Every Thursday, unless specifically noted, El Vaquero hosts Trivia Night. The winery is open from 6-9 pm with the Trivia contest starting 7ish. Bring your own team or join one here. Michael Gaither hosts 20 questions including video and audio questions about a topic posted ahead of time. There's no cost to play and the top scoring 3 teams win a free bottle of wine.

Coming up on January 22nd we have the celebration of Nation Cheese Day at El Vaquero WInery!
If you are an El Vaquero regular who has never been to trivia, this is your night to enjoy wine, cheese, and the classic trivia brain game!

We will be offering a free bottle of wine to the 'best cheese' in addition to an open cheese tasting during the trivia break!

We will also be offering an optional wine flight paired with 3 specific cheeses of our choosing!

No Reservations Needed, but if you are interested in bringing a cheese, please text us at 831-607-8118!

Cheese lovers unite!

This past summer Tsunami rocked a High Energy big crowd at Capitola Twilight Series, just wait till you see them rock El Vaquero Winery!

Comprised of 5 veteran musicians, they play high energy music with roots in 60’s to 90's Classic Rock and R&B. With many surprises! They won Best Local Band in the 2021 Santa Cruz Good Times poll.

Tsunami cuts a new edge performing the great songs everyone remembers and loves but few cover. The vocal mix features three dynamic lead singers.

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

Make reservations for the return of PET ROXX.

PET ROXX is an authentic, fun-filled tribute to the great songs of the '70s. The roots run deep as their musical connection actually started in the '70s while attending Aptos High School together. (now that’s “Old School”!)

The group is composed of: Fred Thompson (guitar/vocals), Clay Wrede (guitar/vocals) and Rob Ouse (drums and vocals)who all graduated from Aptos High School in 1980 or 1981 and Soquel High grad Daniel V Lewis (on bass guitar). It's always like a high school reunion with these guys so join us and see some old friends or make some new ones. Favorite songs include acoustic Singer-Songwriter era songs of: America, Elton John, Cat Stevens, & Seals & Crofts and Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty & many more!

From Bob: Enjoy a trip down memory lane with Pet Roxx, to a simpler, more gentle time of beautiful music!

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

Close your eyes, you won't believe your ears!

Touch’d Too Much is a Santa Cruz California based band that recreates the energy and sound of Bon Scott era AC/DC.

Touch’d Too Much has built a reputation as a must see band. The band has continuously earned fans and return engagements by consistently delivering nonstop, uncompromising, powerful performances, every time they hit the stage.

Cover charge is $10 prepaid (via this updated reservation system at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com). Day of the show seats, if available are $15 at the door. We’ll have award winning wines and food from a quality local food truck.

Hurry up and RSVP to our 1'st Bunco Night of 2026! Starting at 5 PM on Wednesday, January 28th we will be hosting the amazing fundraiser event raising money for Scholarships, Seminarians, and Community Groups!

This event is all inclusive of food, one glass of wine, and, of course, Bunco! All for just $25 a person. Bring a wig or borrow a wig and get competitive!

James Durbin plays music rooted in rock and heavy metal, blending melodic rock vocals with the power and theatrics of classic metal. While his earlier solo work leaned toward pop-rock and hard rock, his more recent projects focus heavily on traditional heavy metal, inspired by bands like Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Iron Maiden.

He’s known for his high-energy performances, strong vocal range, and guitar-driven sound, and he has also fronted established metal bands like Quiet Riot.

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). Day of the show seats (if available) are $15.

SPUN is one of the top cover bands in the Santa Cruz/SF Bay Area including some of the best local musicians: Patrick Buonsante (lead vocals/guitar), Ted Welty (guitar/vocals), Daniel Vee Lewis (bass), and Andy Ziker (drums/vocals).

Members of SPUN have performed with or opened for: Smashmouth, Third Eye Blind, No Doubt, Train, Jason Bonham, The Beat Farmers, REO Speedwagon, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, The Tokens, & Mother Hips, to name a few.

As the name suggests, SPUN spins a mix of cover tunes: rock, reggae, blues, dance, & country. SPUN also has a selection of original material to bring to the table.

SPUN takes the music seriously (but not themselves) with three-part harmonies and precise instrumentation. It's all about the audience having a good time.

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). Day of the show seats (if available) are $15.

Santa Cruz local, and Central Coast singer songwriter Gary Blackburn, along with talented musicians, Kevin Taylor on Keyboards, and Sean Woodward on Electric Guitar & Mandolin will make you want to get up and dance!


Gary brings together his smooth vocals, and stylized guitar picking to his original compositions and great cover tunes in the Country Rock, Folk Blues genres. Blending old school with contemporary, the Gary Blackburn Trio will weave a memorable musical performance of songs that tell stories of love, forgiveness, and the paths that we choose, in what Gary likes to call, “Americana with an Edge.” Gary’s original songs have been featured on Santa Cruz County radio stations, and the Gary Blackburn Trio has been performing throughout the Central Coast and Bay Area. They are ready to rock for y’all!


