Events

Nutcracker Returns to Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater

November 20, 2019 by Seb Frey

The Santa Cruz City Ballet brings its production of the Nutcracker to Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater this December for the ninth year running! Kick off the Holidays with tradition and family fun. Add some sparkle to your season with the magical Nutcracker Ballet, a spectacular performance sure to delight and inspire. Gorgeous costumes, dazzling sets, and exquisite dancing!

Santa Cruz City Ballet @ International Academy of Dance will present the full length Nutcracker Ballet with local talent and guest artists from the Bay Area and beyond. What better way to bring in the season than with smiles, laughter, and joy?

There will be a total of four performances over two days – Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th, at 1:00 PM and again at 4:00 PM.

Tickets are available for purchase online using this link.

Children 2 and under sitting on your lap are free, all other tickets are $28, $35, or $40 apiece. There are discounts available for groups of 15 or more. More information is available on NutcrackerSantaCruz.com.

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Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony 2019 Fall Concert

November 5, 2019 by Seb Frey

The Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony, under the direction of Nathaniel Berman, will be giving its 2019 Fall Concert on Sunday, November 17th 2019 at 3 PM at the UCSC Music Recital Hall (402 McHenry Road on the UC Santa Cruz campus).

The acclaimed group will perform music by Malcolm Arnold, Aaron Copland, and Arturo Márquez, plus “Poem for Flute and Orchestra,” by Charles T. Griffes, featuring 16-year-old Hunter Bauman (pictured) on flute.

Also included: the world premiere of “Reflections of a 16-Year-Old Girl,” by Bay Area teen composer Miranda Yu. This promises to be a delightful and exceptional way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon! Children will be inspired to see other kids their age performing at such a high level. Adults will be amazed by the depth and beauty of the performance.

Homemade cookies and cakes for sale at intermission. FREE admission for students 18 and younger. Adults $15, Seniors $10, Students 19–24 $5. Tickets available online and at the door. Please support the arts in our community and plan to attend – and bring a friend! This is a terrific way to start the holiday season.

Meet the Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony

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Fire Safe Council Presents Wildfire “Home Hardening” Events

October 8, 2019 by Seb Frey

The Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County invites county residents and building professionals to attend any one of six free presentations being held Oct. 22 – Nov. 9 that are designed to provide education about how to make your home better able to withstand wildfires. Attendees will learn best practices to improve personal and structure safety, as well as “do and don’t” guidelines for the critical five foot area immediately surrounding a home. The presentations are made possible through a partnership with CSAA Insurance Group.

Dates and locations include:

Tues., Oct. 22
2pm-4pm
Highland Park Senior Center
8500 Highway 9
Ben Lomond

Tues., Oct. 22
7pm-9pm
Santa Cruz Police Dept.
Community Room
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz

Sat., Oct. 26
10am-12pm
Watsonville Civic Center
Community Room
Watsonville

Sat., Oct. 26
2pm-4pm
Aptos Grange
255 Mar Vista Road
Aptos

Wed., Oct. 30
7pm-9pm
Loma Prieta School
23800 Summit Road
Los Gatos

Sat., Nov. 9
2pm-4pm
Corralitos Women’s Club
33 Browns Valley Road
Watsonville

RSVPs are encouraged at www.firesafesantacruz.org/home-hardening-events-2019

About the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County

The mission of the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County is to educate and mobilize the people of Santa Cruz County to protect their community, homes and environment from wildfire. Learn more at www.firesafesantacruz.org and www.facebook.com/firesafesantacruzcounty.

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Best Halloween Activities And Events for Santa Cruz 2019

October 8, 2019 by Seb Frey

It’s the time of year that the fog disappears, the days grow short and the nights grow cool. In other words, it’s October, when thoughts turn to pumpkin spiced lattes and the Halloween festivities that make for fun and memorable times with friends and family. We’ve compiled here a selection of the best Halloween events and activities in and around Santa Cruz for 2019.

BEST PUMPKIN PATCHES

Rodoni Pumpkin Patch

4444 Coast Rd,Santa Cruz, California 95060

(831) 426-0666

www.rodonifarms.com

https://www.facebook.com/Rodoni-Farms-Organic-Pumpkins-Produce-165513783535818/

Post Street Farm

122 Post St, Santa Cruz, California 95060

(831) 251-2946

Hours 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

The Great Pumpkin Patch (Soquel)

2125 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz 95065

(831) 479-4152

$5 per person hay rides, $5 cow train, $8 for the hamster ball things on the water. Very small pumpkins $5 each then the prices go up to $30 for the large ones.

