Food & Drink Santa Cruz 2024

Food & Drink

EDITOR’S NOTE

Visit Santa Cruz County’s Original Organic Pioneer.

Unlike our historic roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, we’ve gone off the beaten path in this Food and Drink issue. Yes, we talk about wine in every issue of Good Times, but in this issue Kristen McLaughlin brings you the best in nonalcoholic drinks, something way overlooked and underreported.

Do you ever feel ashamed when you go out with friends and they are all drinking and maybe you are the designated driver? Do you feel like there’s nothing good or fun to drink for you? Kristen has some great ideas and places for you to have as much fun drinking without liquor.

Sure, we all know Boardwalk food is supposed to be as predictable as popcorn at the movie theater. Corn dogs, french fries, cotton candy. But, nope, writer Mark C. Anderson found some of the new, healthier offerings at Santa Cruz’s hottest tourist spot, a place that caters to 2 million hungry visitors a year. He found scrumptious homemade pretzels, amazing new brewed beers and upscale Ghirardelli milkshakes, not to mention jawbreakers the size of baseballs.

He’ll also lead you on the path to healthy real food within walking distance of the seaside amusement park.

Head south down the coast to Capitola for an adventure suggested by Elizabeth Borelli: exploring the packed shelves of Jones & Bones, which stocks an impressive selection of gourmet food products.

Reporter Ruby Lee Schembari was curious about Santa Cruz County’s 25-cent cup tax, so she learned more by visiting two local java joints: Soquel’s Ugly Mug and Felton’s White Raven.

We hope to steer you to paths you might not have taken otherwise in this Food + Drink issue and we hope to say hello along the way.

BRAD KAVA | EDITOR

NOT COCKTAILS, MOCKTAILS

Drinking for taste, not the buzz. P4

BOARDWALK BITES AND DELIGHTS

Healthy eats, fun eats, this park has it all. P8

JONESING

Unusual food in an almost missable place. P12

COFFEE TAX

You pay for each cup you use. Where does the money go? P14

FOOD & DRINK CALENDAR

Must-eat and drink events for the year. P16

STAFF

Todd Ivy Sales/Estimator

Bobbie Frandeen Sales/Estimator

Deborah Cypert Owner

MOCKTAILS Cause a Stir

Delicious ways to stay sober in Santa Cruz

stigma of problems with alcohol. Nowadays, you’re just as likely to find a designated driver, someone taking medication or friends who just want to prioritize their health.

Approximately 52 percent of Americans are trying to drink less, according to Anne Sampson at spiritedbiz.com. In addition, Gen Z is drinking 20% less than millennials for whatever the reasons.

BY KRISTEN MCLAUGHLIN

here’s no need for FOMO (fear of missing out) if you’re going alcohol-free in Santa Cruz. From zeroproof beers to craft mocktails with high-quality ingredients, local bars and restaurants are catering to a nationwide shift in

FAUXJITOS, JAVA AND KAVA

“People are leaning more toward non-alcoholic drinks,” agreed Jay Dib, owner of Mozaic Mediterranean restaurant and bar, open for eight years just off Pacific Avenue at 110 Church Street. Mozaic’s mocktail menu offers three decadent mojitos: cucumber, pomegranate and strawberry, each made with fresh lime, muddled mint and no alcohol.

Of course, nonalcoholic libations (mocktails) have been around for a while. These local establishments, however, are elevating zero-proof to an art form with botanical blends, herbal infusions and a dash of sophisticated alchemy—and they won’t give you a

crazy headache the next day.

Whether you’re going alcoholfree for one night, one month or forever, we tracked down some of the county’s best zero-proof libations so you won’t be relegated to sugary sodas, juice and Shirley Temples on

Because, let’s face it, everyone wants to get the most out of their weekend—

For the coffee lover, Dibs recommends Turkish coffee in a traditional cezve pot to refill the demitasse. “I do everything authentically,” Dib said. ”I was so fortunate to be accepted by the community.” Turkish coffee is unfiltered, so slightly more intense than regular coffee. But avoid stirring—the idea is to sip from the top and let the grounds settle. The cooking method is also believed to increase the level of beneficial bioactive compounds in the coffee.

