Friday, March 15th
What: Trivia Night
When: Family Trivia: 5p.m. - 6:30p.m.; Adult Trivia: 7p.m. - 9p.m.
Where: The Museum of Art & History (MAH)
Cost: $5/general, $3/kids, seniors, students, MAH members free
Why Go: Test yourself to a game of trivia with new acquaintances or your own party of five. Prepare for questions about local history fused with the artistic scene. Family Trivia includes children five to eighteen. Crazy costumes and team get-ups welcomed. Registration begins at 6:30p.m.
What: Contra Dancing
When: 8p.m. Beginners are encouraged to arrive by 7:40p.m. for an introductory lesson.
Where: Felton Community Hall
Cost: $10/general, $9/members, $6/students
Why Go: Put on your "please clean" dancing shoes and join other singles or bring a companion while dancing the night away. This 'Traditional New England Folk Dancing,' AKA "Contra" style, involves lining up opposite your partner and following the steps of the expert instructor. Ages 7 and up welcome. Snacks will be provided.
What: Kids Closet Sale; Kids Closet Connection
When: 10a.m. - 8p.m. Fri. & Sat. (Sun. Half-Price Day; 10a.m.-4p.m.)
Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Crosetti Building
Cost: $12.50 Consignor Fee/Season; plus a 'small dollar' percentage of sales according to the site.
Why Go: Join families for a day of shopping for gently-used children's apparel or clean out those closets and make some extra cash selling your own. Consignors will earn 65% of their sales and are not required to work the event. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for a four-hour shift. No cribs accepted.
Saturday, March 16th
What: The Polar Plunge
When: 10a.m. - 1p.m.
Where: Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Commitment to raise a minimum of $125 per plunger
Why Go: Raise money for the Special Olympics. Just wear your craziest costume and plunge into the frigid Pacific for a great cause.
What: Winter Wildflower Walk
When: 10a.m.
Where: Big Basin; Meet at park headquarters
Cost: $10. Parking
Why Go: This four-mile, four-hour hike is a wonderland of chaparral plants, lichens, mosses, a waterfall, and two chimney trees. You may want to bring your camera. Good walking shoes, water, and lunch necessary.
What: Fantan Mojah & Band
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Moe's Alley
Cost: $15/advance, $20/door
Why Go: Now a member of ''Bobo Shanti,'' the holy group that lives isolated away from the main stream of Jamaica, Artist Mojah prefers sings about the Rastafarian message of equality, social justice, and faith. See a video here.
Sunday, March 17th
What: Family Chess Day
When: 2 p.m - 2:45p.m. under eight with family; 3p.m. - 4p.m. ages 9 to 18 with family
Where: Central Library
Cost: Free
Why Go: Fun and games is a great way to bring the family together. Chess lessons are open to all levels. Beginners are asked to contact Gjon before joining by email at coach@santacruzpl.com or call 425-7835.
What: Science Sunday
Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center (at Long Marine Lab)
When: 1p.m. - 2p.m.
Cost: Free with Admission
Why Go: Learn more about the link between the oceans and ourselves with marine mammal research findings and engaging, interactive talks and virtual tours.
What: St. Patrick's Celebration with 'The Wild Rovers;' Comedy to follow
Where: The Crow's Nest
When: Musical Performance 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Comedy 9 p.m.
Cost: Band- No cover; Comedy- $7
Why Go: Guest singer Christina Cree will join this Irish playing band as they combine a Celtic performance complete with fiddle and sing-alongs. The celebration continues Shamrock style with three acts of comedy to follow.
