Events in Watsonville today

Santa Cruz hosts Ninja Mountain Bike Performance at DeLaveaga Park for a full weekend of mountain bike skills clinics. Options range from concise half day sessions to immersive full day clinics and a comprehensive two day camp that brings the Ninja curriculum together in one experience. Choices include Co-Ed Fundamentals, Women’s Only Fundamentals, Fundamentals Trail Application, a Fundamentals Full Day Combo, a Jumping Mini Clinic, and an Intermediate and Advanced full day clinic, so beginners through seasoned trail riders can find a good fit. Offerings can vary by location and date. After registration, participants receive an email with the exact meeting location for their selected clinic.

Pick your own produce at the UC Santa Cruz Farm and enjoy a relaxed, hands-on harvest experience. Strawberries and flowers are available in season, while some crops wrap up earlier than others. Start by checking in near the tent cabins to pick up containers before heading into the fields. Payment is cashless, so bring a smartphone and a credit card, and plan to complete the purchase on your own device by entering the card number. Free parking is available in lots 115 and 116 and at the Hay Barn lot during u-pick hours, and visitors are asked not to use the dirt lot by the back gate. One ADA space is available on the farm for those with a valid placard. The terrain includes uneven, hilly areas, and those who need accommodations can email agroecology@ucsc.edu. Please leave pets at home, with the exception of service animals.

This scenic group ride with Kruz3r Mob follows the Monterey Peninsula from Seaside Beach to Lovers Point. The route includes a lunch stop at Cannery Row, along with additional breaks for refreshments and photo opportunities. The outing welcomes families. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen and a lock.

An open dance session at Palomar Ballroom Santa Cruz centers on expressive movement without set choreography. Host and DJ Daniel Mollner provides the music while participants choose how they want to move, whether dancing solo or connecting with others. Plan to be present for the full experience when possible. Doors close early in the gathering, so arriving near the start is important. Admission is $20, cash only, paid at the door. Children enter free, and there is no charge during your birthday week. The space emphasizes respect, creativity, embodiment, and community. Keep conversation off the dance floor and keep substances out of the experience. Everyone is responsible for their own health and safety. All are welcome, including people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, older adults, neurodiverse participants, and people of every shape, size, age, and ability.

Scrumptious brings award winning British style fish and chips to Humble Sea Brewing Co. Recognized by Good Times as Santa Cruz’s Best Take Out/Seafood for five years in a row, this team is known for crisp, traditional flavors. The menu features shrimp, savory bangers, and three loaded chip options, including one tailored for vegan diners. For convenience, ordering through DoorDash and Uber Eats is available while they are at the brewery.

A special Second Sábado poetry reading spotlights Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Nancy Miller Gomez and award-winning Latinx poet Adela Najarro. Nancy’s work has appeared in Best American Poetry, Best New Poets, and numerous anthologies and journals. She has received an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship and a special mention in the Pushcart Prize anthology. Her poetry has been recognized for its compassion and intensity, and she co-founded an organization that brings poetry into jails and offers workshops to marginalized youth across the county. Adela’s fifth collection, Variations in Blue, was published through the Letras Latinas and Red Hen collaborative. The California Arts Council has recognized her as an established artist, and she serves as Board President for Círculo de Poetas and Writers, working with the Latinx community nationwide at the intersection of creative writing and social justice. Guests can enjoy wine and refreshments, time to socialize, and a Q&A with both poets about their writing and their community-centered work. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.

First Call performs at Bubbles & Brew in Morgan Hill, a wine bar and bistro featuring local wines, a wide selection of draft beer, and artisanal plates made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Conditions are expected to be cool yet comfortable, with plenty of patio heaters and fire pits to keep things warm while the music plays. Beyond public shows, First Call also plays private events including parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate gatherings.

Shawn Colvin will perform at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz. Expect a mix of pop, rock, and singer-songwriter style music for an evening with the headliner.

The Brotherhood Tour brings Los Lobos and Los Loney Boys to the Golden State Theatre for a concert featuring both bands on the same bill.

Presented by the City of San Juan Bautista, this free outdoor movie series offers six evenings of family entertainment at Abbe Park Field. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, gather with family and friends, and enjoy films under the stars. The lineup features Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, Hoppers, How to Train Your Dragon, GOAT, and Wicked: For Good. Admission is free, parking is available nearby, and guests are encouraged to help keep the park clean by disposing of trash properly.