For dessert, pair a Turkish coffee with Mozaic’s signature dessert, a complex but not sweet pistachio pudding drizzled with honey and and a dollop of whipped cream. Mozaic also offers ginger beer, Red Bull and Centr sugarfree sparkling CBD drinks on its menu.

Mozaic is open seven days a week with two belly dancing shows on Friday nights. Happy hour specials are Monday through Friday, 3 to 6pm.

whether it’s an early yoga class or a Sutter Health reports that even two

sunny morning hike at Wilder Ranch.

drinks before bed can hurt normal sleep patterns and normal dreaming activity, and just five weeks of not drinking can lower blood cholesterol by 10 to 20 points, according to a recent study exploring the

For a beverage with a South Pacific twist, guests are invited to “bula” up to the bar at Melo Melo Kava Bar, 1101 Pacific Ave. The bar’s namesake is the psychoactive root of the kava plant, native to the South Pacific, where it’s been enjoyed for over 3,000 years socially and in ceremony.

Choosing not to imbibe used to carry the

Keeping with South Pacific tradition, the first sip is often followed by a ceremonial bula, or “cheers to life” in Fijian, to “give your gratitude to the root,” said Eliska Prochazka, a bulatender at Melo Melo. “Most of the kava 6 »

we have here is ground up into a powder,” Prochazka added. “We also get the fresh kava root from time to time.”

It’s fun to drink a coconut shells of kava, also part of Pacific Island tradition. “I have a set at home,” Prochazka added. “It feels wrong to drink kava that’s not in a coconut shell.” To enhance natural flavor’s guests can choose to blend in high-quality coconut milk, almond milk, housemade ginger syrup and more. A friendly reminder, kava is a central nervous system depressant. Even though there is no alcohol in kava, it can produce symptoms similar to drunkenness, and I did notice a heightened awareness about halfway through my Melo Ginger!

Melo Melo Kava Bar is located at 1101 Pacific Ave., where happy hour is offered daily from 12 to 6pm along with midweek drink specials. Additionally, guests can buy growlers or half growlers to take home and enjoy. Just make sure you have the right cups.

CHILLED THRILLS

“The whole craft cocktail scene is super popular,” said Anthony Sitch, general manager of Makai. “People are trying to be healthier about drinking cocktails.”

A lot of work goes into the bar program at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, including

the mocktails. “The same level of thought and creativity that goes into our cocktails goes into our mocktails as well,” Sitch said.

With a recently expanded mocktail menu, Makai staff makes all fresh syrups including Orgeat (almond syrup) in-house. From the Freaky Tiki to the Lavender Press and Hibiscus Lei, all mocktails reflect an upscale, Pan-Asian flair. Makai looks to develop even more mocktails in the future. Makai team members can compete in an annual cocktail competition amongst its 21-and-up staff, and winners get creative cocktail credit on the menu, Sitch said. “We have so many things to play with,” Sitch said. “If you are looking to try new and different options, I think that Makai is the place to do that.”

Don’t miss the circular Tiki bar, which spins on a rotating platform … everyone gets an ocean view. Makai, 49A Municipal Wharf, is open daily, 11am to 9pm. For reservations, call 466-9766.

Newly opened in February, Obló Cocktails & Kitchen serves Italian and international cuisine Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 10pm. Owner Marco Paoletti uses great care and skill in blending the mocktails with all copper barware to blend and chill his drinks. “The thermal thrusting is faster,” he explained. The electric properties of copper guaranteed an ice cold mocktail in no time, he said.

