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 NEXTies, one of Santa Cruz’s premier award shows, is Friday at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing in Santa Cruz from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by Lookout, and spotlights upcoming movers and shakers in Santa Cruz County. I’ll be there presenting the award of Foodie of the Year with Humble Sea Brewing co-owner Taylor West to honoree Lance Ebert of SC Bread Boy, along with hundreds of community members. Tickets are $45.
This Sunday, Pie for the People, a grassroots fundraising group, is hosting an event at the Homeless Garden Project from 1 to 3 p.m. The concept is simple: Bring a pie – any pie, sweet or savory – and a donation of $5 or more, and enjoy a pie potluck smorgasbord while raising money for a local cause. Not a baker? No worries, just bring a little cash. This time around, all donations will support the Santa Cruz Welcoming Network, which supports asylum-seekers and refugees in Santa Cruz County.
Friday, May 17
- Super Tuscan Night | 4 – 7:30 p.m. @ Bottle Jack Winery tasting room | $30
- 2024 NEXTies Awards | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing | $45
Saturday, May 18
- Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Celebration Day | Noon – 6 p.m. @ participating wineries | $90
Sunday, May 19
- Magical Baker pop-up | 9 a.m. – noon @ Verve Coffee Roasters 41st Avenue
- Spring Festival at Companion Bakeshop | 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @ Companion Bakeshop
- Pie for the People | 1 – 3 p.m. @ Homeless Garden Project Farm | $5 donation
- Spring Wine Walk | 3 – 6 p.m. @ downtown Santa Cruz | $35
Thursday, May 23
- Throwback Thursday at Big Basin Vineyards tasting room | 4 – 9 p.m. @ Big Basin Vineyards tasting room