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 Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival returns to Skypark in Scotts Valley this weekend. Guests can taste their way through 26 local wineries, breweries and cideries, and indulge in almost 20 food vendors, while taking in art and crafts and listening to live music. On Saturday, there is a Cops N’ Rodders car show, and Sunday is Dog Day, with canine contests and prizes. The festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free to enter.

This Saturday, Humble Sea Brewing Co. is hosting Socks & Sandals Day at its Westside taproom to celebrate Socks & Sandals, its flagship “foggy” IPA. Local event company Collective Santa Cruz helped curate an afternoon of live entertainment, including Hella Hot Q’s, based on the YouTube talkshow “Hot Ones.” I’ll be in the hot seat along with food influencers Double Meat Please and a surprise guest from Humble Sea. Also on deck: live comedy, music, art, sweet and savory treats from local food vendors — and of course, lots of beer. This event is free to enter.

Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, Aug. 16-22

Here are some food and drink events you might be interested in soon:

Friday, Aug. 16

Saturday, Aug. 17

Sunday, Aug. 18

Tuesday, Aug. 20

Wednesday, Aug. 21

Thursday, Aug. 22

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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...