First Friday Santa Cruz

Events

Events

Celebrating Dorothy Alden Becker: The California Mermaid

The MAH 705 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA

Join us at the MAH this First Friday for an amazing talk about Santa Cruz history from 6-7pm, and enjoy the museum for free for the whole day! Featured in our Princes of Surf 2025 exhibition is Dorothy Alden Becker, a champion swimmer and one of the first women to pioneer surfing in mainland USA. […]

First Friday at NextSpace featuring Logan Parsons

NextSpace Santa Cruz Cooper Street, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Logan Parsons, to be featured at NextSpace for the First Friday Art Tour September 5th from 4-7PM! Logan was born and raised in Pacifc Grove, California. She received her bachelor's degree in environmental science from Western Washington University and the following year obtained her graduate certificate in science illustration from the University of California Extension, […]

Grateful in Every Way

Nicely Gallery: Decor + Design 1349 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Join us, for talks and conversation; view a pictorial story of the Grateful Dead, honoring Jerry Garcia. You know Dead Central is up at the UCSC Library: The Archive of the Grateful Dead. Bob has the pictorial history and of course being there to take the photographs over decades is an even bigger story. Art […]

First Friday at The Santa Cruz Hostel

Santa Cruz Hostel 321 Main Street, Santa Cruz, CA

First Friday at the Santa Cruz Hostel! Just us Friday, September 4th from 5-7:30pm for a magical evening at the Historic Santa Cruz Hostel, nestled in the charming Carmelita Cottages. We're celebrating First Friday with an inspiring mix or of art, live music, and community- and you're invited! Featured Artist: Sydney K Yeats, a contemporary […]

First Friday at Tumbleweed Found with Felicia Gilman, 'Small Comforts'

Tumbleweed Found 1025 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Felicia Gilman is a paper cutting artist in Santa Cruz, California. She creates intricate pieces using a simple sheet of paper and her trusty X-ACTO blade. She enjoys the quiet meditative process and the need for patience. Her work is a narrative on memory and loss, layered with protection and security. She seeks to illustrate […]

Modern Abstracts by Denise Peacock at Stripe

Stripe the Store 107 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA

Artist Statement My creative journey has been happening for several years, culminating in a developing practice of creating abstract art, informed by my fascination with hue and tone. It feels as if my life has been leading me to this practice. As a native of London, yet raised for some of my childhood years in […]

Minnow Arts Presents: CROSSING MERIDIANS Prints and Print Installation by Bridget Henry

Minnow Arts 204 Locust Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Crossing Meridians I have long wondered where things go when they are lost. As a child, I imagined a place where all the missing things gathered, like a heaven for toys. As an adult, I think about it through memory and through what science reveals, how DNA can unlock stories of life, past and present. […]

From Scraps to Soul: A Night of Art & Music

Om Gallery 1201 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA

Ready to be inspired? This First Friday, join us at Om Gallery and witness the incredible mosaic and pottery work of Michael Palaniuk. He's an artist with a unique vision: transforming what others throw away into something spectacular. An artist and contractor based in the Santa Cruz mountains, Michael's art is a testament to finding […]

First Friday Sept 5, 2025

Santa Cruz Art Expressions 1545-A Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz Expressions First Friday, 5–9 PM Experience an evening of vibrant creativity at Santa Cruz Art Expressions this First Friday. Featuring house artist Kelli C. Foss, celebrated for her unique abstract style and bold use of color, alongside works by other talented local artists. Come meet the artists and enjoy our vibrant community DJ […]

WHIM & WONDER – Unexpected Joys, Extraordinary Vision

M.K. Contemporary Art 703 Front Street, SANTA CRUZ, CA, United States

Please join us this First Friday of September as we open a new exhibition, "WHIM & WONDER - Unexpected Joys / Extraordinary Visions" WHIM & WONDER invites you into a world where the extraordinary hides in plain sight. Featuring the works of Mary Alice Copp, Karl X Hauser, Jordan Hayes, Will Marino, Pamela Mooney, Paul Morin, […]

Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room and Tapas Bar | "Legacy Landscapes" paintings by Sarah Orre

Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room and Tapas Bar 525 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Our featured artist this month is Sarah Orre -- her beautiful and colorful style of landscapes really capture the light and atmosphere of a place. Enjoy a world class tasting of our wines, and stay for a bite! Order a pinza or Pancho's famous empanada's to go with your favorite GSM (ok it's my favorite) […]

First Friday with Jamile Torres at Artisans & agency

Artisans & agency 1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

We’re thrilled to feature the vibrant oil paintings of Jamile Torres this September! Join us for our First Friday reception on September 5th from 6–8pm to meet Jamile and see her luminous, color-filled work in person. Jamile’s paintings bring interiors and nature together with light, color, and pattern. With a background in architectural drafting and […]

Clay, Creativity & Community: First Friday at HGP

The Homeless Garden Project Downtown Store 1338 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Celebrate First Friday with us at the Homeless Garden Project Downtown Store! This month, we’re thrilled to introduce our newest consignors: ✨ Hank Scott, Potter – Hand-thrown functional pottery, each piece uniquely hand-painted. ✨ Carrin Olsen, Wearable Art Creator – Stunning designs that blend modern technology with ancient symbolism and geometric patterns. Along with beautiful […]

Thread Bare: A Fiber and Textile Art Show

Little Giant Collective 115 River St. S., Santa Cruz, CA

Little Giant Collective Presents Thread Bare: An Erotic Fiber and Textile Art Show Make your way to LGC Friday Sept 5th from 6-9pm for a collection of suggestive pieces from local sewists, weavers, knitters, crotcheters, and embroidery artists. Ranging from the lighthearted to lewd, this collection is sure to be entertaining and titillating. Featuring pieces […]

Elemental Artworks by Suraya @ Solaire Restaurant + Bar – Friday, September 5th from 6-8pm

Solaire Restaurant + Bar at Hotel Paradox 611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

✨ Elemental Artworks by Suraya ✨ Date: September 5th, 6 – 8 PM Location: Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz Experience the radiant energy of the elements through Suraya’s first public exhibition. Driftwood, seashells, crystals, yarn, moss, and shimmering colors are woven into organic compositions that embody Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. 🌊 Water […]