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.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., New Leaf Community Markets will host a grand opening to celebrate its newest grocery store, on River Street in Santa Cruz. Located at the corner of River Street and Highway 1, the 29,000-square-foot market offers an expanded prepared food area, bulk bins, organic produce, home goods and more. A family-friendly party includes samples, activities for kids and chances to win New Leaf gift cards.
The Santa Cruz Elks Lodge invites the community to celebrate the changing seasons at its Fall Festival with food, games and autumnal cheer. On Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m., the lodge will be filled with activities like candy corn bowling, ring toss and an egg-and-spoon race, a beer garden, craft fair with more than a dozen vendors, and chili and apple pie cooking contests. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under, and includes a meal of soup, garlic bread, brats and apple cider.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, Sept. 26-Oct. 2
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested in:
Friday, Sept. 26
- Girasol Pizza at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales | 1 p.m. @ Sante Adairius Rustic Ales Capitola
- Watsonville Farmers Market | 2 p.m. @ Downtown Watsonville
- Steel Bonnet’s 10-Year Anniversary Pre-Party with Ancestree | 4 p.m. @ Steel Bonnet Brewing Company
Saturday, Sept. 27
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College
- Foodie Fruity Wreath Making Extravaganza | 9 a.m. @ Scotts Valley Farmers Market
- New Leaf Community Markets River Street Grand Opening | 10 a.m. @ 650 River St.
- Taste of Soquel Festival | 11 a.m. @ Congregational Church of Soquel
- Taste Güd Fest | 11 a.m. @ Humble Sea Brewing Co.
- Santa Cruz Mountains Harvest Festival | 1 p.m. @ Junction Park, Boulder Creek
- Steel Bonnet 10-Year Anniversary Ribbon-Cutting Celebration | 1 p.m. @ Steel Bonnet Brewing Company
- Santa Cruz Elks Lodge Fall Festival | 2 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Elks Lodge
Sunday, Sept. 28
- Live Oak Farmers Market | 9 a.m. @ East Cliff Village Shopping Center
- Cedar Street Festival | Noon @ Redwood Records
- “Drew’s Lemonade Stand” benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank | Noon @ Santa Cruz High School
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market | 1 p.m. @ Cedar & Lincoln streets