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.
Apples and pumpkins get all of the attention when it comes to fall harvesting, but olives also ripen in the fall. At Dos Aguilas Olive Grove just outside of Corralitos, students who partake in the olive-curing class and u-pick Saturday morning will learn how to cure fresh olives at home, along with receiving an olive oil tasting. Each $40 ticket includes a 1-quart jar and a pound of fresh olives to take home to cure. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Cultural nonprofit organization Senderos is hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration at Branciforte Middle School in Santa Cruz on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests can immerse themselves in traditional Oaxacan music, regional dances and, of course, food — including pozole, mole and chocolate Oaxaqueño. This event is free and family-friendly.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, Oct. 31-Nov. 6
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested in:
Friday, Oct. 31
- Monster Trash Record Hop with the Intoxicans | 6 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Cider Co.
- Halloween Boricua: A Night of Bomba, Hip Hop and Food | 7 p.m. @ Barrios Unidos
Saturday, Nov. 1
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College
- Olive Curing Class and U-pick | 9:30 a.m. @ Dos Aguilas Olive Grove
- Skeleton Party | 3 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Cider Co.
- Día de los Muertos with Senderos | 4 p.m. @ Branciforte Middle School
- 1440 & Big Basin Vineyards: Wellness Terroir Education Dinner | 5 p.m. @ 1440 Multiversity | Sold out
Sunday, Nov. 2
- Live Oak Farmers Market | 9 a.m. @ East Cliff Village Shopping Center
- Día de los Muertos Ceremonia | 4 p.m. @ Quarry Amphitheater
Tuesday, Nov. 4
- Fabulous Food for Your Holiday Feast | 6 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Seventh-day Adventist Church
Wednesday, Nov. 5
- Honoring Patrick Orozco Luncheon | Noon @ Cowell Ranch Hay Barn
- Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market | 1 p.m. @ Cedar & Church streets
- Fall Networking Social: Friendsgiving with Cruzio & The Chamber | 5 p.m. @ Cruzio Internet
Thursday, Nov. 6
- MYCOMIXER @ Far West Fungi | 2 p.m. @ Far West Fungi Store and Cafe
- Persephone Restaurant Thursday Night Pasta Special | 5 p.m. @ Persephone Restaurant