9am-9pm

Crystal Bay Farms

40 Zils Rd, Watsonville, California 95076

The favorite of many with different activities for the family and look at the events they have during the month of October

Arata’s Pumpkin Farm

185 Verde Road, Half Moon Bay, CA

650-726-7548

About a 45 minute drive from Santa Cruz on Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, Arata’s is open during the day with plenty of activities including hay rides, a petting zoo, and children’s train rides. But, for something different and a little scary (think older kids), try the hay maze and haunted barn at night! Be sure to visit Arata’s online for a full list of attractions and prices.

Usegi Farm

14485 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, California 95046

Usegi Farm is a lot of fun, too. Corn maze, pumpkin cannons, tractor rides through a huge field of flowers, merry go round…our kids loved it when they were little.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Usegi-Farms-Pumpkin-Patch/226882774456891

Swank Farms in Hollister

It has a lot of fun activities: Pumpkin Patch, Photo Ops, Sunflowers, Delicious Food, Corn Maze and train. It’s opening day for our BRAND new Trail of Lights & Frights! The trail is a magical, lit up pathway through the woods, full of surprises! Bring the entire family out.

Open Fridays & Saturdays in October AND Halloween!

Lean more: www.swankfarms.com/trail-of-lights-and-frights

Find them on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/SwankFarms/

BEST EVENTS

Wilder Ranch State Park

Location: 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, California 95060

Heritage Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11 AM – 3 PM

Expect historic tractors/engines, square dancing, hand cranked ice cream, living history demonstrations, children’s crafts & games, food for sale, apple tasting, and wagon rides.

Roaring Camp Railroads

Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party

Event dates: October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
Train Departing Times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1p, 2pm

Dress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas and Percy, for a 20-minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities for the entire family. Your ticket includes a fun-filled day of activities: a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy, Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, Storytelling and Video Viewing, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, and an Imagination Station with Arts & Crafts, a pumpkin patch and more. Guests will also can meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.

Simpkins Family Swim Center

979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, California 95062

Floating pumpkin patch at Simpkins swim center

Date: Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 1 PM – 4 PM

Join us for our 4th annual Floating Pumpkin Patch Event on Sunday October 20th from 1 – 4 PM. Come swim with the pumpkins, ride the water slide, stand up paddle board in the deep end, and help raise money for learn-to-swim scholarships! There will be games and prizes for all who attend! Event entry fees = Adults $8; Children & Seniors $6; $5 per pumpkin & children 3 and under are free! For more information call the Swim Center at (831) 454-7960

Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange

1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, California 95062

Glass Pumpkin Patch

Event: Oct 26 & 27 at 10 AM – 4PM

The Santa Cruz-Live Oak Glass Pumpkin Patch returns with golden leaves and autumn breezes!

For the annual Glass Pumpkin Patch sale! This year we have a Bumper Crop of beautiful hand-made glass pumpkins and gourds, in a gorgeous array of colors, in all sizes and for every budget. Chris Johnson has been busy in the hot shop creating amazing new designs for this much-loved event. No purchase required – all are welcome to come enjoy the beautiful art glass and autumn in the beautiful Grange Garden.

Capitola Village Halloween Parade

Date: October 27, 2019 @ 2 PM

Ghosts, goblins, boys and ghouls…join us for the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade! Line up begins at 1:30pm in the Beach & Village Parking Lot above Capitola City Hall. Parade begins promptly at 2pm. Parade will head down Capitola Avenue, wind through Capitola Village to the Esplanade ending at Esplanade Park, where trick-or-treat bags, balloons, and refreshments will be waiting. New Leaf Community Market will be there with treats! Trick-or-treating at Capitola Village shops following parade.

Line up in the Beach & Village Parking Lot above Capitola City Hall at 1:30pm. Parade begins at 2pm. Parade will head down Capitola Avenue ending at Esplanade Park. Trick or Treat bags and refreshments at Esplanade Park.

