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 Watsonville Strawberry Festival returns to downtown Watsonville today, Saturday and Sunday to celebrate this special berry. The family-friendly festival takes over the area around the Watsonville Plaza with live entertainment, carnival rides, artisans, kids activities, specialty vendors, and a variety of mouthwatering treats, including berry-infused pizza, churros, beer and even tacos. Entry is free. 

Tomorrow, Roaring Camp in Felton will host the fifth annual Santa Cruz Mountain Brewgrass Festival, a celebration of bluegrass music, craft beer and food. Seven bands will play on two stages throughout the day, with Santa Cruz Mountain-born The Brothers Comatose headlining. General admission tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the gate. Kids 11-17 are $25, and 10 and under are free. Purchase VIP Tasting Train tickets for $132.50 to ride up to the festival from Santa Cruz with music by Wild Iris.

Friday, Aug. 1

Saturday, Aug. 2

Sunday, Aug. 3

Tuesday, Aug. 5

Wednesday, Aug. 6

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Lily Belli is the food and drink correspondent at Lookout Santa Cruz. Over the past 15 years since she made Santa Cruz her home, Lily has fallen deeply in love with its rich food culture, vibrant agriculture...