“Soft cocktails” include a fruity Felice Nonna, the chamomile-laced Sleepytime Soda and Obliteration, a combination of chilled Seedlip Notas de Agave, ginger, honey and yuzu. I tried the latter, a tart burst of citrus and agave presented in lovely stemware garnished with dried lemon. They also serve an Italian-crafted NA Alternativa 00. Obló is located at 740 Front St. (formerly Cafe Mare) and serves happy hour daily from 3 to 5pm. Obló’s hours are Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 10pm.

SEASIDE SIPS

Down on the south side of town, Venus Spirits, Cocktails & Kitchen Beachside, 131 Esplanade Aptos, combines herbal ingredients like rosewater, fresh mint, smoked black tea and sea salt to add a gourmet allure to their “No Proof” drinks menu. Currently offering four elegant mocktails, Venus’ no-alcohol “Suckerpunsch” combines passionfruit and cinnamon, while a refreshing rosewater spritz and a “No-Groni” aperitif are made fresh weekly in small batches.

With a clean, bright remodel and an ocean view, Venus is a lively spot for dinner or happy hour. Reservations are highly recommended: 688-8917.

Meanwhile in Capitola, Margaritaville, 231 Esplanade, Suite 101, currently features two mocktails, according to Eleanor Savage, general manager. The False Idle is crafted with Clean Co. Zero Proof Rum, fresh pineapple juice, black tea and grenadine. The Mariposa Gingerade is a blend of homemade lemonade, Fever Tree Ginger Beer and butterfly pea flower tea.

“NA is definitely trending right now,” Savage stated in an email. “It’s not new that many people choose not to drink alcohol, so having fun, seasonal nonalcoholic options just gives more people the opportunity to come out and enjoy our restaurant without feeling pressure to imbibe. … Especially with a name like Margaritaville, we want people to know that we’re just as excited to make flavorful alcohol-free choices.”

Margaritaville serves contemporary Mexican seafood with seaside views of the wharf and beyond. Reservations are recommended Monday through Friday; weekends are first come, first served.

If wine is more your style, check out Vino By the Sea, 55 Municipal Wharf, Suite B, the only bar we found serving NA wines. This cozy loft offers both red and white non-alcoholic wines, along with NA sparkling wine. With the best ocean views on the wharf and live music nightly, Vino By the Sea is well worth a zeroproof visit. Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 4 to 10pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 10pm. The mocktail trend hasn’t gone unnoticed by local merchants. Grocery stores Nob Hill and Safeway already stock the shelves with low- or alcohol-free wines, and companies such as Seedlip and Lyre’s are actually distilling their own gins, vodka and tequila as alcohol-free versions.

MOCKTAIL MAGIC The rotating bar at Makai gives everyone an ocean view. Photo: Tarmo Hannula

Boardwalk Bites

There’s a lot to love in the Giant Dipper’s orbit. And that’s before the bar drops onto your lap and the ride itself begins.

The Santa Cruz roller coaster’s unique history reaches a milestone in 2024 with its 100th anniversary. Since it was built in record time (47 days) way back in 1924 (when rides were 15 cents), the Giant Dipper has become a National Historic Landmark, zipped nearly 70 million riders down its six-story drop at 55 miles per hour, and challenged the brave to ride it 75 times in a row to celebrate its last big birthday in 1999. And, finally, there is a lot of food around it—some as stunning to wrap your mind (and appetite) around as the Dipper’s 327,000 feet of lumber, 743,000 nails and 24,000 bolts.

Here appears a look at four interesting examples, each enjoying their own twists, not counting the curving sword-length Tater Twist potato “chips” available a few steps from the ride’s entrance.

MARINI'S WORLD FAMOUS SALT WATER TAFFY

After the high-speed hills lifted passengers from their seats, the first Giant Dipper riders back in the 1920s must’ve been thinking, Anything is possible. That mood persists with Marini’s, which has a stand posted up by the main entrance, but really packs in the wow with its main store on the end by Neptune’s Kingdom. There you can buy a jawbreaker the size of a baseball, a cone of cotton candy taller than a toddler, a half-pound box of chocolate-covered bacon, and endless taffy flavors available in by-the-pound payloads.

