Let’s be real. Santa Cruz isn’t the most obvious choice for food and drink events — not exactly a Napa Valley or San Francisco. But it tries, bless its heart. So if you're game to venture beyond the yoga studios and surf spots to experience a little local flavor (literally), here’s a rundown of the finest gastronomic gatherings this week. Don't expect five stars — it’s Santa Cruz, not Paris. But the charm and oddities will keep things, if nothing else, amusing.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Boardwalk Bites & Brews
Location: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Time: 4 p.m.
Imagine this: the Boardwalk, that eternally sticky relic of summer pastimes, teaming up with local breweries to bring you the "finest" of brews. The allure? Sampling craft beers while being serenaded by the screeches of rollercoaster riders. Just remember, the real attraction is the people-watching. You’ll see everything from barefoot beachgoers daring to roam the Boardwalk’s sticky floorboards to the occasional seagull trying to swipe a pretzel right out of someone’s hand.
The Boardwalk promises an assortment of food and drinks, and while the term "gourmet" might be loosely applied here, who can resist the allure of overpriced Boardwalk nachos and maybe, if you're lucky, some freshly fried calamari? Just watch out for those untrained beer-tasting novices — you know the ones — who decided that “Bites & Brews” meant a great excuse to get completely sloshed before sundown.
Saturday, Nov. 2
West Cliff Day of the Dead Outdoor Market
Location: Lighthouse Point
Time: 10 a.m.
Ah, West Cliff Drive — home to cliff-side strolls and scenic ocean views. But this time, add to the mix a Day of the Dead market, a rather unconventional way to kick off your Saturday. Santa Cruz isn’t particularly known for its DÃa de Los Muertos celebrations, but this market is set to deliver a nod to this traditional Mexican holiday with, I’m assuming, a Santa Cruz spin.
Expect artisan stalls with offerings that range from skull-themed jewelry to questionable “organic” candles. Sure, it might not have the authenticity of a festival in Mexico City, but you can buy a pan de muerto while taking in some ocean views. Just watch out for the overexcited Instagrammers posing with the altars — this is a somber holiday, but don’t tell that to someone with a flower crown and an iPhone.
Raising Voices for Pancreatic Cancer Support
Location: Bargetto Winery
Time: 2 p.m.
Price: $0 - $90
Who knew Bargetto Winery was hosting a cancer fundraiser? The setting: lush vineyards and wine aplenty. The cause: raising awareness for pancreatic cancer. This is one of those events that starts with a solemn purpose but quickly transitions into, “Hey, we’re at a winery, let’s have another glass!” Expect heartfelt speeches, but don’t be surprised if half the crowd has wandered off for another round of chardonnay before the speeches end.
If you’re lucky, they’ll throw in some decent appetizers to balance out the drinks. For the more adventurous, there’s always that one person who insists on sampling every wine in sight. Maybe take it as a challenge to beat them to the punch, or better yet, nurse one glass and watch the wine-induced awkward mingling unfold.
Day of the Dead Gathering & Dinner
Location: Mariquita Farm, Watsonville
Time: 3 p.m.
Price: $100
Jack O’Neill Restaurant is going off-script by hosting this “Day of the Dead” dinner at Mariquita Farm, the perfect setting for those who think Day of the Dead is a pastoral affair rather than an urban cultural experience. Enjoy a multicourse menu, “surrounded by marigolds” in true Dia de Los Muertos spirit, although I’m going to guess the marigold placement is for Instagram more than tradition.
The menu? A bit eclectic, featuring eloté corn, nopales, and mushroom tamales — foods that sound authentically Mexican but might be a stretch coming from the chefs at the Dream Inn. Still, at $100, it’s a full sit-down affair, and they’ve accounted for various dietary restrictions. There’s always a hint of suspense with such off-site dinners: will the chefs nail the mole, or will the tamales turn out suspiciously Santa Cruz-style (think kale or quinoa sneaking in where it shouldn’t)?
Day Of The Dead Wine Release Party
Location: Wargin Wines
Time: 4 p.m.
Price: $30
Apparently, the folks at Wargin Wines want to keep DÃa de Los Muertos alive with a wine release party. And what better way to celebrate the departed than with a glass or two of their latest blend? For $30, you’ll get to sample new wines while likely surrounded by a scattering of festive decorations. Expect the vibe to be halfway between “cultural homage” and “wine club meetup.”
The crowd will probably be a mix of local wine enthusiasts and the odd tourist who just wanted a reason to drink. If you find yourself wondering why this Day of the Dead-themed event feels suspiciously like every other wine release, you’re not alone. But, hey, it’s a good excuse to indulge in more wine.
Monday, Nov. 4
Mezcal Monday
Location: Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen
Time: 4 p.m.
Welcome to Monday. You’re already tired of the workweek, so why not jumpstart the downward slide to Friday with a bit of mezcal? Venus Spirits knows the struggle and is serving up mezcal flights that will make you forget what day it is. The hip, industrial-chic vibe of Venus Spirits means you’re basically required to pretend you know the difference between “reposado” and “añejo.”
This isn’t for the tequila-and-lime crowd; this is mezcal, the smokier, edgier cousin of tequila. The patrons here have probably spent months developing their palate and will tell you at length about the unique agave notes. For the rest of us, a smoky margarita will do just fine.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Trivia & Tacos
Location: Greater Purpose Brewing Company
Time: 6 p.m.
In a surprising twist, Greater Purpose Brewing Company offers not only trivia but also tacos to distract you from your miserable showing in the “geography” round. Trivia nights have become the bread and butter of breweries trying to pack the place on a weekday. Combine that with tacos, and you have a midweek destination that almost makes you forget that it’s only Wednesday.
The crowd? Likely half college students, half trivia die-hards. Don’t be surprised if some over-caffeinated undergrad swoops in to destroy your self-esteem with a dazzling display of “useless knowledge.” And the tacos? They’re probably tasty enough to keep you going, though there’s always the possibility that they run out by the third round, leaving you with nothing but chips and a hollow sense of defeat.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Farm-to-Table Dinner
Location: Aptos Village Square
Time: 6 p.m.
Price: $125
Aptos Village Square’s farm-to-table event promises a culinary feast so wholesome it practically comes with a side of “support local agriculture.” For $125, you’ll be treated to a seasonal menu designed to showcase the finest local ingredients, which, if we’re being honest, means there will be a lot of kale, squash, and heirloom tomatoes involved.
The evening will likely involve tables laid out in rustic style, with mason jars, artisanal bread, and dishes with words like “foraged” and “organic” in the description. The crowd here is bound to be a mixture of earnest foodies and people who want their social media to reflect “conscious dining choices.” It’s an event designed for folks who think a night out isn’t complete without discussing the farmer’s backstory and the merits of heirloom varietals.
The Unmissable Highlights
The bottom line? If you can make it to just one event, go for the Day of the Dead Gathering & Dinner on Saturday. It's a proper sit-down affair, and where else will you find a Santa Cruz chef attempting mole negro in the middle of a marigold-strewn farm? It’s unique, a bit pricey, but it’s got charm.
Runner-up: Mezcal Monday at Venus Spirits. Why? Because it’s Monday, and mezcal has a magical way of making the rest of the week look bearable.
If this week’s food events have taught us anything, it’s that Santa Cruz will absolutely find a way to put a “local” twist on just about everything, from tacos to tamales. So, grab your mason jars, bring a love of kale, and join the county in celebrating its quirky blend of food, drink, and endless (well, sometimes questionable) creativity. Cheers!