Returning to Slys, this night brings free live music with opportunities to dance, along with cocktails and tasty food. A special guest, Mr. Joe Birtola, will be featured.

Tri-Valley Dive Club is hosting a fun shore dive at Monastery Beach, a dramatic Monterey Peninsula site set along the edge of the Carmel Submarine Canyon. Expect striking underwater terrain with rocky reefs, kelp, and the chance to see a range of Central California marine life. When conditions line up, the scenery and unique topography can make for an especially memorable dive. This location is best suited to experienced divers. Steep, coarse sand, shifting footing, shore break, and surge can make entries and exits demanding, so participants should be comfortable with cold-water shore diving and handling their equipment in active surf. Safety is the priority, and the group will dive here only if the ocean cooperates. If the waves are not favorable, the outing may shift to an alternate site, so please watch for updates before traveling. Plan to arrive with enough time to unload, assemble your kit, and be prepared for the briefing. Bring full cold-water gear, appropriate exposure protection, and everything needed for a safe, enjoyable day in the water. RSVP or send questions to Dive N Trips at 925-462-7234 or info@diventrips.com. A PADI professional guide can be arranged in advance through Dive N Trips if desired.

A Sunday morning coffee ride departs from Peet's Coffee in Los Gatos and heads along Los Gatos Saratoga and Saratoga Sunnyvale roads. The route winds through the Monte Vista neighborhood to Foothill and continues to downtown Los Altos for a stop at Manresa Bread. The return uses Foothill, Homestead, the Mary Avenue Bridge, De Anza, Stelling, and nearby connectors for a total of about 34 miles. The average speed is typically 15 to 16 mph, with some stretches faster. Leadership rotates, with Howie or other volunteers guiding depending on the week.

Santa Cruz Warriors Lacrosse offers a no-travel, once-a-week summer program for boys and girls ages 4 to 10 in Santa Cruz County. It welcomes both beginners and experienced players to learn and play one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Sessions take place on Sundays at Harbor High and run for eight weeks. Players are grouped by grade level, with TK to 1st and 2nd to 4th divisions, and girls and boys are placed in separate divisions when numbers allow, otherwise teams are coed. Each meeting lasts about an hour and a half, beginning with roughly 45 minutes of practice followed by one 30 minute game. The league focuses on building fundamentals, fostering a supportive community, and plenty of gameplay. Team assignments are set before the season begins, and loaner sticks are available at the start of the season.

At Pet Food Express in Los Gatos, visitors can meet cats hoping to be matched with a loving home. This in-person event provides an opportunity to see available cats and their personalities. Adoption events are held at this location.

Scrumptious brings its British-style fish and chips to Humble Sea Brewing Co. Recognized by Good Times as Best Take Out/Seafood in Santa Cruz for five consecutive years, they serve their signature fish and chips along with shrimp and bangers. Three loaded chip dishes offer added variety, including a vegan-friendly option. For convenience, orders can be placed through DoorDash and Uber Eats while they are at the brewery.

This Pilates-influenced small group training at SPENGA Los Gatos is led by Marina, who brings over a decade of Pilates teaching experience. Each session is limited to 12 participants and concentrates on building core strength so you feel ready for tomorrow. The first class is complimentary for local guests.

A comfort food pop-up from the vegan BBQ spot named the nation's top by VegNews and USA TODAY pops up in Santa Cruz, serving Southern-inspired classics and sandwich specials. The vegan lineup includes smoked meats, mac n cheeze, Beyond Burgers in a beer-cheeze batter, jambalaya, po boyz, Cajun corn, totchos, and more. The menu is free of nuts, with several gluten-free choices available.

Santa Cruz’s Craig Rayburn Band brings an afternoon of country and American rock to Woodhouse Blending & Brewing. The lineup includes Craig with Andrew Tuckman on drums, Nick Heinz on guitar, Tom Lavenhagen on bass, and Eliza James on backing vocals. There is a $10 cover. Please note that the David Outlaw Band will not be performing, as their booking has been canceled.

Enjoy an afternoon immersed in the timeless sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and more. Complement the music with a selection of artisan foods, along with beer and wine.