BREWS AT THE BEACH

Tucked along the covered promenade that leads to the arcade hides a full-on craft beer oasis. At a modest counter, Brews at the Beach pours 16 different drafts, many from local brewhouses, plus 24 different craft canned beers and a dozen wines and hard seltzers. Santa Cruz standouts

Treats to eat on the Giant Dipper’s big birthday

BY MARK C. ANDERSON

like Discretion Brewing Raspberry Smile Tart Ale, Balefire Brewing Co. Digits Pilsner and Woodhouse Blending & Brewing Emotional Support Beer Extra Special Bitter all prove tempting, but there’s only one true play: a Boardwalk Dreamin’ West Coast IPA by Humble Sea Brewing Company.

THE FREEZE

The Boardwalk has a thing with pairings: Note the booths promoting Crepes and Boba or the Churros and Floats. But the fifth oldest ride of its kind in the country—and the exceedingly rare allwood coaster—deserves to be paired with an oldfashioned treat. Before you reach the Giant Dipper look for the giant dipped cone mounted above a different historic landmark, the original Freeze, established in 1935. Next door to Dipper Burgers, the Freeze features old-fashioned vanilla custard cones, chocolate dip bananas with peanuts or sprinkles, and a chocolate dip “sundae on a stick” with chocolate malt ice cream between graham crackers dipped in chocolate and covered

with crushed peanuts. If that’s not enough indulgence, directly across from it awaits another pairing with Funnel Cakes and Boardwalk Shakes. That’s where Ghirardelli milkshakes figure prominently, but the headliners are funnel cakes like the Oreo sundae with powdered sugar, Oreo crumbles, caramel or chocolate drizzle—hey, why not both—and a cloud of whipped cream. Another appropriately named Giant Dipper pairing: The Little Dipper, where your soft serve can be coated in choices that include chocolate, peanut butter and butterscotch. Pro tip: Go for this after the roller coaster romp, not before.

BOARDWALK PRETZEL FACTORY

Boardwalk spokesperson and director of external affairs Kris Reyes admits he has a lot of classic foods that beckon him—saltwater taffy, dipped cones, cotton candy and corn dogs among them. But he has one clear favorite, which happens to be an item brand new to the Boardwalk: giant pretzels by partner franchise Ben’s Soft Pretzels, made fresh on premises, never frozen, and available straight up, with cinnamon and sugar, or with jalapeño, jack and cheddar. “I’ve had more than my fair share,” he says. The soft and savory jalapeñocheese pretzel proves tasty enough that the optional nacho cheese extra is unnecessary.

The acceptable hand gestures on the Giant Dipper total five if you don’t want your mid-ride photo deleted: a peace sign, a rock-on sign, a hang loose sign, a thumbs up or a hearts with hands. An appropriate gesture after a few of the above foods would be to wave the white flag— and we didn’t get into the 1/4-pound corn dogs, deep-fried Twinkies, PBJs and Oreos, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos popcorn or Tie Dye Yard-Long Icees (yes, three feet of untamed sugar).

OFF BOARDWALK

For more nutritious options, here are a half-dozen worthy spots, all within a short stroll of the Big D, in alphabetical order.

BEACH STREET CAFE

Sturdy classics like the signature Benedict, bacontomato-tarragon omelet, clam chowder, and 1/3pound California Burger fill tables at this greasy spoon, where a Maxfield Parrish art collection represents a historic sight to see, across the street from the Boardwalk. Just get there before 3pm. Bonus cut: While the Parrish art lends a unique feel to the family-owned spot, another atypical element awaits up the asymmetrical stairs: a four-shelf collection of romance novels for pre-meal reading,

with titles like The Trueno Brides Marriage of Revenge by Sheri Whitefeather and That Stubborn Yankee, from the Harlequin Temptation collection. 399 Beach St., Santa Cruz; (831) 426-7621.

