Santa Cruz Parent

Art as Resistance 14th Annual Watsonville Film Festival
2026-06-26, 2026-06-27, 2026-06-28, 2026-06-29 | 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.

Itty Bitty Flag Football is here!
2026-06-26 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Callagan Park, 225, Watsonville
Itty Bitty Flag Football is here!
Fridays, March 6-27

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: 5:15-6:15pm
$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 https://www.watsonville.gov/654/Itty-Bitty-Sports, en persona en 231 Union St, o por teléfono al 831.768.3240.

Santa Cruz SPCA - PAWS and PAINT Spring Camp!
2026-06-26 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-27 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-28 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.

Elkhorn Slough Free Weekend Tours
2026-06-26 10:00, 2026-06-27 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.

Parent Nest A Guided Play and Connection Series
2026-06-26 10:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery MOD, 1855 41st Ave #10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Parent Nest A Guided Play and Connection Series
Fridays 10am
Session 1: February 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Session 2: March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Session 3: April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
Session 4: May 1st ,8th, 15th, & 22nd
Parenting is better together!
If those early parenting days feel like a mix of wonder and worry, you’re not alone. Between those middle-of-the-night feeds and milestone questions, it’s natural to feel both overwhelmed and amazed—sometimes in the same moment. While you’re marveling at your little one’s daily discoveries, you might also be wondering if you’re doing enough, or wishing for a community that truly gets what this journey is like. That’s exactly why we created The Parent Nest: A guided play & connection series

Created specifically for infants and toddlers (from sitting age to 18 months), this four-week series takes place in the serene morning hours before the museum opens. In this distraction-free setting, your little explorer can safely investigate their world while you connect with other parents who understand exactly what this stage of life is like.
Each 45-minute session nurtures your child’s natural development through research-backed activities that:

Build Neural Pathways Through Movement: As babies roll, crawl, and reach, they’re not just exercising—they’re forming crucial brain connections that support physical coordination and spatial awareness.

Develop Pre-Language Skills: Our musical activities introduce rhythm, repetition, and simple signs, laying the groundwork for communication long before first words appear.

Enhance Sensory Processing: From our “Building Beginnings” exploration to “Splish Splash Discovery” play, each tactile experience helps your little one understand their world through touch, sight, sound, and movement.

Foster Social-Emotional Growth: Through guided interactions, babies learn early social cues while parents discover ways to support emotional development during daily routines.

Join us for a four-week play-based program designed to support your baby’s development while building connection with other caregivers.

Find your community of support: Early Development Classes in a Museum Setting

Free for members!
Free Children Under 12 Months
$35 – Non-members per session (We will email you a link to pay)
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZCbj1Erk9_lQ9nTWjnOB9GhNICc-SgDPacPEagj0jyTkH_A/viewform
Thank you to Musical Me for sponsoring our program.

Little Discoverer Fridays
2026-06-26 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.

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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.

Lego Brick Builder Fridays
2026-06-26 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.

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2026-06-26 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!

Friday Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange
2026-06-26 18:30 - 22:00 | Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange
2nd Sundays: Newcomers’ intro 2:30pm, dance 3 – 5:30pm
4th Fridays: Newcomers’ intro: 6:30pm, dance 7 – 10pm
Come kick your heels up contra dancing at Live Oak Grange with some amazing local talent and fun and friendly dancers!

Caller: Tanya MerchantBand: Corwin & Grace!
Event by Dakota Hult, Klaus Krull and Contra Dancing in Santa Cruz County
Note: There will be no pot luck going forward. Feel free to bring snacks to share!
Overflow parking: If you can’t find room at the Grange, try the Harbor Light Church, at 2008 17th Ave., less than a block up the street (towards Hwy. Ignore the “your car will be towed” signs – they have a deal with the Grange for extra parking

Check out our website at: https://www.santacruzcontra.com/
Signing in at the desk indicates your agreement with these policies:

The dance is an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free environment.
The dance is a scent-free event. In order to protect those with chemical sensitivities, please refrain from using scented products on your body, clothes, and belongings.
We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable at our dance and we value and expect consent, communication, community mindedness, and safety.
Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. If someone’s behavior is offensive or harassing during the dance, you should endeavor to speak up for yourself. If you need help, talk with one of the managers, sound tech or caller.
You should not come to the dance if you have health concerns for yourself or a close contact, test positive for COVID 19, have symptoms of illness, or do not feel well.
We each understand and accept the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19 or any other illness at this dance.By participating in this event, you take full responsibility for your health and well-being.
We appreciate and rely on your generous donations to pay for our dance hall and the excellent staff. We suggest $15 to $30 per person, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Only the caller, musicians, and sound tech will be paid. All other staff and helpers will be volunteering their time. Please bring cash to the dance hall. BUT: it is *pay as you can* – we need you dancing more than we need your money, so please come, even if you feel like you need to put in less than $15. If you can put in over $30, that would be great, too! In a pinch, we can take Venmo or Paypal.
Please help out wherever you can (setting up chairs, cleaning up the kitchen or the dance hall, sitting out one dance at the door, etc.).
Please bring friends and tell them to wear light, comfortable clothing and bring comfortable shoes with clean, non-marking soles

