5 Festivals Not to Miss This Summer

Woodies on the Wharf

June 23

This first weekend of summer, June 23, marks the 18th showing of restored classic Woodie cars on the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Cars made of wood? your kids will ask. Well, yes. And restored to be giant picnic boxes or surf palaces or just plain cool driving cars, these were made from 1915-1952 and they are much beloved. See who is crowned champ and listen to some great old rock 'n' roll from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FRINGE FESTIVAL

July 13-22

You probably think every day downtown is a festival of the fringe, but this one is organized. It features 135 performances by 35 different acts in theater, dance, comedy, kids shows, circus, burlesque, spoken word, performance art, puppetry and musical theater various places around downtown (isn't that every day?).

For more information, click here.

Festival de Nopal

July 22

This is the third annual festival of the cactus, the food that some Mexicans say makes you Mexican. It's a staple in Mexico and exotic here, the cactus, or nopal, is cooked in a variety of ways, like an artichoke heart, as a soup, paste, deep fried, mixed with other vegetables, or however your imagination chooses to use it.

The festival includes contests for innovative ways to cook the plant, as well as music, ballet folklorico, food, drink, music and cooking demonstrations.

For more, click here.

Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

July 28-Aug. 12

While the best in modern classical music fills the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium for two weeks, a festival outside the building Aug 4 and 5 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. offers world music, food, arts and crafts.

This festival has put Santa Cruz on the international music map. A lot of it is kid and family friendly. The outdoor part surely is.

Click here for more.

Aloha Races and Paddle Festival

Aug. 26

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Aloha spirit takes over the beach for this festival that starts with races at 9 a.m. and then features a day of food, music and Polynesian culture.

For more information and to enter a team, click here.