NORTH COAST

Campsites available at Rancho del Oso

Looking for a quiet coastal camping experience this summer? The walk-in campground at Rancho del Oso — the coastal side of Big Basin Redwoods State Park — offers a unique way to enjoy nature just north of Davenport on Highway 1.

This temporary campground, located at the rehabilitated Horse Camp, is open to non-equestrian campers while coastal equestrian trails remain closed. There are five reservable walk-in sites and one shared, non-reserved bike-in site available. To check availability and make a reservation, visit www.thatsmypark.org/parks-and-beaches/rancho-del-oso-unit.

Rancho del Oso is also home to the open Marsh Trail, where visitors can spot rabbits, dragonflies and songbirds among the creekside willows. Note, the nearby Skyline to Sea Trail remains closed due to CZU fire damage. Across Highway 1, Waddell Beach is a top destination for windsurfing and kite surfing.

The campground will eventually return to equestrian use once trail restoration is complete, but in the meantime, it offers a rare opportunity to camp in this recovering part of Big Basin.

SCOTTS VALLEY

Children’s Celtic music camp coming

The two-week Redwood Music Kid Camp is coming next month to Scotts Valley. 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.

APTOS

Cabrillo Youth Chorus to host kids Voice Camp

Cabrillo Youth Chorus will host a one-week summer Voice Camp for singers ages 8 to 18. The camp takes place on the Cabrillo College Aptos Campus from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 28 to Aug. 1. Participants learn music theory and musicianship; practice improvisation, dance and rhythms; play Orff and other instruments; and sing opera and musical theater literature. Give your child an unforgettable musical experience as they put together an original music performance in one week. No experience is needed — just a love of singing. The cost is $25, and registration is taking place now. Visit CabrilloYouthChorus.org for information and instructions on how to register.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Sign up for library summer reading program

Santa Cruz Public Libraries is thrilled to welcome the summer season with the launch of their 2025 Summer Reading Program and invites adults, children and their family members to visit their local library, Bookmobile or the SCPL website to sign up for the program, which begins June 1.

The theme of this year’s Summer Reading Program is: Color Our World, a message inviting participants to embark on a journey of art and creativity, celebrating the myriad ways in which art and reading enrich our lives. Participants can win prizes for reaching each of the reading milestones set by the program. The last day to log reading minutes will be July 31, and the last day to sign out and redeem prizes is Aug. 9.

Every branch in the system and the bookmobile will host a range of free activities for children, teens and adults to encourage and support a love of reading. To learn more, please call 831-427-7713 or visit santacruzpl.org/srp.

SANTA CRUZ

Woodies on the Wharf returns for 29th anniversary

The city of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation and the Santa Cruz Woodies invite you to Woodies on the Wharf, California’s largest display of classic wooden-bodied cars, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the Santa Cruz Wharf.

This free family event features 150-plus beautifully restored woodies, live surf music, Hawaiian dance performances, surfboard shaping demos and sweeping ocean views of Monterey Bay. Guests can enjoy local shops, Wharf dining, vendors and a raffle supporting Wharf programming and events. The day concludes with the fan-favorite Woodie parade off the Wharf at 3:30 p.m. More info can be found at santacruzwoodies.com or santacruzwharf.com.

BEN LOMOND

Park Hall to host square dance, honky-tonk

The Ben Lomond Village Alliance is hosting a one-of-a-kind evening of square dance and honky-tonk at The Park Hall Community Center, 9400 Mill St., which will be transformed into a lively dance hall featuring two dynamic live bands, a seasoned caller and a whole lot of foot-stomping fun June 22 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30).

The night starts off with a classic square dance led by Summoning Circle, a high-energy old-time string band known for their rhythmic drive and community dance vibes. A live caller will guide dancers of all experience levels. As the night shifts gears, members of the Bois Rouge Cajun Band will keep the floor warm with their signature honky-tonk and two-steppin’ tunes.

Beer, wine, snacks and sodas will be available for purchase. Admission is $10. Go to benlomondvillage.org/event/square-dance-honky-tonk for tickets and information.

SANTA CRUZ

Portuguese Hall’s 97th Festa weekend celebration

Join the C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall for a weekend of tradition, music and community at the 97th Festa Celebration. The festivities kick off at the Portuguese Hall, 216 Evergreen St., with a Rosary Friday, July 4 at 7 p.m. July 5 at 8 p.m. will be a night of dancing, featuring music by Alcides Machado. The evening will also include the Grand March, the 2025 Queens’ presentation and the symbolic crown exchange between the outgoing and incoming queens.

The 97th Annual Holy Ghost Parade begins July 6 at 9:30 a.m. on Lincoln Street and Pacific Avenue, as fellow Portuguese societies from across California carry their flags and banners. The procession will travel down Pacific Avenue to Holy Cross Church for a 10:30 a.m. Mass, honoring the crowning of the Santa Cruz Queens. Following Mass, the celebration continues at the Portuguese Hall with a delicious serving of traditional Portuguese sopas, followed by an afternoon of community fun with a bazaar, auction and more dancing and music by Machado.

This tradition is open to the public, everyone is welcome! Donations are appreciated and help keep the community strong. For more information, please call 831-423-7753 or email infoscportuguesehall@gmail.com.