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 DIYine Homebrewing Festival ran for seven years before the pandemic, and is getting a reboot this Saturday night. From 6 to 10 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Santa Cruz, taste all manner of homebrewed beverages from talented amateurs, from wine, beer and cider to kombucha, kefir and kvass. A $35 ticket includes a 10-tasting punch card and access to a large charcuterie board and live music.
On Thursday, head to Branciforte Small Schools Campus in Santa Cruz from 6 to 8 p.m. for Senderos Mole and Music Night. The evening celebrates the culture of the Mexican state of Oaxaca with mole dinners prepared by Oaxacan chefs, traditional banda music by visiting musicians and dancing. Admission is free.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, April 18-24
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested in:
Saturday, April 19
- Understanding the California Farmworker Experience | 11 a.m. @ Live Oak Library Annex
- DIYine: A Homebrewing Festival | 6 p.m. @ Veterans Memorial Building | $35
Sunday, April 20
- Easter Celebration at Lito’s Community Cafe & Market | Noon @ 2904 Freedom Blvd.
- Open for Easter | Noon-5 p.m. @ Burrell School Vineyard and Winery
Monday, April 21
- Monday Happy Hours | 3 p.m. @ Aptos Vineyard Tasting Room
Tuesday, April 22
- Grand Reopening: El Mercado Farmers Market | 3 p.m. @ El Mercado Farmers Market
- Books and Bites | 6 p.m. @ Watsonville Public Library
- Taco & Trivia Tuesday | 7 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill
Wednesday, April 23
- Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market | 1 p.m. @ Cedar Street & Lincoln Street
Thursday, April 24
- Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce – April Business Mixer hosted by Lookout | 5 p.m. @ Fruition Brewing
- Senderos Mole and Music Night | 6 p.m. @ Branciforte Small Schools Campus