This weekend is shaping up to be a great one! Check out Santa Cruz Paddlefest, the Santa Cruz Symphony presenting Frankenstein or head on down to see the Santa Cruz Warriors take on Oklahoma City Blue.

Bummed St. Paddy’s Day fell on a school night? Never fear, we know of a worthy event taking the celebration into the weekend.

Craving music? We’ve got you covered from the symphony to a choir to a performer from a Spanish island, there’s lots to lend your ear to.

See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:

Thursday

We usually kick these Weekend Roundup posts off with Friday events, but we’re making an exception this week to make sure you know what’s happening around town on St. Patrick’s Day.



Want to know who’s serving corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and green beer? Looking to take in traditional Irish music and dancing? The following venues will all be hosting St. Patrick’s Day events:

Friday

Santa Cruz Paddlefest

When: 3/18 – 3/20 at 7:00 am

Where: Cowell’s Beach

Cost: $40 – $150 for competitor registrations



We’re used to surfing competitions in Santa Cruz but this weekend sees a spin on the norm as this time paddlers compete, surfing the waves off of Cowell’s Beach.

Surf kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and waveskiers will race at Steamer Lane in separate classes Friday through Sunday. Intermediate racers will surf Cowell’s waves Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, another race has paddleboarders taking on laps between Cowells and the harbor.

Come out and watch the thrills! At time of this post, registration is still open to compete in the Cowell’s-Harbor race.

Get more info here.

My Show: Melody Strong Grace & Friends, Living the Dream

When: 3/18 at 6:30 pm, 3/19 at 1:00 pm

Where: Aerial Arts Santa Cruz

Cost: Floor $10, Chair $15



Melody Strong Grace and fellow artists have drummed up a fun show for the whole family where audience participation is encouraged. Sing-a-longs, aerial acts, piano music, and puppetry are just some of what’s in store. No experience necessary. Melody and team will teach you the songs.

As an extra treat, homemade chocolate will be provided from the star herself, a woman obviously of many talents.

Get more info here.

Kids Campfire & Hot Dog Dinner

Drop off the kids and make it a date night! The Ramblin’ Adventure Club will take over babysitting duties with a beach bonfire, hot dog and marshmallow roasting, and tons of fun.

When: 3/18 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: Seabright Beach

Cost: $36 per child

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Warriors v. Oklahoma City Blue

When: 3/18 at 7:00 pm

Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena

Cost: $17 – $40



The Warriors take on Oklahoma City Blue again for the second time this month. The Warriors won one game last time and Blue came back to beat them the following day in a close overtime game.

What will happen as the two teams meet again to play Friday and Saturday on Santa Cruz turf? Come out to witness the action and cheer the players on. All fans can play Basketball Bingo presented by Llyod’s Tire & Auto Care while at the game.

Get more info here.

CannTalk

When: 3/18 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: Rio Theatre

Cost: Free



No matter which side of the spectrum you stand on, this event will surely expand your knowledge of the green stuff. The free lecture series in three parts brings together industry experts to discuss cannabis science, research, politics and business.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

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Saturday

Santa Cruz Warriors v. Oklahoma City Blue

When: 3/19 at 7:00 pm

Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena

Cost: $17 – $34



The two teams meet to slam-dunk it out again. Free Warriors frisbees from Beach Street Inn & Suites to the first 1,500 fans.

Get more info here.

Sheep to Shawl Fair

When: 3/19 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where: Live Earth Farm

Cost: $15 – $20



How did that sheep get onto your sweater? Find out how this happens as well as much more that the white fuzzy animals contribute to our daily lives as the Live Earth Farm puts on a fun, interactive experience for all.

Experts and local organizations will demonstrate and guide hands-on activities including shearing, dyeing, knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning and more. Vendors will have a variety of sheep related products on hand. A lamb petting pen boosts the cuteness factor.

Get more info here.

Luck o’ the Castros

When: 3/19 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Castro Adobe State Historic Park

Cost: Free admission (donations gratefully accepted)



Lucky visitors will get an introduction to California’s next state park on an easy guided walk. You’ll learn the fascinating history of Pájaro Valley and the relic home that has lasted there over a century.

Get more info here.

Author Visit with Craig Harwood

When: 3/19 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Where: Scotts Valley Branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Cost: Free



Did you know Santa Cruz made a mark in aviation history? Come hear author Craig Harwood speak about “Quest for Flight,” a biography he wrote chronicling a 19th century inventor and American west aviation pioneer.

Get more info here.

Paddy-Palooza: A Party with a Purpose

When: 3/19 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: An Epicurious Lifestyle: 104 Bronson St, Santa Cruz

Cost: $20 suggested donation



Continue the St. Paddy’s celebration while giving to a good cause. Festivities include food, drinks, a raffle, live music and crafting for the kids. Proceeds from the occasion will benefit Cherish Uganda, an organization that includes a school, hospital, farm, and a home for orphans living with HIV/AIDS.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Symphony: Frankenstein!!

When: 3/19 at 8:00 pm, 3/20 at 2:00 pm

Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium / Henry J Mello Center

Cost: $27 – $72



Composer and chansonnier H.K. Gruber, travels from Vienna to wow us with a blend of music pieced together, weaving the sometimes horrifying and other times sweet tale of Frankenstein.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Paddlefest

See Description Under Friday Section

My Show: Melody Strong Grace & Friends, Living the Dream

See Description Under Friday Section

Also on Saturday

Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram

Sunday

Buika

When: 3/20 at 7:30 pm

Where: Rio Theatre

Cost: $35.00 – $50.00



Buika, the flamenco superstar with a soulful, husky sound touted by NPR as, “one of the world’s 50 great voices” will perform her unique mix of jazz, flamenco, blues, and soul influenced by American, Cuban and Spanish rhythms.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Chorale presents the San Jose State University Choraliers in Concert

When: 3/20 at 4:00 pm

Where: Holy Cross Church

Cost: $5 – $25



Our friends from over the hill known for their blended vocal styling and masterful musicianship will dazzle attendees with selections from Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir, a piece shockingly first performed 40 years after it was written, as well as music from the Renaissance and modern times.

Architecture at the Holy Cross Church no doubt will lend beauty and acoustical attributes to the special afternoon.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Paddlefest

See Description Under Friday Section

Santa Cruz Symphony: Frankenstein!!!

See Description Under Saturday Section

Also on Sunday

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