WEEKENDER
Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County.
April 30, 2026
FUN FOR YOUR INNER CHILD
This is a good weekend to connect with your inner (and actual) child. This Saturday, Kids Day returns to downtown Santa Cruz starting at noon, with free performances, demonstrations and activities for kids of all ages. Businesses in the area will also host discounts and specials for kiddos and their families, like 15% off of kids books at Bookshop Santa Cruz and a free kids meal with an adult food purchase at Pono Hawaiian Grill.
Step into another realm at the Fae & Folk Festival. Held at the Brookdale Lodge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this whimsical, family-friendly gathering celebrates all things fantasy, with a sword-fighting exhibition, a witches village, beautifully decorated spaces and live entertainment. Adults can stick around after 9 p.m. for a Fae Ball. Tickets to the festival are $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Entry into the Fae Ball for adults is $25 in advance, $30 at the door. – Lily Belli
UPCOMING EVENTS YOU’LL LOVE
Get your first year for just $99 — nearly a 50% savings!
Right now, during election season, get your first year of an annual membership to Lookout for just $99 with coupon code Election2026. Members have full access to all Lookout’s local coverage, from politics and policy to education, dining and more.
FROM THE LOOKOUT LIST
FAVORITE NONPROFIT FUNDRAISER
TEEN KITCHEN PROJECT
“Teens learn job skills, life skills, cooking skills, leadership skills, public speaking, nutrition education and so much more!”
ICYMI: ARTS & DINING STORIES
A TREAT BEFORE YOU GO
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.
