EVENTS

This is for event reservations. To make a reservation for a tasting, please click here.

EVENT RESERVATION & Attendance Policy

1. Ticketing & Seating Guests must purchase one ticket per seat needed. Seats are allocated based on earliest reservations.

Early reservations will be close to the stage, and later reservations will likely be farther away, unless a specific request is made. Earlier requests receive priority, we may not be able to fill all seating requests.
12 and under are free, but must be included in the notes so that we know to provide a seat for them. Meaning if you have a group of 3 and 1 child, please pay for 3 and in the notes write (One child under 12). Additionally, children may not be left unattended.
All ticketed guests (including children) must be listed to ensure accurate seating.
- Typical Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, Special Event Tickets will have varied rates and will be published online

2. Cancellations & Refunds made 48 hours or more before the event will receive a full refund.

- Example: For a Saturday event, cancellations must be made on Thursday.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 48 hours of the event.. Refunds can be issued via our online site using your confirmation link.

3. Day-Of Reservations are not accepted through the online system. A timer or lock will restrict online booking on the day of the event.

Guests who still wish to attend may do so by paying the applicable cover at the door (subject to availability).

4. Reservation Changes

No additional seats may be added to a reservation on the day of the event without prior approval. Same-day additions require contacting us directly (via text).
Same-day reductions to party size (e.g., "We now have 3 instead of 8") are not eligible for refunds. The reservation holder is responsible for filling their reserved seats.

5. Reservation Notes and Seating Requests

Reservation notes are the best way to communicate preferences with us, where we may not always be able to meet your preferences, adding notes can enhance your experience
Reservation notes can be used for:
- Identifying any children in your party
- Requesting a specific area in the winery (Close to stage/ far away)
- Requesting ADA accessibility
- If you are coming with a group but have separate reservations, you MUST put the name of the reservation you wish to sit with in the notes OR WE WILL NOT KNOW TO SIT YOU TOGETHER!

6. Confirmations

Please check if your email is correct! Please check your phone number!
If you do not have an email confirmation at the door, and we do not have your payment confirmed, your reservation will not be honored.
Please contact us if you do not receive a confirmation within 20 minutes of booking!
- Email: Elvaquerowinery@gmail.com Text: 831-607-8118

We advertise our events extensively on Instagram and Facebook so like and follow us on those apps to stay up to date!

You may also sign up to receive our weekly email with a description of events for the next 2 weeks. Just click here!

Every Thursday

Trivia Night!

Free to Play

Every Thursday we play trivia at El Vaquero Winery! No reservations are required to play and it's free! Teams can be groups of 2-6 and have the opportunity to win a free bottle of wine. We kick things off at around 7 PM and the game runs until about 8:30 or 9 PM. Wine is always available by the glass or bottle and we have the local favorite food truck, Chubby's Tacos, providing amazing Quesabirria, burritos, tacos, and more!

Food by:

Chubby's Tacos

Friday June 12th, 6-9 pm

Salsa Night with Flor de Cna

Salsa

Get Tickets at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com for Salsa Night with Flor de Cana.

A decade ago, when locals Flor De Caña were just getting started, there were several traditional Latin bands. Nowadays, most Latin bands are fusing in other elements like ska, reggae, electronic and hip-hop. Flor De Caña, however, stays true to the sounds of authentic Cuban son and cumbia.

Enjoy an evening of friends, dancing, great food and wine and beautiful music by Flor De Caña. $10 Cover at the door, great food truck food and award winning wines.

Prepaid reservations are $10 (100% to the band) via El Vaquero ticketing system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com. Seats, if available, day of the show are $15 at the door.. We’ll have award winning wine and food by a quality local food truck.

Food by:

My Moms Mole

Saturday June 13, 5-8 pm

Ripatti Rose Band

Rock

“The Ripatti Rose band is a great rocking band with amazing guitar work by Dylan Rose and David De Silva on bass, drums by Keith Wieland and three great vocalists. Alisha Ripatti and Joscelyn Olson’s vocals cover a broad vocal spectrum beautifully from Fleetwood Mac to Heart to Led Zeppelin” - Bob Prikazsky (EVW Reviews)

Rooted in the Santa Cruz music scene, this talented lineup can traverse rock, blues, soul, funk, and everything in between. Be ready for a rock and roll show!

