Is there any purer expression of summer than a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk? For over 100 years, the seaside amusement park has thrilled all ages with its festive mix of sun, fun, and nostalgia. It’s just as enchanting today as the day it opened in 1907 and it continues to delight with new rides, treats, and events. Here’s a handy guide to all that’s happening this summer at the Boardwalk.
ENTERTAINMENT
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 are from June 17 – August 9, 2024 from 9pm – 10:30pm 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 (DJ Parties are from July 22 – August 4).
Evenings on the Colonnade Monday & Tuesday Live Music Lineup:
- June 17, 2024: Ripatti & Rose
- June 18, 2024: Simon Santiago
- June 24, 2024: Ted Welty
- June 25, 2024: Scott Cooper and Fred Rodriguez
- July 1, 2024: Lucas Lawson
- July 2, 2024: Billy Reese
- July 8, 2024: Jim Lewin & Diana Z
- July 9, 2024: 7th Wave
- July 15, 2024: Anthony Arya
- July 16, 2024: Paul Hayward
- July 22, 2024: Matt Masih Duo
- July 23, 2024: Amy Obenski
- July 29, 2024: Noach Tangeras
- July 30, 2024: Shawn Yanez
- August 5, 2024: Shotgun Suitor
- August 6, 2024: Liam Gillespie
Free Movies on the Beach
What’s better than free summertime movies on the beach? From June 14 through August 9, 2024, each Friday night at 9:00pm, the Boardwalk screens popular classics on a giant screen set between the Monterey Bay and the twinkling lights of the Boardwalk. This year’s killer line-up includes The Lost Boys, Space Jam, Selena, Shrek, and more. Bring the family, your blanket, or a low-back chair, and smell the kettle corn, corn dogs, and saltwater taffy filling the air!
Here is the Boardwalk Movies at the Beach schedule:
- June 14, 2024: The Lost Boys
- June 21, 2024: Book of Life
- June 28, 2024: Barbie
- July 5, 2024: The Sandlot
- July 12, 2024: The Endless Summer
- Special Event: Special Endless Summer 60th Anniversary Merch for sale at The Walk on the Colonnade. 12pm-3pm: Surf Band, The New Shockwaves, free performance at Coasters Patio. 7pm-8:30pm: Meet & Greets from Endless Summer II’s Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, Big Wave Surfer Jeff Clark, and Jimbo Phillips at The Walk on the Colonnade. 9pm: Movie starts.
- July 19, 2024: Wonka (2023)
- July 26, 2024: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- August 2, 2024: Trolls (2016)
- August 9, 2024: The Goonies
For additional Boardwalk Entertainment throughout the summer, check their website.
DEALS & DISCOUNTS
Monday – Thursday from June 17 – August 8, 2024, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is offering Summer Discount Nights after 6pm. Come in the evenings and save, all summer long! Purchase a “Summer Discount Night” wristband and get Unlimited Rides after 6pm for only $24.95 + tax! Valid Monday-Thursday only.
WHAT’S NEW
There are two new rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk this year: Dream Wheel and Surge! Dream Wheel, a 65-foot modern take on a classic Ferris wheel features 15 colorful gondolas which seat four adults or six children. This mellow, family-friendly ride provides stunning views of the Monterey Bay, Downtown Santa Cruz, and the boardwalk itself. Surge is a classic thrill ride with a unique spin: seating up to 24 riders, this new attraction employs over-the-shoulder restraints to lock riders in as they are spun swiftly in a circle and tilted while being raised off the ground, providing 360 degrees of excitement.
EATS AND DRINKS
Whether it’s frozen or fried, the Boardwalk delivers over-the-top treats. Don’t skip out on an opportunity for a deep fried Oreo® or Smucker’s® Uncrustable® peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And these aren’t the only fried eats to be tried – artichokes, Fish and Chips, and Twinkies to name a few can also be found at the Boardwalk. Sweet tooth? No problem. This magical place offers loaded churros, root beer floats, Dippin’ Dots, cotton candy, soft serve, and more. Cruzin’ Crepes offers delicious made-to-order crepes filled with sweet or savory fillings and fresh-brewed, flavored teas. Looking to wash these treats down? Head over to the Coca-Cola Refreshment Zone to grab a one-of-a-kind beverage from Coca-Cola or enjoy a Boardwalk Dreamin’ IPA from local brewery, Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Some additional favorites include corn dogs, Tater Twists, popcorns (they even have Cheeto flavor!), and the Boardwalk Pretzel Factory where you can watch as gourmet soft pretzels are hand twisted before your eyes!
And no trip the the Boardwalk would be complete without a stop at Marini’s Candies! From classic Salt Water Taffy and candy apples to more adventurous finds like chocolate covered bacon, Marini’s has something for every sweet tooth!
For more Boardwalk food finds, check out these Buzzworthy Boardwalk Bites!
RIDES
Although the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster (shout-out to its 100th Birthday in 2024!) and the Looff Carousel are still Boardwalk favorites, the spins and wave-shaped track of the 65’ Shockwave keeps its 24 riders thrilled every second, on individual motorcycle-style seats facing outward around a large disk. Enjoy a panoramic ocean view from high above the Boardwalk as you float around a watery track on Logger’s Revenge. And a pro-tip for a day at the Boardwalk: buy your wristbands in advance to save! Or better yet, snag an annual pass that pays for itself in just two visits! See more info on the Boardwalk tickets page.
GAMES
Don’t pass up on a few games at the Boardwalk! Test your skills, win prizes, and at least get a good laugh at the many Midway Games. From classics like Dime Toss and Milk Bottle to less traditional favorites like Jungle Climb and Ping-A-Palooza, you and your crew are sure to be entertained! And of course, if you’re looking for traditional arcade games, a round of mini golf, or to give bowling a shot, head over to Neptune’s Kingdom, Casino Arcade, and the Boardwalk Bowl.