Special events
Monterey Bay Birding Festival (Sept. 21-22)
From soaring golden eagles, the effortless glide of California condors, cheeky bushtits, gorgeous Townsend’s warblers, scampering snowy plovers, to thousands of sooty shearwaters streaming along the ocean’s surface, few places can match the diversity of species of the Monterey Bay region during the Monterey Bay Birding Festival, a three-day event based in Watsonville. For information: Montereybaybirding.org.
TIP Classic basketball tournament (Sept. 21)
The TIP Classic 3-On-3 Basketball tournament returns to Pajaro Park for its fourth year. A fundraiser for Together In Pajaro, a nonprofit that connects residents, businesses, churches and resources to foster a vibrant community. First game begins at 8 a.m. To register a team or for information visit togetherinpajaro.org.
Buddhist Temple Teriyaki dinner (Sept. 21)
The Watsonville Buddhist Temple will be holding its 58th annual Chicken Teriyaki Dinner. Dinner is $13 and includes 1/2 chicken, rice, cabbage salad, a vegetable and fortune cookie. All dinners are take-out only and can be easily picked up by using our drive-thru service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple. For tickets or information: 724-7860.
California Coastal Cleanup Day (Sept. 21)
Join the City of Watsonville from 9 a.m. to noon in cleaning up four locations throughout the city: (1) Pajaro River at River Park, (2) Watsonville Slough at the Nature Center, (3) West Struve Slough at Pajaro Valley High and (4) the City Plaza. For information call Christian Miranda at 768-3165.
2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Sept. 21)
Hospice of Santa Cruz County proudly sponsors the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Walk begins at 9 a.m. at the Seascape Resort and Park. For information: 275-4250.
Made in Monterey Bay Meet-up (Sept. 26)
The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), Annieglass and California Manufacturing Technology Consulting are partnering to host the Monterey Bay Manufacturing Meet-up from 4-6 p.m. at Annieglass, 310 Harvest Drive in Watsonville. Attendees will have the opportunity to sip, shop and be treated to locally-crafted delicacies. To RSVP email kw****@cm**.com, call 737-7944 or visit Eventbrite.
Tapas on Top (Sept. 27)
The City of Watsonville is gearing up to offer a unique first-time event titled Tapas on Top. Event will run from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on the top floor of the Civic Plaza parking garage with some of the most spectacular views of the Pajaro Valley sunset as the backdrop. Tapas on Top will feature dishes from five local businesses offering worldwide culinary delights. Local wines and craft brews will be available during the event. Live music will set the tone for an evening of fun and enjoyment with great company. Tickets, available on Eventbrite, are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.
Youth Center 25th Anniversary (Sept. 27)
The Youth Center is 25 years old this year. Celebrate with us from 4-7 p.m. Families are invited to attend a free open house. There will be performances from local entertainers, games, prizes and activities, as well as resources for the whole family.
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Recurring events
Saturday, Sept. 21
Aptos Farmer’s Market
Open rain or shine, the Aptos Farmer’s Market at Cabrillo College runs every Saturday from 8 a.m.
to noon.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Farm and garden market
The Corralitos Farm and Garden Market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables and homemade baked goods prepared with organic and locally grown ingredients. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 127 Hames Road in Corralitos.
Wetlands Nature Center
Discover the wildlands on free exploration walks at 1:30 p.m. at the Wetlands Nature Center, 30 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, behind Ramsay Park. Binoculars provided. Rain cancels. Information: 768-1622 or wetlandsofwatsonville.org.
El Mercado Certified Farmer’s Market
This year-round Certified Farmer’s Market is held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Monday, Sept. 23
PV Democratic Club
The Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club meets the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Service Employees International Union office, 10 Alexander St., Watsonville. Information: 707-7265.
Hamburger Night
The American Legion Post 121 invites all to its Hamburger Night from 5:30-7 p.m. at 214 Center St., Watsonville. Cost: $6. Proceeds benefit veterans and the post’s community activities.