Artist sights and sounds: https://garyblackburnmusic.com


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). Day of the show seats (if available) are $15.

Henry Warde has been playing Bluegrass and Country Music for over 2 Decades. Henry has traveled and Toured with various bands over the years and is very excited to showcase his new group. The Band features Henry Warde (Guitar), Ella Warde (Fiddle), Marty Carpenter (drums), Lane Cunningham (Bass) and Charlie Joe Wallace (Pedal Steel Guitar). The band features Original music and Country Classics.

From Bob: You’re likely familiar with Henry’s previous band KPIG favorite Hank & Ella with the Fine Country Band. Known for fabulous music & dressing oh so well. Henry’s got an unforgettable classic country voice and Ella makes the fiddle dance and complements Henry with beautiful harmonies. The addition of local favorite Charlie Joe Wallace on pedal steel makes this a must see for even newbie country fans.

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). Day of the show seats (if available) are $15.

FishHook delivers a double dose of high-energy musical magic! For an electrifying musical experience that echoes the charm of historic rock bands, catch FishHook! The band that never lets off the gas. They’re one of the best dance bands in Santa Cruz…no lie! Maybe they’ll take a break this time…but I doubt it… they played 3 hours straight last time.

From Bob: Fishhook Delivers What They Advertise. They are excellent musicians and a very FUN band.

Audience favorite tunes they play include tunes by The Beatles, The Stones, The Cure, Tom Petty, The Cars, Cheap Trick, CCR, Aerosmith, The Clash, Queen, Sublime, Green Day, and much, much more.

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). Day of the show seats (if available) are $15.

Special Matinee Show. "Come celebrate Valentine's Day weekend in an intimate evening w/ local favorites Ripatti & Rose! Alisha Ripatti & Dylan Rose will be performing a specially curated set of romantically themed acoustic duo material, both original and classics."

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). Day of the show seats (if available) are $15.

"Nothing gets the B-Movie Kings Rev’d Up like getting y’all up on the Dance Floor with Killer Songs, led by the dynamic Kevin Krilanovich who pours his Soul into every song💥"

The B-Movie Kings have been together almost 25 years playing classic rock and filling the dance floor and keeping it filled like no other!

The band has always been a local fan favorite playing at The Crow's Nest, The Catalyst , Sandbar, and the Cork and Fork. DID WE SAY THERE WILL BE DANCING, THERE WILL BE DANCING, LOTS OF DANCING.

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). Day of the show seats (if available) are $15.

El Brick is a rockabilly band based in Santa Cruz, California. This energetic group is dedicated to reviving the classic sounds with a sharp edge. The band was founded by Tim Knapp and Pat (Patio) Golliher in 2024.

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.

Kyle Talty on drums, whose driving beats are reminiscent of rockabilly greats.

With a growing local following and a reputation for electrifying live performances, El Brick is on a mission to bring the rockabilly revival to new heights, one dive bar at a time.

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). Day of the show seats (if available) are $15.

The Joint Chiefs Band is the premier dance band in California, 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.

Join us in Celebrating St Patrick’s (a few days later) with authentic Irish Band Juice of the Barley with Sharon Allen & The Dusty Boots doing a short set of acoustic country blues.

Juice Of The Barley is a high-energy band with fun and enjoyment at its core.
Playing a wide range of songs, jigs and reels spanning traditional Irish music, bluegrass, country, pop and rock, their repertoire is both familiar and yet refreshingly different at the same time, with great songs interpreted in an original way. As well as playing original material, they cover songs and tunes from a wide range of artists including The Pogues, Christy Moore, The Fureys, Elvis, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Fleetwood Mac, U2, Green Day, Bon Jovi, The Beatles, John Denver, Don McLean and Oasis just to name a few.

Playing a mixture of banjo, mandolin, guitar, low whistle, flute, saxophone and drums, their energy and distinctive sound never fails to raise the roof and they are proud to bring out the dancer in almost everyone (even those who should probably never dance!) Their love for performing is plain to see and the fun and enjoyment they create is contagious.

The band, comprised of first and second-generation Irish musicians, captures the spontaneity and excitement of an Irish pub session and transports it to the stage. It is perhaps this easy-going appeal that makes Juice Of The Barley such fun to watch live and has allowed them to grace the stage with a wide range of well-respected musicians around the world. Having played throughout Europe, the United States and Australia over the years, the band is excited to be able to release their new live album, recorded at Wind River Studios in the Santa Cruz mountains, California.

Sharon Allen & The Dusty Boots, is one of Santa Cruz County’s favorite local bands, and they’ll play a short set of acoustic music. Known for their soulful blend of Americana, country, and rock ‘n’ roll, Sharon’s powerhouse vocals and the band’s tight harmonies deliver a high-energy, heartfelt performance every time they hit the stage.


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 a quality local food truck.

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.