Enjoy toe tapping music and box office hits this summer in Santa Cruz County! Free concerts and movies by the beach, music in the park, and more, are waiting to take a spot on your summer schedule! The whole family will love these events, so get your calendar out and start planning your summer fun in Santa Cruz County!

And scroll to the bottom of this blog for even more great live music this summer! Although not free, these are concerts you don’t want to miss!

FREE MOVIES AT THE BEACH AT THE SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK

There’s nothing like watching your favorite movies right on the beach with the smell of kettle corn, corn dogs, and saltwater taffy filling the air! The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is welcoming back Movies on the Beach in front of the Colonnade near Neptune’s Kingdom. Bring the family and your blanket or low-back chair. Movies at the Beach are on Fridays beginning at 9pm from June 13 – August 8, 2025. Except for the 4th of July. See the full movie lineup below:

• June 13, 2025: The Lost Boys
• June 20, 2025: Men in Black
• June 27, 2025: Ghostbusters
• July 11, 2025: Jumanji
• July 18, 2025: Clueless
• July 25, 2025: Wizard of Oz
• August 1, 2025: Despicable Me 4
• August 8, 2025: The Goonies

EVENINGS ON THE COLONNADE AT THE SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK

Come for the rides and stay for the entertainment with Evenings on the Colonnade! Where you can listen to live music with delicious food & drink in your hand, be amazed by magicians & acrobats, and show off your best dance moves with a DJ dance party at the Plaza stage. Evenings at the Colonnade 2025 dates are yet to be announced but are from 8:30pm – 9:30pm on the Colonnade Deck. Live Music is on Mondays & Tuesdays, Musicians and Acrobats is on Wednesdays & Thursdays, and DJ Dance Parties are on Saturdays & Sundays.

• Monday, June 16 at 8:30, Gymnast Molly Keczan will do the Farmer’s Daughter Show, and at 9pm, Bobby Besmehn will amaze you with his juggling show!
• Tuesday, June 17 at 8:30 Bobby Besmehn will amaze you with his juggling show, and at 9pm, Molly Keczan will do the Farmer’s Daughter Show!
• Wednesday, June 18 at 8:30pm, Molly Keczan will do the Farmer’s Daughter Show, and at 9pm, Bobby Besmehn will amaze you with his juggling show!
• Thursday, June 19 at 9pm, rock out with the Dylan Rose Band!
• Saturday, June 21 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Sunday, June 22 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Monday, June 23 at 8:30, Comedian circus artist, Aaron Jessup will dance into your heart and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you!
• Tuesday, June 24 at 8:30, Comedian rope walker, Aaron Jessup will dance into your heart and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you!
• Wednesday, June 25 at 8:30, Comedian circus artist, Aaron Jessup will dance into your heart and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you!
• Thursday, June 26 at 9pm, rock out with the Alex Lucero Band!
• Saturday, June 28 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Sunday, June 29 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Monday, June 30 at 8:30, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you, and at 9pm, Clown School Sweethearts Coventry & Kaluza will make you laugh!
• Tuesday, July 1 at 8:30, Scotty & Trick will make you gasp at their bad judgement, and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you!
• Wednesday, July 2 at 8:30pm, The Magician Unique who fooled Penn & Teller, Patrick Livingstone will fool you too, and at 9pm, see the hilarious juggling and unicycling act of Scotty & Trink!
• Thursday, July 3 at 9pm, get your groove on with Mat Masih and the Messengers!
• Saturday, July 5 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Sunday, July 6 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Monday, July 7 at 8:30, nerd out with comedian magician Jacob Jax, and at 9pm, the professional juggler, Mike Goudeau will entertain you!
• Tuesday, July 8 at 8:30, professional juggler, Mike Goudeau will entertain you, and at 9pm, nerd out with comedian magician, Jacob Jax!
• Wednesday, July 9 at 8:30, nerd out with comedian magician Jacob Jax, and at 9pm, the professional juggler, Mike Goudeau will entertain you!
• Thursday, July 10 at 9pm, rock out with the 90’s rock cover band, Fire Peach!
• Saturday, July 12 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Sunday, July 13 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Monday, July 14 at 8:30, Clown School Sweethearts Coventry & Kaluza will make you laugh and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you!
• Tuesday, July 15 at 8:3o, Clown School Sweethearts Coventry & Kaluza will make you laugh and at 9pm, Kris Benz will deliver the magic!
• Wednesday, July 16 at 8:30, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you, and at 9pm, Kris Bentz will deliver the magic!
• Thursday, July 17 at 9pm, funk your soul out with Burnin Vernon!
• Saturday, July 19 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Sunday, July 20 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Monday, July 21 at 8:30, be amazed by the acrobat, Chairman MeeZee, and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will continue to amaze you.
• Tuesday, July 22 at 8:30, be amazed by the acrobat, Chairman MeeZee, and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will continue to amaze you.
• Wednesday, July 23 at 8:30, be amazed by the acrobat, Chairman MeeZee, and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will continue to amaze you.
• Thursday, July 24 at 9pm, rock out with classic rockers, Locomotive Breath!
• Saturday, July 26 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Sunday, July 27 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Monday, July 28 at 8:30, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you, and at 9pm
• Tuesday, July 29 at 8:30 John Park will juggle and spin plates, and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you!
• Wednesday, July 30 at 8:30pm, The Magician Unique who fooled Penn & Teller, Patrick Livingstone will fool you too, and at 9pm, John Park will juggle and spin plates!
• Thursday, July 31 at 9pm, pay tribute to the 70’s rocking with the Billy Martini band!
• Saturday, August 2 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Sunday, August 3 from 8:30-9:30 show your best dance moves at the DJ Dance Party!
• Monday, August 4 at 8:30, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you, and at 9pm, experience the juggling sensation of The Keith Show!
• Tuesday, August 5 at 8:30, experience the juggling sensation of The Keith Show, and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you!
• Wednesday, August 6 at 8:30, experience the juggling sensation of The Keith Show, and at 9pm, Doug Hofkins, the Surfing Magician will amaze you!
• Thursday, August 7 at 9pm, get on your feet and dance with the Tsunami band!