HUMBLE SEA BEER GARDEN ON THE WHARF

No false advertising here. The name is what you get, namely award-winning craft beer brewed a mile away, partnered with picnic tables and BYO food on the iconic pier. Hard to top on a sunny day, which is why this spot closes for winter, and at sunset. Twelve fresh drafts like Socks & Sandals, Noodle Arms and Ferris Wheel come complemented by a selection of canned beers. On a recent visit, GOAT Santa Cruz—as in Group Open Air Training—led a spin class overlooking the Pacific, offering one strategy to pedal off the accumulated guilt from all the Boardwalk grub. 45 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz; humblesea.com.

JACK O’NEILL LOUNGE

Chef Gus Trejo has transformed a so-so tourist restaurant into a farm-fresh destination with relentless sleuthing of great local produce and proteins—and execution that centers the product. Alongside big windows overlooking the beach, wharf and Boardwalk, dishes to earmark include almond-crusted mussels, harvest paella and the seasonal Pacific catch with fish line caught by local fisherman Griffin Guess. 175 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz; jackoneillrestaurant.com.

NAMASTE BAR & GRILL

Traditional subcontinent flavors take a roller coaster curve with masala fries, lemon pepper tiger prawns and “curry pizzas” like the lamb boti kebab or chicken tikka. There are also classic plates like tandoor chicken, Goan-style lamb, saag paneer, which pair with a bright color scheme and full bar across from the beach and downtown end of the Boardwalk. 303 Beach St., Santa Cruz, namasteindiabistro.com.

PICNIC BASKET

The Basket presented a bounty before. Now, after a half-year of renovations, the homespun menu, seating selection, retail section and grab-and-go options have all grown. The seasonal menu shines with the likes of a smoky chipotle Reuben, field-fresh salads and Tahitian vanilla bean pudding made by the Penny Ice Creamery. Dine in or load up for the beach. 125 Beach St., Santa Cruz; thepicnicbasketsc.com.

RIVA’S FISH HOUSE

One of the wharf’s most welcoming outposts, Riva’s pairs over-the-ocean views with famous fried calamari, oysters, charcoal-fired mahi mahi in a choice of house sauces and from-the-fryer standbys like the Fisherman’s Plate with cod, calamari, prawns and scallops. Good vibes, good food, good setting. 31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz; rivafishhouse.com.

EPICUREAN TASTES

WAVE THAT FLAG You might miss this shop at a busy Capitola corner, but look for the flag. It’s worth the stop. PHOTO: Elizabeth Borelli

Jones & Bones sources foods both regionally and internationally BY ELIZABETH BORELLI

Back in December, still new to Capitola, I regularly drove past an “Open” flag fluttering outside a small building nestled far back enough to warrant the flag’s daily presence. Curiosity finally got the better of me. It was the height of the holiday season, and the paned glass window displaying an eclectic array of sculpture and giftware lured me in.

I wasn’t prepared to walk into an impressive selection of gourmet food products, which I soon learned are sourced both regionally and internationally. Aptly named for owner Jennifer Jones and her now dearly departed cat Bones, Jones & Bones has been serving the local foodie community for 40 years strong.

Truly, there are so many imported premium balsamic vinegars, olive oils, syrups, spices, salts, sauces, preserves and imported ingredients for every culinary adventure imaginable. Shoppers might need an hour to take it all in.

I left with a bottle of pomegranate balsamic glaze imported from Italy, on sale for half off.

This small splurge was a delightful complement to roasted vegetables, or combined with extra virgin olive oil and herbs for a uniquely flavorful salad dressing.