We’ll have award winning wines and delicious food by a quality local food truck. Reservations are $10 prepaid (via El Vaquero reservation system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com). Tickets day of the show (if available) are $15.

Food by:

Riot Bites

Sunday June 14th, 4-7 pm

Diamonds in the Rough, A Tribute to John Prine

Americana

From the artist:

As the “Mark Twain of American songwriting,” John Prine was one of the most celebrated singer/songwriters of his generation. A master storyteller, his work is often witty and always heartfelt, frequently offering a sly but sincere reflection of his Midwestern roots, writing about the lives of ordinary people in a remarkable and perceptive way.

You are invited to spend an intimate evening with the acoustic duo “Diamonds in the Rough” featuring Jim Rosenberg and Paul Logan as they perform a sweeping assortment of John’s many masterpieces. From “Sam Stone” and “Illegal Smile” to “Summer’s End” and “When I Get to Heaven” as well as the in-between, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and most likely even reconsider just how you view this goofy ‘ol world we live in.

Please join us at the beautiful El Vaquero winery on Sunday, June 14th from 4 – 7pm and experience the magic and the memory of John Prine.

Admission is $10 for this OUTDOOR show. As usual, food truck service will be available. Reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve your seats visit reservations.elvaquerowinery.com. Tickets, if available the day of the show, are $15 at the door.

Thanks!
Jim

From Bob (EVW): This is a very special show, just like John Prine himself. If you’re familiar with John Prine, great, if not treat yourself to an introduction to one of the best songwriters ever. JIm Rosenberg and Paul Logan do an excellent job covering John and telling fun stories about him between songs. We will appreciate folks working with the “shh” rule we learned from the Listening Room in Nashville. Between songs we’d like all customers to keep their voices to a whisper so you and all others can enjoy the fun stories between songs. Thanks so much in advance. Bob

Food by:

SNB

Friday June 19th, 6-9 pm

Touch'd Too Much AC/DC Tribute

Rock, AC/DC Tribute

Make reservations to see Touch’d Too Much AC/DC Tribute Band at El Vaquero Winery.

Local musicians agree, these guys are great, they sound just like Bon Scott era AC/DC, just close your eyes and believe your ears.

Get your reservations early, They sell out most times.

Prepaid reservations are $10 (100% to the band) via El Vaquero ticketing system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com. Seats, if available, day of the show are $15 at the door.. We’ll have award winning wine and food by a quality local food truck.

Food by:

SC Eatery

Saturday June 20th, 5-8 pm

Nick Danger & the Lava Lounge

Rock

El Vaquero Winery welcomes Nick Danger and the Lava Lounge with special guests the Whiskey Hill Wildcats for a lively night on Saturday, June 20, 5–8 PM.

From Watsonville, the Lava Lounge features singer/songwriter Nick Danger, guitarist/
keyboardist/vocalist Doug Pohorski, bassist Shep Kett, guitarist/vocalist Skip Esch and new drummer/vocalist Billy Martini.

Once known as The Dwellers (together since 1980), Danger, Doug, and Shep reunited with Esch in 2021 to form the Lava Lounge. Expect an opening set of new originals and some timeless Americana (Johnny Cash and Van Morrison) followed by two energetic dance sets; first by the Whiskey Hill Wildcats, playing high energy rockabilly, swing and vintage rock and roll.

Note from Bob: Yes, this is Billy Martini (also from Watsonville) of The Billy Martini Show. Along with laying down the drums for the night, Billy shares vocal chores with Doug and Skip for the Wildcats set! Expect sparks to fly!

The final set of music, also known as "Lava Lounge Levitation," will feature Nick Danger leading the new Lava Lounge through a collection of high energy '60s/'70s rock and soul favorites; Wilson Picket, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Beatles, the Stones and Elvis Costello, to name a few of their favorite artists.To raise the temperature even higher, special guest Steve Bloomquist (from Watsonville and the band Teaser) will step into the Lounge and stretch those guitar strings like no other!

Tickets are $10 each, available online at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com. If available, tickets day of the show at the door at El Vaquero Winery will be $15. Tables will go fast—reserve yours early.

