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 Saturday, humanitarian group Food Not Bombs is celebrating 45 years of offering free vegan meals to those in need with Soupstock, an all-day concert at San Lorenzo Park in downtown Santa Cruz. Expect seven live music acts, plus arts and crafts, face painting, dancing, antiwar organizing and free food, with Food Not Bombs co-founder Keith McHenry as MC. The festival goes from noon to 5 p.m.
Head to Woodhouse Blending & Brewing in Santa Cruz this Monday for a Pop-Up Dinner with Argentinian chef Diego Felix. This one-night feast celebrates the bounty of the Central Coast through a Latin American lens with a menu that includes a pale ale fish crudo with Meyer lemon crema, spring chicken roulade, a cochinita pibil tamal wrapped in banana leaf, plus two other courses, all paired with Woodhouse’s craft beers. Tickets are $119.22.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, May 23-29
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested in:
Friday, May 23
- Hoops and Scoops | 4 p.m. @ The Penny Ice Creamery Aptos Village
Saturday, May 24
- Soupstock 2025 Free Concert | Noon @ San Lorenzo Park
- Sweet Home Santa Cruz Dessert Festival – Extra Tasty Tour | 1 p.m. @ Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Sunday, May 25
- Pesto & Wine Party | 3 p.m. @ Aptos Vineyard | $35-$45
Monday, May 26
- Monday Happy Hours | 3 p.m. @ Aptos Vineyard
- Chef Diego Felix Pop-Up | 6 p.m. @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing | $119.22
Tuesday, May 27
- Taco & Trivia Tuesday | 7 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill
Wednesday, May 28
- Downtown Santa Cruz farmers market | 1 p.m. @ Cedar Street & Lincoln Street
- Outstanding in the Field: Capitola Wharf | 3 p.m. @ Capitola Wharf | $395
- Santa Cruz Restaurant Walk | 5:30 p.m. @ 1100 Pacific Ave. | $40