Special Events Permits
Looking for permit information for large, public events? Please visit the City Manager's Special Event Permits page.
Parks and Recreation Events
EMMA MCCRARY TRAIL OPENING - Event day program
Ceremonies, Refreshments and First Ride!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
10:00 a.m.
Trailhead at Pogonip Gate on Golf Club Drive
Ride your bike to the event or park at the City Corp Yard (corner of River Street and Golf Club Drive) and walk to the trailhead (15 minutes).
Join us in celebrating the opening of the Emma McCrary Trail on Saturday, June 1 at 10:00 am at the Pogonip Gate trailhead on Golf Club Drive. Ceremonies featuring Mayor Hilary Bryant, refreshments and an interpretive first ride will highlight the festivities. This scenic trail was built by over 300 volunteers contributing more than 3,400 hours under the direction of Parks and Recreation and trail expert Drew Perkins. Using $25,000 in funding provided by Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz and the local bike industry, this multi-use trail is designed for hikers, bikers and equestrians; and to enhance public access and enjoyment of Pogonip. Meet the volunteers, sponsors and members of the McCrary family who made the trail possible and be the first to enjoy it on an interpretive ride. Refreshments courtesy of Rebecca's at the Tannery, Verve and Odwalla. Bike valet by People Power. For more information, call 831-420-5270. Cost: FREE!
Special thanks to the incredible volunteers of Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz and Take Back Santa Cruz. Kudos to project sponsors Santa Cruz Bikes, Easton-Bell, Fox, Ibis, Specialized and many individuals who made significant donations.
27TH ANNUAL JAPANESE CULTURAL FAIR
Saturday, June 8, 2013
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mission Plaza
Mission Plaza overflows with the celebration of Japanese music, traditional dance, food and crafts at this popular annual festival. Powerful drummers, the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, thrill the audience, along with storytellers, martial arts demonstrations and healing arts vendors. Sushi, noodles and green tea ice cream are always favorites. Call Chieko Yoshikawa, 831-462-4589. Cost: FREE
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN LAUREL PARK
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Louden Nelson Community Center + Laurel Park
Join us for delicious soul food, craft booths, kids activities, amazing music and moving speakers. A long-held tradition among African Americans, Juneteenth is a special day for anyone who believes in freedom and equality for all people. As part of the Juneteenth celebration, Parks and Recreation staff will lead kids and adults in fun, basketball skills contest including:
- 3-Point Shoot Out
- Skills Challenge
- Team Shooting Competition
Sign up at the Louden Nelson Community Center at 301 Center Street or call 831-420-6177. Learn more at www.nelsoncenter.com. Cost: FREE
19TH ANNUAL WOODIES ON THE WHARF
Saturday, June 22, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Santa Cruz Wharf
The scenic Santa Cruz Wharf is the perfect setting for a celebration of the surf spirit and classic surf wagons. More than 200 pre-1950s "woodies" line the wharf. Music, T-shirts, memorabilia and prize drawings will add to the fun. Presented by the Santa Cruz Woodies, Wharf Association and the City of Santa Cruz. Free bike valet. Call 831-420-5273 or email. Cost: FREE
JULY IS PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH
Month of July
Various locations
There’s no excuse to be bored during the month of July – the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department is proud to offer a full slate of activities as part of “July is Parks and Recreation Month,” which is a national celebration that has taken place since 1985 (http://www.nrpa.org/july/). The variety of activities range from movies on the beach at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to walks, games and volleyball. Full list of activities. Most important, mark your calendars and tell your family and friends about this free summer fun in Santa Cruz. Cost: FREE
39TH ANNUAL ROUGHWATER SWIM
Saturday, August 3, 2013
11:00 a.m.
Main Beach
This one-mile swim around the Santa Cruz Wharf attracts ocean swimmers from all over Northern California. The Roughwater Swim is co-sponsored by the Santa Cruz City Surf Lifesaving Association and sanctioned by United States Swimming and Pacific Masters Swimming. Entry forms and information available at www.pacificmasters.org, Lifeguard Headquarters on the Wharf or at the Parks and Recreation Office, 323 Church Street in Santa Cruz. Sign up online at www.clubassistant.com. Call 831-420-5270.
ENTER A TEAM IN THE ALOHA CELEBRITY RACES!
