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.
Grab your dirndls and lederhosen, it’s that time of year again. The Messiah Lutheran Church in Santa Cruz is hosting Oktoberfest Santa Cruz, a celebration of German-Bavarian culture, Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event includes live polka music, homemade German food, German beers and wines, and activities for kids, including a bounce house. It’s free to enter. Adult meals are $20, and children 12 and under can eat for free.
In Watsonville, celebrate German culture and craft beer at Fruition Brewing. The brewery is hosting a two-day Oktoberfest celebration Saturday and Sunday with food specials, seven lagers available in liters and half-liters, and live music. It’s free to enter, and the fun starts at noon and goes until 9 p.m.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, Sept. 19-25
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested:
Friday, Sept. 19
- Watsonville Farmers Market | 2 p.m. @ Peck Street and Union Street
- Food Truck Friday | 4:30 p.m. @ Skypark
Saturday, Sept. 20
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College
- Oktoberfest Santa Cruz | Noon @ Messiah Lutheran Church
- Oktoberfest at Fruition Brewing | Noon @ Fruition Brewing
- Annual Harvest Festival | 1 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Cider Company
- Thrive – Fall Feast by Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm | 5 p.m. @ Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm
Sunday, Sept. 21
- Pancakes in the Park | 8:30 a.m. @ Highlands Park Senior & Community Center
- Live Oak Farmers Market | 9 a.m. @ East Cliff Village Shopping Center | Free
- Cedar Street Festival | Noon @ Redwood Records
- Oktoberfest at Fruition Brewing | Noon @ Fruition Brewing
- Rail & Trail Family Fun Festival | Noon @ Roaring Camp Railroads
- Piemonte Cru Night! | 5 p.m. @ La Posta Restaurant
Wednesday, Sept. 24
- Wig Out Wednesday | 4 p.m. @ Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room and Wine Bar