Memorial Day is the weekend Americans wait for all year as it is the official start of the summer vacation season. We all know that means days at the beach, backyard barbecues, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Santa Cruz kicks off the weekend in style with a number of events to enjoy. Depending on your taste, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Come out to any of the events being held in the area this Memorial Day weekend and kick off the summer season in style. The following are some of the highlights of the holiday weekend.
The Santa Cruz American Music Festival
The second annual Santa Cruz American Music Festival kicks off at 11 am Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th, running until 7pm each day. The festival is being held at the luxurious Aptos Village Park and will showcase some of the best talent from the Blues, Country, and Americana music genres. The park provides amazing acoustic sound, an intimate setting, and stimulating forestry visuals. The festival is headlined by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Buddy Guy. Buddy has been an influence to many rock artists and is the winner of 34 blues music awards.
In addition to the outstanding lineup of artists, there will also be several merchandise booths available where you can purchase music from any of the artists you will have heard over the weekend. There will be a BBQ hosted as well as a number of food and drink stands with a variety of cultural cuisine.
Parents are encouraged to enjoy the festival with their children, as there will be a children’s play area complete with face painting and balloon animals.
The Longboard Union Invitational
For those who wish to be closer to the water, the Santa Cruz Longboard Union is hosting the 32nd annual Longboard Invitational. This ultra-popular event takes place at 890 Front Street on the shores of Santa Cruz. Longboarders from all over the state compete in the West Coast’s longest running surf contest. In addition to the amazing action put on by over 200 contestants, there will also be several merchandise booths around the area for fans to purchase apparel of their favorite local surfers.
Be sure to take part in the Mega-Surfboard raffle taking place over the course of the competition as a two dollar ticket could reward you with one of 12 handcrafted surfboards, or many other prizes.
The competition runs from 7am to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday. Make time to head down to Front Street and catch the amazing action!
The Civil War Reenactment Battle and Encampment
Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton is hosting the 35th annual Civil War Reenactment over the weekend. Those interested in the history of the Civil War should certainly come out to Roaring Camp Railroad and experience the daily life of Union and Confederate soldiers during the war. The reenactment will feature cavalry charges, musket fire and artillery shells.
Come for the show, but stay for the post-war BBQ, as soldiers and guests take this time to replenish their energy after the hard fought war. Be sure to take home several souvenirs from the gift shop as well to commemorate your experience.
This event runs from 10am to 5pm, Saturday, May 28th to Monday, May 30th.
The Westside Farmers Market
Start of your busy Memorial Day weekend on the right foot, by stopping in at the Westside Farmers Market on Saturday May 28th, from 9:30 to noon. Local chefs will be cooking up some exquisite cuisine made from simple fresh ingredients right from the market! Guests are advised to bring their own cutlery and plateware to this event.
Santa Cruz will be one of the hottest places to be for Memorial Day weekend, come on down and take in any of these amazing events!
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