Food and cookware are the mainstays at J&B, which includes such specialty collectibles as cork travel bags from Portugal, foraged dried mushrooms from Napa Valley’s Wineforest and infused, barrel-aged Runamok maple syrup from Vermont. Or pick up an Australian Smood here, aka “world's greatest potato masher,” to uplevel your next tuber dish.

I left with two tins of Dolce & Gabbana imported nougat, which came with fancy gift bags. Again, the selection can be overwhelming, so plan to take your time. But when you’re in the mood for a taste of the unusual, Jones & Bones is a small store worth the trip.

Jones & Bones, 621 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 831-462-0521. Open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Back in 2022, a resounding 69.95% of Santa Cruz County residents voted for Measure C, agreeing to cough up an extra 25 cents every time they bought a beverage without supplying their own cup.

In return, supporters of the bill promised, those quarters would discourage consumers from using disposable cups while also raising up to $700,000 annually for local efforts to reduce waste, litter and pollution.

A county tax, it applies only to businesses in unincorporated areas such as Ben Lomond and Aptos. The cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Scotts Valley are exempt.

Steve Volk of the Ugly Mug sees the charge as a gentle reminder for customers to bring their cups.

“When pointed out it’s a quarter for the cup, they’re like, ‘Oh, we need to get our cup from the car,’ and bring their own cup,’” Volk says.

Overall, Volk thinks it’s not a burden on anyone. “It’s very simple, cut and dry, black and white,” he said.

However, Rose Woolfe of the White Raven in Felton finds the tax a strain on owners of small businesses.

“I’ve been finding it so hard for me to pay my monthly bills to begin with. I can’t even pay this single cup tax; the money’s gone and out of my

QUARTER MEASURE

hands,” Woolfe says. “And by the time the quarter comes, they want their payout, and I have nothing.”

“I want to say that people are bringing their reusable cups in more often, but I don’t really see that,” she says.

Another issue Woolfe sees is that some people who bring in their cups don't always wash them, raising the question for Woolfe: Is it sanitary for employees to clean customers' utensils?

Jason Hoppin, public information officer for Santa Cruz County, explains that part of the ordinance’s goal is to encourage reusable cups or mugs to limit single-use waste.

Reducing the amount of singleuse cups sold furthers the county’s goals to reduce the amount of litter on streets, parks and beaches. According to Hoppin, the business isn’t responsible for cleaning customer's cups and should refuse to do so.

Since the measure passed a year and three months ago, the cup tax has generated $376,000 in revenue. Approximately $280,000 has been allocated to support local nonprofits, the Community Development and Infrastructure Department, and the Parks Department. These funds have been directed toward improving the county's parks, beaches and public spaces.

EVENTS

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

RECURRING

Midtown Fridays Santa Cruz

Celebrate the vibrancy of Midtown Santa Cruz at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday through September. Free event with food, artists, live music and vendors. The Off the Lip Radio Show will host a new band every week.

INFO: 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, Free admission, bit.ly/3ygh6y1

Sunday Funday

Visit the Chaminade Resort and Spa to enjoy some mimosas and a delicious brunch. Stay until sunset for wine and live music overlooking Santa Cruz. Regularly occurring every Sunday through early September. Brunch is available 7am-1:30pm. Live music 5-8pm.

INFO: 1 Chaminade Ln., Santa Cruz, Free admission, chaminade.com

Sip, Savor and Sway

Come by Stockwell Cellars for a glass or bottle of wine on the patio while enjoying live music. In addition, food trucks will be on hand serving up everything from fish and chips to smoked meat sandwiches and salads. Live music from various local musicians, rotating every week.

INFO: 5:30-8:30pm. 1100 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, Free admission, Reservations required, contact info@stockwellcellars.com stockwellcellars.com/events

SATURDAY 5/25

Soupstock 2024

Free festival to celebrate 44 years of Food Not Bombs. Live music, vendors, face painting, free food, arts & crafts.

