The Rainbow Conference returns to Watsonville High School Sept. 26, bringing LGBTQ+ students, families, educators and allies together for workshops, resources and a day centered on community and celebration.

For 10 months, The Vessel operated in the shadows of Santa Cruz’s mainstream music scene, hosting 75 shows and more than 300 punk, metal, hardcore and alternative bands before closing for good.

Guitarist Bill Frisell brings Harmony Five to Kuumbwa Jazz Center, blending jazz, Americana, folk and classical sounds with vocalist Petra Haden, cellist Hank Roberts, bassist Luke Bergman and drummer Tim Angulo.

Brittny Beshore and Cliff Nelson are giving Bay Bar & Grill a fresh identity in Capitola Village, pairing elevated sports-bar fare and cocktails with live music, local art and a revamped coastal atmosphere.

Arslans Turkish Street Food brings the flavors of Gaziantep to downtown Santa Cruz, with loaded döner wraps, Istanbul salads, red lentil köfte and pistachio-rich baklava.