WEEKENDER
Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County.
Aug. 20, 2026
DAHLIAS, FIREFIGHTER FUNDRAISER AND CHARDONNAY TASTING
What do a feminist film, flowers, a fire department and a family-run restaurant have in common? They’re all the focus of some of the best events happening in Santa Cruz County this weekend.
On Friday, the film “No Country for Mothers” will screen at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz, followed by a panel discussion on the culture war surrounding American motherhood and how to support families. The screening is free.
Stop by the Capitola Mall on Saturday and Sunday to view the Dahlia Show presented by the Monterey Bay Dahlia Society. Expect hundreds of dahlia blooms and arrangements displayed around the fountain inside the mall.
On Saturday, the Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance at the Boulder Creek fire station, with a tri-tip and chicken dinner, three live bands and dancing until 11 p.m., plus a bounce house and face painting for kids. Tickets are $30 and go toward purchasing rescue and medical equipment for the all-volunteer department.
On Sunday, Circle & Square Bistro in Corralitos will host Sante Arcangeli Family Wines for a Chardonnay Retrospective. Guided by winemaker John Benedetti, guests will explore library vintages of chardonnays from Lester Family Vineyards and Split Rail, alongside small bites prepared by chef Tyler Reiner. Tickets are $85. – Lily Belli
UPCOMING EVENTS YOU’LL LOVE
Get full access to Lookout Santa Cruz
Become a member to read all of Lookout’s local coverage, from politics and policy to education, dining and more. Annual and monthly membership options are available — start reading for as little as $17 today!
FROM THE LOOKOUT LIST
FAVORITE TRIVIA NIGHT
EL VAQUERO WINERY
“El Vaquero has fabulous wines! I love the venue and the host, Michael Gaither, is great! He keeps it fun with questions on pop culture, music, movies, etc. Definitely the best in town!”
ICYMI: ARTS & DINING STORIES
A TREAT BEFORE YOU GO
Don’t miss this delightful and fascinating story about the Merry Pranksters’ original “Furthur” bus as it makes its way from Oregon to San Francisco, courtesy of Annie Aguiar of Lookout Eugene-Springfield. 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.