THURSDAY NIGHT BEACH PARTIES AT THE CROW’S NEST

Each Summer on Thursday evenings, the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment right on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage and Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ and outdoor bar, beach parties are a unique and popular event. Families are welcome, and there is no admission charge! After the sun sets the fun begins upstairs with dancing to the best of local live bands beginning at 8:30 pm with only a $5 cover charge.

For the beach parties, parking is very limited. Walk, ride a bike, get dropped off, take a cab or ride the bus, but leave the car at home. If you must drive, please do not park in local neighborhoods or on private property. Thank you!

• May 22, 2025: James Durbin & The Lost Boys
• May 29, 2025: Soulwise
• June 5, 2025: The Cruzers
• June 12, 2025: Wolf Jett
• June 19, 2025: Harry & The Hitmen
• June 26, 2025: Cake by the Ocean
• July 3, 2025: Ripatti Rose Band
• July 10, 2025: Jive Machine
• July 17, 2025: Fishook
• July 24, 2025: Extra Large
• July 31, 2025: Matt Masih & The Messengers
• August 7, 2025: The Houserockers
• August 14, 2025: The Joint Chiefs
• August 21, 2025: Sambada
• August 28, 2025: Alex Lucero Band

CAPITOLA TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES

Popular local bands rouse fun-loving crowds on Wednesday evenings in the Capitola Village. The free Twilight Concert Series features everything from classic rock to funk to dance hits and Latin fusion. All concerts are 6pm – 8pm and take place at the Esplanade bandstand with ocean views in the picturesque Capitola Village. Enjoy the performance from your own low-back chair on the beach or grab an outside table at one of the village restaurants. 

• Wednesday, June 11,2025: The Digbeats – Classic Rock & Oldies
• Wednesday, June 18, 2025: Broken English – Caribbean Dance Music
• Wednesday, June 25, 2025: Joy & Madness – Funk and Soul
• Wednesday, July 2, 2025: The B-Movie Kings – Fun, Dance & Classic Rock
• Wednesday, July 9, 2025: Extra Large – Positive Vibes! (Mostly Originals)
• Wednesday, July 16, 2025: Sweet voodoo – Classic Rock, Soul & Funk
• Wednesday, July 23, 2025: The Joint Chiefs – R&B, Funk & Soul
• Wednesday, July 30, 2025: Tin Man – Classic Rock Done Right!
• Wednesday, August 6, 2025: The Delta Wires – Rockin’ Big Band Blues
• Wednesday, August 13, 2025: Pacific Roots – Reggae Rock
• Wednesday, August 20, 2025: Keep on Truckin’ – Rock, Blues, Funk & R&B
• Wednesday, August 27, 2025: Top 40, Dance, 80’s/90’s Hits

CAPITOLA SUNDAY MAKERS MARKET 2025

The City of Capitola is thrilled to add to Sunday Art & Music this summer! Now called Capitola Makers Market, a fresh and inspiring evolution of Art at the Beach where you can soak up the stunning views of Monterey Bay while exploring an incredible collection of artwork. From beautiful paintings to captivating photography, unique sculptures to dazzling jewelry, and everything in between. Expect an enhanced experience with more diverse vendors while maintaining a strong connection to the artistic spirit of Capitola, across two iconic locations: Esplanade Park and the Capitola Wharf. Best of all, this family-friendly event is totally free and open to everyone. Don’t miss out on this fabulous day of creativity and fun! 

• Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 10am – 5pm at Esplanade Park
• Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 10am – 5pm at Capitola Wharf
• Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 10am – 5pm at Esplanade Park
• Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 10am – 5pm at Capitola Wharf

CAPITOLA MOVIES AT THE BEACH

Capitola wraps up summer with a few Fridays of free family movies at Esplanade Park. Bring a picnic dinner or dine locally at area restaurants. Low-back chairs, blankets, and jackets are recommended. No alcohol or dogs on the beach. Movies begin at dusk. All movies are shown on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park.

