Special events
Hempcon Halloweed (Oct. 26-27)
A fully legal and licensed marijuana show at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds with live entertainment and many exhibits, including medical marijuana dispensaries, collectives, caregivers, evaluation services, legal services, educational institutions, equipment, accessories and more. For tickets or information visit hempcon.com/halloweed-2019.
La Sonora Santanera in concert (Oct. 26)
La Sonora Santanera, an orchestra from Mexico playing tropical music for more than 60 years, will grace the Mello Center in Watsonville at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. For information visit the event’s Facebook page.
East Lake Halloween Car Show (Oct. 27)
This year’s Halloween Car Show is benefitting the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project, so dust off your costumes and cars. Come to the East Lake Village Shopping Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live music at Carmona’s BBQ Deli, trick or treating and, of course, cars.
Halloween Maze of Horror (Oct. 30 & 31)
Do you dare to enter? You will not want to miss the Halloween Maze of Horrors at the Watsonville Youth Center that gets bigger and better each year. This year the maze will have random twists, turns and flashing lights that may disorient those brave enough to go through. Be aware as you make each step, because there might be someone right there to spook you. This maze will have different levels of scary, so that all ages can participate. The scares run from 5-8 p.m. The cost is $2. For information: cityofwatsonville.org.
Evening of Wine & Roses (Nov. 1)
The flavors of community, in service of good health. The Evening of Wine & Roses fundraiser put on by the Pajaro Valley Health Trust features more than 20 wineries from the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation; tastes from area restaurants, caterers and brewers; and immersion in an atmosphere of locally grown roses and exquisite flowers. All of that is complemented by silent and live auctions featuring celebrated wines and other unique gifts. Event runs from 6-9 p.m. at Crosetti Hall in the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Tickets available at pvhealthtrust.org.
Day of the Dead Fiesta + Coco (Nov. 1)
The Watsonville Film Festival returns to the City Plaza for an evening of fun and film for the entire family in celebration of the beautiful tradition of Day of the Dead. Starting at 4 p.m., families can participate in free, hands-on activities, including crafts, face painting, mosaic making and the opportunity to visit a bookmobile. Community altars will adorn the Plaza’s center bandstand. Enjoy dancing by local folkloric groups on the main stage and dress up as a Catrina or Catrín for the occasion. At 7 p.m., Disney’s award-winning film “Coco” will start: Bring lawn chairs, blankets and warm jackets. Film will be presented in Spanish audio with English subtitles. For information visit Watsonvillefilmfest.org.
HoliDaisy Festival of Trees (Nov. 1)
The Daisy Store is kicking off the holiday season with two benefit events at the Back Nine Bar and Grill, 555 Hwy 17, Santa Cruz. On Nov. 1 from 6:30-10 p.m. enjoy appetizers, a no-host bar and dancing to the “Best of Rock and Roll” with the local classic rock band the Digbeats. The following day features a champagne brunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. that includes a Chic Boutique, Paper Parade and Daisy ambassadors modeling Daisy clothing available for purchase. Events also include a silent auction, jewelry boutique, fresh greenery pre-sales and drawings for themed decorated holiday trees laden with gifts. HoliDaisy benefits the Family Service Agency of the Central Coast Suicide Prevention Service, which supports Survivors Healing, Senior Outreach, WomenCARE, I-You Venture and Crisis Counseling. For information visit fsa-cc.org/daisy/holidaisy/.
Recurring events
Saturday, Oct. 26
Aptos Farmer’s Market
Open rain or shine, the Aptos Farmer’s Market at Cabrillo College runs every Saturday from 8 a.m.
to noon.
Sunday, Oct. 27
Farm and garden market
The Corralitos Farm and Garden Market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables and homemade baked goods prepared with organic and locally grown ingredients. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 127 Hames Road in Corralitos.
Wetlands Nature Center
Discover the wildlands on free exploration walks at 1:30 p.m. at the Wetlands Nature Center, 30 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, behind Ramsay Park. Binoculars provided. Rain cancels. Information: 768-1622 or wetlandsofwatsonville.org.
El Mercado Certified Farmer’s Market
This year-round Certified Farmer’s Market is held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 28
Karate at Watsonville PAL
Karate trains Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Watsonville Police Activities League, 130 Rodriguez St., Watsonville. Details: Coresta Angelo at 763-4146
Hamburger Night
The American Legion Post 121 invites all to its Hamburger Night from 5:30-7 p.m. at 214 Center St., Watsonville. Cost: $6. Proceeds benefit veterans and the post’s community activities.
