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 weekend, the 44th annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off – the largest and longest-running clam chowder festival in the country – returns to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Amateur chefs compete on Saturday, and professional entrants compete on Sunday. Purchase a tasting kit for $15, and receive six tasting tickets and a People’s Choice ballot to cast your vote for your favorite chowder.
The first Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Passport Day of the year is on Saturday. Passport holders have access to more than 30 area wineries, many of which open their doors only for special events. Explore beautiful vineyards, savor a complimentary tasting flight at each winery and enjoy special experiences like live entertainment and food trucks. Passports are $90 each, or $150 for two. The passports are good for one year, and can be used at future Passport Days on June 21 and Oct. 25.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, Feb. 21-27
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested in:
Friday, Feb. 21
- LiDO Pizza Pop-Up | 5 p.m. @ Madson Wines
Saturday, Feb. 22
- Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off | 10 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $15
- SCM Wine Passport Weekend | Noon @ Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains | $90
- DIY Winemaking Event | Noon @ Pelican Ranch Winery | $25
- Watsonville Public House 1st Anniversary Party | 5 p.m. @ Watsonville Public House | $75
Sunday, Feb. 23
- Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off | 10 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $15
- Honoring BIPOC Agroecology with Film and Conversation | 1 p.m. @ Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn
- Winter Wine & Food Pairing Event | 2 p.m. @ Stockwell Cellars | $15-30
Tuesday, Feb. 25
- Books and Bites | 6 p.m. @ Watsonville Public Library
- Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust Benefit Dinner | 6 p.m. @ Hook & Line | $100
- Trivia Night at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing | 6:30 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
- Tacos & Trivia | 7 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill
Wednesday, Feb. 26
- Downtown Santa Cruz farmers market | 1 p.m. @ Cedar Street & Lincoln Street