SOQUEL

Church holding summer retreat

St. Clare’s Retreat Center, 2381 Laurel Glen Road, is holding a retreat on The Breaking of Bread directed by Bishop Liam Cary from Oregon Aug. 8-10. The event will focus on the mystery of the Mass. It is recommended that attendees read “What Happens at Mass” by Abbot Jeremy Driscoll. The cost is $320 for a single occupancy room, $300 per person for a double occupancy room or $125 for a Saturday day commuter (no lodging). Register online at stclaresretreat.org or by phone at 831-423-8093 by Aug. 1.

CAPITOLA

Senior Center to host ‘Blues & Barbecue’ benefit

The Mid County Senior Center will be hosting a Blues & Barbecue benefit dance and concert featuring Chicago Bill and the Next Blues Band from 7-9 p.m. Friday July 18 at 829 Bay Ave. There will be a BBQ ribs meal available for purchase for $20. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:45, dinner will be available from 6.

Cost of admission is $10. The Mid County Senior Center provides a variety of programs and activities for the local community. Ages 18 and over are welcome to participate in the dances.

BEN LOMOND

MCT presents New Works Weekend

The Mountain Community Theater, 9400 Mill St., is proud to announce its annual New Works Weekend Aug. 15-17 — a celebration of new theatrical works, presenting staged readings of new plays, playwrights, directors and debuts of all forms from around the region. This year, there will be three new plays: “Neighbors,” about a crime gone wrong, diving into the moral complexity and emotional ripples of such a moment; “Rain Walk,” a short play that delves into a beautiful and challenging relationship study between a young man and his grandmother; and “Where Imagined Things Belong,” which explores a relationship that comes into question many years down the line, forcing us to examine and reexamine the choices and people that made us who we are.

There will be a post-show talkback with the playwright of one of the plays after each performance, where the audience gets the rare opportunity to help the authors continue to shape their work.

Subscribers’ guest ticket purchases open Friday, and tickets go on sale to the public Aug. 1. Evening shows are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Audiences can enjoy all of this for only $10. For information or to order tickets, visit mctshows.org.

SANTA CRUZ

‘Princes of Surf’ exhibit at the MAH

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St., is excited to announce an exhibition which pays tribute to the founding members of local surf culture and the deep connection between Hawaii and Santa Cruz County. “Princes of Surf 2025: He?e Nalu Santa Cruz” will open Friday and be on display until Jan. 4, 2026, and tells the story of how three Hawaiian princes — David Kawananakoa, Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole and Edward Keliiahonui — introduced surfing to the U.S. mainland in 1885 and rode the wave of legacy and relevance to this area. It will illuminate the often overlooked history of Antoinette Swan, the daughter of Hawaiian royalty and explorer Don Francisco de Paula Marín, who hosted the brothers in Santa Cruz.

The opening scheduled to coincide with the 140th anniversary of the three princes’ historic ride in Santa Cruz, the exhibit will feature over 50 vintage surfboards honoring surf legends such as Duke Kahanamoku, Sam Reid and Rosemari Rice, as well as o’los created by renowned surfboard shaper Bob Pearson. Visit santacruzmah.org/exhibitions/hee-nalu-ma-2025 for more.

SANTA CRUZ

Church prepares for annual barbecue

Messiah Lutheran Church, located at 801 High St., will be hosting its second Summertime BBQ & Beer Tasting Saturday, from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is free, but donations will be accepted, which will benefit the Texas flood relief.

This is a full barbecue with all the trimmings along with a beer tasting featuring five German-imported beers from Bavaria. It is also a kick off for Oktoberfest season, which starts in September. This is an RSVP event. Seating is limited. Please call 831-423-8330 to book your reservation.

WATSONVILLE

Fruition Brewing to hold anniversary celebration

Head over to Fruition Brewing & Kitchen, 918 E. Lake Ave., to celebrate its 6th anniversary of crafting fresh, locally brewed beers and delicious seasonal dishes in Watsonville, Saturday and Sunday, from noon to dark.

The festivities will include: special anniversary beer releases, seasonal food specials from the Fruition kitchen, live music and family-friendly activities, a dog-friendly patio and more. Whether you’re a longtime fan or visiting for the first time, this two-day celebration is the perfect chance to enjoy Fruition’s rotating selection of balanced, fresh beers and their thoughtfully crafted kitchen menu — all while connecting with friends and neighbors.

CORRALITOS

Group to host annual memorial barbecue

It’s that time of year for the Watsonville chapter of Sons and Daughters of Italy to throw the annual Bob Moresco Memorial Barbecue, Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Corralitos Padre Hall, 35 Browns Valley Road. The menu will include chicken, pasta, salad, buttered bread and desserts. Beverages will be available for purchase.

Dance to the music of the Anthony “Nino” Lane Band as entertainment for the event, featuring Italian music that reminds us of Italy! Additionally, there will be a raffle with amazing prizes. Tickets for adults are $45 and $15 for children ages 7-12. There will be no take outs and no tickets sold at the door. The last day to purchase tickets is July 14. For tickets, contact Janey Malatesta Leonardich at 831-722-7958.

SCOTTS VALLEY

Children’s Celtic music camp coming

The two-week Redwood Music Kid Camp is coming to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, from July 21 to Aug. 1, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp, for ages 7-13, provides young musicians with the opportunity to explore Celtic music. The camp is recommended for players of violin, flute, penny whistle, recorder, harp, guitar, ukulele, keyboards and cello.

Go to CommunityMusicSchool.org for photos, videos, playing ability requirements and registration.