Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, May 10-16

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.

After being rescheduled from its previous location in Harvey West in March due to health concerns, the Santa Cruz Cookout will be held Saturday in DeLaveaga Park from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This free community event is hosted by local organizer Ayo Banjo and Santa Cruz County Black Health Matters Initiative, and aims to celebrate diversity through live music, food and community connection. There’s a full lineup of local Afrobeat and Black artists, including NEXTies winner Alwa Gordon, and family-friendly activities. Barbecue will be provided by Ken Brown’s Soul Food, which is affiliated with the Word of Life Church, considered the oldest Black church in Santa Cruz, and is available for free to attendees.

A summer-long Taco Tuesday food truck event in Scotts Valley kicks off this Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and runs every second Tuesday through October at Skypark. This Tuesday, local trucks Taquizas Gabriel, Tacos El Jesse, S&B Food Truck and Aunt LaLi’s ice cream truck will be on site, and 100% of the funds raised through the beer and wine garden will be donated to Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County. No reservations or tickets needed – just come hungry.

Friday, May 10

Vineyards in the Sky | 6 – 8 p.m. @ Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery | $175

Saturday, May 11

Crafting Your Own Jam & Tea | Noon – 2 p.m. @ Live Earth at Farm Discovery | $30
Capitola Sip & Stroll | Noon – 5 p.m. @ Capitola Village | $45
Santa Cruz Cookout | 2 – 5 p.m. @ DeLaveaga Park