Homework help at Youth Center
Need an extra hand at understanding your assignments? Can’t seem to figure out how to get the right answers? Have a group project due and don’t have a place to meet up? Approach one of our teammates at the Watsonville Youth Center Monday-Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m. and we’ll do what we can to help you get your homework done and get your grades up. Ages 6-22. Must be a registered member to participate. Registration and membership is free. For information: 768-3248.
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Tuesday, Sept. 24
Bingo at Senior Center
The Watsonville Senior Center, 114 E. Fifth St., hosts bingo from 1-4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the center and its programs. Free coffee. Open to anyone 18 or older. In addition, the Senior Center holds a flea market starting at 9:30 a.m. Details: 722-1333.
Valley Heights
Free social hour every Tuesday and Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. is open to the public at 925 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville.
Legal assistance
California Rural Legal Assistance offers free legal services to low-income people. New clients on a first-come, first-served basis on Tuesdays between the hours of 9:30-11:30 am and 1:3-4:00 p.m. at 21 Carr St. in Watsonville. We also have satellite offices in Hollister and Santa Cruz, call for intake hours at 724-2253.
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Wednesday, Sept. 25
Watsonville Rotary
Rotary Club of Watsonville invites community members to its weekly luncheon meeting at the Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St., each Wednesday from 12:15-1:30 p.m. The program includes local community speakers that vary each week. For information: watsonvillerotary.com.
Lions Bingo
Join the Watsonville Associated Lions Club Bingo and support a nonprofit that gives back to the Pajaro Valley. Meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.
Bilingual toddler time and lap time
Freedom Branch Library, 2021 Freedom Blvd., offers child socialization and early literacy skills for children ages 0-24 months at 10:30 a.m., and for ages 2-4 at 11:30 a.m. Details: 768-3420.
Watsonville Band
The Watsonville Community Band wants new members who can read music and competently play an instrument. Rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. in the Watsonville High School band room on Marchant Street. Information: band manager Bill Nestler at 768-8692 or watsonville-band.org.
Elks Lodge dinner
The Watsonville Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St., hosts dinners for members and guests. Lodge opens 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served 6:30 p.m. A full course dinner is included for $10 per person (special events may be higher). Contact the lodge for reservations at 724-2493. Reservations are a must.
Migrant assistance
The Community Information Center for Migrant Assistance/Centro Communitario de Información Migratoria at Trinity Lutheran Church, 175 Lawrence Ave., Watsonville offers immigration information and assistance from 6-8 p.m. Free. Information: 724-3461.
Fun Tech Day: Virtual Reality
Join the journey and immerse yourself in a 3D environment at the Watsonville Library from 3-5 p.m. For ages 12 and older. Parental permission required for participants under 18 and a virtual reality waiver is required for all participants. For information: 768-3400.
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Thursday, Sept. 26
Bilingual toddler time
Bilingual Toddler Time is a free bilingual (English/Spanish) 30 minute program including stories, activities and music for toddlers and preschoolers. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Watsonville Library.
Poets’ Circle Poetry Reading Series
The Poets’ Circle Poetry Reading Series returns Thursday from 6-8 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room. This week’s reading features Dan Zev Levinson author of Song of Six Rivers, an epic poem published by Humboldt State University Press accompanied by archival photos. Open mic to follow featured reader. For information: 768-3400.
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Friday, Sept. 27
Farmer’s market
The Watsonville Certified Farmer’s Market takes place every Friday from 3-7 p.m. on Peck Street in the downtown Plaza. Offers organic and ethnic produce, flowers, live music and plenty of goodies to eat.
St. Francis bingo
Bingo meets every Friday evening at the Kennedy Center, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. Doors open at 5 p.m. Proceeds go to scholarships at St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School. Information: 722-2665 or 722-3274.
Senior dance
The Watsonville Senior Center hosts a free dance at 10:30 a.m. at 114 E. Fifth St.
STEAM in Watsonville Library
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) meets in the library from 3-4 p.m. For ages 8-12, the ongoing program allows participants to learn about and make electronic creations from Little Bits kits.
Bilingual baby lap time
A free bilingual (English/Spanish) 30-minute program including stories, activities and music for babies age 0-24 months. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Watsonville Library.
