Brunch, Beats, and a 2,000-Pound “Sea-lebrity” 💐🥂🎶🦭👀
Welcome to May, Santa Cruz 👋✨☀️🌊
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 10 – a moment to celebrate, honor, and remember the moms, mother figures and special women who have shaped our lives. With that in mind, we’ve curated a variety of events and activities for you and yours. Whether you’re in the mood for something outdoorsy, artsy, sporty, wine- or beer-infused, musical, danceable, delicious, decadent or just a fun, entertaining night out, here are a bunch of our best ideas. Enjoy!
🌸 Mother’s Day Top Picks
🌿 For the pre-game:UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Tuesday, May 5 | 9am–5pm – 1156 High St., Santa Cruz
If you're tied up, working, or Sunday just isn’t in the cards – or if you simply want to start the celebration early – wander the gardens, take in the views, and immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful spots in town. Bonus: it’s Community Day, so admission is free.
🎨 For the art lover: Tannery Arts Center Spring Art MarketSaturday, May 9 | 10am-5pm – 1010 River St., Santa CruzA day full of art, music, food and community, with 40+ local artists and makers. It’s a great opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind treasures from ceramics and textiles to prints and jewelry.
🍇 For a laid-back afternoon with wine, charcuterie and music: Roberts Ranch
Saturday, May 9 | 3-5pm – 875 Roberts Rd., Ben Lomond
Live music with Sweeter Still, a tasting of five boutique wines, and abundant charcuterie at a ridge-top vineyard – settle in, sway to the music and enjoy the views.
🍷 For a little day trip, wine and great tunes: Mother’s Day Party at Rustique WinesSunday, May 10 | 1-4pm – 1010 River Rd., SalinasLive music from JAM & The Buttered Biscuits – a danceable, drinkable, linger-a-while kind of afternoon just down the road at the hot winery everyone is talking about lately.
🛍️ For the treasure hunter: Downtown Santa Cruz Antique FaireSunday, May 10 | 8am–6pm – Lincoln Street (between Pacific Ave. & Cedar St.), Santa CruzHappening on the second Sunday of every month, it’s part treasure hunt, part stroll, with an eclectic blend of antiques, vintage finds, unique items and collectibles lining the streets.
👟 For the “earn your brunch” crowd:
Saturday, May 9 | Competitive start 8:15am, general start 8:30am – Bay St. & National St., Santa Cruz
As Good Times writer Kristen McLaughlin tells us, this female-focused, all-levels race along West Cliff is as much about community as it is the miles, whether you’re running with friends or solo.
Sunday, May 10 | 1K 7:45am, 5K 8am, 10K 8:45am – Pinto Lake County Park, 757 Green Valley Road, Watsonville
Set the alarm and get out the door early for a run on scenic trails and options for all levels – run, walk, or just show up and support Pajaro Valley Shelter Services.
🎶 For a laid-back afternoon: Discretion Brewing – Mother’s Day Live MusicSunday, May 10 | 3pm–5pm – 2703 41st Ave., SoquelA longtime local favorite, Wild Iris brings their signature acoustic blend of folk, roots, and Americana to an easy, outdoor afternoon set – perfect with a pint and a little sunshine.
🥂🍽️ For the “but first, food” crew, many restaurants offer a Mother’s Day Brunch or special buffet. Top faves like The View at Chaminade Resort & Spa, Shadowbrook Restaurant, Jack O’Neill and Roaring Camp Railroads (a unique train ride/brunch) are all rolling out the red carpet for Mom. But if your tribe is into “beast mode” AND “scenic garden,” head over to Bruno’s Bar & Grill in Scotts Valley and order up the “Big Bastard.” You won’t believe it until you see it! (Whatever vibe you have in mind, it’s usually wise to make reservations.)
For a night out:
🎻🎶Live Quartet by Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Friday, May 8 | 8:45–10pm – The Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz
All the familiar hits by Coldplay and Imagine Dragons, stripped down and reimagined for string quartet, played amidst the gentle glow of candlelight.
