow for the ticket holder to walk through both routes and gain expedited access to the haunt for a $15 upgrade.

https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/unhinged/

Important To Know House Rules

This experience is dimly lit and contains loud sounds, special effects, atmospheric fog and strobe effects. Some scenes may be too intense for young children or the faint of heart. For the enjoyment of all of our Guests please review our house rules below before your visit.
This experience features many stairs and narrow passageways and is not recommended for expectant mothers and Guests suffering from asthma, heart conditions, seizures or any type of physical or medical condition. Unhinged features stairs and narrow hallways and can be difficult for guests with mobility issues. The front garden show and other estate activities are available for guests unable to navigate the walk-through experience.

Children under 13 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult guardian.
No outside food or drinks will be allowed.
Smoking and open flames are prohibited on the estate.
Photography and video recording is not permitted during the show.
Flashlights, laser lights and any forms of illumination are prohibited.
Masks and face painting are not allowed to ensure that there is no confusion between our actors and guests.
Costumes are allowed but must be in good taste and may not be offensive, objectionable, or violent. Any costume that presents a safety hazard for Guests or staff will not be allowed.
Real or prop weapons are not allowed on the estate.
Guests who show signs of intoxication or who present a safety hazard to themselves, others and the estate will not be admitted or may be asked to leave.
All guests and their belongings are subject to additional security screening upon entering the estate. Large bags and backpacks will not be allowed.

13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf!
2022-10-26, 2022-10-27 | Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 95060
13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf
October 19 – 31!
The Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt
• Bring your bingo card to the Wharf any day during the 13 Days of Halloween or pick on up at a Wharf Establishment.
• Find the hidden pumpkins on the Wharf. Match their ghoulish image on your bingo card and stamp your card.
• Can you find them all?

PRINTABLE BINGO CARDS (Coming Soon!)

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 Performance (Saturday Oct. 29th)
• Thrill the World Santa Cruz will be back to perform Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller Dance
• Time TBD
•Location: Wharf Stage/ Commons

Wharf Specials (Coming Soon!)
• Enjoy fabulous, unique specials from restaurants and gift shops perfectly catered to the Halloween theme. Offered all 13 Days except where noted.

Trick- or- Treating on Halloween Day (Oct. 31st) – •Trick-or-Treat your way down the Wharf from 3 – 6pm

Monterey Bay Festival of Birds
2022-10-26 08:00 - 20:00, 2022-10-27 08:00 - 20:00 | Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Monterey Bay Festival of Birds
Thursday – Saturday, October 13 – 15

The Monterey Bay Bird Festival is put on by the Bird School Project This is our second year hosting the festival and we are so excited to bring this birding event and celebration back to life for our local and worldwide community! We are forever grateful to the loyal attendees, field trip leaders, workshop presenters, keynote speakers, local businesses, government municipalities, local non-profit organizations, and an army of volunteers who have helped to put on the festival throughout the years.
Monterey Bay has a unique natural landscape and a diversity of birds. We want to continue to highlight the magnificence of our region and create a hub where people of all backgrounds feel included and eager to explore the magical world of birds. You can look forward to interactive workshops and field trip options throughout the many communities of Monterey Bay. This festival will be full of fun community connections, food, music, and a keynote speaker.

Check out this amazing schedule: https://www.birdschoolproject.org/3day-festival-schedule

Toddler Time Ocean Storytime and Crafts!
2022-10-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Toddler Time Ocean Storytime and Crafts!
Wednesdays 10 – 11am
Come join us at the Sanctuary Exploration Center across from the Santa Cruz Wharf each Wednesday morning to do some ocean-themed crafts, listen to a story, and explore the Exploration Center!

La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group
2022-10-26 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

Outside Toddler Time Capitola
2022-10-26 11:00 - 11:30 | Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Outside Toddler Time Capitola
Wednesdays 11 – 11:20am, through December 14

Toddler Time is a weekly early literacy program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. Music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs are a fun way for your child to learn while spending valuable social time with other children and their caregivers. Please arrive on time. Let’s play and learn together!
We will meet outside by the planter next to the playground.
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9518033
Kids 0-3 years

Toddler & Preschool Storytime at Boulder Creek
2022-10-26 11:00 - 11:30 | Boulder Creek Library, 13390 W Park Ave, Boulder Creek, CA, United States
Toddler & Preschool Storytime at Boulder Creek
Wednesdays 11am, June 29 – July 27

Come join Librarian Jackie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-rennovated Boulder Creek Library Branch every Wednesday at 11am.
Outdoor or indoor–weather and activity-dependent
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9416790

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2022-10-26 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.

Make and Explore at Boulder Creek
2022-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Boulder Creek Library, 13390 W Park Ave, Boulder Creek, CA, United States
Make and Explore at Boulder Creek
Wednesdays 2 – 4pm through December 28
Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Boulder Creek Branch Library!
Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and exploration of the environment around us.
Best for children 6+. Children under 6 yrs old will need an adult present to help them. Expect to get messy! The program will take place in the Boulder Creek Library Community Room and / or amphitheater.
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9550805

R.E.A.D.: Reach Every Amazing Detail
2022-10-26 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 March 1, 2023

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

Face Painting at Day of the Dead Craft & Game Night
2022-10-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St Suite 100, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Face Painting at Day of the Dead Craft & Game Night
Wednesday, October 26, 5:30-7:30pm

We are going to have face-painters at our Day of the Dead Craft & Game Night this year! Stop by and get part of your face painted in the style of a calavera!