Homework help at Youth Center
Need an extra hand at understanding your assignments? Can’t seem to figure out how to get the right answers? Have a group project due and don’t have a place to meet up? Approach one of our teammates at the Watsonville Youth Center Monday-Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m. and we’ll do what we can to help you get your homework done and get your grades up. Ages 6-22. Must be a registered member to participate. Registration and membership is free. For information: 768-3248.
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Self-Defense Program
This program at the Watsonville PAL gym on Rodriguez Street is designed to give the participants an hour and 15 minutes of self-defense instruction. Classes start a 4:45 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday Details: Coresta Angelo at 763-4146.
Bingo at Senior Center
The Watsonville Senior Center, 114 E. Fifth St., hosts bingo from 1-4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the center and its programs. Free coffee. Open to anyone 18 or older. In addition, the Senior Center holds a flea market starting at 9:30 a.m. Details: 722-1333.
Valley Heights
Free social hour every Tuesday and Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. is open to the public at 925 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville.
Legal assistance
California Rural Legal Assistance offers free legal services to low-income people. New clients on a first-come, first-served basis on Tuesdays between the hours of 9:30-11:30 am and 1:3-4:00 p.m. at 21 Carr St. in Watsonville. We also have satellite offices in Hollister and Santa Cruz, call for intake hours at 724-2253.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Watsonville Rotary
Rotary Club of Watsonville invites community members to its weekly luncheon meeting at the Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St., each Wednesday from 12:15-1:30 p.m. The program includes local community speakers that vary each week. For information: watsonvillerotary.com.
Lions Bingo
Join the Watsonville Associated Lions Club Bingo and support a nonprofit that gives back to the Pajaro Valley. Meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.
Bilingual toddler and baby lap time
Freedom Branch Library, 2021 Freedom Blvd., offers child socialization and early literacy skills for children ages 0-24 months at 10:30 a.m., and for ages 2-4 at 11:30 a.m. Details: 768-3420.
Watsonville Band
The Watsonville Community Band wants new members who can read music and competently play an instrument. Rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. in the Watsonville High School band room on Marchant Street. Information: band manager Bill Nestler at 768-8692 or watsonville-band.org.
Elks Lodge dinner
The Watsonville Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St., hosts dinners for members and guests. Lodge opens 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served 6:30 p.m. A full course dinner is included for $10 per person (special events may be higher). Contact the lodge for reservations at 724-2493. Reservations are a must.
Migrant assistance
The Community Information Center for Migrant Assistance/Centro Communitario de Información Migratoria at Trinity Lutheran Church, 175 Lawrence Ave., Watsonville offers immigration information and assistance from 6-8 p.m. Free. Information: 724-3461.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Bilingual toddler time
Bilingual Toddler Time is a free bilingual (English/Spanish) 30-minute program including stories, activities and music for toddlers and preschoolers. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Watsonville Public Library.
Friday, Nov. 1
Farmer’s Market
The Watsonville Certified Farmer’s Market takes place every Friday from 3-7 p.m. on Peck Street in the downtown Plaza. It offers organic and ethnic produce, flowers, live music and plenty of goodies to eat.
St. Francis bingo
Bingo meets every Friday evening at the Kennedy Center, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. Doors open at 5 p.m. Proceeds go to scholarships at St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School. Information: 722-2665 or 722-3274.
Senior dance
The Watsonville Senior Center hosts a free dance at 10:30 a.m. at 114 E. Fifth St.
STEAM in Watsonville Library
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) meets in the library from 3-4 p.m. For ages 8-12, the ongoing program allows participants to learn about and make electronic creations from Little Bits kits.
Bilingual baby lap time
A free bilingual (English/Spanish) 30-minute program including stories, activities and music for babies age 0-24 months. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Watsonville Library.
Mother Song
A fun and special musical program for babies and toddlers with Joya Windwood in the Watsonville Library Meeting Room starting at 10:30 a.m.
Aromas 4-H Club
The club meets the first Friday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Aromas Grange hall, corner of Rose Avenue and Bardue streets. New members welcome. Details/directions: Rachel Stern at 632-2805.
VFW dinner
The Veterans of Foreign Wars holds a social dinner on the first and third Friday of the month at 5 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 1960 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville. Open to the public. $7 per meal; takeout is available. Information: 722-5228.