These short-course outrigger races set for Sunday, August 18 at the Santa Cruz Wharf are designed especially for new or novice paddlers. You provide four people and we will provide a stroker, steersperson, canoe and instruction to start you racing. The $100.00 entry fee ($120.00 after August 1) includes 4 T-shirts. 1st through 3rd place teams will receive awards. Proceeds benefit the Pu Pu O'Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Club. Entry forms are available in the Parks and Recreation Office, 323 Church Street. Applications for booth space at the Polynesian Festival are also available for vendors, exhibitors, Polynesian cultural groups and ocean-related organizations. Check out the wharf website at www.santacruzwharf.com or call 831-420-5273.
21ST ANNUAL ALOHA CELEBRITY RACES & POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Races start 9:00 a.m.
Festival starts 11:00 a.m.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Celebrate the aloha spirit on Sunday, August 18 at the Santa Cruz Wharf at the 21st annual Aloha Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival. At 9:00 a.m. the action starts in the water, with a series of outrigger canoe races, designed for first-time paddlers. Check-in is at 8:00 a.m. and awards at 1:30 p.m. It’s a lot of fun – check out this video clip from 2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPc1AWtk6VE. The free festival, featuring dance, Polynesian culture and crafts, takes place 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sponsors include: Pu Pu O’Hawaii Outrigger Club, the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, O’Neill, the Northern California Outrigger Association, KPIG 107.5 and Santa Cruz Weekly. For more information, call 831-420-5273 or visit www.santacruzwharf.com.
HALLOWEEN – DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
PARADE AND CARNIVAL
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Parade 9:30 am; Carnival 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Soquel Ave at the Buttery and Gault Elementary School
Gault Elementary School invites all of Santa Cruz to come out and enjoy our annual fall celebration. Festivities include the Costume Parade down Soquel Avenue and culminate with the Carnival on the Gault School grounds, featuring games, food, prizes, music, and trophies for the best home-made costumes! Costume judging and parade assembly is at 9:00 am on Soquel at The Buttery. Parade march begins at 9:30 am. All are invited to march in the parade! The carnival will follow immediately, and will continue until 2:00 pm. Carnival activities include a Spinning Barrel-o-Fun Ride, Sugar Skull decorating, our ever-popular cakewalk, jump house, and other great games. Come join us for good old-fashioned spooky fun! For more information call 831-421-0920.
TRICK-OR-TREAT ON THE WHARF
Thursday, October 31, 2013
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Little witches, goblins, and ghosts and their parents can enjoy safe and sane trick-or-treating at wharf businesses. Call 831-420-5273. Cost: FREE
ATTENTION CHOWDER CHEFS!
Dig out your favorite Boston and/or Manhattan clam chowder recipes for the 33rd Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off, Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The two divisions are Individual and Professional. Winners will have a chance to win round-trip tickets courtesy of Continental Airlines and cash prizes. Trophies are awarded to first place winners in each division as well as for “Most Original” and “Most Tasted.” Entry forms will be available in October 2013 online and at the Parks and Recreation Office, 323 Church St. Check out the 2013 Entry Form for an idea of the competition. Entry fees include two T-shirts per team if registered by Friday, January 17, 2014. Call 831-420-5273 or email.
Entry fees:
Individuals $50.00
Professional (Restaurants, Caterers, Food Service) $75.00
33RD ANNUAL SANTA CRUZ CLAM CHOWDER COOK-OFF
Saturday, February 22, 2014
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Teams of chowder chefs come from all over the West Coast to compete for the prestigious award of “Best Clam Chowder.” Whip up your favorite recipe for red or white chowder or just come and sample the delicious variety of chowder and fun at the Boardwalk. Admission free. Tasting kits $9.00. Call 831-420-5273 or email. 2013 Event Day Program
MAD HATTER TEA PARTY & FANCY HAT CONTEST
Saturday, May 17, 2014
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Louden Nelson Community Center
Bring your favorite tea cup and wear your best “Garden Party” attire, (think Royal Wedding) and join us for afternoon tea. Play a leisurely round of croquet or simply spend some quality time with friends. Prizes will be awarded for the fanciest hat plus a People’s Choice prize. Prizes provided by the Hat Co. Cost: FREE