Things To Do in Santa Cruz: Sept. 15-21 – Good Times Weekly
A weekly guide to what’s happening.
ARTS AND MUSIC
BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM VIRTUAL FESTIVAL Bring the adventure home! Fluff up your couch cushions, grab a snack of choice, and make sure you have a good internet connection because the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is Virtual! Travel to the most remote corners of the world, dive into daring expeditions, and celebrate some of the most remarkable outdoor achievements, all from the comfort of your living room. Films can be purchased individually or as a bundle. Banff will also be screening Award Winners: Monthly Film Series; join us online for a mixed program of award winners from the 2020, 2019 and 2018 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festivals. Catch up on missed films or relive some of the best that Banff has to offer. Just announced is the Encore Classic Films from the past 10 years. Audience favorites. Don’t miss out! Screening until Oct. 24, 2021. Visit riotheatre.com for more information about the online programs and how you can support your local screening.
BEARPAD: THE HUGGING TREE Bearpad is brought to you by Patrick Stephenson and Jordan Fickel. It is a scrappy queer art with an emphasis on physicality and affection. Masculine, relaxed bodies expressing casual desires, cozy gay vibes. A Santa Cruz-based production, the work is influenced by queer history, DIY ethics, and psychedelic aesthetics. The Hugging Tree is an art show and a performance. The art show is a series of experiments in color and form through representations of queer bodies in motion. It is an immersive, audio-visual exploration of intimacy through different ideas of moving images, as well as abstracted interactivity. The performance further explores these ideas through live music. Tickets are $5-$15; for more information visit indexical.org. Saturday, Sept. 18, 8pm.
CAPITOLA MOVIES AT THE BEACH: ‘FROZEN 2’ Free movies near Capitola Beach! Movies begin at 7:30 pm (or dusk). All movies are shown on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park. Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. Esplanade Park, 7:30-10 pm.
CELEBRANDO LA CULTURA This free outdoor concert on Saturday, Sept. 17 in Watsonville City Plaza honors the impact of Mexican American culture on the Bay Area and celebrates the vibrancy of the Pajaro Valley’s agricultural community. Co-produced by McEvoy Foundation for the Arts and Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy with the Watsonville Film Festival, Celebrando la Cultura features music and dance performances from local Mexican cultural organizations. Registration is not required. Watsonville City Plaza, 6-8 pm. Free.
FREQUENCY: FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, SOUND, & DIGITAL CULTURE Light up the night at Frequency, the MAH’s new festival of light, sound, and digital culture. Extending over 4-nights, explore downtown Santa Cruz as local and visiting artists illuminate the museum, neighboring parks, plazas, and riverfront area with interactive installations, live performances, and immersive experiences. Follow the luminescent glow as artists highlight some of the most iconic structures and spaces in downtown Santa Cruz. The route will also reveal less familiar courtyards, alleyways, and rooftops as artists adorn the spaces with glowing installations. Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. santacruzmah.org. Sept. 16-19.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIR Five days of fun and festivities, including a large carnival. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. santacruzcountyfair.com. Sept. 15-19. 12-10 pm.
SHEDM: THE FEMALE CREATORS OF DANCE MUSIC: Sundays: DJs are mixing in the darkest BASS beats by our favorite female and LGBT producers. Don’t miss out. Starts at 9pm. Guest DJs every week. Motiv nightclub is open and fully remodeled—there are all-new bathrooms and state-of-the-art dance floor lights. Add to your calendar: facebook.com/events/3008160246139834. Sunday, Sept. 19, 9pm. Motiv, 1209 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz.
