Santa Cruz Event Calendar

October 15, 2011 - February 25, 2012

Coastal Lagoons: A Closer Look through Art, History and Science. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History's exhibit to increase the public's understanding and appreciation of the beauty and ecological importance of lagoons along the central coast. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.420.6115 | visit web site

January 07, 2012 - April 01, 2012

Rain Forest Weekends Ride a steam train through Northern California's redwood rain forest at its dramatic best! Felton, CA | 831.335.4484 | visit web site

January 11, 2012 - March 17, 2012

SC Mountains Art Center: "Inspirations" A diverse selection of Fine Art & Crafts, changing seasonally. All artwork is created by talented local artists. FREE Ben Lomond, CA | 831.336.3513 | visit web site

January 13, 2012

Community Free Friday Experience Seymour Center's fascinating marine-life exhibits for free on Community Free Friday. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.459.3800 | visit web site

January 13, 2012 - January 15, 2012

Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Over 200 local mushrooms on display. Educational classes, art, vendors, kid's room, cooking demos. Bring in your mushrooms for identification. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.684.2275 | visit web site

January 14, 2012 - March 04, 2012

Santa Cruz Art League: "Local Essence" Members' Exhibit A wonderful exhibit honoring the talented art of the Santa Cruz Art League's own members. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.426.5787 | visit web site

3rd Sunday of every month

Science Sunday Marine scientists bring you public lectures with photography, video and stories of their work and lives. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.459.3800 | visit web site

January 21, 2012

Wine Passport Program Your chance to visit wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains not normally open to the public. Taste wine & have a great time. Santa Cruz Mountains, CA | 831.685.VINE (8463) | visit web site

January 22, 2012

Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival Chocolate tastings from more than 30 area vendors, live jazz, gift items for sale. Tasting tickets sold at the door and by local businesses. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.2053 | visit web site | more info

January 28, 2012 - January 29, 2012

Santa Cruz County Symphony Concert "Certified Organic" The Symphony performs two of the greatest works for organ, Poulenc's Organ Concerto and Saint-Saens' Organ Symphony, with San Francisco Symphony organist Jonathan Dimmock. Santa Cruz & Watsonville, CA | 831.420.5260 | visit web site

January 29, 2012

Cocoanut Grove Bridal Expo More than 90 booths highlight engagement, wedding, reception, and honeymoon planning; fashion shows, door prizes, food. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.2053 | visit web site

February 01, 2012

Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket) & Maira Kalman-Why We Broke Up Book reading by mega-selling author and phenomenal artist. Tickets available in store or online. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.0900 | visit web site

February 02, 2012

John Jordan - Supposing Bleak House UCSC Professor, John O. Jordan will discuss his book. Will be in celebration of upcoming 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.0900 | visit web site

February 4, 11, 18, 25

Connect with Nature Class Series Engaging talks on natural history topics. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.420.6115 | visit web site

February 10, 2012

Community Free Friday Experience Seymour Center's fascinating marine-life exhibits for free on Community Free Friday. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.459.3800 | visit web site

February 11, 2012

Natural Bridges Migration Festival Say farewell to migratory butterflies and make discoveries about many animals that migrate from whales to newts to birds. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.4609 | visit web site

February 11, 2012

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival: Exotic Baroque Best-known baroque works delightfully interpreted by a variety of unexpected ensembles. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.459.2159 | visit web site

Sundays, January - November

A Tour of the Historic Ranch Buildings Discover what life was like a century or more ago on this innovative dairy ranch. FREE North of Santa Cruz, CA | 831.426.0505 | visit web site

Saturdays

Aptos Farmers Market With over 80 vendors, find an unmatched selection of locally grown fresh produce, flowers & artisan products. FREE Aptos, CA | 831.728.5060 | visit web site

Sundays

City of Watsonville Nature Walks Guided exploration walk in the wetlands. Meet at the Nature Center. Binoculars provided. Great for all ages! FREE Watsonville, CA | 831.768.1622 | visit web site

Wednesdays

Downtown Santa Cruz Farmer's Market The weekly Downtown Farmers Market is an event not to miss, replete with live music, oyster bar, food court, bakery, arts, gourmet artisanal foods and the largest selection of organic produce available. FREE Downtown Santa Cruz, CA | 831.454.0566 | visit web site

1st Friday of each month

First Free Fridays @ the MAH Enjoy free admission the first Friday of every month. Free tour of current exhibition at 12 pm. FREE Downtown Santa Cruz, CA | 831.429.1964 | visit web site

1st Saturday of each month

First Saturday Arboretum Tours Come see what's in bloom in the Gardens this month. Free with paid admission! FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.427.2998 | visit web site

Sundays

Live Comedy - Featuring Nationally Known Comedians Every Sunday night enjoy a fresh sea breeze, great food and an evening of laughter as three comics take the stage. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.476.4560 | visit web site

Sundays

Live Oak Farmer's Market The Live Oak Farmers Market is a Sunday tradition in this beach-side neighborhood. Regulars sip espresso, enjoy al fresco dining to live music and bring home the finest organic fruits & vegetables. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.454.0566 | visit web site