📚🎤 Renowned author and humorist David Sedaris
Saturday, May 9 | 7:30–10pm – Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz
Expect sharp, satirical takes on everyday life as Sedaris reads from his latest work and delivers the kind of dry, observational humor for which he’s widely known and loved – part reading, part stand-up, and always engaging.
Looking for even more ideas? The Good Times Best of Santa Cruz 2026 issue is out now! Check it out.
Ok, now on to the news… Have a great week and, as always, thanks for reading! 💛
News Highlights
Three Killed in Highway 1 DUI Crash
May Day Protests: Pro Workers’ Rights, Anti-Trump Administration
Salsa by the Sea at Santa Cruz Wharf Faces Challenges
Santa Cruz County Dips into Budget Reserves Amid Federal Funding Cuts
Countywide Cleanup Set for May 9
Castroville Man Arrested for Human Trafficking, Attempted Murder
Watsonville Removes Parking Meters on Aviation Way
Plus…Home Schooling from Asia, Kat Moss of Scowl, Stress Talk, Un-Pho-Gettable Noodles, a VERY Large Sea Lion…and Much More!
TOP STORIES
3 Killed in Highway 1 DUI Crash
Three people were killed Saturday night when a driver who was accused of being intoxicated allegedly caused a collision on State Highway 1 near Moss Landing. The deadly head-on crash forced the full closure of Highway 1 in the surrounding area.
May Day Protests: Pro-Workers’ Rights, Anti-Trump Administration
Protests swept across the Central Coast on May Day, with rallies in Watsonville, Hollister, and Santa Cruz addressing workers' rights, economic issues, and dissatisfaction with the Trump administration.
Salsa by the Sea at Santa Cruz Wharf Faces Challenges
Salsa by the Sea, which has hosted dancers on the Santa Cruz Wharf for 24 years, faces an uncertain future. Organizers say the summer season could be canceled as the City of Santa Cruz considers revoking permits due to overcrowding and safety concerns.
Santa Cruz County Dips into Budget Reserves Amid Federal Funding Cuts
Santa Cruz County leaders plan to tap into financial reserves to cover budget gaps caused by federal funding cuts, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of some programs and services.
Countywide Cleanup Set for May 9
The third annual Pitch-In Santa Cruz this Saturday, May 9 aims to build on last year’s turnout of about 750 volunteers, with dozens of cleanup sites planned countywide from Davenport to Watsonville. Organizer Sally-Christine Rodgers says, “The goal is to make Santa Cruz the cleanest county in the state.”
Castroville Man Arrested for Human Trafficking, Attempted Murder
Eric Adam Melendrez, 42, of Castroville has been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, attempted murder and multiple other felony charges following an investigation that began with a reported assault outside a local shopping center, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Watsonville Removes Parking Meters on Aviation Way
Watsonville city officials have ended a short-lived paid parking pilot along Aviation Way after pushback from local businesses, removing meters just days after the program launched.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Santa Cruz writer Steve Kettman and his wife bring their young kids abroad for three months of big lessons.
How the singer of Scowl survived success and is now rediscovering herself.
Wellness columnist Elizabeth Borelli reminds us that stress serves a useful purpose when it works the way it’s supposed to. But the downside gets real when the anxious feelings linger long after the stressor has passed.
In this week’s Street Talk, Good Times writer John Koenig asks Santa Cruzans, “What was your first and favorite music record?”
Bold and multifaceted, The Cruz Room debuts with sleight of hand pizza spinning magic and a delicious array of sweet treats.
Super Noodle in Capitola serves standout pho, curry and Vietnamese favorites, with a focus on rich broth, fresh ingredients and a welcoming environment.
😳 Wait, What?! 👀🦭😂🐟
As you’ve probably heard by now, San Francisco has a new “sea-lebrity.” Chonkers, a 2,000-pound Steller sea lion, has taken the internet by storm since he was first sighted lounging at Pier 39 about three weeks ago. Extra furry with an outrageous belly and bear-like muzzle, he was quickly dubbed “Chonkus Maximus,” “Chungus Maximus,” “Big Boi” and even “Mr. Steal Your Girl” on Reddit.