Been here many times to watch theatrical persons very very willing to entertain their audience…read more Little theater is more fun and a lot more interesting than the large stage productions of SF, LA, Chicago and NY. Hands down, I enjoy the smaller venues and really appreciate the actors and actresses. I love the stage sets of All About Theatre. Very well done.

I'm a student in AAT and I cant believe how awesome this is. aside from the occasional stress with…read moretech week or opening night, every experience I have ever had here has been wonderful. and instead of some lame, disgruntled parent, I actually know first hand how we are treated. the staff is wonderful, my castmates are great, and over all I've had the best experiences ever here. sign up now. NOW. Orion N. age 12

We planned our annual girls' weekend, and this year was in Pajaro Dunes. Our superstar planning…read morecoordinator suggested a couple of activities for us to do, and it was unanimous we do the Sand Dollar Paint and Sip in Santa Cruz. This was all of our first time, and we really enjoyed it from beginning to end. We had a blast! Not only do they provide wine and snacks but you can also bring your own which we did. There were several tables with each canvas on an easel with the pattern penciled on the canvas. You get a palette of different colors and a water bowl to rinse your brush. You are offered to use additional brushes if you choose. When you're done with your masterpiece, you may add embellishments such as glitter to seashells. Kimberly was fantastic! She was very welcoming when we came in. She lead the class with lightheartedness and humor. She encouraged you to be creative. She showed us how to blend the colors to produce different hues. For some of us, we were challenged, but we did it! It was so much fun! I highly recommend checking out The Painted Cork. Thanks, Kimberly!!

This is my absolute favorite place to spend an evening. Every time I walk in, I'm welcomed with…read moresuch warmth and positivity as it really feels like a little creative escape. Kimberly, who runs the classes, is not only incredibly kind and welcoming, but also so talented and patient. She makes everyone, no matter their experience level, feel comfortable and confident in what they're creating. I've done several classes here, including a resin art class, a resin coaster workshop, and a holiday ornament painting session. Each class has been unique, fun, and thoughtfully guided. Kimberly provides all the materials and walks you through each step, making the process easy to follow and so rewarding. The atmosphere is always relaxed, creative, and filled with great conversation. It's such a refreshing way to unwind, learn something new, and leave with a piece of art you're proud of. I'm already looking forward to coming back for another class--this space truly brings joy, and I can't recommend it enough!

The 418 Project appears to be "rebooting", and in a good way. We went to a showing of a great…read moredocumentary about a Swedish artist. Dennis Bartok, the newish director, intorduced it and told us what's going on at 418. The overall atmosphere was causal and friendly. I hope there are other films and events we want to "do" there -- like a "sound bath"? In October?

This community Artspace is dedicated to supporting emerging artists and Diverse communities! The…read moreprogramming is forward thinking, inspiring, and includes all kinds of stuff--burlesque performances, black history month, Chinese New Year's, salsa dances--and is accessible--there is sliding scale or donation options for much of what goes on. I work here so I'm pretty stoked.

Had a blast at Norcal's largest woodie show this past weekend. Families and individuals of all ages…read moreenjoying the sunshine on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The DJ playing surf music through the speakers, setting the mood. A few tents offering merchandise, presentations, and ballots for guests to vote for their favorite woodie. Good food and desserts available from eateries on the wharf (the clam showder and crab melt sandwich from Stagnaro Bros were particularly tasty). Of course, there was no shortage of awesome, colorful, and classic vehicles for visitors to explore and admire. A unique car show in a lovely setting on the water, and free to attend. The event took place deep on the pier, all the way in the back, so expect a bit of a walk even after arriving at the wharf. And the organizers informed guests of the shuttle from downtown (costing $1 cash) for more convenient parking options, but I found plenty of street parking walking distance to the event, near Pacific and Spruce (and even on Front Street), around noon time. The event ended with a sendoff parade in the late afternoon (I didn't stay to get caught in that traffic though). Totally worth checking out... love me some woodies!