2nd Thursday & 4th Sunday of every month

Marine Mammal Research Tour: Behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, sea lions, elephant seals and harbor seals. Free w/admission. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.459.3800 | visit web site

Every Fri, Sat and Sun

Santa Cruz Flea Market Shop for collectables, fresh produce, tools and treasures galore! Great deals, on-site food vendors & fun! Free parking. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.462.4442 (weekends) | visit web site

Saturdays

Scotts Valley Farmer's Market Just a quick hop from Hwy. 17, the Scotts Valley Farmers Market marries convenience and great food, showcasing the region's newest farmers. Find the freshest produce, bakery, butcher & more here. FREE Scotts Valley, CA | 831.454.0566 | visit web site

Weekends, mid October - approx. Feb 1

Tours of the Monarch Butterfly Grove Join a docent naturalist & see monarch butterflies wintering in Santa Cruz. Monarch migration is variable, please call for current update. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.4609 | visit web site

Fridays year-round

Watsonville Community Farmers Market An enchanting farmers market with a "mercado" feel. Lots of wonderful produce and prepared foods. Watsonville, CA | 831.234.9511

Saturdays

Westside Santa Cruz Farmer's Market Over 30 farms & vendors - large selection of certified organic produce. Unlimited parking, cafe seating, live music. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.454.0566 | visit web site

Wednesdays, Oct. - April

Winemaker Wednesdays at the Shadowbrook Featured local winemaker on hand & a different local winery featured each week. 50% off by-the-glass selections & bottled wine from all local wineries. Capitola, CA | 831.475.1511 | visit web site

2nd Sunday of the month, weather permitting.

Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Street Faire "Original" Downtown antique faire is back. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items. Weather permitting. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.476.6940 | visit web site

Weekends, March - November

Redwood Loop Guided Walks Easy, half-mile walks. Learn about redwoods, the park's history, and see its most impressive trees. FREE Boulder Creek, CA | 831.338.8883 | visit web site

Tuesdays, May - October

Felton Farmers Market In the cradle of the redwoods lives the Felton Farmers Market. This family-friendly market born in 1987 hosts an annual Children's Day and Pumpkin Contest and is a local favorite for organic staples. FREE Felton, CA | 831.454.0566 | visit web site

1st Thursday & 2nd Sunday of every month

Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour Take a docent-led tour to Younger Lagoon. Learn about our coastal birds & wildlife, sensitive coastal dune habitats. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.459.3800 | visit web site

2nd Saturday of each month

Family Art Saturdays Enjoy family-oriented art-making activities every second Saturday of the month. Call to register. Downtown Santa Cruz, CA | 831.429.1964 | visit web site

First Friday of each month

First Friday Art Tour Visit participating galleries and museums in the greater downtown Santa Cruz area with discounts too! See website for map. Downtown Santa Cruz, CA | 831.454.8200 | visit web site

Mondays

Kuumbwa Jazz: Weekly Concert Series World-class jazz & world music artists perform in concert. Open to all ages. Serving dinner, beer, wine & beverages. Downtown Santa Cruz, CA | 831.427.2227 | visit web site

Sundays

Sunday Seaside Crafts Make your own souvenir during this Sunday activity for the entire family! Free with paid admission. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.459.3800 | visit web site

Fridays

Live Bands & Dancing on Friday Nights After sunset, enjoy dancing to the best local rock bands. Santa Cruz, CA | 831.476.4560 | visit web site

2nd Saturday of the month, May - October

From Market to Table Cooking Demonstrations Chefs demonstrate how to use seasonal produce and provide recipies for creative dishes you can make at home. FREE Aptos, CA | 831.728.5060 | visit web site

Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday

For the Love of Grapes and Glass Glass studio tours & wine tasting at Annieglass. See how award-winning Annieglass is created & celebrate our local wine region. Free tours, fee for tasting. FREE Watsonville, CA | 831.761.2041 x 21 | visit web site

October 05, 2011 - December 31, 2012

Wine Wednesdays at Sanderlings Offering a different Santa Cruz wine, tapas & live music weekly. $15 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Aptos, CA | 800.929.7727 | visit web site

Join us every Monday evening.

Hot Jazz & Cold Oysters Join us every Monday for $1 Oysters and hot Gypsy Jazz by Hot Club Pacific. FREE Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.2020 | visit web site

Tuesdays

Tuesday Night Jazz at Soif Savor exquisite wines from around the world at Santa Cruz's premier wine bar, while enjoying live jazz. Downtown Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.2020 | visit web site

1st Friday of each month

First Free Fridays @ the MAH Art for Lunch on the first Friday of the month at 12:00 pm, MAH offers a free tour highlighting one of the current exhibitions usually with the artists on hand to talk about their work. Admission to the museum is also free all day on the first Friday of every month. From 5-9pm, enjoy a no-host bar and live music while enjoying art and mingling with friends. This First Friday will feature: Community craft activity, help make a metal mobile for the MAH with junk artist Ed Martinez Partnership with Second Harvest, support food for the body and the spirit while tasting delicious Mexican favorites A Feminist Tea Party, artists Suzanne Stroebe and Caitlin Rueter present an installation/performance work on the 3rd floor featuring fiery dialogue with tea and cookies FREE Downtown Santa Cruz, CA | 831.429.1964 | visit web site