INFO: Noon-4pm. The Duck Pond Stage, San Lorenzo Park, Santa Cruz, Free admission, foodnotboms.net

SAT-SUN 6/1-6/2

Redwood Mountain Faire

This popular two-day festival is a fundraiser for local nonprofits. Dance the day away to live music with your friends and family while enjoying tasty locally made food, cold beer, cider and wine in an open field surrounded by redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

INFO: 11am-8pm. Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton, redwoodmountainfaire.com

SATURDAY 6/22

Pleasure Point Street Fair

Pleasure Point will be buzzing as the community takes to the street to enjoy the Pleasure Point Street Fair. Local bands will perform a variety of styles of music on two stages. The kid’s zone will feature a variety of activities provided by local organizations including crafts, face painting and henna. Skateboard Contest: Watch talented and daring kids compete in the contest run by the Santa Cruz Boardroom. Over 100 vendors will sell arts, crafts, local services, food and beverages.

INFO: 11am-5pm, Portola Dr. between 41st and 38th Ave, Free Admission, pleasurepointstreetfair.com

FRI-SUN

8/2-8/4

30th Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival

Watsonville’s premier festival is organized in partnership with the Watsonville Farmers Market, and is held at the City Plaza in Watsonville. Come for delicious treats made with locally grown strawberries, while supporting important local causes. Live entertainment and vendors will also be on hand.

INFO: Free admission, watsonvillestrawberryfestival.com.

SAT-SUN 8/17-8/18

Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival

Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival is back at Skypark. The premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains, there is something fun for everyone—with food, over 100 local artists and award-winning wineries. The Cops ‘N Rodders Car Show will be on Saturday, and the popular Bring your Dog Day is Sunday, with contests for such things as best pet tricks and costumes.

INFO: Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm, 361 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley, Free admission, svartfestival.com.

SAT-SUN 8/24-8/25

Santa

Cruz Mountain Sol Festival

Celebrating 10 years in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains at Roaring Camp Meadows.The weekend welcomes a variety of artists, multiple stages, camping, and train rides including the ‘Sol Train’ shuttle from the Boardwalk and back again in the evening, craft beer, wine, vendors, and gourmet food.

INFO: 11am-7pm. Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton, One-day tickets are $95-$150, two-day tickets are $180-$285, Youth discounts at $50, santacruzmountainsol.com.

WED-SUN 9/11-9/15

Santa Cruz County Fair

The Santa Cruz County Fair will return this year for five days of family-friendly fun. The 2024 Fair will indeed showcase the best of Pioneer Days and Modern Ways. For the first time ever, the Fair will feature a Drone Show! 200 drones will take to the sky above the fairgrounds each night in a stunning and artistic display of technology. The Fair will also host all the annual favorites… the Tractor Parade, Junior Livestock Auction, Monster Trucks and Motocross, a Horse Show, Charras and much more! There will also be live concerts, including a Taylor Swift Tribute.

INFO: Wednesday-Friday, noon-11pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-10pm, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, santacruzcountyfair.com

SAT-SUN 9/14-9/15

40th Annual Capitola Art and Wine Festival

The Capitola Art and Wine Festival celebrates 40 years of art, wine, music, and food—in Capitola Village overlooking the stunning Monterey Bay. This year’s festival includes more than 100 fine artists and 22 Santa Cruz wineries.

INFO: 10am-6pm, Capitola Village, Free, capitolaartandwine.com

SAT-SUN 9/28-9/29

Capitola Beach Festival

Capitola’s Annual Beach Festival will have something for everyone to enjoy. The community event will include a 3-Miler Fun Run hosted by the Wharf to Wharf, a Horseshoe Tournament, the Lighted Nautical Parade, Food & Drink, a Fishing Derby, a Sand Sculpture Contest, the Chalk Art Event, a Concert in Esplanade Park, Rowboat Races and more.

INFO: Capitola Village, Esplanade Park, Free admission, For schedule, visit capitolabeachfestival.com