Santa Cruz County is buzzing with unforgettable events! Here’s your quick guide to the top events happening over the next few weeks in one of California’s most vibrant coastal destinations.
And for summer transportation ease and fun, take a ride on the Santa Cruzer – a convenient shuttle service connecting Downtown Santa Cruz to the beach and wharf area – or the Free Water Taxi at the Santa Cruz Harbor – a scenic ride traveling between the north and south side of the harbor.
For a full list of events happening around Santa Cruz County, check our Events Page.
Shakespeare In The Park
Now – September 19
Head to DeLavega Park to enjoy the full outdoor theatre experience! You can bring your own picnic basket and drinks to enjoy the picnic bluff area or check out concession options before you go! Why not grab some wine from the Santa Cruz mountains and a curated charcuterie box to make it a picnic and a play in the park?
Sequoias in the Park at Roaring Camp
Fridays and Saturdays through September 24
This nighttime experience will bring you a magical and immersive perspective on the ancient forest at Roaring Camp. During the 0.8-mile loop walk, you will view 26 unique, lighted lanterns, hung approximately 50 feet above the ground. The lanterns were crafted by local artists including Anna Bobisuthi, Roaring Camp’s resident blacksmith, and Chris Butler, who also created the lighting design for Sequoias at Night. Kids under two enter for free. Roaring Camp’s food services and gift shop will be open. Get tickets here.
Santa Cruz Beach Train
Weekends from August 8 – September 27
Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz.
Free Thursday Beach BBQ Parties and Concerts at the Crow’s Nest
Thursdays, August 27 and September 3
Every Thursday throughout the summer, enjoy a family-friendly party on the beach at no charge! There will be local bands and DJs performing on the outdoor stage, providing music for dancing and socializing. There will be BBQ food and drinks for purchase all in a beachside setting providing stunning views of the ocean and Walton Lighthouse. Parking is limited in the area, so consider enjoying a free water taxi ride from other parking areas!
Bargetto Winery: Music in the Courtyard
Thursdays, August 27 and September 3
Head to 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.
M. K. Art Gallery: Confluence
Thursdays – Sundays, August 7 – September 13
“Confluence”: where separate currents meet. This beautiful exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. “Confluence” is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore.
Santa Cruz: Wednesday Night Sailboat Races
Every Wednesday through October
Santa Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats dot the waves almost as frequently as surf boards here, benefiting from the tides and currents that make this beach town so special. So it is no surprise that the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Santa Cruz Yacht Club have become a nexus for the sailing community, with a calendar packed with activities and a weekly regatta, which brings out even the biggest land lover to admire the race every Wednesday.
Quail Hollow: Full Moon Hike
August 27 @ 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm PDT Quail Hollow: Full Moon Hike
Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though you may try to hike without them), and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes.
Skypark: Food Truck Friday
August 28 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Head to Skypark in Scotts Valley for the area’s largest food truck festival! Lots of excitement, more food vendors, the fabulous SVEF Beer & Wine Garden, amazing Live Music and face painting!
First Friday Santa Cruz
Friday, September 4 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists.
With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun.
Luz del Valle Farm: U-Pick Apples
Weekends from September 5 – October 31
Ticket price includes 1 pound of apples in addition to what you pick during your timed hour on the farm. Click the link in the orange button above to reserve your hour time slot. Apples are notorious for not reading travel itineraries. Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
Sweet Water Farms: U-Pick Apples
Weekends from September 5 – season closes
Enjoy another season of: U-Pick Apples; Pumpkins; Beautiful Orchard Views; and Family Fun! Please double check on what is ready to be picked before you go!
Hwy 17 Studios: All-Star Food Fest
September 5 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Collective Santa Cruz and DoubleMeatPlease from Instagram are brining together some of the best restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, food trucks, pop ups, and local makers from all over Santa Cruz County. And they’re packing them in a BRAND NEW VENUE that’s 20,0000sq ft! Your favorite food spots/makers, and so many bangers you can’t wait to see! All in one spot. All for one day!
Santa Cruz Wharf: Live Concert Series
September 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Common’s stage! Every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and additional shows from 6 to 8pm. Check out Wharf Business pop ups, or make a dinner reservation before the shows. Be sure to bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes!
43rd Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival
September 12 @ 10:00 am – September 13 @ 5:00 pm
Stroll the festival with friends and family, sipping exceptional wines from Santa Cruz Mountain wineries while admiring the artistic talents of over 100 fine artists. Sway to live music and be inspired by local dance groups while taking in the ocean breeze and breathtaking view of the Monterey Bay. Feed your cravings with tantalizing cuisine from local food purveyors, and cruise through the Artisans Marketplace for locally handcrafted goods.
Find a full list of events on our Events page.