All ages are welcome to attend this program.

¿Sabías que vamos a tener pintores que pintan caritas en nuestra Noche de Manualidades y Juegos en celebración del Día de los Muertos este año? ¡Los invitamos a que les pinten parte de su cara al estilo de una calavera!

Este programa se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Principal el miércoles, 26 de octubre de 5:30-7:30pm.

Se les invita a todos a participar en este evento.

Reading in the Redwoods Book Club
2022-10-26 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

Wednesday Night Sailboat Races
2022-10-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Wednesday Night Sailboat Races
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8pm, April through October
Wednesday Night Sailboat Races begin for the season in March (with Daylight Savings), and run through fall ending in October. Wednesday Night Races begin at 6:30 pm – 8 pm. For more information on races / regattas highlights, contact the Santa Cruz Yacht Club at (831) 425-0690, or visit their website Santa Cruz Yacht Club.

NAMI Family Support Group ​for Parents/Caregivers of Youth
2022-10-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
NAMI Family Support Group ​for Parents/Caregivers of Youth (11-17)
2nd and 4th Wednesdays 6:30 – 8pm
Please join us for our upcoming free, drop-in support group for parents/caregivers of youth (11-17) with mental health challenges. Next group will be this Wednesday, June 22nd from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
We are in need of more facilitators to help continue this free, easily accessible, and educational support group.
Nami also offers a support group for Spanish speakers every Tuesday night from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., for all loved ones of those with mental health challenges.
All parents or caregivers are encouraged to join – there does not need to be a formal diagnosis. Common themes of those who attend our support groups include caring for teens who experience depression and anxiety, substance abuse, outbursts of anger, and other challenges like mania, hallucinations, or paranoia.:30 -8pm
Please email me or call the Nami office at 831-824-0406 with any questions about our groups and/or using Zoom or if you are interested in being a facilitator.
https://www.namiscc.org/parentscaregivers-of-youth-11-17…
To attend our groups, please complete the registration form below. You will immediately receive an email with the Zoom link. You will only need to do this once, and will be able to use the same link for all Parents/Caregivers of Youth support groups moving forward.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Sculpture IS In the Garden
2022-10-27 | Sierra Azul, 2660 East Lake Avenue (Highway 152), Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Sculpture IS In the Garden
Daily through October 31
Sculpture IS: In the Garden 2022, marks our sixteenth sculpture exhibit in partnership with Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens in Watsonville, CA.
Curators Susana Arias, Hedwig Heerschop, and Jeff Rosendale selected over ninety sculptures created by forty-eight artists and collaborators.
Visit the stunning two-acre demonstration garden, relax under the umbrellas, and spend an afternoon enjoying the exhibit.

Passionate Readers Book Discussion Group La Selva Beach
2022-10-27 10:30 - 12:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
Passionate Readers Book Discussion Group La Selva Beach
4th Thursdays, 10:30am – 12pm
The Passionate Readers Book Discussion group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from 10:30a to 12:00p at the La Selva Beach Branch Library. All adults are welcome.
July’s selection is Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles

Preschool Storytime Felton
2022-10-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Felton Branch Library- New, 6121 Gushee St., Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Preschool Storytime Felton
Thursdays, Felton, 11am – 12pm, through Dec. 22

Preschool Storytime Felton meets in the the Felton Library to share stories, songs, and rhymes in a safe environment. This 60 minute program is intended for children aged 0-6. Do-it-yourself craft kits will be provided every week.
Join Librarian Jackie in JJune for a storytime celebrating Pride Month! Sing songs, read stories, and take away a “DIY rainbow dancer” craft kit!
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9416771

Housing Matters Family Outreach
2022-10-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Downtown Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Housing Matters Family Outreach
Thursdays 1 – 3pm, beginning October 27 – February 16

Team Weekly at the Downtown Santa Cruz Library

The Housing Matters Family Outreach Team will be available at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Downtown Branch every week from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays beginning October 27th. The Team will assist families experiencing homeless access resources, navigate housing, and meet with the Housing Matters Team. This is a drop-in service – first come, first served.
Learn more about Housing Matters:
831-458-6020
contact@housingmatterssc.org
https://housingmatterssc.org/

Afternoon STEAM La Selva Beach
2022-10-27 13:30 - 15:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
Afternoon STEAM La Selva Beach

Learn how to survive in the world of Minecraft.edu. Ages 8 to 18. Space is limited to 15 on a first-come basis. No advance registration.

Kids 6-11 years Teens 12-18

Teen Zine Club
2022-10-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Teen Zine Club
4th Thursdays, 3 – 4pm
Are you looking for a creative outlet? Do you like DIY projects? Then, the Teen Zine Club is the place you need to be!
Zine is a DIY small circulating self-published media that shows your original work or a compilation of your favorite text, info, images and more. Open to all tweens and teens to join! We will meet every 4th Thursday of the month at the Fireside Meeting Room in Scotts Valley Library Branch.
For more info, please contact Iván Llamas at llamasi@santacruzpl.org or 831-427-7700 ext 7752
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9471056

Make and Explore at Felton Library
2022-10-27 15:00 - 17:00 | Felton Branch Library- New, 6121 Gushee St., Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Make and Explore at Felton Library
Thursdays 3 – 5pm through January 5, 2023
Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library!
Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and exploration of the environment around us.
Best for children 6+. Children under 6 yrs old will need an adult present to help them. Expect to get messy! The program will take place in the Felton Library Community Room and / or patio.
