Summer at Santana Row is full of outdoor events
The Wednesday Farmers Market at Santana Row is in full swing, with the arrival of the high season for fresh produce.
Operated by California Farmers Markets Association, the Santana Row Farmers Market continues every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. through September, on Santana Row between Olin Avenue and Olsen Drive. The streets transform into a colorful marketplace featuring more than 20 vendors from Gilroy, Hollister, Watsonville and Santa Cruz offering organic vegetables, local cheeses, breads, flowers, herbs, olives, rotisserie chicken and more.
And shoppers can now sip cocktails, as well as selections from Vintage Wine Bar, as they select their produce or in-store items at Santana Row during Sip and Stroll hours. Wednesday-Friday, 4-9 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Participating restaurants include Zazil, El Jardin, EMC Seafood and Left Bank Brasserie. Sip and Stroll participants must be 21 or older, and keep their beverages in the disposable cup provided.
Sounds of Summer
Tuesdays bring tunes to the Row, with a series of free live concerts called the Sounds of Summer Music series. Groove to the tunes every Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., through September, with live music in Park Valencia near Smitten Ice Cream.
The series schedule is as follows:
• Aug. 3: Three of Us (Beatles tribute).
• Aug. 10: Twice As Good (blues and soulful rock).
• Aug. 17: Rachel Steele (country rock).
• Aug. 24: Jules (indie and pop).
• Aug. 31: Soulful Security (classic blues and soul).
• Sept. 7: Tracy Cruz (R&B and soul).
• Sept. 14: Deep Blue Jam (mandolin rock, jazz and reggae).
• Sept. 21: Toree McGee (country).
• Sept. 28: Kingsborough (rock).
New shops
There are quite a few new shopping destinations on The Row now, too. Recently opened additions include Nike by Santana Row, a lablike space where Nike tests and evolves new services, experiences and offerings; The Online Barn, a men’s, women’s, and kids’ apparel and specialty shop with brands like James Perse, MATE and Alo; Vuori, offering performance apparel inspired by the coastal California lifestyle; and American Giant, specializing in old-fashioned, solid cotton garments made in America.