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, the sweet smoke of barbecue will waft through Felton’s redwood-covered hills courtesy of the second annual Roaring Camp Cook-Off. Sixteen nationally recognized pitmasters from around the state and five local grilling enthusiasts will compete for the title of Best BBQ and cash prizes. Sample the competitions with a tasting kit ($20) or single tasting ($6), or purchase full-size portions, and vote for your favorites. There’s a variety of family-friendly activities, too, including live music, a bounce house, kids activities, gold-panning and more.

Every summer, Mentone restaurant in Aptos opens an outdoor weekend lunch patio, affectionately called Little Beach. Celebrate the start of the summer season this Saturday at noon with music by People’s Disco, and a short but impactful menu of Italian-French dishes, including a mortadella sandwich with stracciatella and pesto. Don’t forget to order a frozen bubbly spritz – a Mentone classic that’s so beloved they put it on a T-shirt.

Friday, May 24 

Saturday, May 25

Sunday, May 26 

Thursday, May 30

Lily Belli is the food and drink correspondent at Lookout Santa Cruz. Over the past 15 years since she made Santa Cruz her home, Lily has fallen deeply in love with its rich food culture, vibrant agriculture...