WEEKENDER
Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County.
April 23, 2026
DUCKIES, DANCE AND DESIGN
The April showers have brought a weekend blossoming with springtime events. Saturday, the Ducky Derby and Carnival returns to Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz. Starting at 10:30 a.m., this annual family tradition features a rubber ducky race, food, games and live music, and fundraisers for education service organization Omega Nu’s scholarship programs. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrate the natural beauty of our region at Wilder Ranch State Park at Art in Bloom, where visitors can check out local artists, participate in workshops and watch demonstrations. Admission to both of these events is free, though parking is $10 at Wilder Ranch if you don’t have a state parks pass.
Viva Oaxaca Guelaguetza, a celebration of the vibrant food, art, culture and music of Oaxaca, Mexico, returns to Branciforte Small Schools in Santa Cruz this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with nearly 150 music and dance performers. Local and regional vendors will sell Oaxacan specialties like mole, tlayudas – aka “Mexican pizza” – and tejate, a cozy drink made with maize and cacao. Admission is $10, and kids 5 and under are free. Check out a preview of this event by Lookout reporter Tania Ortiz.
Also on Sunday, the Ripple Effect finale event will be held at The Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a culmination of the inaugural 10-day art festival, featuring musician Helado Negro. Tickets are $60. – Lily Belli
UPCOMING EVENTS YOU’LL LOVE
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FROM THE LOOKOUT LIST
FAVORITE NONPROFIT AWARDS EVENT
VOLUNTEER CENTER OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY “BE THE DIFFERENCE” AWARDS
“It seeks to recognize the entire scope of community leaders and givers without limit to purpose, people, culture, or politics. It is truly a countywide recognition event that seeks to recognize and enable all who care for our community.”
ICYMI: ARTS & DINING STORIES
➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí
A TREAT BEFORE YOU GO
The Cruz Room at the corner of Bay Avenue and Mission Street in Santa Cruz opens on Friday. Check out this story from March on how owner Matisse Selman plans to transform the former burger joint-then-pizza parlor into a community space with art, music and multiple food vendors – and became the new home of longstanding pop-up Sleight of Hand Pizza.
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