Capitola Village Beach

Fourth annual SUP Gathering of the Sea Witches of Capitola

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 10 AM

Bring your boards and paddles. Informal paddle. Costume is required and knowledge of SUP also required. This year will be another fun SUP fest on the waters of Capitola Village. All costumed SUP Witches invited! Those needing to rent a board please contact Capitola Surf and Paddle at 831-435-6503. If they have enough interest they’ll open early to rent to those who need boards. So, if you need a board, contact them soon.

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Aptos Village

161 Aptos Village Way, Aptos, California

Aptos Community Halloween Parade

Date: October 31, 2019 Thursday, at 3 PM – 4 PM

We welcome children of all ages to join us at the 1st Annual Aptos Community Halloween parade in the new Aptos Village Green.

Show off your costume and parade around the village green and Stop into local businesses who will be participating in our Safe Halloween, before your trick-or-treat plans. in front of New Leaf Aptos.

https://www.facebook.com/events/527205078106415/

Crystal Bay Farms

Where: 40 Zils Rd, Watsonville, California 95076

Pumpkin Harvest Party Steven Graves Band & Doug Surfing Magician

Date: Sunday at 3 PM – 6 PM

Crystal bay farms for sure. Try and go on a weekend in October. Music, crafts fair purchase, and the best pumpkin patch around. Join the Steven Graves Band at the Crystal Bay Farms for a Pumpkin Patch Harvest Party with special guest Doug The Surfing Magician! There will be organic food and beer and crafts for the kids. DONATION ACCEPTED

https://www.facebook.com/events/750550615384477/

Farm Discovery at Live Earth

1275 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, California 95076

Harvest Festival: Pumpkin Patch & Apples Bash

Date: October 19, 2019 at 10 AM – 3 PM

Fun on the Farm for the family! Tractor Rides, Apple Picking, Face Painting, Food, Ice Cream, Beer & Cider, Live Music & more

Agricultural History Project

2601 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, California 95076

2nd Saturday on the Farm – Halloween on the Farm

Date: October 12 Saturday at 11 AM – 3 PM

Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come on out to enjoy good old-fashioned fun! This month we will be celebrating Halloween on the Farm! Come in costume and Tractor or Treat with us! We will have pumpkin & gourd decorating, pumpkin games, crafts & a puppet show. This action-packed day is admission free, and donations are gladly accepted. It’s fun for the whole family!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2499149363634884/

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BEYOND SANTA CRUZ

49TH HALF MOON BAY ART & PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Date: OCTOBER 19-20.

The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay celebrates its bountiful fall harvest and autumn splendor with a special display of gigantically enormous/heavyweight champion pumpkins, smashing entertainment with four stages of stellar live music, the home-spun Great Pumpkin Parade, boo-tiful harvest-inspired crafts, tasty Homestyle foods, premium wines, seasonal craft beer, pumpkin-infused ales, pumpkin-flavored artisanal cocktails, expert pumpkin carver Farmer Mike sculpting monster pumpkins into amazing one-of-a-kind masterpieces, photos with the gargantuan grand champion mega-gourd, pie-eating and costume contests, pumpkin carving for fun, the world’s largest mosaic pumpkin sculpture that measures 12-feet long, 11-feet high and weighs 10,000 pounds by artist Peter Hazel, the Xfinity Take 5 Lounge with giant screen TV, wet and wild waterballerz, ultra-thrilling bungee jump, Cornhole game area, Stay Cool Misting Tent, selfies and fun with the delightfully rotund, playful and mischievous Pumpkin Festival mascot “Gourdy”, and the Sunday-only “Made on the Coast” local artists block with art and live music, and the Sunday-only Great Pumpkin Run – 10k, 5k, Half Marathon and Kids’ Fun Run, plus sweet sponsor swag giveaways and samples. Festival admission is free. Pets are not allowed. Presented by the non-profit Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee which has raised several million dollars for community service organizations and civic improvements in its 49 year history.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2347876851948509/

46TH SAFEWAY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF

Date: OCTOBER 14

The Big Week launches with the World’s Greatest Gourd Growers and their titanic orbs doing battle in the 46th Annual SAFEWAY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF, the Super Bowl of weigh-offs, on Monday, October 14 (7 a.m., on the IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street, Half Moon Bay). Organizers are offering a hefty, world’s biggest top prize of $7 per pound and $30,000 in total prize money for a new world record entered at Half Moon Bay plus beefed up overall prize money going to the Top 20. Superstar grower Steve Daletas’ gorgeous and gargantuan 2,170-pound weigh-off champion mega-gourd obliterated a formidable field of heavyweight contenders in winning the 2018 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Daletas is expected to return along with a host of accomplished, veteran growers to contend for the $30,000 world record prize. The Goliath grand champion mega-gourd, along with the top four heaviest weigh-off pumpkins, will be displayed at the Pumpkin Festival, October 19-20.