Upcoming dances every second Sunday and fourth Friday!Sunday, Feb. 9 Caller: Zack; Band: Slick’s Picks No. 6 – Mike “Slick” Lewinski (fiddle), Jordan Prieto, Olive Mathison, Mathew HarmonFriday, Feb. 21 – Caller: Kelsey Hartman, Band: Mike Lewinski (fiddle), Daniel Steinberg (piano, flute), Ezra Warren Steinberg (percussion)Sunday, Mar. 9 – Caller: Tanya Merchant; Band: Lucas Lawson & FriendsFriday, Mar. 28: Caller: Sarah Trop; Band: Corwin & GraceSunday, April 13 – Caller: Alan Winston; Band: Rodney Miller (fiddle), Daniel Steinberg (piano, flute), Ezra Warren Steinberg (percussion)

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2026-06-27 08:00 | 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
2026-06-27 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.

Santa Cruz Math Circle Returns
2026-06-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 450, Aptos, 95003, United States
Santa Cruz Math Circle Returns
Saturdays, 10am – 12pm, February 7 through March 28
Financial assistance is available.
Cabrillo College, Building 300
The Santa Cruz Math Circle is a weekly math meeting for students in grades 5th through 8th who love math.
The Santa Cruz Math Circle is back! Students in grades 5-8 are invited to join a weekly meet-up for students who love math and problem solving, hosted by nonprofit the X Academy. Students work with mathematicians, scientists, and engineers on challenging topics that go beyond the classroom.

Held at Cabrillo College in mid-county, students meet with mathematicians, scientists and engineers in an informal setting to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics. The instructors are role models who use math everyday and many have PhDs in math. It engages bright students beyond traditional classroom math, feeding their love of learning math and challenging them to grow their capabilities. We offer 6 – 8 sessions in the Fall and 6 – 8 sessions in the Spring.
Math Circles provide a space for students to develop friendships with their intellectual peers and develop confidence in their math identity.
Financial assistance is available.
Game Day: We invite 3rd and 4th grade students for games and puzzles (free) accompanied by parents at the same time and location as the Math Circle.

REGISTER HERE

If you are interested in volunteering to teach, assist with teaching or helping with logistics, contact barbara@xacademy.org

Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
2026-06-27 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.

Science Saturdays
2026-06-27 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
2026-06-27 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-28 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

GroovaRoo Dance
2026-06-27 13:30 - 14:30 | RC Fam Center, 7 Hangar Way, Suite B, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
GroovaRoo Dance
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 1:30 – 2:30pm
Hey, Mamas! Have you heard of GroovaRoo Dance? It’s been a few years since these classes have been around in our county, but we’re back and if you’re looking for something fun to do with your little one (under 2yo) come dance with us! GroovaRoo Dance is fun for mamas, dadas, babies, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and family friends, too! You’ll find us at RC Fam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!

Paint and Play Saturdays
2026-06-27 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"
2026-06-27 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
2026-06-28 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.

Corralitos Farm & Garden Market
2026-06-28 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
2026-06-28 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
2026-06-29 | 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.

Summer Dance Camps at IAD!
2026-06-29 09:00 - 12:00 | International Academy of Dance, 320 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Summer Dance Camps at IAD!
Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm, June 8 – July 31
Let your child’s imagination take center stage! A new theme every week!A new theme every week! Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm, June
Designed for ages 4-5 and 6-9, our Summer Dance Camps combine the joy of dancing with fun movement games, arts and crafts, and story-time fun!
Imagination thrives in the magical world of storybook adventures! Enchant and delight as dance steps unlock doors to new lands.
Dramatize and transform while leaping through the pages of your favorite storybooks. Also, dancers will create wands, tiaras, crowns, coloring pages and more! Learn choreography as you play, sing and dance to the music of your favorite characters.
Through movement and dance, write your own story, and then share it with your friends and family!
Everyone has a ball and lives happily ever after! Live your dreams and cherish the magic of each day…. and share it with your friends and family at the end-of-the-week Mini Performance!
A new theme every week!
$425/week