HEISENBERG: THE UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE BY SIMON STEPHENS In this play from one of theater’s most original voices, a bustling London train station brings an unexpected encounter between free-spirited American Georgie and reserved Irishman Alex, thrusting two strangers into a life-changing game. When she turns up in his shop a few days later, the suspicious Alex is drawn into Georgie’s anarchic world and his conventional life becomes chaotic, uncertain, and undeniably richer. Performances are Thursday thru Sunday, Sept. 16 through Oct. 10 (plus Wednesday, Sept 15). Tickets: adults $50; seniors and students $45; preview $27. Directed by Paul Mullins, featuring Paul Whitworth and Erika Schindele. Safety is our priority, for our Covid-19 safety policies, please see our website at jeweltheatre.net or call the box office at 831-425-7506. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 7:30pm. Jewel Theatre, 1010 River St., Santa Cruz.
VIRTUAL MOVIE NIGHT | VOICES OF GRIEF: HONORING THE SACRED JOURNEY For those who have ever struggled in knowing what to say or do in the presence of profound loss, your own or someone else’s, Voices of Grief: Honoring the Sacred Journey offers a hope-filled perspective of how to successfully navigate grief. This award-winning documentary film interweaves individuals’ personal stories of loss and healing together with the insight of nationally renowned experts in the fields of grief and mourning. Q&A panel immediately following the documentary with the film’s executive producer Kathy Sparnins and Elaine Cashman, Clinical Supervisor for Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s Grief Support Program. Watch the film trailer at vimeo.com/160025934. For more information, visit voicesofgrief.org. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 6-7:15pm.
WHEN WE PAINT OUR MASTERPIECE: THE ART OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD COMMUNITY Learn how the members of the Grateful Dead and the global Deadhead community took inspiration from one another in creating an image-rich, worldwide art practice that, like the band’s music, scrambled perceived standards and norms. The creative works presented in When We Paint Our Masterpiece reveal a world full of variety when it comes to design practices, international traditions, visual icons, and vernacular art forms. There has been space for all of these patterns and visions in the community of fans and fellow artists that blossomed around the band, and that community of creators continues to thrive today. This exhibit explores the mutual appreciation among fans as well as between fans and the band. Free. McHenry Library, UCSC, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz. Through December 22, 2022.
COMMUNITY
BACK-TO-SCHOOL STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Ready to show the world you’ve got talent? Let your creativity shine at the back-to-school student spotlight. Brought to you by the Lions Club of District 4-C6 to benefit Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Students ages 4-24 of all abilities: you’re invited to submit a video of your special talent to be featured during the live, online show. All talents are welcome, like singing a song, reciting a poem, or performing a magic act. Family and friends are invited to join in to cheer you on! Purchase a ticket or learn more about the event at vistacenterevents.org/b2s2021. See you at the show! Wednesday, Sept. 15, 5pm.
COMMUNITY DRUMMING WITH JIM GREINER IN PERSON Percussionist/educator Jim Greiner will conduct the next in his monthly third Friday series of community drumming sessions at the Inner Light Center in Soquel in person. The cost is $10. Masks and social distancing requirements will be honored. Jim makes it fun and easy for people from all walks of life to play drums and hand percussion to release stress, to uplift and energize yourself, and to reinforce positive life rhythms through percussion playing. Friday, Sept. 17, 7-8:30pm. Inner Light Center, 5630 Soquel Drive, Soquel.
CUÉNTAME UN CUENTO Acompáñanos para una hora de cuentos, actividades y canciones en español. Este programa es para niños de 0-8 y sus familias. La hora será miércoles a las 4:30pm. Nos reuniremos en el porche exterior. Cuéntame un Cuento se llevará a cabo en Capitola durante el período de construcción de Live Oak. En caso de mal clima, se cancelará la hora de cuentos. Join us for Spanish Storytime, activities, and music! This program is best suited for kids ages 0-8 and their families. Storytime takes place on Wednesday at 4:30pm. We will meet on the outside porch. Storytime will take place at Capitola during Live Oak’s construction period. In the event of bad weather, storytime will be cancelled. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 4:30pm. Capitola Library A Santa Cruz City County Public Library Branch, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola.
DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ MAKERS MARKET Come on out and support local makers and artists at the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market every third Sunday of the month on Pacific Ave at Lincoln St. We are now on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln Streets near New Leaf. Support local and shop small with over 30 Santa Cruz County artists and makers! Don’t forget to stop in and visit the downtown merchants and grab a bite to eat from the downtown restaurants. Remember to social distance as you shop and wear your mask. If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. There will be hand sanitizing stations at the market and signs to remind you about all these things! Friendly leashed pups are welcome. Sunday, Sept. 19, 10am-5pm. Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market, Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz.
FELTON TODDLER TIME Join Librarian Julie on our beautiful Felton patio for Toddler Time. 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. Let’s play and learn together! Make sure to bring something to sit on. We ask that adults please wear a mask. Repeats weekly. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 11am. Felton Branch Library, 6121 Gushee St., Felton.
FREE BIKE COMMUTING 101 WORKSHOP – GO SANTA CRUZ Are you ready to take your commute to the next level? Learn from the experts about bike commuting basics including hauling gear, what to look for in a solid commuting bike, riding while “business casual,” rush hour rules of the road, and more. As Santa Cruz County expands its network of protected bike lanes and paths, now is the perfect time to explore commuting by bike. With the right preparation, adding biking to your commute options can be a breeze. Staff from Ecology Action will share the need-to-knows of bike commuting, troubleshoot your commute and after-work errands, and help cyclists of all levels plan for a safe and satisfying ride. Free bike lights and helmets for all attendees, must be an employee of a business in Downtown Santa Cruz Parking District enrolled in Go SC at my.cruz511.org/s/gosantacruz. This free workshop is offered to all downtown Santa Cruz employees as part of Go Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips. For more information, visit cityofsantacruz.com/gosantacruz. Thursday, Sept. 16, Noon-1pm.
GREY BEARS BROWN BAG LINE Grey Bears are looking for help with their brown bag production line on Thursday and Friday mornings. Volunteers will receive breakfast and a bag of food if wanted. Be at the warehouse with a mask and gloves at 7am. Call ahead for more information: 831-479-1055, greybears.org. Thursday, Sept. 16, 7am. California Grey Bears, 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz.
LA SELVA BEACH PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Join us for a fun interactive storytime. We’ll read books, sing songs and use rhythm and movement. This event is suitable for children ages 3-6 years. There will be an arts and crafts project to take home. This event will be held outside on the back patio. Please bring something to sit on and dress for the weather. Masks will be required. Repeats weekly. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 11am. La Selva Beach Branch Library, 316 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach.
ONLINE ARTISTS’ TALK—ADAPTATIONS: EVOLVING IN A CHANGING WORLD As part of “Adaptations: Cabrillo Art, Photography & Art History Faculty and Staff Exhibition” faculty members Claire Thorson, Neeley Drown, Lesley Louden, Jane Gregorius, Beverly Rayner and Tobin Keller discuss how recent developments caused them to explore the effects of Covid-19 on the psyche, society and interpersonal interactions in their artwork. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 6pm. Cabrillo College Gallery, 6401-6599 Soquel Drive, Aptos.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME ON THE FELTON PATIO Join Librarian Jackie on our beautiful Felton patio for Preschool Storytime. Preschool Storytime is a weekly early literacy program for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers. Music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs are a fun way for your child to learn. Let’s play and learn together! Make sure to bring something to sit on. We ask that adults as well as children ages 3 and up please wear a mask. Repeats weekly. Thursday, Sept. 16, 11am. Felton Branch Library, 6121 Gushee St., Felton.
