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 second and last farmers market brunch of the season is Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Westside market in Santa Cruz. At this event, chef Diego Felix of Fonda Felix and Colectivo Felix is preparing a multicourse feast inspired by the flavors of South America and created with produce and ingredients from nearby farms. This event series aims to celebrate and draw attention to local agriculture, and raises money for Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Market’s educational programs. Tickets are $75 to $150, sliding scale, and include coffee and wine pairings.
The ninth annual Farm to Fork Gala takes place Saturday evening at the La Selva Beach Clubhouse, with a schedule that includes a wine tasting reception, live and silent auctions with some high-ticket items, live music and a summer menu created by chef Molly Bravo. The Farm to Fork Gala celebrates local nonprofit organization Community Bridges’ family of programs delivering essential services and resources throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, and honors the service of individuals and organizations. Tickets are $175.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, Aug. 9-15
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested:
Saturday, Aug. 10
- Farmers market pop-up breakfast with chef Diego Felix | 9 a.m. @ Westside farmers market | $75
- Beautify Felton Pie Contest | 10 a.m. @ Downtown Felton
- Vegan Day at Santa Cruz Cider Co. | 11 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Cider Company
- New Leaf Celebrates 5 Years in Aptos | 3 p.m. @ New Leaf Aptos
- Cantine Winepub 10th Anniversary | 4 p.m. @ Cantine Winepub
- Ninth Annual Farm to Fork Gala | 5 p.m. @ La Selva Beach Clubhouse | $175
Sunday, Aug. 11
- Midsummer Harvest Dinner | 3 p.m. @ Lester Estate Wines | $175
Thursday, Aug. 15
- UCSC farmstand | Noon @ Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn
- Throwback Thursday at Big Basin Vineyards tasting room | 4 p.m. @ Big Basin Vineyards – Tasting Room & Wine Bar

