Santa Cruz fests: 300 bottles of wine at Oktoberfest, food and drinks at Sausagefest

The many food-related fun activities this weekend in Santa Cruz include two fests, Sausagefest on Saturday and Oktoberfest on Sunday, and each benefits a worthy local organization. And Oktoberfest includes the opportunity to bid on 300 bottles of wine!

Saturday’s Sausagefest details:
The event is Oct. 6 from 5-9 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Homeless Garden Project, and it’s recommended you go early as it’s likely to sell out. Also, you’re encouraged to bring “kids, dogs, blankets, and chairs.” There is a $5 entry fee (free for kids) and there will be live music. Expect handcrafted sausages from El Salchichero, Freedom Meat Locker, and Corralitos Meats, homemade sauerkraut, pickles, and mustards, sweet and savory treats from Penny Ice Creamery and Nut Kreations, and wine from folks including Odonata. Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing is hosting the sixth annual festival and there will be $5 draft beers from SCMB, Uncommon Brewers, and Sante Adarius. For more information call (831) 425-4900.

Location: The corner of Mission Street Extension and Western Drive (same site as the Westside Farmers Market which is earlier that day and every Saturday)

Sunday’s Oktoberfest details:
The event is Oct. 7 from 12-4 p.m. Proceeds benefit Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Admission is free. Lunch is available for purchase from 12-2:30 p.m. Items include kielbasa, sauerkraut, potato salad, and apple strudel prepared by Five Star Catering. Beverages available will include soft drinks, beer, and wine.

The program includes live music and both silent and live auctions; the silent one is from 12-3 p.m. and the live one begins at 3:30 p.m. Also, tickets will be sold for a drawing with cash prizes (and you don’t need to be present to win). Auction items include vacations and weekend getaways to places such as Hawaii and San Francisco, the aforementioned 300 bottles of wine, sports and other event tickets, jewelry, artwork, and restaurant gift certificates. If bidding for prizes isn’t your cup of tea, you can peruse the “cash and carry” tables and purchase products including holiday items, and browse the large assortment of garden items such as flowering plants and ornamentals. For more info call (831) 430-3033.

Location: Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell Street (off Graham Hill Road), Santa Cruz

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