A countywide celebration of visual and performing arts is set to run April 16–26. The Ripple Effect Santa Cruz County Arts Festival is the County’s effort to highlight the creative community during California’s Arts, Culture and Creativity Month.
Organizers said the event brings together local artists, cultural organizations, and venues to showcase a broad range of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, poetry, fashion, and interactive workshops.
The festival opens with “Santa Cruz Dancing in the Streets” from 5–9pm in downtown Santa Cruz and concludes with a grand finale at The Grove near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from 4–9pm. Events include exhibitions, performances, pop-ups, and hands-on workshops across multiple venues throughout the county. While some activities are free, others, such as the finale, require tickets.
Each venue manages its own events and ticketing, and parking options vary by location.
The grassroots, volunteer-driven festival aims to strengthen the local arts community and economy, organizers said.
Watsonville events include various shows, performances by Esperanza del Valle, Ballet Folklorico Dance Company; “Many Truths, One World: Mariposa Arts Showcase & Artwork” by Claraty Arts at Watsonville Center for the Arts; the ongoing PV Arts exhibit, “Hot off the Walls: Art to Go!,” recent paintings by Annie Morhauser at Annieglass; and the Guelaguetza Festival on April 26.
For information, visit rippleartsfestsantacruz.org.
