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.
This Saturday, celebrate plant-based eating at Santa Cruz VegFest at the Cocoanut Grove. This festival promises to bring the vegan community together with dozens of exhibitors offering cruelty-free food, fashion and beauty products, as well as live music and a vegan comedy show. Speakers will take on topics related to health, nutrition and the environment. Tickets are $5 per person at this family-friendly event.
Santa Cruz-based nonprofit Senderos celebrates the southern Mexican region of Oaxaca with Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza, a multiday cultural festival with live music, traditional dancing and food. The main event is on April 14 at Branciforte Small Schools in Santa Cruz, but there are several smaller events leading up to it, including one this Sunday. At Gastronomía Oaxaqueña, three expert cocineros – chefs – will demonstrate how to prepare food and drinks from three regions of Oaxaca. Admission is free, and food will be available for purchase.
Friday, April 5
- Vine to View Dinner: Bargetto Winery | 6 – 9 p.m. @ Chaminade Resort & Spa | $147.50
Saturday, April 6
- Santa Cruz VegFest | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. @ Cocoanut Grove | $5
- Ales for Whales | 2 – 6 p.m. @ Humble Sea Beer Garden on the Wharf
Sunday, April 7
- Gastronomía Oaxaqueña – Oaxacan Gastronomy | Noon – 3 p.m. @ Branciforte Small Schools Campus
- Wine Class with the Cave de Ribeauvillé | 1 – 3 p.m. @ Mentone | $95
- Guided Tour of the UCSC Farm | 2 – 3:30 p.m. @ Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn
Tuesday, April 9
- Pam Peirce, “Golden Gate Gardening” | 7 – 9 p.m. @ Bookshop Santa Cruz
Wednesday, April 10
- Home Sauerkraut Workshop | 4 – 5:30 p.m. @ Felton Branch Library