Santa Cruz KOA Spook-tacular

Every weekend in October, the Santa Cruz / Watsonville KOA has a “spook-tacular” Halloween celebration! Camping sites for this event are usually booked a year in advance, but you may be able to pay for a day pass to participate in the festivities.

See our special report on the Santa Cruz KOA Spook-tacular here.

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Hosted Taco Bar Sunday 10/6 in Aptos

October 3, 2019 by Seb Frey

Taco Bar and Open House 10/6/19 in Aptos

I’ve hosted a number of taco bars over the years – often for housewarming parties and the like. But this is my first public taco bar open house. I wanted to open it up to anyone and everyone, to show my appreciation for my community (while also, hopefully, getting some good exposure for my listing).

Do you love tacos? Who doesn’t? That’s why I’m hosting a free taco bar this coming Sunday, October 6th @ 4 PM at my new listing in Rio del Mar, at 175 Tamarack Drive (just a few blocks from Rio del Mar Elementary). This is the first open house I’m holding for the property – it’s a beautiful home, right along the 14th fairway of the Seascape Golf Course. I figured a beautiful home like this really deserves a fun and festive first open house – so what could be better than a taco bar?

As I often do at open houses, I’m encouraging people to register to win a $100 Amazon gift card. To register, you need to tell me how much you think the final sale price of the home will be – and whoever guesses closest wins a $100 Amazon gift card at close of escrow. After all, everyone who loves tacos also loves Amazon.com, right? Chocolate and peanut butter!

Please come to 175 Tamarack Drive on Sunday, October 6th at 4 PM. The tacos are free, and all-you-can-eat while the tacos last! It would be lovely to meet more members of our Aptos Community. I hope to see you there!

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Mindfuleating Series Coming to Aptos in October

October 3, 2019 by Seb Frey

Have you been suffering for a long time with healthy eating? Do you want to love yourself and respect yourself without knowing how? Have you tried again and again diets to loss weight without results? Have you suffered periods of bingeing, or are you been diagnosed with an eating disorder? In this event you will find the keys to take care of your body and diet in a safe, loving and sustainable way. Join me in this Mindfuleating Series in finding peace with you body and food.

MINDFULEATING SERIES – FINDING PEACE WITH FOOD AND YOUR BODY

PROGRAM

October 24th. 6-7.30pm
Mindfuleating Intro, learning the foundations of mindfulness based eating awareness.

November 14th. 6-7.30pm
Mindful Bites, the art of eating mindfully. Finding peace and joy while nourishing yourself.

December 5th. 6-7.30pm
Mindfulness meditation healing self touch. Seeding compassion and love for your body and yourself.

January 2nd. 6-7.30pm
Emotional Eating. Connecting with your triggers. Breaking the chain and finding your own pathway.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Laura Casasayas is a Dietitian and Acupuncturist with more than 9 years of experience. After years of dealing with an eating disorder, she found a deep healing through mindfuleating.

Location

Alliance Physical Therapy
7887 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA

Info & Sign Up

Call 831.515.9659

Cost

Donation based

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Our Community Reads Begins its Third Year

September 29, 2019 by Seb Frey

Friends of the Aptos Library / Our Community Reads

Friends of the Aptos Library is pleased to announce that their very successful “Our Community Reads” (“OCR”) program is returning for its third year!

The ballots were cast and the public will soon learn which of five nominated books will be the featured title for the 2020 Our Community Reads (OCR) season. On September 26th, 50 members of the community came from La Selva, Aptos and Capitola to choose the winner. The voting event was hosted by the Friends of the Aptos Library at the Aptos Branch.

