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
July 12 – 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?
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 13, 20, 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 13, 20, 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.
Seabright Ave: Free Outdoor Movie Nights
Thursday, August 13
Grab some lawn chairs and some blankets and cozy up for this free movie night on Seabright! Hoppers is playing on August 6, and Goat will be playing on August 13.
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.
Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts
August 12 and August 19 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating.
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.
Scotts Valley: Art, Wine, and Beer Festival
August 15 – August 16
Scotts Valley Art, Wine, and Beer Festival is back in the beautiful park setting of Skypark in Scotts Valley. This premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains has something fun for everyone! The fun includes over 100 artists, live music, kid zone, food trucks, Cops Car Show on Saturday, Dog Day on Sunday, beer, wine, and more! Don’t miss this summer favorite with free admission in Scotts Valley!
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!
Find a full list of events on our Events page.