Event highlights for the week of August 9, 2017
Green Fix:
‘Younger Lagoon Reserve’ Tour
There are few places along the California coast still relatively untouched by humankind, and Santa Cruz’s Younger Lagoon Reserve is one of them. As one of only a few private wetlands in the state, the Younger Lagoon tours aren’t to be missed. The 72-acre UC natural reserve plot boasts a variety of habitats, including fresh and saltwater marshes, bluffs, and grasslands that are home to a plethora of native species. Excursions only happen twice per month and are limited to groups of 12, so early registration is a must.
Info: 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Advance reservations required. Free with admission. seymourcenter.ucsc.edu.
Art Seen:
87th Annual California Landscapes Exhibit
The Santa Cruz Art League is featuring a month-long juried exhibit spotlighting California landscape work ranging from oil and acrylic to watercolor, pastel and mixed media. The show will include works from 56 California artists, showcasing the seashore, desert and mountains across the state’s 840 golden miles. Artist and UCSC professor Frank Galuszka is the juror, and will grant $2,000 in awards to select artists. Following the opening, there will be a reception on Aug. 19 with snacks and a discussion on why artists paint landscapes and contemporary regional art.
Info: Show opens Friday, Aug. 11. Santa Cruz Art League, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz. $35 members, $40 non members, $10 each additional person. 426-5787. scal.org.
Friday-Sunday 8/11-13
California Beer Festival
You aren’t a true craft beer connoisseur until you have sampled more than 80 local brews while simultaneously playing bocci ball and eating garlic fries. (OK, maybe you don’t have to sample all of them.) Earn your craft beer stripes at this weekend’s California Beer Festival in Aptos Park. The three-day event celebrates the increasingly popular craft beer movement with more than 80 local breweries, live entertainment, and food trucks. Families are welcome to enjoy the six hours of live music on Sunday, but Friday and Saturday are reserved for beer sampling and are 21-plus.
Info: Aptos Village Park. $10-$99 admission benefits the Gen Giammanco Foundation. californiabeerfestival.com.
Sunday 8/13
Soif Waiter’s Race
Table-waiting is a multi-skilled profession often overlooked, so Soif aims to celebrate Santa Cruz waiters’ dedication and service skills in the fifth annual Waiter’s Race. The event puts teams of three through obstacle course hell in hopes that they won’t spill their trays. Eight talented teams will compete, but only will be crowned the winner. Last year Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar took the prize, but now the Crow’s Nest, Soif, and Woodstock’s Pizza are back for redemption.
Info: Noon-3 p.m. Walnut Avenue. Free. soif.com.
Monday 8/14
TEDxMeritAcademy
TEDx events are smaller scale independent events based on the famous TED talk concept. Coupled with Merit Academy student projects, this event brings students, faculty and the community together to showcase sustainability-based projects from the sciences and humanities. Speakers will tackle topics varying from overpopulation and climate change to racism and democracy.
Info: 7 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $15 online, $18 at the door. tedxmeritacademy.com.
