Here, find a curated list of the best food and drink events in Santa Cruz County for the coming week. At the top, I share my picks of unmissable local happenings.
The Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival returns this weekend to Roaring Camp for its second year. Hosted by Moss Landing-based, family-owned mushroom company Far West Fungi, the two-day event celebrates all things fungus with live music, cooking demonstrations, lectures, arts and crafts, a kid zone, hands-on activities and workshops. The food vendor lineup includes Felton café The Grove Cafe & Bakery, Santa Cruz pizzeria Bookie’s and Vietnamese-Cuban café Mariposa Coffee. A one-day pass is $50.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a home-cooked Mexican feast at Cinco De Mole on May the 4th Be With You at Watsonville Public House. The event takes place the day before the holiday, on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Chef Cesario Ruiz of My Mom’s Mole will prepare a four-course feast, including dessert. A $30 admission includes one drink ticket and dessert beer pairing.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, May 2-8
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested in:
Friday, May 2
- Food Lab and Farm Benefit Dinner | 5 p.m. @ Del Mar Elementary School | $150
Saturday, May 3
- Artist’s Reception | 1 p.m. @ Burrell School Vineyard and Winery
- Mediterranean Diet: Nourish Your Body, Mind, and Soul | 1 p.m. @ Cabrillo College Extension | $125
- Home on the Coast Range Fundraiser Dinner | 5 p.m. @ Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Posse | $150
Sunday, May 4
- 12th Annual SCM Makers Market | 10 a.m. @ Hallcrest Vineyards and Santa Cruz Scrumpy Cider
- Cinco De Mole on May the 4th Be With You | Noon @ Watsonville Public House | $30
Monday, May 5
- Monday Happy Hours | 3 p.m. @ Aptos Vineyard
Tuesday, May 6
- Season Opener Celebration & Free Strawberry Shortcake at Felton Farmers Market | 1:30 p.m. @ Felton Farmers Market
Wednesday, May 7
- Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market | Cedar Street & Lincoln Street