Food by:

Tacos El Jesse

Sunday June 21st, 4-7 pm

Swag Tones

Funk, Soul, Disco & Rock

The Swag Tones are an energetic, genre fluid, era fluid seven piece band consisting of seasoned pro musicians that will keep you dancing with funk, soul, disco and a sprinkling AM Gold classics.

Featuring two powerhouse vocalists emphasizing harmony along with a tight rhythm section, guitar, keyboards, saxophone and percussion that play with dynamic precision.

The Swag Tones rock and will keep you on the dance floor or keep a smile on your face as you sit back enjoying award winning wines!

From Bob: The Swag Tones debuted at El Vaquero Winery in a special sold out show July 4th with The Alex Lucero Band. The crowd response was great, very good music, vocals and a cool vibe to dance to. That’s why they’re back!

Prepaid reservations are $10 (goes 100% to the band) via the El Vaquero ticketing system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com seats, if available, day of the show are $15 at the door. We’ll have award winning wines and food by a quality local food truck.

Food by:

TBD

Friday June 26th, 6-9 pm

Rosebud

Rock, Grateful Dead

Rosebud is a band of veteran musicians from the Bay Area and California Central Coast. The band plays a mix of original music as well as interpreting songs from the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Van Morrison, David Lindley, and many more. The band typically mixes all these into their set, but has been known to play shows of all Grateful Dead or shows of all original music.

Rosebud features rhythm guitarist Scott Cooper, whose music can regularly be heard on KPIG radio and other stations. His debut CD reached #5 on the national jam band charts. The band is grounded by the drumming of Mark Corsolini, formerly of Dark Star Orchestra and Melvin Seals' JGB. Lead guitarist Fred Rodriguez is an in-demand soloist whose tone and taste are reminiscent of Jerry Garcia and Dickie Betts, while maintaining an identifiable and individual voice of his own. Fred played in the popular trio Three-Legged Dawg along with bassist Andy Birchett. Lastly, keyboard player Lachlan "Citizen" Kane rounds out the band with his stellar vocal harmonies, honky tonk piano and signature plaid attire.

We’ll have award winning wines and delicious food by a quality local food truck. Reservations are $10 prepaid (via El Vaquero reservation system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com). Tickets day of the show (if available) are $15.

Food by:

TBD

Saturday June 27th, 5-8 pm

Ancestree

Reggae (originals)

We’re thrilled to welcome back Ancestree to El Vaquero Winery.

Ancestree is not only a favorite in the local reggae scene, but also a Santa Cruz icon. Stickers bearing the band’s name can be found throughout town. At the heart of the band’s music is the reggae tradition of spiritual guidance and learned consciousness. “Our music is [meant] to let your inner peace and happiness override, to provide the inner spiritual source.”
We’ll have award winning wines and delicious food by a quality local food truck. Reservations are $10 prepaid (via El Vaquero reservation system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com). Tickets day of the show (if available) are $15.

Food by:

TBD

Saturday, July 4th Noon-5 pm

4th of July Special: Alex Lucero and El Brick!

Originals, Rockabilly, and More!

El Vaquero is celebrating our nation’s 250th Birthday on July 4th by bringing you 2 count’em 2! Shooting Star Bands. Most of us have experienced the brilliance of the band that we lovingly refer to as our “house band”, The Alex Lucero Band. I’m sure we’re all thrilled for their success with the release of their recent album “Heavy & Unkind”, their successful west coast tours and we all wish them tremendous continued success. Besides being amazingly talented folks they are super sincere and genuine people. We love them!

I love doubling them up on July 4th with a relatively new band that many of our regulars are super excited about, El Brick. I think Neil Pearlburg, Off the LipRadio /KSCP Santa Cruz hosts put it well with “Vaulting to the top of my list of Santa Cruz dance bands, go to see them,you won’t need a chair!” Don’t worry, we’ll have a chair for you. If you’ve seen them or seen videos from their shows at El Vaquero, you probably agree.

El Brick is a Santa Cruz-based band known for their high-energy shows and infectious dance music, rendered with rockabilly flair. Delivering a distinctive spin on classics from a diverse array of eras and genres (even the Ramones!), El Brick appeals to all ages and keeps the floor perpetually rockin, no matter the venue or occasion.

