Special events
Fungus Fair (Jan. 11-12)
Did you know that without fungus, we’d have no bread, cheese, beer or wine? Come to the Santa Cruz Fungus Fair to learn all there is to know about the fascinating world of mushrooms. The three-day event features hundreds of species of local fungi presented in a unique fashion, and draws thousands of visitors each year. This unique Santa Cruz tradition features fantastic fungus fun for the whole family. Bring the kids and stroll through a re-created woodland forest displaying hundreds of wild mushrooms; the Fungus Fair also features a special room full of hands-on activities for the kids, including fungus exploration tables, clay mushroom building, face painting and more. Location: Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price: $10; $5 for seniors and students.
Westside-Minster Dog Show (Jan. 11)
Calling all pet parents! Think your pup has what it takes to take home the gold? Humble Sea’s annual “Westside Minster Dog Show” brings Westminster across the country and lets all of Santa Cruz’s paw-fect pets strut their stuff on the runway. There will be prizes, and please make sure all dogs are on a leash and are friendly to other dogs and people. Location: Humble Sea Brewery, 820 Swift St., Santa Cruz. Time: 5 p.m. Price: Free.
Woodwinds of Winter (Jan. 12)
The second recital of the Spotlight on the Symphony Recital Series will feature a quartet of the Santa Cruz Symphony’s principal wind players: Laurie Siebold, flute; Bennie Cottone, oboe; Karen Sremac, clarinet; and Erin Irvine, bassoon performing a variety of quartet and trio music for woodwinds. For information visit santacruzsymphony.org. Location: Samper Recital Hall at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr. Date & time: 2 p.m. Price: $49.
From the Old World to the New (Jan. 11-12)
Featuring Kristin Garbeff, Concert Director and cello; Cynthia Baehr-Williams, violin; Chad Kaltinger, Viola; Kumiko Uyeda, Piano. The Santa Cruz Chamber Players will present a concert featuring the music of Schubert in 19th century Europe to California composers in the 21st century. For information and tickets visit eventful.com. Location: Christ Lutheran Church, 10707 Soquel Dr. Time: 3 p.m. Price: $10 for students; $25.
S.C. Follies pancake breakfast (Jan. 12)
The Market Street Senior Center will host a benefit pancake breakfast for Santa Cruz Follies, a local performing arts group for ‘over 50’ Santa Cruz County citizens. Also, take a look in “Granny’s Attic” for household items and small gifts. For information, call Senior Citizens Opportunities at 423-6640. Location: 222 Market St., Santa Cruz. Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon. Price: $8 for adults, $4 for children under age 10.
Banda El Recodo in Watsonville (Jan. 12)
Legendary Mexican band Banda El Recodo will make a stop at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. First formed by clarinetist Cruz Lizárraga in 1938 in Mazatlán, in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, the band, officially named Banda Sinaloense el Recodo de Don Cruz Lizarraga, has been going strong ever since with an ever-evolving lineup of musicians. The group specializes in banda, a style of music from Mexico featuring various wind instruments, primarily brass and percussion. Banda el Recodo has been instrumental in forming and popularizing the genre over its 80 years. Tickets available on ticketon.com. Location: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Time: 5 p.m. Price: $45.
Traditional Mexican music by youth (Jan. 14)
The Watsonville Public Library invites the community to come enjoy some traditional Mexican music played by young local musicians. This is an all-ages event. Date & time: Jan. 14, 6-7:30 p.m. Price: Free.
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Recurring events
Saturday, Jan. 11
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.
Second Saturday on the Farm
The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave.
Second Weekends at the Airport
Admission is free and everyone is welcome to show and admire these historical aircraft on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pilots displaying their aircraft can enjoy special offers from Ella’s At The Airport and top off at our self-service island at the lowest fuel prices from 9 a.m. Saturday until 9 a.m. Sunday.
Mayor’s Bike Ride for Health
Join Watsonville’s mayor for a short, family-friendly bike ride on the second Saturday of each month that follows the Pajaro River levee, starting at the parking lot across from Watsonville Buddhist Temple at 423 Bridge St. This easy, level ride is perfect for kids and beginners. Warm up stretches led by Watsonville Yoga. Ride starts at 10 a.m. Helmets are required for this ride. Some will be provided if needed.
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Sunday, Jan. 12
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 Rd. 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, Jan. 13
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.
Karate at Watsonville PAL
Karate trains Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Watsonville Police Activities League, 130 Rodriguez St., Watsonville. Details: Coresta Angelo at 763-4146.
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Tuesday, Jan. 14
Turbo Tuesday
Come spend an afternoon of fun playing all kinds of games in the Watsonville Public Library from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Self-Defense Program
This program at the Watsonville PAL gym on Rodriguez Street is designed to give the participants an hour and 15 minutes of self-defense instruction. Classes start a 4:45 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday Details: Coresta Angelo at 763-4146.
Self-Defense Program
This program at the Watsonville PAL gym on Rodriguez Street is designed to give the participants an hour and 15 minutes of self-defense instruction. Classes start a 4:45 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday Details: Coresta Angelo at 763-4146.
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 a.m. 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, Jan. 15
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 and baby 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.
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.
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.
Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group
The Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group will meet at the Trinity Presbyterian Church. Speaker Mary Howe is from the Village Santa Cruz County, whose main goal, “is to build a network of trusted people who support each other when we need help through our transitions of aging. We do this through social activities to get to know each other, educational events on topics related to aging well, and by helping each other with small tasks or a listening ear, when needed.” For information: https://www.villagesantacruz.org. There is no membership or charge required to attend the bi-monthly meetings of the support group. Location: 420 Melrose St., Santa Cruz. Time: 12:30 p.m. Price: NA.
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Thursday, Jan. 16
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 Public Library.
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Friday, Jan. 17
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. It 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.
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.
