WATSONVILLE — A full day of performances, films, exhibitions and community activities will anchor South County’s role in the Ripple Effect Arts Festival with Ripple Watsonville: The Cultural District Unfolds on April 18.
The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. across downtown Watsonville, centered around Watsonville Plaza and the Civic Plaza area, with programming spread across Main Street, galleries and public spaces.
A major highlight is the Watsonville Film Festival, which will present documentary films about Mexican muralists along with the local short Strawberry Picker, featuring Watsonville artist Juan Fuentes. Screenings run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Room at 275 Main St.
The Civic Plaza rooftop will serve as a central hub throughout the day, beginning with a traditional dance and blessing, followed by a community mosaic project where attendees can help create a public artwork. The day ends with a dance party on top of the Civic Center from 4 to 6 p.m., with a live DJ transforming the rooftop into a community gathering space.
Across downtown, there will be live music performances, car shows, mural walking tours exploring the city’s public art and other family-friendly activities and interactive art experiences. At Pajaro Valley Arts, visitors can experience the “Hot Off the Walls: Art to Go!” exhibition, along with food trucks and outdoor programming.