I've always loved watching the Woodies pull up and the cool custom artists experience…read more My kids got there first taste of the scene and Santa Cruz further was cemented as the "greatest place on earth." Only now, it's not just because of the 'Lost Boys' movie and the arcade.

I had a friend post on instagram about this circus, never had heard of it before as I live on the…read moreother side of the hill. I bought tickets, a table actually. It comes with 4 chairs and the option to add two more and the ability to order concessions prior to the show that get delivered to your table. As we showed up, big parking lot as it's located in the mall lot. Nicely done- 5 portapottys inside the tent, little concessions stand and souvenir section. The inside is small, but the seating gives you and your guest plenty of space between you and others. The show is mythical, more of fairies, Pegasus, snow daughters and such, but is an amazing experience for the whole family. Lots of acrobatics, cute little costumes and lots of laughs- especially the Pegasus! The staff is friendly, and it's just an amazing experience. My girls 3&5 said it was their favorite circus yet! The snowball fight was their favorite part of the show, and the trampoline act. We can't wait to come back next year! Definitely worth the drive, and a bargain for the show!

So much fun for the family. Classic early 1900th century vaudeville type of show with modern items…read morethrown in. Lots of fun!

This was our 2nd time attending this event. It's been quite awhile ago since we have been back. We…read morehappened to pass the MAH (museum art and history) saw the banner and decided to make the drive early in the morning. I'm glad we did got a nice parking spot across from the venue. The weather was nice. There were quite a number of vendors selling Japanese clothing, handbags , Japanese knives, shaved ice, of course Japanese food. We stayed and watched the Watsonville Taiko drummers perform. They were spectacular to watch and listen. The younger children ranged from 7+ and older.

~Taiku and Martial Arts Demo, Fresh Sushi, Shaved Ice~…read more This Fair is small and near downtown Santa Cruz. Good food but only a couple of vendors and of course it is mostly sushi and teryaki bowls. It was chilly but sunny. Worth checking out.

The Claw Gang is absolutely amazing! From the moment we walked in, the energy was fun, exciting,…read moreand perfect for families. This place is GREAT for kids -- safe, entertaining, and full of awesome prizes. My kids are completely obsessed... they're officially addicted in the best way possible! We had such a great time together, and it's one of those spots that keeps everyone smiling the entire visit. We'll definitely be coming back again and again. Five stars all the way!

Very cute very clean very affordable !!! You can get 23…read moretokens for $20 Most of the claw machines only take one token. The owners are so sweet !!! Perfect treat for the little ones.

This review is for Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls specifically. They really are the best cinnamon…read morerolls ever! Huge, freshly baked, served warm, ooey and gooey, with the perfect amount of frosting (i.e., A LOT of frosting), surprisingly not too sweet, and the Tres Leches cinnamon roll was genius! Drenched with deliciousness. I'm drooling as I write this. The staff is also super friendly! If they're in town, you must go!!

I've been to the OC County Fair, Alameda County Fair, a bunch in the East Coast, and now this one a…read morefew times. I do enjoy the Santa Cruz County Fair, but it has its negatives and positives. Positives: - more local activities and exhibits (you can feel the pride!) - more little shops and carts - camels!!! - more agriculture (specific flower exhibits, specific tree exhibits, etc) - it has some of the same things you'd find at the other fairs, like the miniature pig races, a magic act, a Ferris wheel, some other rides, food vendors like funnel cakes and BBQ. Negatives: - no fireworks (like at Alameda County Fair) - high ticket price ($22/adult, $15 parking) - fewer daily promotions for lower entrance fees - smaller ride area (some fairs have 2 sections: one for older kids, one for younger kids) - smaller fair overall - fewer exhibits and shows (ie, no motocross, no horse racing) - no large concerts Overall it is very fun to attend with friends and loved ones, but it can be pretty expensive, and you don't need to spend all day here since there isn't that much to do compared to other County Fairs. I can't complain though... I always have fun here.