Event highlights for the week of November 29, 2017.
Green Fix
32nd Annual Lighted Boat Parade
The lighted boat parade is back, and more lit than ever: this year’s theme is “Holiday Magic!” One of the most anticipated holiday events of the year, mariners decorate their boats with lights and holiday decorations and parade them across the harbor for your oohing and aahing pleasure. There are few things more magical than watching the festooned boats glide through the harbor on a cold December night. The event will happen rain or shine, so grab a hot chocolate and a blanket and get there early for a good seat. The parade can be viewed from either side of the harbor, so feel free to stroll along the channel, too.
INFO: Saturday, Dec. 2. 5:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 Fifth Avenue, Santa Cruz. santacruzharbor.org. Free.
Art Seen
Christian Guenther Glass Exhibit
Among artisan crafts, glasswork is in a category of its own. It has got to be one of the riskiest crafts ever—not only is the final product incredibly breakable, but the entire process of molding glass requires temperatures above 2,550 degrees Fahrenheit. Christian Guenther will showcase his nearly 30 years of working with glass beginning this First Friday. His work is based on our coast and other natural environments, and the show will feature around 50 glassworks and sculpture. INFO: Opens Friday, Dec. 1 and runs through Monday, Jan. 1. Opening reception Friday, Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m. Felix Kulpa Gallery, 107 Elm St., Santa Cruz. felixkulpa.com. Free.
Saturday 12/2
Scotts Valley Holiday Book Sale
It’s gift season, and what better gift than a book? The Scotts Valley chapter of Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries is holding its annual Holiday Book Sale for all of your gift needs. There will be gently used books, CDs and DVDs. There are sure to be some real literary gems, plus all proceeds benefit the Scotts Valley Friends group.
INFO: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. fscpl.org. 427-7700. Free.
Sunday 12/3
Pleasure Point Holiday Fair
Did you miss Black Friday or Small Business Saturday? Don’t fret, there are plenty of opportunities for you to support local businesses, like the Pleasure Point Holiday Fair. There will be artisan crafters from across the county and beyond, for all of your handmade soaps and candles needs. If you’re looking for something a bit more permanent, check out the reclaimed wood decor and home goods, and maybe snag some holiday salted caramels for good measure.
INFO: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Opal Creative Co. 3912 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. pleasurepointholidayfair.com. Free.
Friday 12/1-Sunday 12/3
Tannery Winter Arts Market and First Friday
The Tannery is one of the most creative hubs in the county, and their Winter Arts Market is a prime example. The annual event features around 30 Tannery artists, including ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, framers, and musicians. Bike Santa Cruz will host a Light Up the Night bike ride, light-up costumes are encouraged and free bike lights are provided (while supplies last). While you’re there, check out the newly opened cafe, which will offer $5 kids meals, s’mores, cider and hot chocolate.
INFO: Friday 4-8p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Tannery Arts Center, 1010 River St., Santa Cruz. tanneryartscenter.org. Free.
Friday 12/1
‘Melissa, So Far’
Gateway School believes there isn’t enough conversation around gender identity, particularly at a young age. With this in mind, Gateway’s middle school production of Melissa, So Far tells the story of a transgender fourth grader who feels disconnected from the body she was born with. Originally based on the novel, George by Alex Gino, the main character is initially bullied and isolated because of her identity, but finds solace and support in her friends and family. The performance takes aim at and promotes the important conversation around gender identity at all ages. Support a greater conversation around transgender identity and meet the author and playwright during its second ever performance.
INFO: Shows at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Broadway Playhouse, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz. gatewaysc.org. 423-0341. Free. Limited seating, advance registration recommended.