- Mariah Martel captivates audiences with her powerhouse vocals and retro charm, blending classic rockabilly rhythms with a modern twist.
- Donny Campion shines on lead guitar, his sick riffs and vibrant solos captures the spirit of rockabilly legends.
- Patio Golliher on bass, whose rhythmic lines lay a solid foundation for the band's infectious energy.
- Zack Olsen on drums, who's driving beats are reminiscent of the rockabilly greats.

They also have one of my favorite tag lines of all times: “El Brick is on a mission to bring the rockabilly revival to new heights, one dive bar at a time.”

So join us for a 4th of July you are soon not to forget. Details include:

-$20 prepaid ticket
-$25 day of the show ticket if it’s not sold out yet (unlikely scenario)

The schedule is early enough to catch hours of great music and still enjoy your July 4th night plan, whatever that may include.

-Noon to 2 pm - El Brick Band
-2:30 to 5:00 pm -The Alex Lucero Band

As always we’ll have our San Francisco Chronicle Award winning wines and a quality local food truck.

Tickets for this and all EVW July shows available Monday June 8th at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com starting at 5 pm pst.

For those asking, we also expect to have news on how to reserve and secure our new limited "lounge" seating.

Food by:

TBD

Sunday, July 5th 4-7 pm

Rivets & Rust

Originals

Rivets and Rust are a Rock-Folk-Americana band from Santa Cruz that play singer-songwriter originals and classic covers. The band includes Tim Bennett (guitar, vocals), Angela Bennett (keys, harmony vocals)and Glenn MacPherson (lead guitar, harmony vocals), Mark Hull (guitar, back up vocals).

A couple of the players are familiar to the El Vaquero Winery crowd. Mark Hull is one of the lead singers and guitar players from Big Bad Wolf and Glenn MacPherson who has played multiple times at El Vaquero with Patti Maxine.

Note from Bob: I’ve been listening to their music for the past few weeks. They do a great New Orleans style version of “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” with Tim’s lead vocals and Glenn MacPherson’s lead guitar accents. They also play a really nice version of Booker T and the MG’s “Green Onions” with Angela Bennett on the keys. I think they’ll be a great match for the El Vaquero Winery audience and I’m looking forward to some originals. They did a really good show here at one of our Pickup Parties last year.

We’ll have award winning wines and delicious food by a quality local food truck. Reservations are $10 prepaid (via El Vaquero reservation system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com). Tickets day of the show (if available) are $15.

Food by:

TBD

Friday, July 10th 6-9 pm

Rasquache Liberation Front

Cumbia, Salsa, Tex Mex, Rock & Originals

Brace yourself for dance floor liberation with the Rasquache Liberation Front’s (RLF) soulful blend of Salsa, Cumbia, Tex-Mex, Rock and Original Tunes, infused with a touch of Blues.

With seasoned veterans who've shared stages with icons like Los Lobos and Willie Nelson, the RLF will captivate you with musical prowess, delivering soaring melodies, sweet harmonies, and infectious rhythms honed alongside musical legends. Drawing from a rich array of Latin influences including Buena Vista Social Club, Flaco Jimenez, Eddie Palmieri, and Fito Olivares, the RLF's unique sound blends seamlessly with rock and blues, forming an irresistible concoction of Chicano music.

From Bob: RLF sold out their first show at El Vaquero Winery and remains one of our most popular bands! I love their music and appreciate Cumbia music’s use of the accordion! Their following has been growing to be very diverse ethnically, I love that!

Prepaid tickets at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com are $10, if available, day of the show are $15. We’ll have award winning wine and food from a quality local food truck.

Food by:

TBD

Saturday, July 11th 5-8 pm

The Love Dogs

Rock

The Love Dogs are a classic "party band." Instead of playing original music, their setlist heavily focuses on crowd-pleasing dance anthems and rock covers. Their live sets feature everything from 50s rock-and-roll to 90s favorites like Weezer's "Hash Pipe".
Reviewers and local fans note their high-energy, fun-loving dynamic. With decades of live gigs under their belt, the core trio knows exactly how to read a crowd and keep the venue rocking.
The Love Dogs sold out a summer gig and a New Years Eve Party last year. You’ll love their music selection and even get a dose of the Ramones.
Prepaid tickets at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com are $10, if available, day of the show are $15. We’ll have award winning wine and food from a quality local food truck.