VEGAN COOKING & WINE PAIRING CLASS: A TASTE OF PROVENCE ON YOUR PLATE Greetings, foodies and wine lovers! Join me for a delightful afternoon enjoying the beautiful art of vegan French cooking and wine pairing at the gorgeous FlipJack Ranch in Bonny Doon, nestled in the magical Santa Cruz Mountains. We’ll be going on a delicious journey to Provence, France through our culinary adventures together! In this delicious and fun hands-on cooking and baking class you’ll make a four-course meal featuring savory thyme pate, salad, ratatouille, pear lavender tart and more. Class fee is $225.00 (nonrefundable) and includes a bottle of Château La Chèze 2015 Côtes de Bordeaux. Saturday, Sept. 18, 1-5pm. FlipJack Ranch, 4600 Smith Grade, Santa Cruz.
GROUPS
COMMUNITY PILATES MAT CLASS Come build strength with us. This very popular in-person community Pilates Mat Class in the big auditorium at Temple Beth El in Aptos is in session once again. Please bring your own mat, small Pilates ball and Theraband if you have one. You must be vaccinated for this indoor class. Suggested donation of $10/class. Thursday, Sept. 16, 10am. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 10am. Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos.
ENTRE NOSOTRAS GRUPO DE APOYO Entre Nosotras support group for Spanish speaking women with a cancer diagnosis. Meets twice monthly. Registration required, please call Entre Nosotras 831-761-3973. Friday, Sept. 17, 6pm. WomenCARE, 2901 Park Ave., Suite A1, Soquel.
S+LAA MENS’ MEETING Having trouble with compulsive sexual or emotional behavior? Recovery is possible. Our small 12-step group meets Saturday evenings. Enter through the front entrance, go straight down the hallway to the last door on the right. Thursday, Sept. 16, 6pm. Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center, 2900 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz.
WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM WomenCARE Arm-in-Arm Cancer support group for women with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic cancer. Meets every Monday at WomenCARE’s office. Currently on Zoom. Registration is required, call WomenCARE at 831-457-2273. All services are free. For more information visit womencaresantacruz.org. Monday, Sept. 20, 12:30pm. WomenCARE, 2901 Park Ave., Suite A1, Soquel.
WOMENCARE MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Mindfulness Meditation for women with a cancer diagnosis. Meets the first and third Friday, currently on Zoom. Registration Required: WomenCARE 831-457-2273. Friday, Sept. 17, 11am-noon. WomenCARE, 2901 Park Ave., Suite A1, Soquel.
WOMENCARE TUESDAY SUPPORT GROUP WomenCARE Tuesday Cancer support group for women newly diagnosed and through their treatment. Meets every Tuesday currently on Zoom. Registration required, call WomenCARE 831-457-2273. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 12:30-2pm. WomenCARE, 2901 Park Ave., Suite A1, Soquel.
WOMENCARE: LAUGHTER YOGA Laughter yoga for women with a cancer diagnosis. Meets every Wednesday, currently via Zoom. Registration is required, please call WomenCARE at 831-457-2273. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 3:30-4:30pm. WomenCARE, 2901 Park Ave., Suite A1, Soquel.
OUTDOOR
ANNUAL COASTAL CLEANUP DAY Show how much you love the Monterey Bay, volunteer for Annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept 18 and/or help clean up your favorite places all month long! Save Our Shores hosts dozens of cleanups along the Central Coast. By joining us as a volunteer, you will make a positive impact on our beautiful Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and prevent trash from entering the ocean. It is suggested you show up fifteen minutes prior to get instructions. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit saveourshores.org/coastal-cleanup. Saturday, Sept. 18, 9am-noon.
CASFS FARMSTAND Organic vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers are sold weekly at the CASFS Farmstand, starting June 15 and continuing through Nov. 23. Proceeds support experiential education programs at the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems. Friday, Sept. 17, Noon-6pm. Tuesday, Sept. 21, Noon-6pm. Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn, Ranch View Road, Santa Cruz.
