With Valentine’s Day just over a week away, the scent of chocolate is in the air – especially at The Grove – formerly the Cocoanut Grove – where the Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival returns this Sunday. From 1 to 4 p.m., guests can immerse themselves in chocolate tasting experiences appropriate for vegans and gluten-free attendees, as well as cooking demonstrations and wine tasting. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door, and kids are $20. This is a benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monterey Bay. – Lily Belli
Thursday, Feb. 5
- Bargetto Winery’s Thursday Night Music | 6 p.m. @ Bargetto Winery | Free
- Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder with Dr. Dacher Keltner | 6 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History | $12
- Tobacco City, Scott Hirsch | 8 p.m. @ The Crepe Place | $17
- The Kruse Brothers | 8 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall | $17
Friday, Feb. 6
- Resorts! Opening Reception | 5 p.m. @ Felton Branch Library | Free
- Everything Remains Raw – A Historical Perspective on Hip Hop Dance | 6 p.m. @ The 418 Project | $25-$30
- Line Dancing with Coaster Stomp | 8 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | $10
- GZA featuring Phunky Nomads – Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of “Liquid Swords” | 8 p.m. @ The Catalyst | $45
Saturday, Feb. 7
- Ice Cream For Breakfast Day | 9 a.m. @ The Penny Ice Creamery (all locations)
- Studio Sale | 9 a.m. @ David Salazar Glass Studio
- 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival | 2 p.m., 8 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre | $16-$35
- Hearts on Fire Hot Glass Workshop | 4 p.m. @ Chris Johnson Glass-Studio Zayante | $165-$185
- Discovery Dinner at 1440: Optimizing Your Microbiome | 4:30 p.m. @ 1440 Multiversity | $81.88
- Fishhook | 5 p.m. @ El Vaquero Winery | $10
- Proposition Mole presents ‘Til Death Do Us Part: A Whack-A-Mole Drag Show Extravaganza | 8 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley | $15
Sunday, Feb. 8
- Highlights Loop Guided Hike | 10 a.m. @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitors Center | Free
- The Magic of Watercolor: A One-Day Workshop with Robert Dvorak | 10 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Art League | $140
- Super Bowl Watch Party | 2 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | Free
- Super Bowl at Bargetto’s | 3 p.m. @ Bargetto Winery | Free
- World Ballet Company: “Swan Lake” | 6 p.m. @ Civic Auditorium | $40-$95
- Open Mic Comedy at Shanty Shack | 7 p.m. @ Shanty Shack Brewing | Free
Monday, Feb. 9
- Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez | 7 p.m. @ Kuumbwa Jazz | $42
- MCT Auditions for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” | 7 p.m. @ Mountain Community Theater | Free