Kids2Parks applications open soon for free state park field trips
Applications for the 2026-27 Kids2Parks program will open July 27, offering free field trips to California state parks for eligible elementary school students in Santa Cruz County and select schools in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
The program, a partnership between Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks, provides transportation funding for second- through fourth-grade classes at Title I elementary schools. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 14, with teachers notified of award decisions by early September.
Kids2Parks covers transportation costs, including bus rental, driver time and fuel, helping reduce barriers that prevent students from visiting state parks. Since launching in 2015, the program has served more than 20,000 students.
Participating parks include Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Natural Bridges State Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, Castle Rock State Park and several other state parks and beaches throughout the region. Schools are matched with parks based on location.
Applications are available at thatsmypark.org/k2p. Donations to support the program are also accepted.
Ben Lomond Village Alliance plans community line dance
Ben Lomond Village Alliance will host a community line dance Aug. 8 at Park Hall Community Center, inviting residents of all ages and experience levels to enjoy an evening of music, dancing and community connection.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with dancing from 7 to 8:30 p.m. led by Wendy’s Mountain Line Dance, whose instruction will help both first-time participants and experienced dancers join in.
“Dancing is a fun way to build community,” said Ariel Young, Social Committee chair. “Everyone is invited to come out, meet new people and enjoy a wonderful evening at Ben Lomond’s historic gathering place, Park Hall Community Center.”
The event is part of the BLVA’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities for neighbors to gather and make Ben Lomond a vibrant place to live. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks will be available by donation.
Park Hall Community Center is located at 9400 Mill St. in Ben Lomond. Tickets and more information are available at BenLomondVillage.org.
Aloha Music and Arts Festival celebrates Pacific cultures
The first-ever Aloha Music and Arts Festival Santa Cruz will bring Hawaiian, Polynesian and Pacific cultures to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, July 31 and Aug. 1.
The free two-day festival will feature local musicians, hula performances, food vendors, artists and community organizations from noon to 6 p.m. each day, with gates opening at 11 a.m.
Produced by Victor Ohana Productions LLC, the event aims to celebrate the Spirit of Aloha while creating a new cultural tradition for the Central Coast. Organizers said the festival will highlight local talent and provide a gathering place for the region’s Pacific Island communities and residents.
“This festival is about bringing people together through music, dance, food, art, and community,” said Marie Victor, founder of Victor Ohana Productions. “Santa Cruz has deep cultural and historical connections to Hawaiʻi through surf culture and the ocean lifestyle. We wanted to create an event that celebrates those shared influences while showcasing the incredible local talent we have here in Northern California.”
Performers include local bands such as Victor Ohana 3 Generations, Ho‘Omana, Hunawai, Kanalu, Laule‘a Hawaiian Band, Ka La‘i O Mele and Grammy Award-winning slack-key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr. The festival also will feature performances from local hula halau, along with arts and crafts vendors, Pacific-inspired food and community information booths.
For more information, visit alohamusicandartsfestival.com.
