Mission West Launches “The Summer Sender” with Live Music, Food, Games, and Community Celebration
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., June 2026: Summer has arrived, and Mission West is celebrating the season in style with The Summer Sender, an outdoor party featuring live music, local food vendors, DJs, and a ping pong tournament on Saturday, June 27, at Mission West, 2405 Mission Street. Doors open at 4:00 p.m.

Headlining the event is local favorite Space Heater, delivering their signature blend of funk, groove, and cosmic energy. The It’s Good To Be Here DJ Crew will kick off the festivities, setting the soundtrack for an evening designed to keep the community dancing well into the night.

Guests can enjoy food from El Buen Taco and Bubbs Burgers, while competitive spirits can test their skills in a ping pong tournament. As organizers like to say, “Houston, we have a winner.”

Admission is $20 cash, and the event is open to guests 21 and older.

The Summer Sender also marks an opportunity to celebrate Mission West’s new chapter. In January 2026, the beloved neighborhood bar was taken over by four longtime friends and Westside Santa Cruz locals: Peter and Krista Cook of Lighthouse Realty, alongside hospitality veterans Jamey Nelson and Amy Di Chiro. Drawing on their deep roots in the local community and years of experience in the restaurant and entertainment industry, the team has transformed Mission West into a lively gathering place filled with music, events, games, and opportunities to connect.

“Mission West is built around the idea that fun, friendship, and community belong together,” said the ownership team. “We wanted to create a place where everyone feels welcome, whether they're here for a live show, a great drink, a game of ping pong, or simply to spend time with neighbors.”
The owners also credit the bar’s success to its dedicated staff, including bartenders Steve, Kendall, Megs, Holly, and Megan, whose commitment to hospitality helps create the welcoming atmosphere that has quickly become a hallmark of Mission West.