Get ready for an evening of rockabilly, roots rock, and outlaw country with The Beat Farmers. The show starts at 8:00 PM at Moe's Alley in Santa Cruz.

Sports takes the stage at Felton Music Hall. Additional details are available for this event, including tickets, photos, video, and reviews.

Community members can receive a free walk-in health screening at Watsonville Public Library, presented by the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. This session focuses on blood pressure checks, with information available to help understand risk factors and resources related to conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. The program is open to all ages and takes place at the Main Library. Support for this effort comes from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian, with additional support from Rural Health Connections.

This class helps distinguish anger from assertiveness, stress, and aggression. Participants learn to assess and understand their own anger, develop practical techniques to manage it, and remain calm in stressful moments.

An early highlight of Monterey Car Week returns with a scenic avenue showcase of vintage and classic models alongside collector cars, all set within a charming village atmosphere. Take in creations by local artists and community exhibits, browse boutique shopping, and enjoy dining for a range of cultural experiences that also support charitable initiatives. Admission is free.

This free bilingual Positive Discipline playgroup provides sessions in English with Sarahi and in Spanish with Angelica. Families can find support for Positive Discipline practices, enjoy brunch snacks, and access additional resources with direct referrals. Guidance centers on understanding child development and practical ways to nurture cognitive, movement, social, and language skills. Register by calling 831-288-0088, or text the code word "RC Fam" along with your name and your children’s ages to 831-292-4088.

Readers gather at Garfield Park Branch Library for a discussion-focused book club centered on headline-making titles and widely talked-about reads. Conversations explore controversies, emerging modern classics, and books that have been in the spotlight. Registration is required.

Trilingual playgroups centered on Positive Discipline are offered with facilitation in Mixteco and Spanish and accessibility in English. Guillermina leads songs and shares resources in Mixteco and Spanish, while bilingual facilitators Melanie, Rocio, and Sarahi provide songs and resource support in Spanish and English. Additional resources and direct referrals are available. Capacity is limited, so advance sign up is required. Pop up sessions in parks or other community spaces can be arranged to expand access.

Celebrate Date Night Tuesday with a four-course experience for two. Begin with Chef’s pintxos and a Caesar salad, choose a paella from Del Mar, La Granja, or Primavera, then finish with churros for dessert. Two glasses of Estéban’s Signature Sangria are included, and the full menu is $79. The featured paellas highlight classic Spanish flavors. Reservations are recommended.

After parties follow the Tuesday Night Summer Concert Series, offering a chance to continue the evening with fellow attendees. These gatherings extend the night beyond the stage and keep the concert spirit going.

Presented by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, Choose Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz Wharf Tenants, Tuesday Night Live brings live music back to the Wharf Commons stage. Explore wharf business pop ups and consider making a dinner reservation before the shows. Attendees may want to bring a chair or lace up dancing shoes. After every performance, the festivities continue upstairs at Vino by the Sea. This season features a rotating lineup that includes SambaDá, The Viva Santana Show, The Unauthorized Rolling Stones, Sweet VooDoo, The Lost Boys featuring James Durbin, Fish Hook, formerly Santa Cruda, The Joint Chiefs, and Extra Large.

Unwind beside the fireplace in the lounge with live piano music from Dave Conley. Performances are available on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Learn a mix of beginner and beginner level 2 line dances that are perfect for the dance floor. This approachable session welcomes newcomers and those ready to build on the basics.

Following the summer concert, an after party at Vino By The Sea brings attendees together to meet up and continue the evening.

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion brings motorsport history to life with authentic, period-correct competition. The 2026 spotlight centers on the pioneers and champions of Japanese racing, featuring notable machinery from Mazda, Toyota, Yamaha, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, and others. The celebration covers disciplines where these brands have excelled, including INDYCAR, NASCAR, Formula 1, Formula E, endurance events, sports car competition, off-road, rally, motorcycle racing, and drifting. For more than half a century, this gathering has honored heritage at speed with family-friendly activities, elevated culinary options, and premium hospitality. Attendees may meet renowned drivers and absorb the distinctive sights and sounds of some of the world’s most celebrated race cars. As a highlight of Monterey Car Week, it offers an immersive experience for enthusiasts. Petersen Automotive Museum members and friends can take advantage of exclusive savings during race weekend.

