WEEKENDER
Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County.
April 2, 2026
SHAKE INTO THE WEEKEND
April kicked off with a bang early Thursday with a magnitude 4.6 earthquake rippling from Boulder Creek through the northern part of Santa Cruz County. Thankfully, the damage was more emotional than physical – community members surged to message boards at 2 a.m. but didn’t report any major damages or injuries.
On to the weekend. Plant-based dining is getting a boost this month with the Santa Cruz Vegan Chef Challenge, a national event that’s taking place locally for the first time. Nearly 30 restaurants across the county added vegan meals and desserts to their menus for the month of April, and diners are encouraged to vote for their favorites.
First Friday is tomorrow night, and I’m always intrigued by what’s on display at Minnow Arts in downtown Santa Cruz. This month, the gallery will display the work of artist Dana Peters, who transforms mundane objects like food boxes and home goods into lasting works of art.
This Sunday is Easter, and if you remember visits from the Easter Bunny fondly, Zinnia’s Gift Boutique in Scotts Valley is hosting a playful Adult Easter Egg Hunt just for grown-ups for $35 at 8 a.m. Saturday. The whole family is welcome at Lito’s Community Cafe in Corralitos, where a free Easter Egg Hunt, games and community raffle will take place at noon Sunday. – Lily Belli
UPCOMING EVENTS YOU’LL LOVE
FROM THE LOOKOUT LIST
FAVORITE LOCAL MAKER POP-UP EVENT
COLLECTIVE SANTA CRUZ – EXTRA TASTY TOUR
“The Extra Tasty Tour by Collective Santa Cruz is a must‑go local maker pop‑up event because all the vendors lean into the monthly theme – sweet, sour, salty, bitter or umami – and create special offerings available only at the event.”
ICYMI: ARTS & DINING STORIES
A TREAT BEFORE YOU GO
Across Santa Cruz County, three emerging bakers are gaining attention for distinctive breads and pastries that reflect their personal stories and creative ambitions. From a sold-out Watsonville sourdough shop to eye-catching Capitola confections and a reinvented downtown café pastry case, each is helping redefine the local baking scene. Read it here.
Play the Wordrow Puzzle of the Day
Six tries to guess the word right!
Sudoku, crosswords and more word puzzles await – play new daily puzzles in the free Lookout App. Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