• Friday, August 22, 2025 at 7:30pm: Honey I Shrunk the Kids
• Friday, September 12, 2025 at 7:30: The Garfield Movie

TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE SUMMER WHARF CONCERT SERIES

Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Common’s stage!  Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and games from 6 to 8pm. Check out wharf business pop ups, game and photo booth by The Booth Biz in the Commons. Get a stamp validation from any business on the Wharf on Tuesdays and receive 2 hours of free parking! Be sure to bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! 

• May 13, 2025: SambaDá
• June 10, 2025 : The Viva Santana Show
• June 24, 2025: Extra Large
• July 8, 2025: The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin
• August 12, 2025: The Joint Chiefs
• August 26, 2025: TBD
• September 9, 2025: Jive Machine

MIDTOWN FRIDAYS SUMMER BLOCK PARTY 2025

Come Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at our Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors! The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts May 31 and runs through to August 30. Midtown Friday Summer Block Parties are located at Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave, in Santa Cruz, beginning at 5pm and going until 8:30ish.

• May 30, 2025: Santa Cruz Super Group
• June 6, 2025: Santa Cruz Latin Collective
• June 13, 2025: James Durbin and The Lost Boys
• June 20, 2025: Santa Cruda
• June 27, 2025: Ribsys Nickel
• July 18, 2025: Hijinx
• July 25, 2025: Ripatti Rose Band
• August 1, 2025: Alway Gordon/Silvandgold & Friends
• August 8, 2025: Alex Lucero Band
• August 15, 2025: Ancestree & Friends
• August 22, 2025: Jive Machine
• August 29, 2025: Streetlight Records 50th Anniversary Party

MUSIC IN THE PLAZA – WATSONVILLE

Presented by the City of Watsonville, Music in the Plaza Concert Series! The summer outdoor Music in the Plaza concert series is back and will feature a variety of bands to help you get your groove on! Grab a bite at our downtown restaurants and join us for the music from 6 pm – 8 pm.

• June 20, 2025: Band TBA
• July 4, 2025: Band TBA
• July 18, 2025: Band TBA
• August 1, 2025: Band TBA
• August 15, 2025: Band TBA
• September 5, 2025: Band TBA

JUNCTION PARK: FREE MUSIC IN THE PARK

Just one block from Downtown Boulder Creek is beautiful Junction Park, named for the junction of Boulder Creek and the San Lorenzo River.  This summer, you will be able to enjoy free music concerts every Wednesday from June 18 – July 30, 2025. The SC Eatery food truck will be on-site and beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase. 

• June 18, 2025: TBD
• June 25, 2025: TBD
• July 9, 2025: TBD
• July 16, 2025: TBD
• July 23, 2025: TBD
• July 30, 2025: TBD

MUSIC AT SKYPARK

The “Music at Skypark” concert series in Scotts Valley returns for its 15^th season on the last Sundays of August and September! Kiwanis and local businesses will offer food, wine, beer and other concessions for sale. Concerts run from 2:30 to 6:00.

• Sunday, August 24, 2025: Fishhook (1:30pm-3pm); Extra Large (3:30pm-5pm)
• Sunday, September 28, 2025: Fishhook (1:30pm-3pm); The Houserockers (3:30pm-5pm)

BARGETTO WINERY’S THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD

Join Bargetto Winery’s creekside courtyard in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! There is no cover charge and wine by the glass and light snacks are available for purchase. Each week Bargetto features a new local band (see schedule below). Reservations are required and they ask that you call the Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday prior to that week’s performance to make your reservation. Reservations: (831) 475-2258 ext. 14

• May 1, 2025: Alex Lucero
• May 8, 2025: Hall Pass
• May 15, 2025: Beach Cowboys
• May 22, 2025: 10 O’Clock Lunch Band
• May 29, 2025: The Joint Chiefs
• June 5, 2025: Alex Lucero
• June 12, 2025: U-Turn
• June 19, 2025: Santa Cruda
• June 26, 2025: The Joint Chiefs
• July 3, 2025: The Swag Tones
• July 10, 2025: Alex Lucero
• July 17, 2025: The B Movie Kings
• July 24, 2025: The D’oh Bros
• July 31, 2025: The Joint Chiefs
• August 7, 2025: Band TBA
• August 14, 2025: Band TBA
• August 21, 2025: Band TBA
• August 28, 2025: Band TBA
• September 4, 2025: Band TBA
• September 11, 2025: Band TBA
• September 18, 2025: Band TBA

Not Free, But Not-To-Miss Summer Concert Series

Nashville Nights at Chaminade Resort

Ranch 1917 and Chaminade Resort are bringing Nashville to Santa Cruz! Get up close and personal with some of Nashville’s hottest musical acts. Experience an intimate concert while watching the sunset over Monterey Bay. These have been a total hit and should definitely make your summer bucket list! Get more info and purchase tickets here.

• Friday, April 4, 2025: Jerrod Niemann
• Friday, May 30, 2025: Eric Paslay
• Friday, June 20, 2025: Love & Theft
• Friday, August 29, 2025: Canaan Smith
• Friday, September 26, 2025: Artist and Date TBA