Books under consideration are: Map of Salt and Stars, by Zeyn Joukhadar, Patriot Number One by Lauren Hilgers, Isaac’s Storm, by Erik Larson, Earthquake Storms, by John C. Dvorak, and lastly Change Comes to Dinner, by Katherine Gustafson. Each one of these books tells a fascinating story, and each in its own way would be relevant to us here in the Central Coast. We encourage everyone to read them all!

The idea behind “OCR” is to foster community by having as many people at one time reading the same book. The Friends host a series of events free and open to the public to offer our residents the opportunity to gather and share ideas around related themes from the book. Last year a total of 16 events, with something for everyone, brought the community together over a span of almost 9 weeks as we delved into the themes of The Death and Life of Monterey Bay: A Story of Revival. Partnerships with several organizations such as Save Our Shores, and the Elkorn Slough Foundation along with participation from Cabrillo College and Aptos High School made this possible. La Selva Beach Friends of the Library hosted a panel of five scientists for a lively and informative discussion.

This year the Friends of the Capitola Library will join the Aptos Friends in sponsoring events that will begin late January and run approximately 6 weeks. We look forward to meeting members of our community through this interactive and exciting program. Visit the Friends of the Aptos Library web site to learn more.

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World’s Shortest Parade in 47 Seconds

July 4, 2019 by Seb Frey

Mar Vista Students Raise Funds for Paradise Elementary

February 22, 2019 by Seb Frey

The students at Mar Vista Elementary School recently held a special Winter Benefit Concert to raise funds to help the children and families of Paradise Elementary School, which burned to the ground in 2018 during the devastating Camp fire.

Students in grades TK (Transitional Kindergarten) through 4th performed a wide range of songs, starting with It’s a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and finishing up with I’ll be There by Bruno Mars. The first of two performances was held on a Thursday morning at 8:30 AM, but the hall was packed with parents excited to see their kids perform.

Students from the 5th and 6th grades ran the coffee and bake sale, which was the fundraising portion of the event. They had an ambitious goal of raising $4,000-$5,000 for the victims of the fire. The students of Mar Vista Elementary School ask you to please donate to the Camp Fire Relief Fund!

Schools is all about learning, and by putting on this benefit concert, the students have learned a very important lesson. They’ve learned that we’re all in this together, and that when people need help it’s important to step up and lend a hand to those in need.

Mar Vista Elementary Winter Benefit Concert Video

Mar Vista Elementary Winter Benefit Concert Photo Gallery

The school also put together a video showing how the idea of this special benefit concert came about, and can be seen below:

Our Community Reads in 2019

January 19, 2019 by Seb Frey

Friends of the Aptos Library is again sponsoring “Our Community Reads” in 2019. In its second year, the goal is to bring the community together around issues concerning our residents and to foster ways to engage people in a thought-provoking manner.

A book is chosen by a committee and recommended as a community read. Last year’s themes were based around the book “Born a Crime”, by Trevor Noah which highlighted the issues of racism and “otherness” as they affect members of society. This year’s book choice, “The Death & Life of Monterey Bay: A Story of Revival” focuses on the tumultuous story from the bay’s disastrous past of over-fishing and pollution to becoming the most prized natural resource it is today.

Read a good book lately?

The Friends of the Aptos Library offers a vast array of events to the public to bring these themes to light and allows people to gather together for discussion and community engagement. This year’s offerings consist of 3 films (each presented by an expert in a field relating to the film’s topic) several speakers, a panel discussion, a conversation with the book’s two authors, a poetry slam/art event hosted by Aptos High & Delta School, and some outings to explore the Elkhorn Slough. All but two of these events are free, and all are open to the public.

Not only do we project that readers will learn a great deal about the Monterey Bay through this extensive program and gain an appreciation for the bay’s turbulent past, but participants will gain access to what they can do to secure the healthy future of our most precious natural resource.

Looking for a Home in Aptos?

A major goal of Our Community Reads is to foster awareness, highlight literacy, and create a passion for engagement and activism. We believe that a well-informed and involved community is a healthy one!

To reach underserved communities, the Friends of the Aptos Library, through a California Humanities grant, will be purchasing Spanish-language educational materials relating to the ocean and conservation and environmental issues. They will be donated to the county library Book Mobile and taken along with volunteers who can facilitate learning to these grade school aged children.

Our Community Reads 2019 Events

Our Community Reads Begins its Third Year (September 29, 2019)