Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, Sept. 20-26

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.

Farm Discovery at Live Earth’s annual fundraiser, Forage, takes place on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the beautiful Live Earth Farm outside of Watsonville. The multi-course feast will be prepared by chef Pamela Burns of Monterey’s Wild Plum Cafe, and paired with local wines. Maria Finn, author of “Forage. Gather. Feast,” is the keynote speaker, with live music provided by Free Elements. This year, instead of a silent auction, guests will participate in special farm activities. Proceeds from Forage support Farm Discovery’s farm-based education programs. Tickets are $150.

On Saturday, the Bonny Doon Art, Wine & Brew Festival returns to the Santa Cruz Mountains. This year the event will be held at the scenic Crest Ranch, and features tastings from local breweries and wineries – some from as far as Sonoma – along with food trucks, vendors, games and a robust silent auction and raffle. Funk band Space Heater will play two one-hour sets, with intermissions filled in by DJ travel’r. New this year, artists will lead live craft classes, and a VIP area will have tableside tastings, swag bags and other treats. This event is a fundraiser for Bonny Doon Elementary School’s art and science programs. General admission is $65 in advance, $75 at the door. VIP tickets are $125.