Art Seen
‘Pride!’ PopUp Exhibit
This exhibit is centered around the the personal experiences of LGBTQ+ identifying individuals in Santa Cruz County. With themes from political rights, representation and intersectionality, the work of six local artists isn’t limited to just one idea or medium. This is a one-night-only event, so hop to it.
INFO: 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 1. Santa Cruz Art League, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz. 426-5787. scal.org. Free.
Green Fix
‘Plant Life’
You have tons of choices for arts viewing on First Friday, and the Art Cave is a particularly special one. A sweet nurturing arts incubator, the Art Cave was born out of a love of the arts and teaching art a few years ago. The latest exhibit, “Plant Life,” showcases plant-inspired art by 14 mostly local artists, including Art Cave co-founders Leigh Erickson and Danielle Peters. There are a few international artists featured, too. Meander over to its neighboring venues, the R. Blitzer Gallery, Idea Fab Labs, and Bluestone Imports, and you’ll see that there’s something for everyone.
INFO: 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 1. The Art Cave in the Old Wrigley Building. 2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz. facebook.com/theartcavesc. Free.
Sunday 6/3
Open Streets Watsonville
Summer is here, which means extra traffic and road rage. Wouldn’t it be nice if, just for a moment, there were no cars and no traffic? Open Streets Watsonville is a little break from summer traffic and a chance for families to play safely in the street. For one day, the intersection of Brennan and Union streets will be closed to all cars, creating a “pop-up park” for folks to bike, walk, play, skate, and dance in the street.
INFO: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Brennan and Union streets between Callaghan Park and the City Plaza. 425-0667. scopenstreets.org/watsonville. Free. Photo: Bill Bishoff.
Saturday 6/2 and Sunday 6/3
Redwood Mountain Faire
With more than 20 bands across two stages, arts and crafts and unlimited locally made food, beer, and wine, the county’s favorite Mountain Faire is back for its ninth year this weekend. Plopped in a grassy meadow among the oak trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Redwood Mountain Faire offers an idyllic experience beyond compare. This year’s lineup includes locals the Coffis Brothers and Mountain Men, San Francisco’s nine-piece tour-de-force: Midtown Social, and the Hackensaw Boys from Charlottesville. Proceeds benefit nearly 20 local organizations. Don’t forget a lawn chair and blanket for some well-deserved relaxation to kick off your summer, but please leave your furry friends and coolers at home.
INFO: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. The Meadow at Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. redwoodmountainfaire.com. $25-$45. Kids 12 and under free, $5 parking.
Sunday 6/3
Santa Cruz Pride
In this queer visibility action, members of our Santa Cruz community—organizations, allies, supportive groups, churches, candidates, ensembles, performers, parents, and children—will join together in pride, activism, enthusiasm and love. Pride kicks off with a parade beginning at Pacific Avenue and Church Street, and follows with a festival between Cathcart, Cedar, and Lincoln streets (where the Wednesday Farmers Market is). The festival features a stage and live performances from LGBTQ+ musicians, spoken word artists and more. All ages are welcome.
INFO: Parade begins at 11 a.m., festival at noon. Pacific Avenue and Church streets, Santa Cruz. santacruzpride.org. Free.
Friday 6/1-Sunday 6/3
‘The Realistic Joneses’
If you thought one Jones was enough, think again. In the spirit of neighborly love, Actors’ Theatre kicks off its season with Broadway’s hit comedy The Realistic Joneses with four whole Joneses, each as weird and unique as the next. The show features lots of local talent, laughs and a nightmarish situation in which a couple shares more than just a coincidental last name with their neighbors.
INFO: Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. Center Stage Theater. 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz. sccat.org. $26 general, $23 students and seniors.
