This Week Downtown
PLAY AQUA CRUZ | THURSDAY, JULY 16
There’s a lot that goes into keeping the water flowing in Santa Cruz, where the community depends entirely on local rainfall for its water supply. Aqua Cruz: The Water Challenge is a board game that puts players in charge of Santa Cruz’s water future. Choose water supply projects, navigate real-world challenges, and work to close the water supply gap. Every decision counts in the race to keep the water flowing. Community members are welcome to play or observe. Games are designed for 2-4 players, last 30-60 minutes, and are recommended for ages 13 and older. Events are free to attend, and no RSVP is required. The next game is this Thursday, July 16 at London Nelson Community Center.
FRIDAY | BEYOND THE VISIBLE FILM SCREENING
Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint (2019) is a documentary about Swedish painter and mystic Hilma af Klint, whose groundbreaking abstract works began in 1906, years before abstract art was widely recognized. The film explores how af Klint's art was inspired by spiritualism, modern science, and nature, while also examining her long-overlooked legacy and eventual rediscovery after a major retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum.
Screening this Friday, July 17 at 7:30PM at The 418 Project. $15 tickets at the door - or save $5 on advance tickets.
SATURDAY | LENZ ARTS 58TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Lenz Arts will celebrate its 58th Anniversary on Saturday, July 18 from 11AM to 3PM! The Lenz Arts parking lot will have demonstrations, prizes, snacks, face painting, and a Make & Take activity. Anniversary sales are running 10AM - 6PM - with discounts of up to 75% off store merchandise! Receive an extra 10% off all eligible purchases at checkout, including sale items and ready-to-take products; excludes custom framing orders, but applies to all pre-made frames and pre-cut mats.
SATURDAY | WALK SANTA CRUZ'S URBAN FOREST
Discover the stories behind some of downtown Santa Cruz's most remarkable trees during the City's annual Downtown Tree Walk on Saturday, July 18, from 9AM to Noon. Led by City Urban Forester Leslie Keedy, this free guided tour will showcase more than 25 significant and historic trees while exploring their unique characteristics, history, and role in Santa Cruz's urban forest. The leisurely, one-mile walking tour includes a color map and informational handout for participants. Advance registration required!
SCULPTOUR CURATOR RFP | APPLY NOW
Santa Cruz City Arts is seeking a curator to lead the SculpTour program downtown. The selected curator will manage a Call for Artists for four sculpture pad locations, develop an equitable selection process aligned with Arts Commission values, and coordinate installation and an oversight plan for a three-year rotating outdoor gallery. Open to curators, museums, non-profits, arts organizations, and artist teams. Apply now through August 14.
WORLD SOCCER GAMES DOWNTOWN | JUNE 11-JULY 19
Downtown Santa Cruz is your headquarters for watch parties in this summer's world soccer matches starting June 11! Come cheer on your favorite teams with friendly crowds at Lúpulo Craft Beer House, Pono Hawaiian Grill, the Musuem of Art & History, the Salty Otter Sports Grill, Woodstock's Pizza and Restaurante Los Pinos - en español!
Checkout your Downtown venue options and game schedules below.
SUNDAY | MAKERS MARKET
Come out and get an early start to your holiday shopping! Support our local makers and artists at the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market on Sunday, July 19! Featuring 40+ makers selling a variety of handmade goods. Pacific Avenue at Lincoln Street & Cathcart Street from 10AM-5PM. While you're here, grab a bite to eat at your favorite Downtown food purveyor.
ICE CREAM MONTH COLORING CONTEST | JULY
July is Ice Cream Month and we're celebrating with our annual Ice Cream Coloring Contest. The winner of the coloring contest will win 30 ice cream scoop vouchers. During the month of July, families can pick up blank contest coloring sheets at Gran Gelato Cafe, Izzy's Ices, Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery, Pacific Cookie Company, Penny Ice Creamery and the Downtown Information Kiosk. Drop off your finished coloring sheet to the Info Kiosk by July 31 to be entered into the contest. Our volunteer judges will award a winner, to be announced the first week of August!
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WHERE'S WALDO SCAVENGER HUNT | JULY You'd think Waldo would know better than to get lost in Downtown Santa Cruz again, however... Waldo is back! This July, find Waldo in Downtown! Where's Waldo is a fun and free annual scavenger hunt. To find Waldo, pick up a map at Bookshop Santa Cruz, the Downtown Info Kiosk or any of the participating businesses for your Waldo Passport and join in the fun! He's hiding in over two dozen businesses in Downtown Santa Cruz. Find them all and enter to win prizes! WHERE'S WALDO |