CLIMATE, LAND AND WATER OUTDOOR MEDITATION This is a public meditation/demonstration to raise our spirits, raise awareness, and raise the vibration in these troubled times. We will open with a Land Acknowledgement and orientation, then silent meditation, ending around 3:30pm. All are welcome! Please arrive early to find parking and get settled in. We will gather on the lawn near the lighthouse—look for the Novasutras signs. You are welcome to bring your own sign to hold or wear around your neck, with inspiring messaging about the climate and environmental crises see bit.ly/SCOM4CH for info. Sunday, Sept. 19, 2:30pm.
RECOVERY OF SEA OTTERS IN THE NORTHEAST PACIFIC: NEW INSIGHTS AND SURPRISES FROM SOFT-BOTTOM ECOSYSTEMS Sea otters are a model species for investigating how the recovery of a top marine predator impacts ocean ecosystems. As sea otters expand into new regions and habitats, such as saltmarsh ecosystems, they are unraveling secrets previously unknown to science. This presents an unprecedented learning opportunity, providing much-needed knowledge and tools for resource managers. Join Brent to learn more about sea otter ecological roles in seagrass beds and how collaborative research ties to the conservation of sea otters in the Northeast Pacific. Register in advance for the online Science Sunday webinar at seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/learn/ongoing-education/science-sundays. Registration closes at 12:30pm on Sunday, Sept. 19. For more information visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu. Sunday, Sept. 19, 1:30-2:30pm. Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz.
SEYMOUR CENTER OUTDOORS! Activities include tide pool investigation: hone your observation skills and watch animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, and hermit crabs gracefully move in their environment; outdoor scavenger hunt: explore the pathway of giants and find nine outdoor objects hidden around the Seymour Center; larval fish geocache: Why do baby fish look so different from their adult forms? What kinds of strategies do fish use for raising their young? And just what kind of fish live in Monterey Bay, anyway? Find the answers to these questions in five secret containers located throughout the Coastal Science Campus. Marine Animal Selfie Station: Grab a selfie with one of our life-sized wooden marine animals—be sure to use #SeymourCenter on your social media profiles. The Seymour Center Outdoors is free to visit with a suggested $10 donation per household. Become a sustaining supporter of the Seymour Center, and purchase a membership! To learn more visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/visit. Saturday, Sept. 18, 11am-2pm. Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz.
SUNSET BEACH BOWLS Experience the tranquility, peace and calmness as the ocean waves harmonize with the sound of crystal bowls raising vibration and energy levels. Every Tuesday one hour before sunset at Moran Lake Beach. Call 831-333-6736 for more details. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 7-8pm. Moran Lake Park & Beach, East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz.
WEST CLIFF FOOD TRUCK SERIES 2021 Join us at the West Cliff Lighthouse parking lot to enjoy the beautiful view, local food trucks, and live music! It’s a great chance to get outside and soak in the sunshine. This is becoming a locals favorite and tourists love it as well. The parking lot is close to many wonderful picnic areas where you can relax and take in the scenery. Admission is free! Friday, Sept. 17, 4-8pm. Lighthouse Point Park, West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz.
WEST CLIFF OUTDOOR MARKET 2021 Come enjoy West Cliff Outdoor Market which will feature unique artisans and local food trucks. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it overlooks the famous Steamers Lane surf spot. Enjoy the fresh air as you stroll among many artisan’s booths and specialty food while taking in the view. Come enjoy the live music and admission is free! We will also be giving away free tokens every hour to random shoppers who may use them towards any vendor of their choice. So come down and get your free gift! See you on the cliffs. Saturday, Sept. 18, 10am-7pm. Lighthouse Point Park, West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz.
YOU PICK ROSES We are growing over 300 roses, deeply fragrant, lush and in every color, and we want to share them with you! Get out of the house and enjoy cutting a bucket of roses for your pleasure or to share with family and friends. Visit birdsongorchards.com to make a reservation. Once you have made a purchase, you will be sent a calendar link to pick a time for your reservation and directions to our farm in Watsonville. Friday, Sept. 17, 11am. Sunday, Sept. 19, 11am.