A local One Piece tournament held each week, where players vie for pirate king bragging rights. Entry costs $10.

Smoked Out Soul channels a Bay Area sound where live band energy meets the pulse of a DJ set. Launched by Zebuel as a mixtape weaving 70s Motown, Stax, and contemporary rhythms, it has grown into a full-stage collaboration with musicians, producers, and DJs performing together. The show blends classic soul and funk with modern textures, featuring horns, guitar, drums, synths, and high-energy turntable work. With appearances at Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and Lightning in a Bottle, the group brings a kinetic, genre-crossing set that turns the plaza into a lively summer evening scene, rooted in soul yet looking ahead. Jazz on the Plazz is free to attend and open to all, with general admission areas throughout Los Gatos Town Plaza. Guests may bring lawn chairs and picnic items, however blankets are not allowed. Reserved seating directly in front of the stage is available for purchase and often sells out in advance.

Trivia Night at Tipsy Putt features weekly quizzes hosted by Geeks Who Drink, with new questions and playful challenges each time. There is no cost to participate, winners earn prizes, and cold beer is available. Teams of two to six are welcome, and solo players can be paired with a group. A free RSVP option is available to add it to your calendar.

Angelo De Augustine is performing live at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz. Show time is 7:30 PM. Tickets are available through Bandsintown.

A welcoming freeform dance gathering at Palomar Ballroom in downtown Santa Cruz, hosted and DJed by Daniel Mollner. Move in any way that feels right, choose whether to dance solo or connect with others, and, if possible, plan to stay for the full two hours. Doors close after the first hour, so please arrive before that. Admission is $20 cash at the door. Kids enter free, and dancing is free during your birthday week. Everyone is responsible for their own experience, health, and safety. Be yourself and accept others. Respect the room and the people in it. Celebrate embodiment, creativity, and community. Keep the space free of drugs and alcohol, and keep conversations off the dance floor. All are welcome, including people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, same gender loving people, seniors, and neurodiverse participants. People of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities are welcome and wanted here.

Concours Carmel features an exclusive Futuro Clásico class for late-model Ferraris. Owners of vehicles from 2021 to 2026 may be eligible to showcase their cars in this special category. A $50 donation supports Rancho Cielo’s student automotive program as part of participation. Spots are limited, and more information is available by direct message.

Explore end-of-life choices in California at a free, small-group panel on post-death planning. Attendees can enjoy fresh coffee and local snacks while hearing from attorneys at Fine Point Law and two local experts: Kathy Berry of Santa Cruz Memorial, who guides families through traditional memorials and pre-planning arrangements, and Raina Stoops of Sea Spirit Memorial, who focuses on eco-friendly maritime options, from chartered gatherings on the Monterey Bay to the practical realities of full-body ocean burials. The conversation covers selecting the type of burial that reflects personal values and getting instructions and legal documents in order. Geared toward anyone reflecting on the future, organizing affairs, or navigating end-of-life decisions. Space is limited, so RSVP by calling Fine Point Law at (831) 471-5293.

Mecum Auctions, recognized as the largest collector car auction company, returns to Monterey with a sweeping showcase of classic and collector automobiles. Approximately 600 vehicles are expected to cross the block, offering many chances to find the right fit. Services are available to simplify purchasing, from financing and coordinated vehicle transport to finalizing ownership transfer. With extensive selection and built-in support, this auction brings everything needed to discover and acquire a dream car in one place.

The weekly Tech Café at Watsonville Public Library offers friendly help with basic technology questions and a chance to try out new tools. The focus changes each month, with examples that include Doodle Pens, Makey Makey circuit boards, a 3D printer, Spheros programmable robots, a Cricut, a Glowforge laser cutter, and iPad stop motion movie making. This program welcomes participants of all ages.

Free live music fills downtown Gilroy on Thursday evenings as part of the Downtown Live Music Series, bringing a summer soundtrack to the heart of town. Stroll between performances, soak in the lively atmosphere, and stop by the Town Cats booth to learn about adoptable cats, volunteer opportunities, fostering, and ways to get involved. It is a relaxed way to enjoy a summer night while connecting with the local community.

Pianist Dave Conley performs live in the lounge, where a nearby fireplace creates a relaxed setting for listening.