Food by:

TBD

Sunday, July 12th 4-7 pm

Joint Chiefs

Funk, Soul

The Joint Chiefs Band is the premier dance band in the Santa Cruz area, captivating audiences with electrifying performances and infectious grooves. Element of Classic R&B, Funk and Soul, creating a signature sound that keeps the dance floor alive and pulsating.

Food by:

TBD

Friday July 17th, 6-9 pm

Alex Lucero Band

Americana

Make your reservations for the Alex Lucero Band at El Vaquero Winery starring the winner of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Good Times Best Local Band Award.

Alex Lucero might have grown up in “The Cowboy Capital of The World”, but don’t let that fool you. Despite being brought up in a very “country” esque environment in small town Oakdale, Ca, Alex actually grew up listening almost exclusively to the soulful music of the 60’s & 70’s. Artists such as Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Van Morrison and Stevie Wonder have played a huge part in his musical influences and overall feel. The Alex Lucero Band has received incredible response across Northern California being played regularly on multiple radio stations and on permanent rotation on the well known KPIG 107 “oink” 5.

Prepaid reservations are $10 (goes 100% to the band) via the El Vaquero ticketing system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com seats, if available, day of the show are $15 at the door. We’ll have award winning wines and food by a quality local food truck.

$10 Cover (goes 100% to the band), reservations are required at http://reservations.elvaquerowinery.com We’ll have award winning wines and a quality local food truck.

Food by:

TBD

Friday July 24th, 6-9 pm

Big Bad Wolf

Rock

Hailing from Aptos, in Santa Cruz County, California, Big Bad Wolf howls with a special off-the-beaten-path brand of tasty and danceable blues-based classic rock from groups and artists like Creedence, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, Jon Hiatt, John Don’t Fogerty, The Hollies, and many more. A party with The Big Bad Wolf is always a high octane, rip-roaring good time.

From Bob: Jefferson's John Fogerty vocals are spot on! Big Bad Wolf’s “One Headlight” rendition is as good as the Wallflowers! They are one of the most popular rock cover dance bands at El Vaquiero Winery.

Prepaid reservations are $10 (via El Vaquero ticketing system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com). Seats, if available, day of the show are $15. We’ll have award winning wine and food from a quality local food truck.

Food by:

TBD

Sunday July 26th,4-7 pm

Triana Feruza & the Heavy Hitters

Rocck

Blending deep-pocket grooves, rich R&B soul, and fearless lyrical storytelling, Triana Feruza & the Heavy Hitters sound has been described as “Amy Winehouse meets Anderson Paak. jammin' at a Sly and the Family Stone party.” Their live shows are a full-body experience—soulful, high-energy, and deeply interactive.

We’ll have award winning wines and delicious food by a quality local food truck. Tickets are $10 prepaid (via El Vaquero reservation system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com). Tickets day of the show (if available) are $15.

Food by:

TBD

Friday July 31st, 6-9 pm

Vinny Johnson Band with Special Guest Mick Adams

Rhythm& Blues

Food by:

TBD

Saturday August 15th 5-8pm

Carolyn Sills and Friends

Country

The Carolyn Sills Birthday Bash!

Santa Cruz local Carolyn Sills wants to celebrate her birthday with you! Join us on Saturday, August 15th to hear some award winning Americana, western swing and more with Carolyn Sills and Gerard Egan, aka Poi Rogers. They'll have David Roda joining them on drums, plus other special guests and the dance floor will be open!

Carolyn Sills booked her first show in Santa Cruz in the winter of 2010 and has been playing throughout the county ever since, from Don Quixote’s and Joe’s Bar to The Crepe Place, Moe’s Alley, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Monterey Jazz Festival and beyond. She won both the 2018 and 2024 Ameripolitan Award for Western Swing Group with The Carolyn Sills Combo and was inducted into the Sacramento Western Swing Hall of Fame. Recently she's been touring the country with her longtime guitarist and songwriting partner, Gerard Egan, as the duo Poi Rogers. Their second album, Whirligig, was just released in May of 2026. www.carolynsills.com

Food by:

TBD