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 the ‘Ville’s downtown area this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for three days of celebrating Santa Cruz County’s most lucrative crop. The entertainment lineup includes live music, a fun run, pie-eating and costume contests, a carnival, arts and crafts and dance performances, plus food and drink vendors brimming with strawberry-flavored treats. The event starts Friday evening at 5 and runs all day Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free.

The Asian American Pacific Islander Cultural Festival is this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at The 418 Project on River Street in Santa Cruz. This event celebrates AAPI heritage and culture with music, art, poetry and food. Experience performances by Watsonville Taiko, Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance and more, plus treats from food vendors including Full Steam Dumpling, the Lumpia Lady, Nomad Momo and Furutaya Bakery. Entry is free. 

Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, Aug. 2-8

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

Friday, Aug. 2

Saturday, Aug. 3

Sunday, Aug. 4

Thursday, Aug. 8

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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...